This is my sister, Taryn. She turned 30 during this pandemic. How do you throw an epic birthday during this unusual time? I looked to host a luxury picnic, curbsidding, and bringing old favourites to ...
British Columbia
Currently May 2020: Opening Up
Currently is a series I recently began during the lockdown to reflect and bring me back to blogging in a conversational style. I was inspired by Misadventures by Andi's series and she was inspired by ...
Kelowna in Lockdown
Kelowna during the Corona crisis has, like many communities, been a beacon of innovation. We've been in lockdown for about 3 weeks now. Days are blending. Memories of normalcy and the luxury of ...
Food Tours Kelowna Offers Foodie Box Delivered!
Who wants a Food Tours Kelowna Foodie Box? I've been struggling. Food Tours Kelowna, my food tour company, was supposed to launch on April 4th and the very partners we were to work with are trying to ...
15 Restaurants To Impress For Date Night in Kelowna
Where to go for date night in Kelowna? My hubby and I have been asking ourselves this monthly since he first moved in with me back in 2007. Luckily, this last decade we've seen more options than ever ...
20 Instagram Worthy Spots in British Columbia, Canada
Pondering a trip to Canada? Then you must make British Columbia part of your itinerary! In my mind it is the best province to live. Our geographical location is situated with Washington state below ...
6 Best Places to Grab The Best Coffee in Kelowna, BC
Thank goodness for coffee shops am I right? It's where new moms can go to feel human over a cup of coffee and some conversation with a friend. People can break up, make up or meet for a blind date at ...
Kelowna’s Best French Pastry & Chocolate Shop
I have been slowly fulfilling my Okanagan bucket list. I've lived in Kelowna, central Okanagan, for almost 15 years now and each year new events, restaurants, shops, wineries open up making my local ...
The Okanagan’s Top Food Festivals, Events & Classes
Where there's a wine country there's also a budding if not prominent food scene. In British Columbia's Okanagan wine valley this is exactly the case with festivals and events year round. Here's a ...
These Kelowna Breweries Are Food Focused
You might be more used to hearing about wineries but Kelowna breweries are catching up in popularity and quality. In the last decade Kelowna has emerged as a leading brewery town and craft beer has ...
I’m Launching a Food Tour Company! Food Tours Kelowna
I'm letting my secret out to readers early. There's a reason I have been relatively silent. I'm sure you've noticed the little design changes I've made but I haven't been writing and there's a ...
Autumn Scenes in Wine Country
Autumn is the best time to visit the Okanagan because of the amazing colours that grace our mountains and vineyards. The elevated peaks are dusted white with the promise of snow to come. The ...
4 Ways to Get Free Wine Tastings
A lot of you have been asking for this post. You want to know how you can get free wine tastings because obviously, like all of us when we travel or just live life from day to day, you're on a budget. ...
Wine Country Getaway: A Re-Education in Naramata
I know I've written about Naramata a few times now. It has been and remains a favourite of mine within the Okanagan wine valley. But this time was very different. I hadn't explored the depths ...
A Cheese Shop, Breweries & Plant Based Menus: New to Kelowna 2019
I know I say this every year but Kelowna's foodie scene is booming and 2019 is no different. Would you believe it if I told you there are 11 spots I want you to check out this year?! Compared to ...
Six Memories You Have Growing Up British Columbian
I've been writing this blog for 8 years which means there are plenty of lingering and unfinished drafts. I began this post 5 years ago and just never felt the urge to hit publish..until ...
Road 13 Vineyards in Oliver, Canada’s Wine Capital
Being located in Kelowna, the central Okanagan, I tend to cover wineries nearest to me. Rarely do I get to venture down south to the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver and Osoyoos. But I had the opportunity ...
Postcards from the Golden Mile: Oliver & Osoyoos, BC
Being located in Kelowna I tend to tour the wineries in the central Okanagan. I’ve visited all the wineries and can recommend wines from each winery, where to take the best photos, which vineyards ...
Free & Budget Friendly Wine Events: Spring Okanagan Wine Fest 2019
*Updated for 2019 Visiting the Okanagan isn't cheap, especially during the prime tourist season which begins May to October. The Spring Okanagan Wine Fest kicks off this busy season ...
