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Best Kelowna Hiking
Apr23

The Best Kelowna Hiking: 3 Trails to Try in 2021  

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British Columbia is known for outdoor and sporty activities. Mild spring weather and plenty of natural parks make the Kelowna area great for hikers, bikers, and the likes. You might not know where to start if you are visiting the Okanagan, so we’ve put together a list of 3 of the best Kelowna hiking trails to try this year.   

Without further ado, here are some of the best trails in the Kelowna area.   

  1. Apex Trail in Knox Mountain Park 

Apex Trail is about a 4-minute drive from downtown Kelowna, making it the perfect stop-off for a sunny day of activities outside. This trail is both pet-friendly and kid-friendly, though guests should be advised that 300 meters of elevation make for a moderately difficult trek in some areas. One-way should take you about 30 minutes walking at a brisk pace, during which you will cover about 2.17 km.   

The climb will offer a great view of downtown Kelowna and the lakes from afar. The lookout at the top is worth the walk. Don’t forget to ring the visitors’ bell stationed there! Knox Mountain Park has space for lounging, so feel free to bring a picnic lunch. This area is open year-round but spring and summer are the absolute best times to explore.   

The trail can get a bit slippery and muddy if there has been rain. Grizzly bears have been reported in the area in the past so always remember to be bear aware.   

  1. Myra Canyon Trestles 

The Myra Canyon Trestles carry visitors across wooden railway bridges through tree-speckled stoneface cliffs. This 12 km-long (one-way) path follows what once the Kettle Valley Railway and is a popular trail for bikers. The view along the way is absolutely gorgeous but it’s not for anyone who is bothered by heights.   

This trail is unique because you are walking along wooden (and a few steel) trestles for the majority of the trip. Here, you have a clear and elevated view of the landscape all around you. You are also stepping foot on a piece of history and 6 of the 18 trestles are the originals from the historic railroad. The remaining 12 were damaged and rebuilt after the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Fire.   

Guided tours are provided by Myra Canyon Bike Rental & Tours, Kettle Valley Railway Cycling Company, and Cheers! Okanagan Tours. You can choose to walk the trail or cycle it. 24km from downtown Kelowna, your trip to the trail will weave by local farms, orchards, and vineyards.  

  1. Canyon Rim Loop 

Canyon Rim Loop is located in Bear Creek Provincial Park, just a hop and a step away from La Casa Cottage Resort in West Kelowna. The trail is circular, so you can hike the whole thing and end up conveniently back at your car. The 2.7 km loop is an easy enough journey that all skill levels will feel welcome and comfortable.   

Canyon Rim Trail shows off panoramic views of Okanagan Lake as well as bridges, staircases, and a waterfall. You might spot wildlife in the area too, with common species being tree frogs, coyotes, and bears. Always carry a bear bell to alert these woodland residents to your arrival so that they don’t get spooked.   

The Canyon Rim Trail is actually segmented into 3 paths: the loop, the mid canyon, and the canyon rim. You can choose which one you want to follow using a print-at-home map or watching for trail signs.   

Ready to visit beautiful British Columbia? Contact us and we’ll set you up in a luxury La Casa Cottage or vacation rental.

Couples Appreciation month
Apr16

5 Ways to Celebrate Couple Appreciation Month

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We love any excuse to celebrate here at La Casa Cottage Resort. April is Couple Appreciation Month—so why not pull out all the stops and make it something special. 

Couple Appreciation Month is one of those totally unnecessary but potentially a ton-of-fun holidays like National Pancake Day, Sleep Awareness Week, and World Smile Day. Here are a few ways you can celebrate Couple Appreciation Month and inject a bit of YOLO into 2021.   

  1. DIY Cocktails and Dinner  

Stay at home and enjoy a night of cooking and mixology –lite together as a couple. If you need some additional inspiration, consider subscribing to a meal kit online (Chef’s Plate, Blue Apron, etc.) or tagging along with a YouTube cooking channel like How To Cook That.   

For cocktail inspiration, try our other articles, like:  

  1. Competitive Gaming Night 

Whether you like board games, card games, or video games, there are a ton of fun games that can be played as a couple (or group of couples). Decide our level of comparativeness and then choose a game based on how much firepower you can handle. For example, low-competitive games might include a for-fun round of Cribbage or MarioKart; a more high-stake night could encompass Monopoly, Blackjack, or Fortnite.  

  1. 36 Questions to Fall in Love  

Sit around and get to know your partner with the infamous 36 Questions to Fall in Love. These are conversation-starting questions that ramp up the intimacy the father you get through the deck. According to the New York Times, these are the questions to ask someone if you want to fall in love. However, it can also be a fun way to get to know your significant other in new ways!   

  1. Enjoy the Outdoors 

Walk, bike, hike, stroll—we totally support any outdoor date nights that you can come up with. If you are visiting Kelowna, you can use our hikers’ adventure guide. If not, ask the local visitors’ center for their recommendations. Enjoying nature is scientifically proven to promote better physical and mental health, so this is a great activity to indulge in together as a couple.   

