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Beach Safety Tips
Aug07

Beach Safety for B.C. Summer Trips: 5 Quick Tips

Beaches, Blog, Kelowna, La Casa Cottage Resort, The Okanagan 0 comments

One of the best parts of visiting B.C. during the summer is the warm weather and the sandy beaches. Fun must go hand-in-hand with beach safety, though, so here are some waterside tips for families to follow.  

1. Check for Flags & Signs 

Some beaches use flags and signs to denote location-specific warnings, like hazardous areas or dangerous marine life in the area. Any on-duty lifeguard will be able to explain these signs to you in they are unclear. If there is no lifeguard on duty, a quick Google search or a call/visit to a Visitors Information Centre should do the trick.

2. Apply and Reapply Sunscreen 

Obviously, UV rays can damage our very sensitive skin and even lead to melanoma and other permanent damage. Water, sweat, and physical activity can rub or wash away applied sunscreen throughout the day so you can’t just set it and forget it. Reapply any time you come out of the water and/or every 2 hours. You should also put sunscreen on 30 minutes before sun exposure to ensure it’s properly absorbed by the skin beforehand. Also: know the temperature/weather concerns before you set out—the Weather Network app can help.

3. Maintain a Safe Distance From Others

Not only does this stop the spread of infectious diseases but it also prevents accidents and is proper beach etiquette. If you can, maintain a safe 6-foot distance from others. Try visiting the beach during “off hours”, like while locals are at work, or hunting for more spacey spots to sit, even if they are farther from the water.

4. Know Some Swimming Basics

Make sure everyone in your group knows basic swimming and water safety. At the very least, they should be able to dog paddle or hold their breath and float on their back. Swim in pairs (or more) for maximum safety. Younger children should wear floating devices or lifejackets if they are at risk. If you are a weak swimmer, keep an open water float nearby.

5. Keep Near to a Source of Shade 

Whether it’s a tree or a beach umbrella you brought along, a source of shade is important to protect against burns as well as sun sickness/stroke. Be sure you are drinking plenty of water, too, which will also help against the latter. Heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sun poisoning are always a risk when it’s bright and hot outside.

Keep these beach safety and swimming tips in mind and ask a lifeguard in the area if you need more assistance. No lifeguard? Defer to the strongest swimmer in the family, watch out for one another, and travel (swim) in groups. Swim safe and have fun!

No beach plans yet? Maybe it’s because you haven’t found the right vacation spot yet. Contact us to book one of our cottages or rental properties for your family vacation.

Sand
Jul31

The Best Beaches in Kelowna Area

Beaches, Blog, Kelowna 0 comments

If you’re visiting Kelowna, B.C., you are probably planning to hit the beach at some point. The Okanagan tends to get hot, hot, hot in July and August so being near the water is the perfect way to cool down. You’ll want to bring plenty of bottled water and sunscreen no matter where you go. This blog will give you the low-down on the best beaches in Kelowna.

You might be familiar with one or two popular tourist areas but we wanted to give you a better overview of different public waterfront areas. Here is our top picks for the best beaches in Kelowna. See how many you can check out during your stay!

 

  1. Sutherland Bay Park

Located quite northward in the city, Sutherland park is just “out of the way” enough to give you some much needed privacy during tourist high times. It’s located by Knox Mountain, which is great for hikes if you want to add some cardio to your beach day.

 

  1. Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is THE downtown park of choice. Not only is it in the heart of Kelowna, but you’ll often find markets and events going on in the area. There’s a bit of sand to enjoy by the water but it’s best feature is its grassy parkland, with plenty of shady trees.

 

  1. Stuart Park

Stuart Park is located near the Tourism Kelowna office, so anyone looking for a bit of extra help or insight into the area would do themselves a favour by coming here first. It’s also within walking distance of the Japanese-style Kasugai Gardens, which is a stunning local landmark.

 

  1. Hot Sands Beach

Located next to Kelowna City Park, Hot Sands Beach is a long stretch of shoreline that eventually meets up with Harvey Ave (the main highway). They have a dedicated parking lot are very close to downtown, and house “OkanaVan Crepes and Popsicles” for a quick, delicious treat!

