Flow is the one word that best describes my recent trip to Lethbridge. Each of my activities was connected by it, from finding the calming flow of my thoughts at Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens to chasing the flow of the Oldman River during my mountain bike ride and trail run. The analogy seemed appropriate too, for the current of electricity that charged my car at new Peaks To Prairies high-speed charger.

Over the past few years there has been a surge in low-impact travel as we search for ways to visit beautiful places but doing so in a sustainable manner. As an eco-conscious traveller, I try to spend my trips in the outdoors on foot or bike, but in the past year I’ve added in an electric vehicle to propel me to these active destinations.

The Bear, the Fish, The Root, and the Berry. What a curious name for a restaurant I thought. I was spending one last night in Oliver before heading up through Penticton and on to Kelowna during my #OkanaganExploring expedition. The fine dining establishment at Spirit Ridge was named after the Four Food Chiefs of the syilx/Okanagan Nation. Little did I realize that these four would become the theme for my adventure the following day. 

It was 9 a.m. and cool clouds of mist hovered over Tuc-el-nuit Lake, soon to be burned off by the morning sun peeking over the South Okanagan valley’s eastern ridge. The pastel landscape looked so peaceful. I, on the other hand, was catching my breath and trying to tame my wind-blown hair after letting out a hearty “whoo!” - disrupting the serenity.

Heading north into Vernon, as the teal waters of Kalamalka Lake come into view on your right, you’ll notice a building to the west, perched high above the grasslands. The Allan Brooks Nature Centre is the place to learn all about the flora and fauna of the area, and to understand how Vernon has sustained generations of orchards, farming, and biodiversity.

Port Alberni, B.C. - It takes courage and determination to see through a vision in creating a new business. For Port Alberni’s Robin Miles and Andy Richards, it’s a whole lot of “dog-to-a-bone” mentality to open the doors to one of Canada’s newest craft breweries.

“How did we get from that,” I wonder, “to what we see now?”

The question ran through my head even before Margaret Teneese, Archivist with the Ktunaxa Nation Council asked it out loud. I had just watched a 28-minute video about the St. Eugene Mission, a grand red brick building that protrudes from the East Kootenay landscape, which was once a residential school.

A cool craft brewery specializing in awesome ales? Check. A sweet little coffee shop loaded with local treats? Check. Hot and spicy Latin cuisine? Check. Yes, for me, downtown Medicine Hat was well on its way to checking all the right boxes. 

I’d been skiing at Whistler Blackcomb for 20 years without knowing how it got its name or why its peaks are so distinctive.

The trail dips and dives through the coulee, along the heaving banks above the mighty Oldman River, and I've got to have my “A” game. One wrong turn, one tactical error, and I'll have a close encounter with thistle and sage.

The Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society (SFS) is celebrating its 50th anniversary all year at the Exhibition Park South Pavilion. Indigenous people from across North America have come to participate in such activities as a powwow and Indian relay races, another of which will be held in September. 

When I think of Lethbridge, Alberta I recall my time there with endless memories. Driving from Calgary to Lethbridge and shaving off time by going the “Granum” way, living on the West Side, wearing Von Dutch hats while strutting through the halls of the University.

The beauty of the ancient forests and mighty mountains of Vancouver Island draw many visitors to explore the wild west coast. Myself as a hiker and mountain biker seek out the endless trails and alpine vistas that the island has to offer. Even with this passion for the land I am still well aware what adventure and challenge the water has to offer. Locally it is rare to meet anyone who hasn’t heard that Port Alberni is the self described Salmon Capital of Vancouver Island.