summer is for making memories that matter
Summer won’t last forever, but your memories do. At Canopy, we’re all about sharing quality time with the people who make life special. Roasting some s’mores by the campfire, floating the river, or finding a quiet place to stargaze on a warm night? Sign us up.
Because summer and fun are two of our favorite things at Canopy, we’ve compiled a Spokane Summer Survival Guide to help you plan your best summer yet. Whether you’re turning up or chilling out, we’ve got something for everyone.
adventures for everyone!
Living in or around Spokane comes with a lot of perks, but some of the best ones come down to one thing: location. Our little city is the perfect distance from several lakes and landmarks you don’t want to miss! Here are a few of our favorites that make the perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
- Lake Coeur d'Alene
Less than an hour drive from Spokane, Lake Coeur d’Alene (CDA) is home to a lively beach and shopping district with everything from bistros to boutiques.
If you love:
- Boating
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Jetskiing
- Spending your time on the water
CDA is THE spot for you. An ideal getaway for families, couples, and solo adventurers, this is a favorite for Washingtonians and Idahoans for a reason.
But if relaxing on the shore is more your speed, have no fear! You can swing by Auntie’s on the way to your front-row seat at one of the prettiest lakes around, beach read in tow.
If you’ve been wanting to upgrade your summer plans with a new ride, our limited Summer’s on us special gives you 100 days on your auto, RV, boat, or ATV loan without payments due–so you have the freedom for more fun this summer.
- Sandpoint & Lake Pend Oreille
If hiking, mountain biking, or cruising over crazy terrain is how you’d define a perfect summer day, Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille are the perfect places to escape to. Surrounded by the Selkirk, Cabinet, and Bitterroot Mountains, there are more than 200 trails to explore!
Some of our favorite pastimes for this area include:
- Backpacking
- Climbing
- Biking
- Bird watching
After you’ve soaked up the scenic mountain views and marveled at the parade of wildflowers waving from the hillside, you can head downtown for a delicious dinner.
- Palouse Falls
Visiting state parks is a HUGE pastime for many at Canopy, and Palouse Falls State Park is definitely one to add to your summer bucket list. The Palouse Falls are a breathtaking natural landmark. If you want:
- Jaw-dropping landscapes
- Adorable critters (marmots galore!)
- Seasonal flowers
- A first-hand lesson in regional geology
This is an awesome day trip for families, seasoned hikers, and photographers. A day pass is only $10. If you pack your own lunch, this becomes an affordable adventure you’ll never forget!
- Leavenworth
If you’re fully embracing your whimsical life and have a little extra time to spare, plan a weekend trip to Leavenworth.
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is an adorable Bavarian town straight out of a fairytale. If you’ve been trying to plan the perfect romantic rendezvous with your partner or want to take a unique vacation, this cozy town has a lot to offer!
Our favorites include:
- Window shopping with soft pretzels or fresh pastries
- Visiting the Nutcracker Museum
- Taking a ride in a horse-drawn carriage
- Touring town on a bicycle
- Wine or Cider tasting
- And much more!
The Inland Northwest is filled with destinations just a few hours from Spokane. One of the often forgotten perks is that the journey to your destination is half the fun! With rolling hills, forests, waterfalls, and mountains, you’ll have abundant views to keep you entertained. For motorcycle enthusiasts, these trips make excellent bike rides.
Whether you’re on two wheels or four, all you have to do is fill up the tank and start the engine. Good times are guaranteed.
living for local fun
While day trips and weekend getaways are the highlight of many people’s summers, some of the most fun you’ll have is in your own backyard.
Spokane hosts a variety of amazing events that make this season special, such as the Spokane Summer Bazaar, where local artisans share and sell their wares. This is a great place to snag your new favorite piece of wall decor or the best birthday gift. If you’ve ever explored the winter Bazaar market, this is the summer version of that event.
You can also get your fill of outdoor fun and make meaningful connections at the Spokane Bike Party, which happens three times during the summer. All you need is your bike, helmet, and good vibes! The route is flat and easy, beginning at Olmsted Brothers Green in Kendall Yards, making for a fun summer evening.
Although this June has been ushered in by a few rainstorms, we know Spokane summers bring the HEAT. That’s why having a place to cool off can make a big difference. Hitting up one of Spokane’s many local splash pads is a great way to entertain your kiddos and hold the sun at bay, but if you want to combine keeping cool with a little bit of culture, we recommend visiting the MAC.
The MAC, or Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, is Spokane’s local museum. With rotating exhibits, you have a great reason to stop by throughout the summer. It also means you’ll come to the family barbecue stocked up on conversation starters.
- checking off your bucket list
With so many amazing opportunities, sometimes the biggest challenge you face isn’t finding activities you want to do; it’s making the time and setting a budget to check off every item on your summer bucket list—without stretching your wallet too far.
At Canopy Credit Union, our free financial coaching is perfect for taking a look at your finances and setting a plan to accomplish your goals. Whether it’s short-term for the summer or a stretch goal like saving for a car or home, our team can create a personalized plan you feel confident in.
The best part? By making room for your favorite parts of life, you make your budget something you love following.
ready, set, summer
In a community like Spokane’s, adventure truly lies around every corner. With this survival guide, you will thrive on the amazing memories you make for years to come.
If you do anything on this bucket list, let us know when you visit one of our branches on Francis, Mallon, or Sprague! We’d also LOVE to hear your story on our social media. Leave us a comment on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
