7 'coolcation' destinations around the world to beat the summer heat

These scenic vacation spots offer a welcome reprieve from punishing daytime highs

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Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Summer has officially arrived — and with it, sweltering temperatures. While heat waves have been making headlines around the globe since the end of May, rising temperatures have intensified across parts of North America and Europe in the last few weeks, breaking records and prompting heat warnings in several countries.

In Canada, parts of Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have experienced stretches of extreme heat, with Toronto climbing to nearly 36 C on Canada Day, feeling close to 48 C with humidity. And across Europe, countries including the U.K., Denmark, Switzerland, Czech Republic, France and Spain have also experienced record highs. With prolonged heat waves expected to continue in many regions, searches for cooler holiday spots have seen a significant rise.

If you’re looking to jump on the “coolcation” trend — centred on escaping soaring temperatures in favour of milder climates — these seven destinations prove that sweater weather and summer vacation can exist in the same sentence. Lofoten Islands, Norway Situated above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, the Lofoten Islands are the perfect antidote to sweltering summer temperatures. Summer highs rarely climb much above 15 C, and locals will tell you wool sweaters and shorts are the unofficial summer uniform.

Packed with views of dramatic coastlines, towering fiords and jagged mountain peaks, the archipelago is a dream for adventure seekers, with opportunities for kayaking, Arctic surfing and hiking. Renowned for its Nordic spas, the Lofoten Islands are scattered with scenic saunas overlooking the ocean. Meanwhile, friendly locals and charming fishing villages like Reine, Å and the UNESCO-listed Nusfjord, home to Norway’s iconic red rorbuer (traditional fishing cabins), are just as memorable as the scenery.

Iceland If you’re looking for the perfect place to beat the heat, where better than a destination with “ice” in its name? Summer is one of the best times to experience Iceland, when average temperatures hover between 10 C and 15 C and daylight stretches for nearly 24 hours.

The Ring Road — a scenic highway that circles the island — has all the makings of an epic road trip, winding past glacier-capped volcanoes, thundering waterfalls and black-sand beaches. Start your visit in Reykjavík, the country’s charming coastal capital, before embarking on the famed Golden Circle route, home to spectacular waterfalls and geysers. Of course, no trip to Iceland is complete without a soak in the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, where the warm, mineral-rich water feels especially inviting against the island’s cool summer air.

Cape Town, South Africa With its winter season falling between June and August, South Africa is a great option for travellers seeking a cooler summer escape. Winters in Cape Town are pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging between 12 and 17 C. July and August are the region’s rainiest months, leaving the surrounding landscape at its greenest and most lush, though there are still plenty of sunny days sprinkled in. Winter is also prime whale-watching season, with southern right whales often spotted along the Cape coast as they migrate from Antarctica.

Beyond the city, visitors can explore the Cape Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek or head out on a Big Five safari, where lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo sightings are at their peak. Tofino, Vancouver Island While several cities across Canada have been enduring significant heat waves, Vancouver Island’s laid-back surf town of Tofino almost always offers a cooler escape, with summer highs ranging between 16 C and 18 C. It’s the perfect destination for anyone craving a beach vacation without the sweltering temperatures, as there’s no shortage of wide, sandy beaches, crashing Pacific waves and spectacular sunsets.

Beyond the beach, outdoor adventures range from hiking through the lush temperate rainforest of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to surfing, kayaking and whale-watching. For something more relaxing, visitors can also take a boat ride to a remote floating sauna, or venture to nearby Hot Springs Cove, where natural geothermal pools overlook the Pacific Ocean. Scottish Highlands

From misty mountains and dramatic glens to grassy fields dotted with adorable Highland cows, the Scottish Highlands are an amazing summer adventure destination. Hiking is one of the region’s biggest draws, made all the more enjoyable by summer temperatures ranging between 15 C and 19 C. Wild camping is legal in Scotland, making it ideal for travellers who love sleeping under the stars, while those who prefer a few more comforts can rent a campervan and road trip through the Highlands. Popular stops include the rugged Isle of Skye, known for its crystal-clear Fairy Pools and the spectacular rock formations, Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most beautiful valleys, and Inverness, where you can cruise the waters of Loch Ness.

Tallinn, Estonia For travellers in search of a city escape without the heat, Tallinn is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination, and for good reason. Thanks to its northern European location, Estonia’s capital offers comfortably warm, not hot, summer temperatures, with daytime highs typically ranging between 18 and 23 C. The charming city offers a little something for everyone, from its UNESCO-listed old town — perfect for wandering cobble stoned streets and discovering colourful buildings, cosy cafés and quiet courtyards — to its laid-back Baltic coastline. Unlike many of Europe’s hotter beach destinations, Tallinn’s nearby beaches are perfect for spending hours by the water without sweltering in the summer sun.

And, as an added bonus, it’s also considered one of Europe’s more affordable cities to visit. St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Situated on Canada’s east coast, St. John’s has the cool North Atlantic breezes to thank for its refreshingly mild summers, with daytime highs typically averaging around 20 C. A perfect combination of lively city vibes and small-town charm, St. John’s is great for those in search of a fun urban escape. From its colourful rowhouses and vibrant music scene to its famously friendly locals, there’s plenty to love.

And for those craving something a little more nature-forward, Witless Bay and Bay Bulls are just 30 minutes away and home to the largest Atlantic puffin colony in North America, while the scenic East Coast Trail offers kilometres of spectacular coastal hiking.