Five cool things to do this week (July 12 to 18)

1. Toast Ivan Reitman

It's been 35 years since the release of the comedic classic, Animal House. Reitman's filmography as director and producer has since expanded to include some of the most hilarious and heart-warming blockbusters, including cult-favourite Ghostbusters, Kindergarten Cop, and romcom No Strings Attached featuring Aston Kutcher and Natalie Portman. This weekend, put your feet up, pop some popcorn and enjoy one (or more!) of these Reitman films. If you're in Toronto, catch the cinematic genius himself at TIFF Lightbox as part of a series of special presentations.

TOGA! The Reinvention of American Comedy, July 17 – August 29, TIFF Lightbox, Toronto

2. Uncork and walk

Rough week? There’s nothing more agreeable than a stroll in a vineyard and a tall, refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio. This weekend, find sanctuary and sanity in the grapes while walking the beautiful acres of Canada’s wine regions. Top picks: Graze the Okanagan country side over a series of plentiful pours at See Ya Later Ranch; sip, stroll, and nestle into 11.5 acres of the Niagara Peninsula at Jackson-Triggs, or head east and experience fields of green at Rossignol Estate in PEI.

See Ya Later Ranch, Tours available daily, Okanagan

Jackson Triggs, Tours available daily, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Rossignol Estate, Tours available daily, PEI

3. Salsa the streets

“Callin' out around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat?” Summer's here, and Martha and Vandella’s are right — it’s the perfect time to dance in the street; specifically to salsa! This week there’s a whole lotta shaking going on; join the conga line.

Sunday Afternoon Salsa, Sundays, Robson Square, Vancouver

Salsa on St. Clair Festival, July 13-14, St. Clair W, Toronto

Salsa on Sparks Street, Thursday 6-10:30pm, Sparks Street, Ottawa

4. Saddle up

The Calgary Stampede has us all dreaming of chaps and cowboy boots. If you’ve missed the rodeo, live vicariously by spending a day on the ranch and saddling up this weekend on a horse. Top picks: Enjoy an authentic ranch experience at Siwash Lake Ranch in British Columbia’s cowboy country, breathe in Eastern air during a lesson at the Avalon Equestrian Centre in Newfoundland, or pick your pony at Ride the Ranch in Oakville.

Ride the Ranch, Oakville

Avalon Equestrian Centre, Newfoundland

Edge Walk, Toronto

5. Walk on the edge

It’s time to get over your fear of heights: Toronto’s CN Tower’s Edge Walk is now open, meaning you can test your nerves by taking a walk outside around the circumference of the roof. Too much? Take baby steps with an intro to rock climbing course! Rumour has it there isn’t a muscle in your body that won’t flex when scaling the walls.

Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing, Every Saturday until October, Milton

Rock-devous, July 12, Unversity of Calgary

Intro to Rock Series, July 14, University of Calgary