21 of Kelowna’s Most Instagrammable Spots
I'm always skeptic when I see a list proposing the "most instagrammable" city. Normally these lists feature food too big for any human to consume or specialty drinks that make for pretty pictures but ...
Kelowna’s Wineries: A Complete Guide to the Traditional & Unique Wine Experiences
In Kelowna there are approximately 18 wineries; 13 traditional(ish), in the sense that you can go do a tasting at a winery located within a vineyard. 2 urban wineries not located upon a vineyard, ...
Kelowna Hangouts: Try These Before Summer Ends!
This summer has been a banner year for Kelowna when it comes to new locales to grab a drink. I've been out of commission for most of the summer after having my baby in June and now I'm finally able to ...
QB Gelato Behind The Scenes, Kelowna, BC, Canada
I credit my very first trip to Italy to be an education. Not only did I learn about the nuances between the Venetian artists during the Renaissance but I also learned about food and wine. Right along ...
Support BC Wine: Quiz! Which Okanagan Winery Matches Your Personality?
The British Columbia wine industry is taking a hit. No, it isn't because I am pregnant and have ceased buying/consuming wine! Although I'm sure that doesn't help things. If you aren't from Canada you ...
One of Kelowna’s Best Restaurants – RauDZ, Kelowna, BC
In my seven years of blogging I recently realized that I have yet to write about one of Kelowna's most popular restaurants, RauDZ! It can be difficult to grab a spot at this downtown foodie hub unless ...
A Lebanese Mezza by Saj Common Kitchen, Kelowna, BC, Canada
Saj's Common Kitchen is now Lebanese Cuisine and Catering - Updated 2020. I am not that familiar with Lebanese cooking. Kelowna is rather slow when it comes to ethnic cuisine to be properly ...
Wild Tofino: Beaches, Wildlife & Hiking
Tofino is all about the great outdoors. People from all over the world, especially Vancouver and Washington state, flock to Vancouver Island, as well as the Gulf Islands, in order to experience the ...
Things To Do in Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada
After 3 days in Tofino, a semi-successful whale watching tour, plenty of good food and lots of biking on beaches, we ventured to Ucluelet for some variety. Ucluelet is a smaller town than Tofino yet ...
The 10 Best Things I Ate in Tofino, British Columbia
The best way to get acquainted with any city or town is through local food. Tofino, although a small coastal town, is populated with famous restaurants. From the world famous Tacofino food truck to BC ...
Tofino, British Columbia – Surf Town, Canada
It's the dead of winter and, as usual for this time of year, I find myself day dreaming of places I'd rather be. Warmer locals or other places that are devoid of so much snow. Unexpectedly, and ...
Oak + Cru Brewers Brunch: The Great Okanagan Beer Festival ’17
You've got an entire day of beers and ciders ahead of you. The Okanagan sunshine is set to make an appearance. The kegs are tapped and the food truck grills are a sizzle with promise. The ...
Are You Ready for Diner En Blanc Okanagan, July 6th?
This year marks the 5th anniversary of Diner en Blanc in the Okanagan. This year there's said to be a gelato bar, even more delicious food picnic baskets for purchase and as always fantastic Okanagan ...
The Great Okanagan Beer Festival: My Favourite Moments
I've been selected to cover the Great Okanagan Beer Festival by Gibbons for the second year in a row! It's one of my favourite local events and the three day event cannot be topped. For my ...
Cherry Blossom Season in Kelowna, BC
The orchards are finally blooming here in Kelowna. The cherry trees are alive with the promise of the juicy orbs come July. The peach trees are ready to bear my favourite stone fruits. Very soon we ...
Okanagan Events May 2017
There's too much going on in May here in the Okanagan. The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival is in full swing, the orchards are blooming and there are so many unique dinners being held at various wineries ...
Win 2 Tickets to the Great Okanagan Beer Festival!
The Great Okanagan Beer Festival is coming back to Kelowna from May 11th - 13th. Hosted by Gibbons Whistler and founders of the wildly popular Whistler Village Beer Festival, they'll be offering even ...
Get Involved with the Great Okanagan Beer Festival
The Great Okanagan Beer Festival (GOBF) is recruiting volunteers for the third annual event celebrating the union of hops, malt and water in Kelowna, BC. The Main Event will be held at Waterfront ...