  1. Pick Up a New Hobby Together 

Think about an activity you have always wanted to try: watercolour painting, white water rafting, rock climbing, or maybe just learn the latest two-person TikTok dance together. Pick a relaxing, goofy, or artistic hobby and practice it with one another. Sharing an interest will bring you closer together. The point isn’t necessarily what you’re doing—just that you’re doing it together!   

What Will You Do this Couple Appreciation Month?

So-called Hallmark holidays don’t need to be eye-roll-worthy. Pick something new to try and celebrate your life together in whatever way you can. You will at least make some unforgettable memories!   

Thinking about a weekend away in beautiful British Columbia? Contact us for the availability of luxury vacation cottages and rentals in the Okanagan or Vancouver Island.   

 

Abbotsford's Tulip Festival
Apr15

Abbotsford’s Tulip Festival is moving to the North Okanagan 

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Abbotsford’s Tulip Festival has called Fraser Vallery it’s home for four years. Now, it’s time to move on. Organizers of the one-of-a-kind outdoor event announced that the Tulip Festival will be moving to the North Okanagan in the Armstrong area as of this year. 

The Tulip Festival has been a staple of British Columbia culture for so long. Let’s look at where it came from…and where it’s going! 

History of Abbotsford’s Tulip Festival 

The Warmerdam family moved to Canada from the Netherlands in the 1950s, taking up residence in the Fraser Valley. Here, they put their horticultural knowledge and farming experience to work. A few acres of beautiful, blooming daffodil flowers were the result.  

By 1974, Peter Warmerdam, the family patriarch, expanded into Abbotsford’s Sumas Prairie and began to plant and grow gladiolus. The family farm grew to include tulips, daffodils, and peonies soon after. Tulips and daffodils grew well in their greenhouse, too, making them available year-round.  

Alexis Warmerdam, Peter’s granddaughter, came up with an idea: The Bloom Tulip Festival. Locals and tourists would be able to waltz through the vast tulip fields and bask in the vibrant colours while taking part in other outdoor activities, as well. And so, in the summer of 2016, the first Abbotsford’s Tulip Festival was born. 

Tulip Festival Community Outreach  

The Tulip Festival group, colloquially called Bloom, gives back to the community that supports them each and every year. The festival is a touchpoint between local volunteer groups, charities and interested boards, and the community at large. Bloom has donated $120,000 and counting back into the community in various ways so far. Armstrong and the North Okanagan will truly be lucky to have them.  

The festival group has received several awards for their community work, including the 2017 UFV Young Distinguished Alumni Award, the 2016 Abbotsford Business Excellence Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and a 2017 Abbotsford Business Excellence Tourism Nominee. 

Tulips 101: The Planting Lifecycle  

Did you know: Tulip bulbs arrive in Canada from the Netherlands in Fall, just in time to start planting around October. Throughout the winter, the bulbs remain dormant; they are kept safe from damage by ensuring proper field drainage from any unwanted moisture.  

Spring is harvest time; come April, the flowers are ready for harvest. Workers can harvest the tulips and bundle them, preparing them for sale and display. Plenty of tulips are left in the field, unpicked. These make up the basis of the Tulip Festival display.  

A specialized tool removes petals from the tulip stem and allows the bulb to fully mature (yes—even after being picked!). Mid-May is when the bulbs should be fully bloomed and ready for distribution. Harvesting the full bulbs after 8 weeks (post-bloom) allows them to be cleaned, dried, and prepared for the next year’s replanting.  

See You There 

The Tulip Festival will bloom in the Northern Okanagan this year. Will we see you there? 

If you are looking for accommodations, consider La Casa Cottage Resort. We have plenty of luxury vacation rentals to choose from for every budget and capacity need. Contact us for help booking your perfect Okanagan vacation.  

B.C. Vacation Rentals
Mar26

B.C. Vacation Rentals for Any Budget and Group Size

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Everyone has different wants and needs when picking out which B.C. vacation rentals might be perfect for a long weekend stay or a whole week away. Whether you are on a budget, traveling with family, or planning a big event, we have a vacation property picked out for you.

Vacation Rentals on a Budget   

Who doesn’t love a great deal? These B.C. vacation rentals are budget-friendly.  

  1. West Kelowna Classic Lakeview Cottage 

From $100/night as of writing this (prices subject to change). Sweet and simple 1 bedroom plus loft cottage, beautifully furnished with 1.5, 2 queen-sized beds and pullout sofa. Fully equipped kitchen with washer and dryer in the unit. Private sun deck with a gas BBQ grill. Units have air conditioning. This cottage type is available on the lower resort. A La Casa Cottage Resort property!   

  1. Bowser, Vancouver Island Seacroft Cabin 

From $89/night as of writing this (prices subject to change). Cozy 2-bedroom cottage in a serene location with easy beach access. West coast design with character wood ceiling, inviting wood stove, and front porch. Full kitchen, dining area, living room, 1 bathroom, and deck. The location is private and quiet and a short walk to the beautiful Vancouver Island waterfront. Great for the nature lover.  

