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 west of the ferry landing at Skidegate on Graham Island. This is the largest and most northerly... 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 got a mind to walk among Amsterdam’s sea of tulips in April or glide among the castles,... 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 different from its southern neighbours. Life reflects the region’s cattle ranching and... 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 off the complimentary wine after a homemade family-style meal aboard the freight boat Aurora... Read More
Family Appeal
Kelowna’s Upper Mission hosts this warmly attractive home in the gated Iron Horse community Eye-popping curb appeal says, “Welcome,” to a dwelling specifically designed as a comfortably functional family home. Natural Pangaea Cambrian stone echoes the earth tones of cedar shakes and sky coloured shingles. Together they provide a textural dimension that highlights the multi-faceted roof and wall lines. Designer Mika Rempel of Chirp Studio wanted some elements... 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 closest attention when she raves on about her latest mind-boggling experience. On this occasion,... 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 no dawn-til-way-past-dusk schedules, no elbowing other journalists out of the shot, no polite... 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 some of the Valley’s oldest vineyards with vines dating to the 1960s on the flanks... Read More
Cities & Towns
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 different from its southern neighbours. Life reflects the region’s cattle ranching and agricultural... Read More
Summer in the Valley
We asked you to show us your favourite Okanagan summer activities and we’re knocked out with the results. Obviously our readers are active, outdoorsy and often startlingly adventurous. Take a look – and check out page 25 for contest winners plus a chance to play a round of golf on us. Download the full photo spread. Related posts: Summer Hot Spots: Enter By May 30! Win a Round of Golf! Photo Contest Winners Read More