For The Love of Macarons & A Great Cause
I have been a long time fan of Sandrine and her French pastry and chocolates. Her macarons are legendary here in the Okanagan and as they should be. Trained in France, her croissants, fanciful ...
Okanagan Wine Country Events April 2017
When spring arrives all is well in the Okanagan and I can return to my outdoorsy habits. The snow has finally melted, the markets open and wineries begin to host events. We've had a wild and prolonged ...
Wanderlist Series #4: Tofino, British Columbia
Follow my blog with Bloglovin My wanderlist series is one of my favourite posts to write. At first, it started out as being a fun "what if" scenario but has now become a way to share my trip ...
Kelowna Winter Itinerary Guide
Did you know in 2017 Canada will be celebrating its 150th anniversary of confederation. Canada is a fairly young country when compared to most but the fever of excitement seems to be spreading across ...
Travel Themed Wedding for Foodies in Kelowna
The photos are finally in! Now I can share my travel themed wedding for foodies and all the Okanagan vendors who made it a reality. It was a long year of planning that went into this and a few DIY ...
Sunday Pranzo: Summerhill Pyramid Winery Bistro, Kelowna
The tourists are practically all gone here in Kelowna making it possible for me to explore the parts of the Okanagan I love most. Traffic is less hectic and the beaches are no longer packed from end ...
Welcome! Prince William & Princess Kate: Kelowna for Royals
September 27th, 2016 marks the day Prince William & Princess Kate journey to Kelowna. Ironic since I'll probably by strolling by Buckingham Palace that day on my UK Honeymoon. They'll be paying a ...
Okanagan Summer: Myra Canyon KVR Hike & Bike
Ashamedly, I've only just now visited one of Kelowna's most popular free attractions. The Myra Canyon KVR trestle trail is wildly popular with visiting Europeans, Americans and Albertans. Simply ...
24 Hours on the Naramata Wine Bench
I always smack myself in the head when I leave Naramata Wine Bench wondering why I didn't book a week off just so I could stay longer. It's my favourite place in the Okanagan for its slow town nestled ...
4 Hipster Wineries in the Okanagan
Hipster wineries? Let me explain! Hipster wineries, to me and John Erickson, is the expression of odd, rare and organic wines. I'd also add to this natural wines that have become a prevalent trend ...
Bike Whistler: 3 Lakes, 2.5 Hrs, 1 Canadian Experience
It has become a tradition for my family to visit Whistler over my mom's birthday weekend. This time we booked an AirBnB for all 5 of us in the heart of the village (see our AirBnB here) and were able ...
3 Hikes in Kelowna, BC: Views, Swimming Holes & Suspension Bridges
As my wedding approaches at a ridiculous pace I have been trying to shape up. It's one of the most important and memorable days of your life and so why not look good in the photos people will see for ...
The Great Okanagan Beer Fest 2016
40 breweries. 120 beers and ciders. 3000 people all gathering #Fortheloveofbeer. This weekend in Kelowna was the kickstart to the tourist season. Local beer enthusiasts and travellers from near and ...
Foodie Tours: Exploring Granville Island by Food
Continuing on with the theme of food tours this month, and believe me there's more to come when I hit Oahu, I have to share one of the best food tours I have ever experienced right here in Canada. ...
A Walking Food Tour of Downtown Kelowna
With all the local artisans, cocktail revolutionaries and new chefs creating new restaurants arriving almost monthly, Kelowna has become a place to eat, drink and be merry. Recently, ...
ArtSmart: Vancouver’s New Art Gallery
My family history and connection to the Vancouver Art Gallery can be traced back to the 1930s when my great uncle Jack Borradaile delivered two J.M.W. Turner paintings by bus and foot. He delivered ...
An Orchard Walk: U-Picking Okanagan Fruit {Video}
A shocking realization occurred to me the other day. I have never picked fruit. U-pick signs and orchards all around but in the last 10 years of living year I never thought to pick my own fruit fresh ...
The Best Views of Kelowna Paired with Okanagan Bubbly
Life is short, drink more bubbly. It's obvious I love sparkling wine, especially Okanagan bubbly. As I often say give me a good view, good wine, and good company - I'm set. That "good" wine is ...