 

  1. Boyce-Gyro Beach

This is THE beach to visit in the Kelowna area, so you may find it more crowded than some of the others on this list. It boasts a swimming area with a tree-lined park and an area for sports and volleyball.

 

  1. Sarsons Beach Park

Sarson’s Beach Park is located in the Mission neighbourhood, a quiet, residential area away from the downtown clutter and commotion. The area has a nice stretch of beach land, a playground for children, plenty of trees for shade, and a public washroom.

 

Those are just a few of the great beaches in the area but it will certainly give you a lot to go on. Let us know if you liked this feature and want to hear about more beachy hot spots.

 

Planning to visit a B.C. beach this summer? Let us help you find the perfect vacation rental for your stay! We have beautiful cottages for short- or long-term stay, for small gatherings or large groups. Give us a call and we’ll find the right fit for your Okanagan vacation plans.

Jul29

How to Travel Safe in B.C. – 7 Tips

Blog, British Columbia 0 comments

Canada-wide travel is open for the summer and visitors from the East Coast or the Prairies may be thinking about coming to B.C. for a short or long stay as the weather gets hotter. If you are new to B.C. travel, here are some tips that can help you avoid social faux-pas or even disasters!

  1. Research any National Parks before you Visit. Are parks closed, opened? Do they require a fee to enter? Do they have current siting of dangerous wildlife? Do they have “No trespassing” areas or confusing woodland areas? No one wants to look like a newbie at the park so make sure you spend some time reading up on what to expect before your arrival. Remember: Always clean up after yourself, stick to marked trails, and stay alert.
  2. Use Social Distancing Rules Where Necessary. There is so much wilderness and beach land in B.C. that it isn’t hard to find some private, safe spaces in which to enjoy the great outdoors. Patios or takeout picnics are a great opportunity to enjoy the area in a safe bubble. Be sure to keep a mask or bandana in your bag, in case it’s required—this can help with forest fire smoke and dust storms, too.
  3. Know the Wildfires Status. B.C. summers sometimes have spots of wildfires, ranging from “you’ll barely notice” to “blocks out the sun.” Be sure to check ahead of time for any fire notices or warnings so that you aren’t caught off-guard. Often times, you won’t be affected by actual fires—but you might have to make extra preparations for someone in the family who has asthma, for example.
  4. Respect the Wildlife. For the most part, wild animals are going to leave you alone. But when you venture into their territory, you should know the best practices for keeping a safe distance, making “safety noise”, and how to back out of a sketchy encounter. Bears, cougars, and coyotes are each native to B.C. Never try to approach a wild animal, even if it seems tame. And keep your snacks to yourself!
  5. Practice Sun Safety. Even if it’s cloudy, harmful UV rays can still get through! Wear sunscreen throughout the day, apply it 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply it every few hours as you sweat or rub it off during regular activity.
  6. Practice Water Safety. B.C. is well known for beaches, be they ocean- or lake-based. But water can be dangerous for careless or inebriated visitors, particularly in the ocean. Pay attention to signs, know where the lifeguards are (if any), stay close to shore if you’re a weak swimmer, travel in a group, and keep floatation devices within arm’s reach.
  7. Highway Driving Caution. Whether you are cruising through the Rocky Mountains or hitting up the Coquihalla, highway driving can be worrisome. It’s up to all drivers to keep a level head and avoid tragedies for themselves and passersby. Keep to the speed limit, take blind turns slowly, pay attention to traffic warnings, and stay alert on the road!

Follow these tips and you are sure to travel safe in B.C. this summer and have a great time. Not sure where to go or where to stay? Contact us for a list of available vacation rentals today!

Trail ATV riding
May07

Bear Creek OHV Riding Area – Largest Motorized Recreation Site in BC

Blog, Kelowna 0 comments

Wanting to find a place to ride your ATV near La Casa Cottage Resort? Bear Creek OHV riding area has 85,000 acres with scenic trail systems for motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs less than 50” in width. From La Casa, it is just a 20-minute drive south on Westside road (towards Kelowna) to the recreation area where you can unload your motorized ride into the trail. The trails vary in difficulty level and user groups. Make sure you know your level before heading out to ensure that you and others are safe.