Vacation Rentals for Families   

These properties have room for the whole family…and Fido, too!  

  1. West Kelowna Barona Beach Condo 

Comfortably sleeps 6 guests. 2-bedroom and den 4th-floor condo with 3 full bathrooms and fully stocked premium kitchen. High-end finish in this waterfront building. Great location in wine country, minutes to Kelowna’s best wineries such as Mission Hill, Quail’s Gate, and many more.  

  1. Pender Island Oceanfront Rental Home 

Comfortably sleeps 6 guests. 2-bedroom oceanfront home with a sleeping den. A comfortable, attractive, oceanfront bungalow featuring cedar siding, a shake roof, beamed ceiling. An appealing, 1640-square-foot house finished with Pender cedar and fir throughout and featuring many works of local artists. Pets okay!   

Vacation Rentals for Events or Large Groups   

Have a bridal shower, wedding, corporate event, family reunion, or other such plan coming up? These properties have room for everyone.  

  1. North Pender Island Ocean View Vacation Home 

Comfortably sleeps 8 guests. Great for “small” gatherings like birthdays or bachelorette parties. Beautiful oceanfront, 3-bedroom Pender Island vacation home, with 2-bathrooms and plenty of space. Equipped with all the amenities and sits right over the water. The marina and boat launch offer kayaks and other boats to rent. A heated swimming pool beckons you during the summer months.   

  1. La Casa Mirador Guest House 

The Guest House has everything: 6 large bedrooms, 1 master suite, and a bunkhouse level just for the kids. A large open kitchen, huge island, all new appliances, and two ovens. Expansive 2400-square-foot deck overlooking Lake Okanagan. The patio has a gas fireplace, lounge chairs, barbecue, darts, and outdoor seating. The games room has a pool table, fireplace, and plenty of board games. A movie theatre with a 10 x 20 ft screen and 15 surround sound speakers is available. Keg fridge with a tap (you bring the keg). Plus, a built-in sound system that connects right to your iPhone. A La Casa Cottage Resort property!  

Ready to book or continue to browse? Check out La Casa Cottage’s full property catalogue with reservation forms on each page.   

bachelorette party
Mar19

Bachelorette Parties 101: Do’s and Don’ts

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We love weddings and all the fanfare around them. In fact, we love when happy couples consider La Casa Cottage Resorts for their celebrations, maybe even use La casa Mirador Guest House for the ceremony. But planning a wedding from start to finish is tough. So here are some tips and tricks to get the bachelorette party juuuuust right.  

DO: Ask the bride what type of party she wants.
DON’T: Hire strippers and buy penis hats for the lolz.  

Every bride is different. Some people want a wild, crazy, go-all-out party weekend. On the other hand, some women prefer something quieter and more elegant. Be sure you are tailoring the bachelorette party to the specific preferences of the bride-to-be. Remember: this party is all for her.  

DO: Take care to respect budgetary concerns for all guests.
DON’T: Surprise people with last-minute expenses.  

Respect how much money people are able or willing to spend. If you are struggling to cover even the bare necessities, consider doing a fundraiser with the bride’s extended family to cover some of the expenses. However, the cost mainly falls upon the maid of honour and the bachelorette party guests. Consider saving money ideas, like picking an “out of season” weekend, making snacks rather than buying them, and implementing BYOB. Here’s a budget spreadsheet to get you started.

DO: Plan enough activities to keep people entertained. 
DON’T: Over-schedule every minute of the day.  

The bachelorette party should be fun for everyone. Plan enough activities to occupy a few hours a day, if it’s a multi-day event. Leave room for relaxation and conversation. You’ll want to start with games and introductions and gifts. However, as the night goes on, the schedule should loosen up a bit. Give people something to look forward to but also plenty of time to socialize and kick back.  

DO: Have back-up plans in place.
DON’T: Ever assume things will go 100% according to plan.  

Always have a backup plan! You should always assume the best but plan for the worst. For example, maybe the restaurant you made reservations at floods unexpectedly. Seek out a few backup options (don’t book them, just know where they are and what they offer) so that you can bounce back quickly from unexpected hitches. 

DO: Reserve any venues or tables way ahead of time. 
DON’T: Overbook your rooms or surprise venues with extra guests. 

Make sure you have booked all appropriate accommodations, dinner reservations, limo pick-up or other transportation, and anything else that might need to be “held” for larger groups. Get RSVPs before booking and try not to surprise venues with additional guests. Restrictions to, say, room rental occupancy are there for a reason. You don’t want to end up with any unpleasant fines!  

BONUS: Thinking of hosting your bachelorette party in the Okanagan? These accommodations are perfect for 6 to 8 guests, making them a great option for small gatherings. Consider booking two of them if you have over 10 people coming.  

Looking for the perfect venue for your wedding, family reunion, or corporate event? Try La Casa Cottage Resort! We host groups from 8 to 26.