Stories

It was a classic British Columbia day with the morning fog hanging in the air, creating a magical atmosphere and making the colours of autumn seem more vibrant. Moments later the sun would peek through.

The drive up to Myra Canyon, just 30 minutes outside of Kelowna B.C., was a bumpy one, so my expectations for our bike ride were that it might get a bit gnarly.

Someone, take my pulse, I thought as we flew over the Okanagan on a gorgeous fall day. My adrenaline was pumping as we were being treated to an awesome aerial perspective flying on a helicopter – without doors – over Mission Hill winery, Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

Discovering the golden light, green jade and good people in this beautiful part of B.C.

Imagine coming away from an oceanside mini-holiday feeling refreshed and relaxed, but also leaving with a beautiful piece of artwork that you made with your very own hands.

Nestled in the southern Canadian Rockies, the Crowsnest Pass – or fondly referred to as “The Pass,” boasts spectacular scenery, a rich coal mining history, friendly communities, and great hiking. Whether you’re just passing through and want a short hike to break up the drive, or have a weekend to bag some peaks, there is a wide range of trails in The Pass that will take your breath away. With so many hikes to choose from, I called upon local residents, Pam Drover and Heather Davis, to help select the top 5 hikes in the Crowsnest Pass.

Reconciliation with the Indigenous People of Canada is an important conversation happening today in our country, but we may wonder how it applies to us or how we can get involved.Reconciliation with the Indigenous People of Canada is an important conversation happening today in our country, but we may wonder how it applies to us or how we can get involved.

“This is one of the tougher routes I run,” says Chris Humphries as we finish warming up. “The hills are killer, and they sneak up on you,” he says of the route that makes up Medicine Hat’s popular Conquer the Ridge half marathon.

The Cypress Hills rise 600 metres above the surrounding prairies making them the highest point between the Canadian Rockies and the East Coast. The unique mix of climate, geography, and ecosystems create a home for an extensive diversity of plants and animals. The entire area is also steeped in rich history with archeological evidence confirming human habitation as far back as 8,500 years.

Visiting Sooke felt like being a tourist in my own town. It’s only 45 minutes away from where I grew up, and there’s no place I feel more at home than the west coast of southern Vancouver Island.

Whether it’s coasting past the ocean on a cruiser bike, or experiencing an adrenaline rush while kicking up some dirt on a mountain bike, Vancouver Island is an ideal place to hop on a bike and take in everything the area has to offer. 

Tucked away in the Kootenays, Rossland is a buzzing ski town that still has a very quiet off season through the summer months. But the hidden gem keeps the trails fresh and abundant for those who decide to explore them. 

There are so many ways to spend your summer surrounded by the lush greenery, rocky peaks, and crystal-clear lakes of Western Canada, so heading out on your first camping trip certainly ranks as a rite of passage for many Canadians.

Cariboo, Kamloops, Prince George and a few spots along the coast are battling with wildfires. Homes, ranches, businesses and major events are at the mercy of the wind and the weather.

Nestled in the Foothills, on the Cowboy Trail, Sundre is where you’ll find good old-fashioned Western hospitality, unlimited recreational opportunities, and best of all a break from busy, city life.

For me finding places for Zen often means finding peaceful places to be mostly alone and often surrounded by Nature. Sometimes I’ll add in a chance to discover new cultures or historical events. But usually, I’m looking for places in British Columbia and Alberta that have lots of great quiet space and nature. Here’s my top ten Zen places I’d like to share.

Sitting in the saddle, cooking in the kitchen or running a trail can bring a sense of self discovery we never knew was hiding deep inside. Its that willingness to take that plunge to expand our world, to learn. ZenSeekers is all celebrating the transformation you feel when you accept the challenge to try something new. Here’s some ideas to get you exploring.

By Mark Matthews

Our visit to O’ Keefe Ranch was a first-time ranch experience for me and my girlfriend, Chelsea. Leaving the sounds of the highway, just north of Vernon, B.C., behind and stepping onto the soft dirt pathways of the working historic ranch was a refreshing experience.

Heading to SilverStar Mountain Resort for the bike park’s opening weekend was even better than I had hoped for, and my expectations were high.

Something slows us all down when we see a sunset. We walk along a ridge slower, we calm down and contemplate life. But why do we cherish it so much?