Augustow is especially worthwhile for people who prefer to spend their time actively – the main tourist route is the Augustowski Channel, which at 101.2 km long connects the Vistula River with the Niemen (Nemunas) River (Lithuania), and was built in the first half of the 19th century. Today, together with the surrounding lakes, it makes for an attractive waterway. Especially popular is the “Pope's route”, which takes you along the trail of places visited and beloved by Pope John Paul II. Lots of water sports enthusiasts come to Augustow in the summer as there are countless ways to relax – from swimming, canoeing, windsurfing, water skiing, rowing to yachting and gondola rides. The Channel is also a paradise for anglers, and there is always bicycle and horse riding too.

Among the numerous cultural events are shows, concerts by Polish bands, picnics, and annual performances and contests like the funny and spectacular “sailing in anything” competition for imaginative people who construct the strangest possible “machines” able to float. This unusual rally takes place on the banks of the Netta every year on the last Sunday of July. Another kind of cultural event is the Augustow Summer Theatre, which lasts from the beginning of July until the end of August and is an opportunity to spend the night watching performances, films and sketches in the fresh air. One of the most popular happenings during the Augustow Summer is the Water Slalom with famous Polish Radio 3 DJs on the first day of the holidays. The annual International Water Ski Jumping Championship also attracts many people.