Page 39 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 7 | October - November 2024

KELOWNA

My favourite city in the Okanagan was
Kelowna. The Waterfront Boardwalk is
the perfect place to start exploring. I took
a stroll here during sunset, soaking in the
uniquely-dazzling culture of the place as the
UBC-O rowing team heaved and hoed in
the distance. Later, I met up with my friend
Brooklyn, a Kelowna native I connected
with during her exchange in Thailand, who
showed me more of her lovely town.
Known as the heart of wine country, this area
offers incredible wine-tasting experiences.
Renowned wineries like Mission Hill
Family Estate and Quails’ Gate Winery
are famous for their stunning architecture,
views of the rolling hills, and delicious
pairings with artisanal food. Enrich your BEST EATS IN BC
experience further at the Kelowna Art
Gallery, home to a wide range of creative • Orto Artisan Pasta: Seasonal Italian fare
art showcases by local university students.
• Brekka: Freshly-brewed coffee and
pastries
VANCOUVER ISLAND:
• Mr. Shawarma: Delicious falafel wraps
For those with a bit more time, Vancouver • A la Mode: Not-to-be-missed French
Island is well worth the visit. After a ferry onion pot pie
ride from Tsawwassen, head to Victoria,
the provincial capital. Explore charming • Kinton Ramen UBC: Order their Pork
neighbourhoods like James Bay and spicy garlic ramen
Fairfield, meet the peacocks at Beacon Hill • Laura’s Coffee Corner: Bagels,
Park, and visit the iconic Fairmont Empress especially their Lox of love bagel
Hotel. One of my favourite museums in • CRAFT Beer Market Kelowna: CAD
Canada, the Royal BC Museum, features 6 burgers!
incredible biome models, including a lush • AMORE MIO: Known for their vegan
rainforest, coastal marine environments, chocolate gelato
and unique dry forest ecosystems, offering
insights into the region’s rich natural history. • Tacofino: The place for fish tacos
Next, make your way to Tofino, a haven
for surfers and beach lovers. Stay at HI provide a dramatic backdrop, and the
Whalers on The Point for stunning ocean nearby Bowron Lake Provincial Park is
views – you might get lucky like me and famous for its canoe circuit—a perfect TRAVEL TIPS FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA:
spot a whale breaching! In Tofino, enjoy destination for adventure enthusiasts.
outdoor activities like hiking in Pacific After the wedding, I took time to stroll 1. Getting There: Fly into Vancouver
Rim National Park Reserve, or surfing through town, capturing its rustic beauty International Airport (YVR), the
at Tonquin Beach, where the lush forest through my camera lens. The visit felt main gateway to BC.
meets the shoreline. like stepping into a postcard from the 2. Getting Around:
past. • Public Transport: Vancouver’s
THE CARIBOO: BC’s Historic Heartland SkyTrain and bus systems.
WELL WORTH THE VISIT
Sparked by a close friend’s wedding, a road • Car Rentals: A must for exploring
trip allowed me to discover the Cariboo, a From the lively beaches of Vancouver outside the city.
region rich in history and natural beauty, to the tranquil lakes of the Okanagan, 3. Dress in Layers: The weather can
offered miles of stunning landscape. British Columbia offers a wealth of change rapidly, so be prepared
experiences that cater to every traveller’s for the cold.
WELLS desires. Whether you seek adrenaline- 4. Stay Hydrated: Always carry water and
pumping adventures or serene retreats, snacks, especially when hiking or
Wells, a historic gold mining town, was the this province has something for everyone. spending time outdoors.
setting for my friend Meaghan’s wedding. I invite you to explore and uncover
The small town is full of character, with your own piece of paradise among the 5. Respect Nature: Stick to marked trails,
vibrantly-coloured wooden buildings and a majestic mountains and lush forests and carry bear spray if necessary, and
keep a safe distance from wildlife.
sense of timelessness that gives it its charm. create your own lasting memories with
The surrounding Cariboo Mountains your loved ones.

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