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British Columbia

Road Trip
May07

How to Survive a Family Road Trip

Blog, British Columbia, Children 0 comments

How to Survive a Family Road Trip

So it’s nearly Spring in BC, which means it’s the perfect time to start planning your summer road trip.  We know that long drives with the kids in tow can throw up a number of challenges, which is why we have compiled a list of hot tricks and tips to get you prepared for a hassle-free journey!

  1. Stock up on activities

    You’ll want to have a full selection of coloring books, reading books, pens, pencils, card games and more! Depending on the age of the child, these classic past-times are ideal for long road trips. Nobody likes being bored.

  2. Brings snacks that can be easily distributed

    We all know the pain of being hungry while stuck in a hot, stuffy car. That’s why preparing a selection of healthy snacks (mixed in with a couple of treats) is necessary for putting all family members at ease.  Snacks could include raisins, bananas, cucumber and carrot sticks with hummus, crackers and cheese slices, crisps, cartons of juice etc.  Make sure you get enough supplies for everyone, so that there is no fighting over who is having the last packet of sweets!

  3. Charge all devices & bring portable chargers

    There’s nothing like packing all your mobile reading devices, games electronics and ipods to then discover half an hour into your trip that they all have a dead battery! Make sure everything is fully charged before starting your journey. If you’re having an especially long drive, then bringing a portable charger is extremely useful – this way you can re-boot those dead batteries on the go!

  4. Earphones are imperative

    To avoid arguing over which radio station to listen to next, or whose ipod is going to be plugged in next, make sure everyone in the car has a set of earphones or headphones! That way if members of the family want to play video games or watch DVDs on their portable DVD player, they can do so without bothering anyone else. This is an easy way to avoid many arguments over noise levels in the car!

  5. Comfy clothes & blankets

    Thick blankets and fluffy socks are must-haves for making the journey as comfortable as possible. Even if its hot outside, air-conditioning will make the car cool – so don’t forget to throw in a couple of cozy jumpers!

  6. Stop regularly

    Split up the journey by stopping for bathroom breaks, photo opportunities or picnics! No one likes to sit in the car for 6 hours straight, and the fresh air will do everyone good.  Check out your drive route before heading out and plan the relevant stops along the way.

Road Trip

What are your favourite ways to keep everyone happy on a family road trip?  How many times do the kid’s ask ‘Are we nearly there yet?’?  Tell us in the comments below!  If you’re thinking of planning a trip to La Casa this summer, check out our previous blog posts on Othello Tunnels, or Okanagan Mountain Park .  Perhaps you can pop one of these destinations into your journey or itinerary for your visit to the Okanagan?

 

If you would like more information on booking a cottage with us this summer, please contact our reservations line on 1-888-226-5566 or email rentals@lacasacottageresort.com where we will be more than happy to assist you!

 

Written by Hannah Poaros

Movies filmed Okanagan BC
Apr30

Check out these movies that were filmed in the Okanagan

Blog, British Columbia, The Okanagan 0 comments

Movies that were filmed in the Okanagan, BC

Did you know that the Okanagan, British Columbia has been used for on-location shooting for these films? Film-makers are becoming more and more interested in using the Okanagan as a filming location due to its proximity to Vancouver, BC as well as it’s interesting landscape and vineyards.  Check out these films that feature scenes shot in the local areas:

  • Tomorrowland (2015)

    – Enderby, BC
    Most of this Disney fantasy film was filmed in British Columbia, and the farmhouse, used by George Clooney’s character, was built in Enderby in the North Okanagan!

  • Blackway/ Go with Me (2015)

    – Enderby, Armstrong, Lumby and Vernon, BC
    Featuring Anthony Hopkins, Julia Stiles and Ray Liotta, this suspense thriller was filmed exclusively in the North Okanagan.

  • Light of My Life (2018)

    – Osoyoos, BC
    While this move is still in post-production, it has brought a lot of attention to the Okanagan. Casey Affleck (writer, director & actor) decided to spend three weeks filming in the woods east of Osoyoos earlier this year.

  • Autumn in the Vineyard (2016)

    – River Stone Estate Winery, Oliver, BC
    This Hallmark Channel Original movie was filmed in various locations around BC, and was on the search from some awesome vineyards. River Stone Estate Winery was the star of the show and filming lasted at this location for a number of days.

  • The Clan of the Cave Bear (1986)

    – Okanagan Region, BC
    The Clan of the Cave Bear, starring Daryl Hannah, was one of the first movies to push focus onto the Okanagan as a film location and featured landscapes from Cathedral Provincial Park.

  • Devil in the Dark/ The Plateau (2017)

    – Kelowna, BC
    Filmed in Kelowna, this recent release is a haunting tale of two brothers on a weekend hunting trip in remote British Columbia.

  • The Humanity Bureau (2017)

    – Osoyoos, Oliver, BC
    Starring Nicholas Cage, The Humanity Bureau is a dystopian thriller that focuses on global warming. Many locations across Osoyoos and Oliver were used for the filming of this feature film.

What do you think?  Have you seen any of these Okanagan-based films?  How about settling down in a La Casa Cottage and watching a movie that was shot in the local area? 

Movies Okanagan BC
At La Casa Cottages we have a range of accommodations available that sleep between 4-8 people and offer marvelous views of Lake Okanagan.  Please call our reservations line on +1-888-226-5566 or send an email to Rentals@lacasacottageresort.com with your dates and group size – we will help you organize the perfect vacation in West Kelowna!

