Keep Cool This Summer – North America’s Best City Vacation Spots to Beat the Heat

Have you ever wondered where the best city vacation spots to beat the heat in North America are? Well, if you’re keen to avoid melting during this season’s heatwaves, we’ve compiled a shortlist of the top cooler city breaks for you to take this summer. Whether you need a family-friendly trip or a refreshing solo adventure away, these fabulous cool city destinations will be exactly what you’re looking for.

Make a Splash This Summer in Portland, Oregon

Where better to start our tour of the best cities in North America to escape the heat than heading to the jewel of the Northwest – Portland, Oregon. Both climatically and culturally cool in equal measure, our first recommendation when you’re in town is to meet the amazing staff at Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for a serene kayaking lesson followed by a spectacular full-day paddle the next day.

Here, you can pick from an entertaining sea kayaking tour or challenge yourself to the Full Immersion Whitewater 2 to try out their class II rapids if you love an adventure. If you’re looking for ways to stay cool this summer, joining forces with Portland’s premier kayaking & canoe operators is the ultimate way to explore the local rivers and waterways of this fantastic city.

Then, after a day on the water, next on our shortlist of things to do in Portland if you hate the heat is to head to the brewmasters at Baerlic Brewing Co. for an ice-cold beer. Not only famed for its stellar brews, all three of Baerlic Brewing Co.’s marvellous taprooms are air-conditioned, designed to keep you cool while you sample the variety of award-winning craft beers brewed on site.

Make this summer’s city escape to Portland a trip to remember when you book your stay at the delightful Hotel Eastlund, BW Premier Collection in Portland, Oregon.

Discover San Francisco’s Coolest Summer Hotspots

Next on our shortlist of North America’s best city vacations to beat the heat sees us heading down the west coast to San Francisco, California. Taking advantage of its scenic natural beauty and cooling ocean breezes, San Francisco is undoubtedly one of the best locations in the country for a road trip, with few drives comparing to the cool, fog-kissed Pacific Coast Highway, either down to Big Sur or up the coast to Point Reyes.

Relaxing road trips in and out of San Francisco not only provide the perfect picturesque escape, but if you head over to Battery Spencer Overlook, you can also witness its iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. After a few days surveying the spectacular vistas of the Pacific Coast Highway, another great activity to do in San Francisco to keep cool in the hot weather is to visit this cool-weather city’s world-class museums and galleries.

For art lovers looking to discover this striking, cooler city’s artistic roots, be sure to head down to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and the de Young Museum. Alternatively, if you enjoy an immersive family-fun day out with an interactive edge, make your way down to see the San Francisco Exploratorium and California Academy of Sciences museums.

Maximize your stay in this popular city on the bay by booking your accommodation at the outstanding The Cartwright Hotel – Union Square, BW Premier Collection in San Francisco, California.

Chill Out in Canada’s Coolest City in Montreal, Quebec

We head north of the border next as we travel to Canada’s finest summer city of Montreal, Quebec, famed for its water-based activities – it’s a perfect destination for beating those heatwave temperatures this summer. Whether you’re travelling with friends or seeking a cool-weather city break away with your family, Montreal is always a treat for the senses.

First up, our top suggestion when visiting Montreal is to hit the Lachine Rapids with the awesome crew at Jet Boating Montreal for the perfect blend of excitement, fun, and, of course, spectacular views of the city. Celebrating their 40th year operating the Lachine Rapids, their adrenaline-fuelled jet boat excursions weave you in and around the Saint Lawrence River’s natural water feature, where the cool water spray is a phenomenal way to beat the heat this summer.

Sticking to the aqua-themed Montreal getaway, our next suggestion for a cooling summer trip away is to spend the day at the thrilling Super Aqua Club. Designed for visitors of all ages, this incredible water park has over 23 attractions, with thrilling waterslides that include the Tsunami and Tornado, to the more sedate settings of the lazy river and supervised child-friendly beach on the lake.

Keeping cool in Montreal is so much better when you book your Canadian escape accommodation at the impressive Best Western Laval-Montreal in Laval, Quebec.

Embrace the Sea Breeze in Seattle, Washington

Our final top cool climate destination on our tour of the best city vacation spots to beat the heat this summer sees us returning to the West Coast again, but this time to visit Seattle, Washington. Nicknamed the Evergreen State, our first port of call is to head to the numerous shady hiking trails and parks found within this great, cool climate city.

Seattle’s famous city hiking and biking trails are known to benefit from the gentle breezes that roll in off the water all year round, and none more advantageous than the tree-lined paths of Seward Park. In fact, the Seward Park Perimeter Loop is a flat 2.4-mile trail that is both dog- and child-friendly, with panoramic views overlooking the water in almost every direction. However, when you’re in town, other must-see city parks for a cooling stroll in the summer include the stunning Woodland Park Rose Garden and the botanical oasis that is Washington Park Arboretum.

In addition to this, another top thing to do in Seattle if you’re looking to escape the summer heat is to head down to Friday Harbor to join the brilliant team at Seattle Orca Whale Watching for a Whale Watching & Wildlife Tour. With boats that offer a 360° walk-around viewing deck, you and your family and friends can join the onboard Marine Naturalists to spot the local Orca population who live in and around Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands.

After exploring all the cool attractions in and around Seattle, ensure you get a great night’s sleep every night by staying at the charming Best Western Plus Pioneer Square Hotel Downtown in Seattle, Washington.