Diner en Blanc 2015: 1000+ wearing white in Peachland
For years I have been studying the tradition of Diner en Blanc from afar. I've watched the documentary detailing its humble French beginnings with a group of friends wanting a chic picnic in white ...
Top 3 Gelato Finds in Kelowna #MyOkanaganSummer
What does it mean to live in a "foodie" town? I am finding out with every year that I live in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley in general. It means that you can find local produce and ...
#MyOkanaganSummer Begins!
Wine tasting within vineyards. Swimming in the refreshing lake with the sun illuminating my face. The smells and sounds of busy farmers' markets in the city. Patio parties with views of the valley and ...
Joy Road Catering on God’s Mountain Estate
Where has the time gone? If you've subscribed to my newsletter you probably know that I am newly engaged! And little did I know what that really meant. I was never the type to plan her wedding at the ...
Fermented Firmament: Vancouver’s Craft Beer Market
Happy St. Patrick's Day! I've got beer on my mind and during my last visit to Vancouver I was able to explore a completely new area - The Olympic Village aka False Creek neighbourhood. It's amazing ...
ArtSmart: A Look at the Art Scene in Vancouver
When you think of great art cities of the world you probably don't think of Vancouver. I don't really blame you either. There are plenty of cities that outrank Vancouver when it comes to art ...
Sunday Pranzo: The Curious Artistry & Alchemy, Kelowna, BC
This Sunday Pranzo I wandered around my own adopted home town of Kelowna where I stumbled upon a new restaurant, The Curious Artistry and Alchemy. Needless to say is raised my curiosity and I wasn't ...
A Christmas Sneeze: Return to Vancouver’s German Christmas Market {Video}
On my 4th annual visit to Vancouver's German Christmas Market I learned how important of a tradition it was for the vendors. My conversation with a busy vendor was brief and started out in the most ...
A Good Year via Instagram
How is it possible this year is already coming to a close? It's time for a look back. This is 2014 in review. This year has offered opportunities I had only dreamed about when beginning The ...
ArtSmart: Reading Totem Poles & Their History in British Columbia
Thanks to a recent visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery, and a case of mistaken identity when it came time for my tour, I found myself learning about the history of the Totem Pole in British ...
The Lake|N-HA-A-ITK: A Canadian Opera Premier At Quails’ Gate Winery
When I heard that the world premier of a sixty year old opera would be happening at the Quail's Gate Winery I immediately bought tickets. It's not often you hear Canadian and opera in the same ...
A Foodie’s Tour of Prince George #TakeOnPG
As a kid the best place to eat in Prince George was North 54 then called Damareno's which offered Italian food at it's finest. It was an anomaly back then and I only got to eat there once when I was ...
Hidden Whistler via Instagram
This BC (British Columbia) Day long weekend I explored Whistler by bike. I am normally a wuss when it comes to heart pumping adrenaline but luckily I found a way to escape the gruelling hills! I ...
Spend a Weekend in 1896: Fort St James National Historic Site #TakeOnPG
Let's get rustic! No plumbing. No running water. No air conditioning. Alone in a large home from 1896. It was an evening that I thought would be a challenge for this city girl. But on I went ...
Postcards from Prince George, British Columbia #TakeOnPG
I've lived all over British Columbia. I was born in Merritt, lived in Prince George, then moved down south in the Kootenays along the border and now I find my home in the central Okanagan Valley. As ...
Eat, Sip, Swim, Repeat: A Brief Guide to the Okanagan Wine Valley
The Okanagan is fast becoming a worthy rival of Bordeaux, Tuscany and Napa. In fact, it is often referred to as the Napa of the North and was named #1 wine valley in the world by the Huffington Post. ...
West Kelowna Wineries: A Tour with Distinctly Kelowna Wine Tours {Video}
"Where are you from?" The first question asked as I sat myself in a van for nine, our chariot of sorts for the day. One couple said Arizona, another from St. John's and another from Vancouver. My ...
Sparkling Wine Caves at Sumac Ridge
Sparkling wine done in the Champagne style. There's a lot of that here in the Okanagan. Of course, we cannot call it Champagne because only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region can be called ...