 

Passes

A season pass or day pass is required in the recreation area at all times. Purchase your pass here. We recommend the season pass as it is quite cheap and gives you the opportunity to ride in other trail systems in the Okanagan from April 1st to October 31st. One primary season pass is $90, and you may also purchase secondary season passes for $70 each.

 

Trails

 View the PDF trail map for Bear Creek OHV riding area here. The trails are two-way and have some blind corners, so beware of other riders when riding. The riding area is great for all levels and offers spectacular views of the Okanagan as you get higher in elevation.

 

Is Bear Creek OHV riding area open during COVID-19?

Yes, but ONLY the trails! This means that the campsites, pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings are closed. The park asks to still practice social distancing during your rides. Park, unload, ride and have fun, then load up and go home!

 

This area is great to get out into the outdoors and enjoy the Okanagan scenery. After a nice ride, pack up and head back to La Casa Cottage Resort for a beer on your Lakeview cottage porch! Our relaxed cancellation policies and deals through our reservation page will accommodate your flexible ATV vacation! Check out our rentals here.

Ham Dinner
Apr06

The Perfect (and Easy!) Easter Ham Dinner

Blog 0 comments

The Perfect (and Easy!) Ham Dinner Recipe for Easter

Who doesn’t love an excuse to bake a delicious ham for friends and family? Making a ham can seem quite intimidating. After all, that’s a whole lot of meat! But a good ham dinner doesn’t need to be a huge ordeal. Try this 4-ingredient recipe and a few easy sides for the perfect holiday meal.

Baked Orange Honey Ham
From: Honey and Birch

Citrus flavor and sweet honey are a magnificent, tangy combination. To get started, you only need a 10-pound spiral-cut, precooked ham, some honey, some orange juice, and some orange zest. Because the ham is already cooked and cut, you will save a ton of time in the kitchen. That way, you can spend it entertaining your guests and catching up with family.

Heat the oven to 320°F (120°C). Place the ham in a deep dish, cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour. Heat the orange juice, honey, and orange zest in a pot over low heat. After 1 hour, remove the ham and uncover (discard the foil after this). Cover the ham in half of the glaze and then return to the oven for another 15-minutes. Pour the remainder of the glaze over the ham immediately before serving.

Need Some Easy Side Dish Options? Try these.

With ham at the center of the meal, you’ll want to fill the empty table with plenty of fresh vegetables and hearty carbs to compliment it. Here are just a few ideas.

Green Bean Casserole
From: AllRecipes

Use fresh green beans rather than canned for even more crunch and flavor to this side dish. The casserole base comes from butter, flour, salt, sugar, onion, sour cream, cracker crumbs, and shredded cheese. Mix together, bake, and enjoy.

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
From: Good Housekeeping

Sour cream, whole milk, unsalted butter, and sharp cheddar cheese give these mashed potatoes a tangy twist. Boil some red-skin potatoes and simmer on low heat for 15-18 minutes, checking every so often to see how tender they are. Drain, mix in the rest of the ingredients, and add salt and pepper to taste.

Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan-Panko Crumble
From: Epicurious

This recipe is easy to make in advance and store, taking one thing off your busy plate if you are hosting a big dinner night. Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) and parmesan make this a unique and savory dish that will impress anyone bored of the same-old-same-old.

Baked Pineapple
From: The Spruce Eats

Baked pineapple is a traditional ham-main side dish. The citrus of the ham glaze and the citrus of the pineapple will pair well together here. Bake pineapple with lemon juice, eggs, flour and sugar and then top the whole shebang with a cheesy pecan streusel crust.

Bon Appétit!

Now you have a whole ham dinner, including mains and sides. Not feeling up to an elaborate side dish? Green salad with vinaigrette or roasted mixed veggies works in a pinch. Serve your favorite Okanagan red or white wine and voila, a delicious ham meal for you and yours.

BONUS: Need some dessert? Try these family-friendly baking ideas.