July is National Picnic Month, so pack up your favourite finger food, fold up a blanket, grab a magazine, and have yourself an outdoor feast. It’s a chance to slow down and unwind, a moment to enjoy the outdoors with some good food and, better yet, good company. We have a few Alberta magazine stories to help you prepare for your picnic adventure!

T8N Magazine summed-up the experience best in their story “Picnics: Unpacking the Picnic” by Markwell Lyon “… the beauty of a picnic is that it’s a simple activity, and one that can be enjoyed almost anywhere. Aside from regional variations in food, the season, and the scenery, picnicking is essentially the same the world over.” Read the full article to learn about the origins of the word and the activity, and discover picnic variations around the world.  

One key aspect of a successful picnic lies in its simplicity. In Edify’s “Picnic Tips From an Expert,” Steven Sandor talks to deli afficionado Peter Keith (aka co-founder of Meuwly’s deli and grocery in Edmonton) about outdoor wining and dining: “…the most important thing about a picnic is that you enjoy it. It should be simple. And the person (or people) in charge of the food shouldn’t be spending a summer afternoon in the park fretting about preparation.” Let’s raise a (disposable) glass of (boxed) wine to that!

Another picnic plus—it’s a cheap summer activity! The Scene’s Nathan Iles features a few of Calgary’s favourite parks in their “Cheapskate’s Guide to Free Things to Do.” Alcohol is also now permitted at some designated picnic sites, as well as at some neighbourhood picnic tables and open areas within City of Calgary parks.

If your summer includes a staycation in our beautiful province, be sure to check out these “Six Perfect Picnic Places in Northern Alberta,” recommended by Nancy Shields for ZenSeekers. Enjoy vistas from Athabasca to Lac La Biche and beyond!

Whether you’re enjoying your very own backyard, or venturing out to visit parks and new scenic settings, a picnic is never a bad idea.