Meadow Vista Honey Wines: The Spirit of Vikings & Medieval Legends
I begin the Spring Okanagan Wine Fest at an unorthodox winery that uses mead to create wine. But what is unorthodox today is actually an ancient tradition being carried on by meaderies throughout the ...
Spring in the Okanagan Wine Valley
It doesn't truly feel like Springtime until the cherry, apple and pear orchards bloom their flowers of white and pink throughout the valley. The wind surfers all flock to the beaches as the breeze ...
Exploring Downtown Vancouver Top 5
Of all the cities in the world, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful in its seemingly peaceful co-existence with the Pacific Ocean and wild encompassing rainforest. There's a Feng Shui to the city. ...
Kelowna’s Gold Medal Plates 2014: An Interview with Competing Chefs {Video}
Don't you just love adventitious meetings? When the universe and chance come together creating an unexpected opportunity resulting in something you wouldn't have otherwise been able to experience. It ...
Coffee, Croissant & Racy Reads: Pulp Fiction Coffee House {Video}
Do you like your coffee with a side of mystery or how about a femme fatale with steeping tea in hand? Whatever your choice of pulp fiction you'll be able to find it over a cappuccino at Kelowna's Pulp ...
Guide to Vancouver’s Christmas Market
This year I am visiting Vancouver's Christmas Market for the 3rd year in a row. It has become a sort of tradition where I load up on more Christmas decor and worry about logistics and storage ...
The Best Things I’ve Ever Ate In Vancouver: Restaurants & Food Trucks
Vancouver is one of my favourite weekend getaways from Kelowna. Ironically, the Okanagan is a favourite weekend getaway for many Vancouverites as well. But here in Kelowna, as a ...
FarmFolk CityFolk’s Feast of Fields: Eating Local at an Urban Farm
Venice has its San Marco and St. Geneviève watches over Paris and the Okanagan also has its own patron saint known as Father Pandosy, (1824-1891) a Marseilles born missionary sent to North America at ...
British Columbian Road Trip & Murrin Provincial Park, BC, Canada
Road trips in my convertible are what I love most about the summer travel season. Driving in the car as opposed to taking the train or an airplane offer moments of spontaneous additions to fluid ...
ArtSmart: The Evolution of the Hotel
We don't often think about it but hotels are a reflection of our socio-economic standings, our personalities, desires, political relations and histories both personal and cultural. But we often choose ...
The Belvedere Ice Room, Whistler
I used to live up North where the winters would reach -40˚Celsius and school would shut down for up to three weeks. Playing outside would be a struggle for your lungs unless you had a wool scarf ...
What’s Your Whistler?: Westin Whistler Resort & Spa
During the first morning in Whistler I woke up to hot green tea brewed in my Westin Whistler Resort & Spa one bedroom suite kitchenette equipped with fridge, microwave, fridge and freezer as well ...
Summertime in Whistler
Not everyone thinks of going to the ski hill at the peak of summer but that's when I prefer to visit the slopes since I am not a fan of descending icy cliffs at top speed on any type of wooden board ...
Photo Essay: An Okanagan Birthday Fit For a Royal Gourmand
Now that I have a moment to breathe and have been at home for a brief few days I would like to say a huge Thank you! to Chef Matt Batey CCC, Chef Chris Stewart, the entire staff at Mission Hill Winery ...
Gatsby Plans a Moveable Feast {Okanagan Style}
See Ya Later Ranch Winery, the host site for the kick-off opening reception of the Wine Bloggers' Conference, features one of the best views seen high above the Okanagan Valley, as well as vast acres ...
Beneath the Grapevine: An Underground Dinner at Seven Stones Winery
Continuing on from my experiences at the Wine Bloggers' Conference I am admittedly behind on a few of my summer adventures already. Nevertheless I've got some fantastic stories to tell in the coming ...
Top 5 Travel Experiences at 25
Today is my birthday and unfortunately I am recovering from a cold so no champagne until tomorrow. However, I still feel the need to celebrate somehow so I figured I'd do a roundup of the most ...
Wine & Geology: Similkameen Wine Valley
Just outside of the Okanagan wine region, an hour or so drive from Kelowna, rests the Similkameen wine valley. A truly picturesque landscape with volcanic rock mountains and hoodoos (clay pillar ...
