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Kelowna
I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I only learned how to ride a bike in my late twenties. However, ever since then, cycling has become a much-loved pastime of mine. It goes without saying that BC’s natural beauty is simply awe-inspiring, which makes exploring it by bike ideal. Myra Canyon in Kelowna is just one such setting that is perfect for this. To optimize our cycling adventure and be as close to the highlight as possible, we chose Myra Canyon Lodge as our accommodation for the weekend. Upon arriving, we were warmly greeted by our host Kathrin, as well her friendly dogs, Lily and Mister. Our photos of Myra…
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Portland
Portland is an extraordinary yet unconventional city in Oregon, a state well known for its natural marvels. The journey there did not disappoint - along the way to our destination we passed lakes and forests, features consistent with the Pacific North-west that we have grown to love and call home.
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Campbell Valley Regional Park
After a busy weekend, it’s nice to wind down with a leisurely stroll. For this, Campbell Valley Regional Park seemed ideal. The park is well maintained and I was surprised to see a large, clear map on the noticeboard, as well as informative brochures with a copy of the trail map. It was also equipped with several washrooms with running water, as well as a group picnic shelter with barbecue facilities. Of the trails available, we opted for the Little River Loop. The Little River Loop has raised boardwalks and crosses the Campbell River twice, offering ample opportunity to keep an eye out for wildlife, such as squirrels, various species…
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John Mayer Sob Rock Tour – Seattle
Our tickets to the Seattle leg of John Mayer’s ‘Sob Rock’ tour were purchased four months in advance. We were super excited as we had last crossed the Canadian-US border before the onset of the pandemic. We began the two-and-a-half hour drive, passing through several miles of farmland and countryside until we eventually arrived in the city of Seattle. From here, we drove to the affluent neighbourhood of Queen Anne to arrive at our Airbnb. Built in 1903, the Airbnb was tastefully furnished with a mix of vintage and modern pieces and immediately felt like a home away from home. We ordered dinner from Via Tribunali, a local Italian hotspot…
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Vedder River Rotary Loop
Vedder River is one of those places which feels like escape from the city. The feeling takes over as soon as I mount my bike and begin cycling along the scenic river, inhaling the fresh, crisp air with the cool breeze against my face. It’s as if I’ve been transported to another world, and it is for this reason that the Vedder River Rotary loop is an absolute favourite of mine. Vedder River is a stunning location that really does have something for everyone. The children’s play area near Peach Park is popular amongst families, and there are often food trucks serving up donairs, hot dogs and iced coffee. The…
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Hunter Logging Road
It was a beautiful so-called ‘false spring’ day – “so-called” as it was technically winter in BC. The weather forecast anticipated double-digit temperatures and clear skies, and for me, that was motivation enough to venture out on a hike. Between my husband and I, I’m usually the one who plans our activities, but this time he surprised me with his selection – Hunter Logging Road, a 7.7km out-and-back trail that was once a local secret but in recent years has become increasingly popular. For a sneak peek, check out our video below. The trail is located in the Steelhead area of the rural district of Mission. Private property borders the…
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BC Wildlife Park
We made a weekend trip to Kamloops during autumn of 2020, and visiting the BC Wildlife Park was something I had planned to do. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out as our trip was very short (just one night!), however, I’m glad it worked out when we returned to Kamloops in the summer of 2021. This attraction appealed to me as it is not a run-of-the-mill zoo, but rather, a wildlife park and rehabilitation centre for orphaned and injured wildlife. I was keen to see animals native to Canada at a wildlife park, having visited several game reserves in South Africa while growing up. This experience would indeed be different. It…
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Othello Tunnels
During a hot long weekend in July 2021, we embarked on a road trip to Revelstoke, stopping at the Othello Tunnels along the way. The Tunnels have significant historic and heritage value – built in the early 1900s, it was originally part of the Canadian Pacific Railway. In addition, the Tunnels provided the opportunity to observe and study the original metamorphic bedrock geology of the Coquihalla Canyon. And while BC is world-renowned for its stunning lakes, mountains and forests, locations such as these have a beauty of its own and contribute to our province’s rich history. The trail is 3.5km in length, round-trip. There are spectacular viewing opportunities available along…
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Revelstoke
Our 3-night trip to Revelstoke almost never came to be. Record-breaking temperatures and forest fires plagued BC that summer and we were concerned that the heat wave would prevent us from enjoying the many outdoor activities we had planned. However, a conversation with a family friend convinced us otherwise, as he so wisely quoted: “…you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did…” (Mark Twain). And so, on July 1st we embarked on the 5-hour journey to Revelstoke. It seemed like a long drive for just a 3-night stay, but the beauty of BC is that there is so much to see…
