The following has been contributed by Dax Justin in partnership with ZenSeekers, exploring the Okanagan Valley and #Route97.
#Route97 is a collection of experiences and destinations you will find within the Okanagan Valley and into Washington state.
ZenSeekers challenges you to explore the region this fall and have a series of stories to help make that happen.
A Full Okanagan Valley Experience with Dax Justin
A bird’s eye view and a palate-pleasing tour of the Okanagan Valley
View over Lake Okanagan from the Valhalla Helicopter tour.
What a way to start the day – hopping in a helicopter and soaring over the beautiful Okanagan on a crisp, clear fall day.
It’s doesn’t’ get much better than that, kicking off a weekend getaway to this BC wining and dining destination, just little more than a four-hour drive from Vancouver.
This was my first time in a helicopter with the doors off, making me feel a bit like James Bond. With my legs dangling over the side of the helicopter, the shutter on my camera was going non-stop as I took pictures of Lake Okanagan, Mission Hill Winery and the changing fall colours bathed in the golden light of a September morning.
Mission Hill Winery seen from the perch of a helicopter.
Be curious. Explore more amazing Okanagan Valley adventures along #Route97 here »
My aerial experience with Valhalla Helicopters left me with a whole new perspective on this pretty central B.C. region known for its dozens of wineries, farm-to-fork food, vibrant dining and craft brewery scene and an all-round relaxed vibe. Valhalla offers two tours – full- and half-day scenic heli-wine tours, worth checking out. Talk about arriving in style.
The Kelowna food tour includes a lovely walk along the lake.
I could have hung out in the helicopter for much longer, but it was time to explore Kelowna’s food and beverage scene on foot. A walking food tour is always a great way to get an on-the-ground experience of any city’s restaurant landscape. The folks from Okanagan Foodie Tours offer several itineraries. We did an abbreviated sampling of two pubs and a favourite Mexican spot, called El Taquero.
We walked along Kelowna’s pretty waterfront during the tour on a warm fall day, priming us for a cold one and more food sampling. First stop, The Train Station Pub, a favourite of locals and visitors alike. The cosy pub with an energetic vibe has been around since 1926. These days it serves up thoroughly modern pub fare and a nice selection of beers on tap.
A platter of tune poke at Rose’s Pub. The menu offers great range of foods, including many gluten-free options.
Rose’s Pub right on the waterfront was our next stop. On a beautiful fall (or summer) day, the patio is the place to be enjoying the sunshine.
Margaritas are a mainstay on El Taquero’s menu, coming in a variety of traditional and non-traditional flavours.
I was getting a bit full, but knew I could find some room for authentic Mexican. That’s what is served up at El Taquero, specializing in Mexican street food – mostly tacos, but lots of other options, too. Izzy “The Taco Maker,” from Mexico City is the man behind the taco bar, getting inspiration from his family’s recipes. There are 14 tacos every day to choose from, plus tasty margaritas in creative flavours.
View from Mission Hill’s bell tower.
Be curious. Explore more amazing Okanagan Valley adventures along #Route97 here »
I’d spied Mission Hill from the helicopter and one of my missions was to get some great photos from the winery’s iconic bell tower.
I couldn’t wait to climb up there to shoot the sun setting over the winery and beyond.
Walking around the winery, I felt like I could had been transported to Italy. The layout of the buildings with its columns, perfectly symmetrical vineyards, looked beautifully Old World.
The architecture of Mission Hill is simply gorgeous, making you could be somewhere in Europe.
But of course, it’s not just the architecture that Mission Hill is famous for. It’s mainly the wine and food. Anyone who’s interested in both should sign up for the Culinary Workshop Series. It’s an evening you’ll never forget as a chef prepares a series of dishes paired with the perfect wine match. It would make a fun friends getaway. There are many workshops to choose from, some focusing on French, Thai or Indian cuisine, or how to make better gluten-free meals.
Gather a few friends together for a culinary wine and food workshop at Mission Hill. The winery offers a long list of special events throughout the fall.
It’s such a cool experience, getting to watch a chef in action, preparing a series of courses that you get to enjoy, while sampling Mission Hill’s extensive wines. The vibe in the room was fun and relaxed and you could tell everyone was having a wonderful time.
The sun was setting and I wanted to get back to that bell tower to watch the sun set and grab some more photos. It was just getting to be the golden hour for perfect photos and a gorgeous way to end ta beautiful fall day in the Okanagan.
Perfect end to a perfect day in the Okanagan.
If You Go
About the Author: Dax Justin on Behalf of ZenSeekers
Dax Justin is a Canadian explorer, adventure/landscape photographer, visual content creator, and destination storyteller based in Alberta, Canada.
