When I first moved to Canada five and a half years ago, I didn’t know what to expect, other than cold weather and a lot of “eh’s” tacked onto the end of sentences. As you may recall, I originally moved to a teeny tiny northern town in the middle of January, so what I got was, drumroll, please–cold weather and a lot of “eh’s” tacked onto the end of sentences. And trees. Lots and lots of pine trees.
Things I did not get but secretly hoped for: unlimited bear sightings (it was almost five years before I saw my first bear), Mounties dressed in brilliant red sitting atop beautiful horses (turns out, they only wear red for special occasions), and the effortless acquisition of snow sport skills (read this post if you want to know more about how that went down).
But the universe has a funny way of making these things up to you. Summer arrived, the snow melted, and Grant and I began traveling around the very green province of British Columbia. The weather was perfect, the sun shining brightly, when we first rolled into a region called The Okanagan. “Wine country,” I gasped. “Full on, gorgeous, vine-filled, wine country.” And so it was.
Maybe I’m just particularly naive (geography has never been my strong suit), but I had no idea that such a beautiful, desert-like, wine-producing region existed in Canada, let alone BC. It was like stumbling upon a hidden Napa Valley.
Since that initial discovery, Grant and I have made the Okanagan a regular part of our summer plans: every labor day, we pack ourselves into a caravan of cars and make our way east to taste wine, bask in the hot dry sun, boat, gather baskets of roadside fruit, and eat delicious food. This year, we’re lucky enough to make the trip twice. In case you’re in need of a mid-day summer boost, here’s a little peek at our recent long weekend in Naramata, Summerland and Kelowna.
I hope you’re enjoying every bit of sun-soaked summer you can get your hands on. The sunshine restores me like nothing else can–I’m hoping to crash-land into the beautiful autumn tan and salty, at ease.
What restores you? Do you have a favorite spot that you return to every year–spring, summer, winter or fall?
We did a brief tour through the Okanagan on our motorcycle last year on the way to the coast — it was gorgeous (and really hot!).
By motorcycle–that sounds fun! I was seriously relishing that dry heat–a nice change from the weak Vancouver temps and the humid east coast summers. :)
So lovely post!!!! Cheers!
Great Post – loving your photos:) My happy place is Mendocino County in California – just gives me happiness and freedom! Happy Monday!
Ooh, I would love to visit Mendocino as an adult (childhood memories are fuzzy). Grant and I are planning a drive down the coast in the next year or so, and that will definitely be on our list. Happy Monday to you :)
The Okanagan is one of my favourite summertime spots, too. So many amazing wineries to tour…Thanks for the good memories!
I see you live on Vancouver Island–another beautiful spot! We haven’t made it over this summer, but we love visiting Victoria and Tofino. Enjoy your summer!
I get my spiritual oxygen for the soul several times a week at the Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville, NY.
There are 9 miles of trails used for hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.
I’m on my way there right now.
p.s. Going on a wine trip to the Napa Valley is on my list of must do’s.
Great pics btw.
Sounds heavenly. Have a great time!
Lovely post! Canada sometimes gets a bad rep as being a cold, wintery place. Don’t get me wrong…it is cold and wintery at some times. But the summer months are gorgeous and like every where you go, there are beautiful places to see and experience. I’ve never been to the Okanagan but I do remember from geography class that it is one of Canada’s best wine regions. Another is Niagra, which is a little more close to home for me. Maybe you should head there next time–it is beautiful as well! Wonderful photos and thanks for the reminder to appreciate summer while it’s still here :)
You’re right, Amber–Canada gets a bad rap weather-wise, which is why I like to highlight some of its lesser known aspects ;) I’d love to visit Niagra–it’s definitely on my list. So far, I’ve only hit the biggies–Toronto, Montreal, Lake Louise and this coming February, I’m attending a wedding in Winnipeg–brrr. Canada is beautiful in the summertime and I’m crossing my fingers that the good weather will last well into the fall. Hope you’re having a fantastic summer!
I grew up just outside of Vancouver and we used to also make frequent summer trips to the Okanagan. I was too young to partake of the wine but I do remember eating enough ripe, sweet, juicy peaches to feel like I was drunk!
Oh man, I’m trying to figure out what to do with all of these peaches as we speak!
Lovely post, and like you I am restored by the dry, warm toast of the sun. Not the searing temps we have at the moment, but just that lizard on a hot rock warm. I get that ‘fix’ when we head up to the mountains north of us each summer. I am so glad you found your spot too!
“Lizard on a hot rock warm”–what a perfect way to describe it. I love it! I hope you enjoy/enjoyed your annual trip up north! Take care.