Honey & Wine: Arlo’s Honey Farm at Tantalus Vineyards
After my return from the Wine Bloggers Conference in Penticton this past weekend it is ironic that my first post isn't really about wine but honey. These seemingly two different products, honey and ...
ArtSmart: Chagall Tapestries, Mission Hill Winery
This month at ArtSmart we've loosened the topic to be somewhat of a personal choice. In case this is your first time hearing of the ArtSmart Roundtable, it is a group of bloggers with a love of travel ...
A Legendary Wine Tour: Mission Hill Winery Pt 2
With the approaching Wine Bloggers' Conference (June 6th-8th in Penticton) eager participants have been wondering what it'll be like in British Columbia's wine country. With such a short period of ...
Learning to Cook in Wine Country, British Columbia
As the brown sleepy extensions of the grape vines wake up to the sounds of spring so too does The Wanderfull Traveler. Between the months of January to April I ...
Harvesting Icewine in Western Canada
The cold Arctic air has finally arrived in British Columbia when the Arctic's icy fingers turn the bulbous, sued flesh of left over grapes upon the vine into cold sugar pearls. However, the cold ...
Three of My Favourite Okanagan Things
Living in the Okanagan, as I've said before, presents a wealth of gourmet products that are produced locally. From wine to cheese, preserves to organic meats, our valley is becoming a foodie centre ...
Therapy Vineyards: Freudian Sips
Therapy Vineyards overlooks green vineyards of rolling hills that drop off with a thrust of caramel clay that disappears into the blue Okanagan Lake. The view itself could be therapy for any soul in ...
Okanagan Wine: A worthy rival of Tuscany & Napa
September 28th was the first day of the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival which means 160+ wine related events over ten days. I thought it would be appropriate to write about the Okanagan and why it ...
Back to Nature: The Johns Family Nature Conservancy in Kelowna, BC
After the stress of last weekend it has been nice to get back to normal in the Okanagan. Normalcy includes relaxing on our deck with some local wine, an activity I indulged in yesterday, and enjoying ...
Julia Child’s 100th Birthday Celebration Dinner
Les Dames d'Escoffier of British Columbia, a society of accomplished women helping other women in food related fields, arranged a province wide dinner celebrating the 100th birthday of ...
Ukrainian Food in the Prairies: Regina, Saskatchewan
A family tree and mapping of my Great-grandparents' journey from the Ukraine to Canada. This baby won me a trip to Quebec when I was in grade 7, I was in French Immersion then. I would hardly ...
An Imagined Trip to Paris: Le Crocodile, Vancouver
Le Crocodile has been in Vancouver for an impressive 26 years and is the result of chef Michel Jacob wanting to create a memorable dinning experience for foodies such as myself. His passion is ...
Coping With Others in a Chinese Garden: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Chinese Garden
After spending an unholy amount of time and money shopping during my trip to Vancouver a change of pace and scenery was needed. I wanted to go somewhere new that doesn't have an entry fee or an ...
Vancouver Aquarium
Back from my trip to Vancouver and it was filled with delicious culinary experiences all had at restaurants that I had never been before. Now only am I back from a ...
A Big White New Year!
I do not ski. I do not snowboard. I do not own snow pants (anymore). I do not like it when my legs become freezer burnt. ...
Vancouver’s German Christmas Market
While taking in the festivities offered during the Grey Cup, I was elated to find out that Vancouver's German Christmas Market was open for business just steps away from the stadium. I was amazed ...
‘Tis The Season
Even though I am Canadian and we are slightly offset from our American counterparts when it comes to Thanksgiving, and usually holidays in general, the Macy's Day Parade is certainly what kicks off ...
Anthony Bourdain In Vancouver
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I would like to think that my palate has two sides; a benevolent side as represented by the simplistic David Rocco, and an adventurous side represented by the intrepid ...
Desert Wine Oasis: Mission Hill Winery, West Kelowna, BC, Canada
The Northern tip of the Great Basin Desert cradles the Okanagan wine region of British Columbia, Canada. Along Lake Okanagan, in West Kelowna, rests the Mission Hill Estate Winery atop ...