His photographic work focuses on outdoor adventure, landscapes, mountain lifestyle, people and sports. The photography captured on expeditions bring the adventure to a worldwide online audience in real time, expanding brand reach through social media and travel networks including Seekers Media.
Ballet BC opens its 32nd Anniversary season with an evening of visual storytelling by two celebrated dance artists at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, November 2-4, 2017.
Ballet BC Dancers Gilbert Small and Kirsten Wicklund. Photo by Michael Slobodian.
Ballet BC Program 1
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton St, Vancouver)
>When: November 2-4 at 8:00pm
Tickets: Tickets range from $30.00 to $100.00 (including service charges) and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 1-855-985-2787 (855-985-ARTS) or online.
Passionate and distinctly talented, Ballet BC’s company of dancers captivate audiences on home, national and global stages. Like never before, each collaboration, each performance punctuates a story of diversity, evolving practice and scope of artistic vision. This exciting program includes both a World Premiere and a North American Premiere.
Contemporary yet timeless, the season begins with a driving new work by internationally acclaimed Ballet BC Resident Choreographer Cayetano Soto and the North American debut of B.R.I.S.A. by Swedish-born Johan Inger, one of the most sought-after choreographers in Europe today.
To launch the season, Cayetano Soto, a visionary of contemporary ballet, will create a new one-act work for the full company. This World Premiere will bring together his integrated vision as choreographer, costume and lighting designer in surprising new ways.
In B.R.I.S.A., ighly-acclaimed choreographer Johan Inger explores the themes of awakening and change. Following the success of Walking Mad, Inger returns to Ballet BC with the North American Premiere of B.R.I.S.A. One of the most prominent dance makers today, Johan Inger’s renowned work probes our intellect and sensitivities.
Win Tickets
I have a pair of tickets to Ballet BC’s Program 1 performance on November 3rd to give away, here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to @BalletBC’s Program 1 #balletbcprogram1 http://ow.ly/ShAh30g0eUS” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, October 26, 2017.
Follow Ballet BC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about performances this season.
Update The winner is Catherine Hercus!
The following has been contributed by Dax Justin in partnership with ZenSeekers, exploring the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and #Route97.
#Route97 is a collection of experiences and destinations you will find within the Okanagan Valley and into Washington state.
ZenSeekers challenges you to explore the region this fall and have a series of stories to help make that happen.
Exploring The Kettle Valley Rail Trail with Dax Justin
Peaceful ride in the sky: Cycling the historic trestles and tunnels of Myra Canyon
The views are gorgeous on the Trestles and Tunnels Tour with Monashee Adventure Tours.
I’d never heard of a ‘ghost train’ until Ed Kruger said he’d summon one for us at the first tunnel we were about to ride through on our bikes on a guided tour in the Okanagan’s spectacular Myra Canyon, part of the Okanagan’s Kettle Valley Rail Trail.
On this beautiful late September day, I could see why people from Vancouver and all over western Canada would want to make this a weekend getaway to get in some spectacular cycling in the weeks before the snow flies.
Ed grew up cycling, skiing and snowshoeing in the Okanagan, surrounded by the Monashee Mountains, which fittingly translates to “peaceful mountain.”
Be curious. Explore more of the adventures to be had along #Route97 and the BC Rail Trails here »
Ed Kruger our guide knows the Kettle Valley Rail Trail like the back of his hand, having grown up in this area.
He knows and loves this place intimately, making him the perfect guide for our cycling excursion on the historic Kettle Valley Railway with his company Monashee Adventure Tours.
The 40-minute ride up to the Myra Canyon junction where we would set off on our 20-km Trestles and Tunnels ride was a bit jarring. I assumed then that the bike ride would be just as bumpy, and prepared myself.
But I was wrong. Having not been on a mountain bike in a few years, I was relieved for the leisurely pace and smooth, flat ride. Though the views had me madly snapping photos and made it hard for me to keep my eyes on the trail.
The trail is smooth and flat, allowing you to admire the gorgeous Canyon views.
A rider of just about any ability can easily master this stretch. The railings are secure and thanks to dozens of volunteers in the region, there’s interpretive signage and everything is maintained to perfection.
Perfection seemed to be the motto of the day. The clear blue sky made the dazzling fall colours pop in the sunshine, and we could see for miles beyond the canyon down to the Okanagan valley, the vineyards and pretty Lake Okanagan in the distance.
Be curious. Explore more of the adventures to be had along #Route97 and the BC Rail Trails here »
As we pedalled along, Ed told us a bit about the history of the Kettle Valley Railway Trail and how it came to be. From 1910 to 1914, the rail trestles were built allowing steam trains of the day to pass through, an important connector for the people and business from the Kootenays to the Coast. But when rail transportation became less popular, the old rail lines sat unused. That is until the 1990s, when a group of passionate volunteers decided to revitalize them into a recreational trail for cyclists.