Looks like so much fun!! I’ve never been to Okanagan and I have officially added that to my list of places to travel. Every year we go to Solvang and Cambria, California, in the winter time to visit with family. Solvang is a little Danish town that is adorable and has tons of good food and pastries. Cambria is a quaint little beach town. Both places are super fun and relaxing ;)
I’ve never heard of Solvang, but I see that’s it very close to Santa Barbara, which I’ve been to many times. I will definitely have to head that way next time I visit my family in L.A. It sounds divine. They even have a Hans Christian Anderson Park–too cute. Thanks for the tip. I hope you’re enjoying your summer!
I’m in Vancouver on holiday for the next 12 days! I’ve enjoyed strolling around the city so far but would love to go swimming in that pool I can see in your photos- looks gorgeous and if it can be combined with wine-tasting I’ll be in paradise:-)
How is that place with the pool called exactly? How far is it to drive there from the city?
Hey Cécile–that’s so exciting! What do you guys have planned so far? I’d be happy to give you a few tips. The pool is a bit of a trek, I’m afraid, but definitely doable if you rent a car. It’s called Sparkling Hill Resort and it’s about five and a half hours away. If you want to go to the Okanagan, I’d say you should probably make at least a three day trip out of it in order to get there, visit wineries and go to the lake. There are tons of great things to do around Van though. The weather has been pretty warm (for Vancouver)–I even went swimming in the bay over the weekend, which is usually unheard of because the water is so cold. If you let me know what you’re interested in (food, outdoorsy stuff, day trips, shopping, etc.), I can give you some suggestions. And if you need a tour guide one day, I may be able to oblige. PM me if you like :)
Oh! I just sent you a message using a the contact form but I hadn’t seen your tour guide offer! I’d love to meet for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine to hear your suggestions… Maybe it could even turn into a blog post, who knows? I’m in town until Saturday morning, let me know when it would work for you ;-)
Wow, that place looks fantastic. I’ve never been to BC, but definitely want to go now. I’ve heard there are some good wineries there. We’ve been to Niagara on the Lake (outside Toronto) – some excellent wine there…
I’d like to visit Niagara–I’ve heard the wine is great. I hope you have a chance to make it out this way one day–there are some great wineries and plenty to keep you busy. Enjoy your summer!
Amazing! I never knew grapes would grow that far North. Must be the temperate climate? Thanks for the trip!
Yeah, it’s a desert-like climate, very dry. I was also surprised!
My favorite time of year to soak up the sun is Indian summer and fall. I go nuts over pumpkins and all the holidays with orange. Halloween here I come! Love it.
Oh, I adore fall. It’s my favorite season. I just wish we could skip right back to spring and then summer afterwards, but then I’m sure we wouldn’t appreciate it as much :)
Oh good for you! Hubby and I spent a few hours wine tasting on our anniversary this year. It was fun. :)
WOW. That pool! And the clothespin on the wine! So cool. I think I’d trade bear sightings for that, too ;) You’re definitely living in a gorgeous part of the world, that’s for sure.
And I’m so with you – being outside is definitely a one-way ticket to Restorationville. That sounds like an overpriced home goods store.
Restorationville–it has a nice ring to it. Maybe a spa-themed theme park? What do you think? We can go in 50/50 ;) I’m so glad you’ve been able to get away and enjoy the summer. Your trip looked absolutely blissful. I hope these past two weeks in restorationville will make your segue back to work a breeze (or at least make you less cranky about the sudden plummet in booze consumption). Remember, no one will know if you spike your coffee with a bit of Bailey’s.
Quit rubbing your summer holidays in already!
I’m making a regular habit of returning to Philadelphia for my holidays, even though I’m based in the UK right now. I feel like the place is my spiritual home, and being back there always makes me feel fantastic.
Back in the UK I like going up to the Scottish Highlands to recharge myself – you can REALLY get away from it all up there.
Enjoy those precious few Canadian summer months. :)
Sorry, Claire–I’ll do my best to refrain from now on ;) In the Pacific Northwest, we have to live it up while we can–I’m sure you can relate. I’ve never been to Philadelphia but now I’m sort of intrigued. And talk about a cool getaway–the Scottish Highlands–man, I bet that’s gorgeous. Now I’m jealous!
The weather in the Okanagan during the summer is beautiful, eh?!
You’ve already got it down–I’m sure you’re fitting right in! ;) Hope your summer is going well, Nanook!
Wow, Looks like a whole lota fun! Wish I had an annual trip like that!
Hi Riann
I’ve nominated you for a Leibster Blog Award. Check the link for the deets! http://melaniemjones.wordpress.com/2012/08/19/liebster-award/
Sounds (and looks) wonderful! May that feeling of restoration follow you well into the autumn.
As for me, I’ll be renewing my spirits at Ocean Park, Maine in a couple of weeks. Nothing like the Maine coast in September…