BC Explorer
First Nations culture, fish, furs and gold rush fever—discover them all on this Northern BC tour. It’s just one option for exploring your own backyard in a province that’s bigger than Britain and France combined. Day trip or expedition, get out there and take a look. ~ Haida Gwaii ~ Shadows cast by the mellow evening light sharply defined the ridges, rolls and peaks to the... Read More
Selah Outdoor Explorations
I’m deep in the woods, in the dark, with my three young children trudging through huge drifts of snow as we search for a way back home. A strange man emerges from the bushes and stops us in our tracks. In a twisted Scottish accent he describes the gory details of a scalp-scraping bear attack on his friend, Chief Short Legs. He points the way towards a fire pit where other travellers... Read More
Travel Planner
Winter clouds gather on the horizon and we start thinking snowbird thoughts; it’s a reflex. This year the soaring loonie is making those southern destinations look more attractive than ever. But I’ve also found some cool options that may tempt you to spread your wings in a new direction. And while you’re in planning mode, remember that now’s the time to book if you’ve... Read More
Okanagan Types, Tips and Secret Bits
Ordinary, extraordinary Okanaganites – Pigeon-holing? Not so much my style. But a few months ago, I was people-watching from a downtown Kelowna bench and it struck me that there are some incredible types milling around. The girl with the sandals and the pug? She just might head up the latest game studio. The guy on the bike? Maybe a sommelier, stay at home dad or Ironman contender.... Read More
Community Roundup
Okanagan communities fall into three loosely defined geographic regions. The Central Okanagan has emerged as the commercial and transportation hub. Kelowna has a sophisticated urban appeal while Peachland, Lake Country and West Kelowna retain more of a small-town feel. Extending into the rolling farmlands beyond Vernon at the head of Okanagan Lake, the North Okanagan is... Read More
Hidden Coast
If you’ve sailed BC’s inland coastal waters on an Alaska cruise–here’s what you missed … Rhapsody of the Seas looks like the White Cliffs of Dover towering over us as it muscles past in narrow Johnstone Strait between Vancouver Island and the mainland north of Campbell River. The sight sparks a lively discussion on cruise travel among the 11 passengers polishing... Read More
Stay & Play
No passports, no airport pat downs, no more than a single tank of gas. Maybe it’s time we discover what tourists from around the world already know. A few months ago, I was talking to a travel writer pal of mine in Toronto whose specialty is spas. Toby has roamed the world and sampled the best, but spas aren’t my beat and besides, I’m jealous, so I don’t always pay the... Read More
Rollin’ on the River
My husband’s next milestone birthday was closing in and wanting to make it a particularly memorable occasion, I decided to take him on a very special surprise trip. This may seem like an odd choice for a couple of travel writers, sort of a busman’s holiday, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Giving Bruce a real vacation—a sightseeing trip like normal people enjoy with... Read More
Wine Trails
Not so long ago, Kelowna sat on the periphery of hard core Okanagan wine touring. Sure there were notable wineries, but no critical mass. Times change. Check out the Kelowna Wine Trails today… Pretty much everybody in the Central Okanagan lives near a winery. My home turf is the Westside Wine Trail, one of five newly designated routes on the Kelowna Wine Trails, and home of... Read More
Paddleboard Parable
Nike’s famous slogan, “Just do it,” has always been a favourite of mine. It’s a modern take on carpe diem, strike while the iron’s hot, or make hay while the sun shines. It even makes me think of my bucket list. Sometimes you have to “just do it” because if you think about it too much, chances are you won’t do it at all. That’s why I decided to paddle the length... Read More