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail extends for 600 kms, from Midway to Hope, B.C. We were only on a small section of it, and it was impressive.
There we were nearly 1,500 metres above the valley, and I could just picture and hear the sound of the trains chugging along here, with tendrils of steam billowing. And I was grateful we were able to enjoy the hard work of some recreational visionaries.
There are two tunnels to ride through on this section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.
Back to those tunnels, there are two along this route. And what a feeling that is, cycling into the dark and cool air of the tunnel and then bursting back out into the beautiful light of the day.
And, as for Ed summoning those ghost trains, you’ll just have to go on a ride with him to find out that story.
If You Go
About the Author: Dax Justin on Behalf of ZenSeekers
Dax Justin is a Canadian explorer, adventure/landscape photographer, visual content creator, and destination storyteller based in Alberta, Canada.
His photographic work focuses on outdoor adventure, landscapes, mountain lifestyle, people and sports. The photography captured on expeditions bring the adventure to a worldwide online audience in real time, expanding brand reach through social media and travel networks including Seekers Media.
Pumpkin patches, haunted houses, spooky tours, gala fundraisers, the women’s show, farmers markets, and a whole lot of theatrical productions are just a few things to visit, experience, and see around town this weekend.
Things to do in Vancouver This Weekend
Events that run for longer than three days in a row are highlighted in green.
Friday, October 20, 2017
G Day for Girls
Vancouver Aquarium’s Toast to the Coast
West Coast Women’s Show
State of Newton
The Great Big Boo, Coquitlam
Lonsdale Quay: Savour Wine & Cheese Pairing
Oktoberfest at the Alpen Club
The Valley Haunt
Coquitlam Halloween House
A Bench in the Sun by Ron Clark
plastic orchid factory & MAYDAY Mélanie Demers Present Animal Triste
Maan Farms Haunted Corn Maze
FlyOver Canada Halloween
Diwali in BC Shows
Taste of Yaletown
Tomo Suru Players Present: Cabaret
Grave Tales, Fort Langley
Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS
Stanley Park Ghost Train
Gateway Theatre Presents: A Little Night Music
Vancouver Writers Festival Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
The Canuck Place Gift of Time Gala took place on Saturday evening, with over 600 guests in attendance at the Westin Bayshore.
Hosted by Global BC’s Chris Gailus and sold out months in advance, Canuck Place supporters including guests, sponsors, volunteers, board members and staff came together and raised a new record total of $1.24 million to support the complex care of BC’s children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them.
Canuck Place Gift of Time Gala
Gala Co-Chairs, Emily Lazare and Shanni Eckford led a creative and passionate volunteer gala and wine committee who were pivotal to the success of the event. Canuck Place parent, Maureen Laforge, whose daughter Angela passed away on the Canuck Place program, spoke eloquently to a captivated audience, of the critical care they received from Canuck Place.
“You see love here every day. It’s the most intense of embraces, where people show up with their best love. It is the most animated and open and raw expression. It is filled with joy and love.” – Canuck Place CEO, Margaret McNeil
“Being the parent of a critically ill child feels like being in the middle of a hurricane, and tornado, and a tsunami all at the same time and all the while your child looks to you to calm the winds, block the flying debris, and hold back the waves – they look to you to save them. It is a most helpless feeling I have ever felt.” – Family speaker Maureen LaForge
“I wish the world was one without critically ill or dying children but it is. So, instead, I wish that all families could have the opportunity to have their last weeks, days, or hours with their child, at Canuck Place. Like we had with Angela.” – Family speaker Maureen LaForge
Click here to donate to Canuck Place »
The Gift of Time Gala has raised over $10 million for Canuck Place children and families in the past 13 years. All funds raised support the delivery of pediatric palliative care through the Canuck Place provincial program.
Miss604 is proud to be the Social Media Sponsor of the Gift of Time Gala.
Upcoming Canuck Place Events
The Dog
Canuck Place partnered with Greystone books on a new children’s book inspired by a visit to Canuck Place and Poppy the therapy dog! Canuck Place Medical Director, Dr. Hal Siden will be reading the book, with Poppy at his side at Kidsbooks on October 26th.
Liz Rose Seven Summits
On November 3rd, Liz is poised to become the youngest Canadian to climb the Seven Summits – The tallest mountain on each continent. For her final climb, she’s fundraising for Canuck Place, and is even bringing a flag signed by Canuck Place kids to the top of her final mountain in Australia.
Follow along on Facebook and Twitter for more information.
