Five things you'll need to make the most of your patio this season
Canada's summers are shorter than we'd like – here's how to make the most of your patio
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After an up and down spring, summer days are creeping closer, and given how short the season can be in Canada, it’s always best to make the most of the clear skies and warm weather. For many, that includes getting in as much patio time as possible, and to make sure you have all you need to make that patio a place of comfort and entertainment, here are five things we recommend.
Outdoor Wood Fire Pit
Amazon.ca
Even on a hot night, the crackle of a good fire is its own special pleasure, and there are plenty of options out there for small fire pits that can fit on your patio. There are fancier ones than this, but we were drawn to it for its simple design and ease of installation. It’s also eminently portable, so you can easily take it along with you on a camping trip or a picnic.
What else we liked:
32" L x 32" W x 14" H dimensions will fit most patios
Includes mesh cover, charcoal rack, and poker
Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon.ca, based on more than 500 reviews
Outdoor String Lights
Amazon.ca
The sun sets late in Canada in the summer, and for those who’d prefer to stay out longer on a warm night, there’s this set of string lights. Warm incandescent bulbs keep that lovely seasonal atmosphere lingering long into the night, with a dimmer switch and weather-resistant design added selling points.
What else we liked:
Comes in three lengths up to 100 feet
White or black bases available
Top seller in its category on Amazon.ca, where it has a 4.3 out of 5 rating, based on more than 26,000 reviews
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
LED Patio Umbrella
Amazon.ca
Ambient lighting is nice, but if you need a bit more than those string lights can provide, you can’t go wrong with this umbrella. With 32 LEDs integrated into its frame, it soaks up sunlight with a solar cell and rechargeable battery during the day to give you 9-12 hours of light at night for some late reading, or a friendly game of cards.
What else we liked:
A dozen colour options
Three sizes available, ranging from 7.5 feet to 11 feet
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon.ca, based on more than 4,000 reviews
Outdoor Patio Table With Cooler
Amazon.ca
Here at Shop The Weather, one thing that really catches our eye when assessing products is dual functionality, hence why we were drawn to this outdoor cooler. The design is nice on its own, but we love its mix of cooler AND table, with its movable lid and 40-can capacity. Once the gathering is over, you can simply tamp down the lid and have a simple side table. It’s a little on the pricier side, but we can consider it a long-term investment for people who like to spend as much time on their patios as possible.
What else we liked:
Drainage plug makes for easy cleanup
Lid extends 10 inches up from the rim
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.ca, based on more than 1,300 reviews
LED Bluetooth Speaker
Amazon.ca
Now you’ve set yourself and your patio up for your visitors, how about some tunes? Bluetooth speakers are ubiquitous and come in whatever style you like. We were drawn to this one due to its built-in LED design, set to flicker with a warm yellow like a lamp – a great way to add to the mood as the sun slowly sets.
What else we liked:
Bluetooth connects with your device up to 33 feet away according to the manufacturer
6.3 inches tall
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon.ca, based on around 4,900 reviews
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Thumbnail image credit: Giorgio Trovato/Unsplash