 

Written by Hannah Poaros

Apex Mountain Resort, Snow
Dec11

Road trip: Apex Mountain Resort

Blog, British Columbia, The Okanagan 0 comments

If you still fancy heading to the Okanagan this winter, why not visit Apex Mountain Resort?  This resort is located thirty minutes from Penticton and is perfect for a day trip or a stop-over especially if you like the snow!

Apex is largely a winter resort and builds its income from the amount of snow sports it offers.  With a range of beginner, intermediate and advanced trails – the longest run being close to 5km – this is a great ski resort to try out.  Test your skills this winter on one of the 73 downhill trails.

Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Tubing & Ice Skating!

If skiing or snowboarding is not really your thing, there are plenty of other optional activities you can take part in.  Why not rent some snowshoes and try hiking up one of the mountain trails?  It might take you a while to get used to the feeling of having weird metal contraptions on your feet – but just aim to walk normally and it will be easier than you think! Snowshoeing is an awesome way to experience the snow as well as giving you a workout.

For those that are looking for something a little less physical or an activity for the youngsters, Apex Mountain Resort also has a tube park.  Tube Parks are a family favourite – sliding down a hill in a tube never gets boring, no matter how old you are!

More of an ice-skater?  Apex has an ice rink too! Not only does it have an NHL-sized Outdoor Hockey rink, but it is also home to an Ice Skating Adventure Loop which is a 1km ice loop through the natural environment.  Admire the snow-lined trees and enjoy evenings skating against the stars and fairy lights.

Learn more about this gorgeous mountain resort here, and enjoy the Okanagan in the snow!

 

Written by Hannah Poaros

sun peaks resort
Nov27

Why you should Ski at Sun Peaks Resort this Winter

Blog, British Columbia, The Okanagan 0 comments

Why you should Ski at Sun Peaks Resort this Winter

 

While Sun Peaks Resort may not be as sought after as Whistler, it continues to offer superb ski conditions. Nestled high up in the Okanagan region, a short drive from Kamloops and just over three hours from Kelowna, Sun Peaks is Canada’s second largest ski area.

With three mountains and 4,270 acres of terrain, there’s a trail here for everyone.  You have the chance to ski all areas in one day as all mountains can be accessed easily.  There are many beginner, intermediate and advanced runs available across all areas of the Ski Resort so the whole family will be able to try out the snow, even if they’re not confident!

If backcountry is more your thing, the resort offers some excellent Nordic trails! Find your way through the mountains, admiring exceptional sights along the way.  Catch up with other Nordic enthusiasts at the Sun Peaks Nordic Centre or take your dog skiing on the pet friendly trails.

For those new to winter sports, there is the Sports School on site. They offer a range of lessons so that everyone can feel confident in their boots.  With options for all levels of ability, the sports school should be your first stop on the mountain! Improve your skills and make friends whilst getting ready to enjoy the season.

When you’re tired of perfecting your moves on the slopes, why not take some chill-out time?  Sun Peaks has lots of other activities on site such as tubing, dog sled rides and ice fishing.  More into shopping?  That’s okay too. Sun Peaks has a cute range of boutique shops where you’ll find all the gifts you never knew you wanted.  Take a sip of regional wine and wonder why you’ve never ventured out here before.

Being in the Okanagan Region, Sun Peaks has a high percentage of sun each year yet still manages to have a full helping of snow!  Look forward to lots of bluebird days and leave with an understanding of how this charming resort has earned its name.

In short, Sun Peaks needs to be on your bucket list this winter.

Written by Hannah Poaros

Rainy Day West Kelowna
Nov06

Rainy day activities in West Kelowna

Blog, British Columbia, Kelowna, La Casa Cottage Resort, The Okanagan 0 comments

Rainy day activities in West Kelowna

So you’re planning your vacation at La Casa Cottage Resort and it occurs to you -what is there to do if it rains?  The Okanagan is known for its sunny skies and scorching temperatures, so it is not surprising that most activities are outdoors.  Well do not worry! There are plenty of other activities around West Kelowna that will still get you out and about for a few hours – beats being stuck in the cottage all day (especially if the kids are nagging to go outside!).  Here are our favourites:

Catch a movie at West Kelowna, Landmark 8 Xtreme Cinemas

Everyone loves hitting up their local picture house, so why not take the family out to West Kelowna’s Landmark 8 Xtreme Cinema? This move theatre has Xtreme wrap-around screens and wide rocker seats, as well as RealD 3D (the newest digital 3D technology). Offering several promotions, including special prices during certain days of the week, this cinema is perfect for catching the latest releases.

Get some indoor exercise at Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre

Practice your lengths in the Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquaric Centre in their 25-metre swimming pool.  This centre also features a warm soaking pool, hot tub and steam room.  If you’re so inclined, hit the fitness centre to get those endorphins flowing!

Rejuvenate at Spa at the Cove

Are you looking for some pampering?  Head to Spa at the Cove for a whole range of treatments including facials, hydrotherapy, massages, waxing and manicures.  You could spend a whole afternoon relaxing here; leave the Okanagan feeling glamorous!

Get arty at the New Moon Gallery

New Moon Gallery is a beautiful gem of a gallery that acts as a working studio as well as a gallery full of original art work!  Art classes are offered year round so this is definitely to check out if you’re looking to try something new.  Artist in residence and owner Linda Loves is sure to teach you new techniques or offer an enlightening perspective on her series of artworks.

Learn something new at Westbank Museum or Sncewips Heritage Museum

These two local museums are sure to catch you up on your history of the region. Explore old artefacts  from the local area. Check out Sncewips Heritage Museum to gain an in-depth understanding of the Westbank First Nation’s culture, history and artworks.

Hit the Wineries for wine tasting & shopping 

Wine tastings are not just for sunny days!  Head down to your favourite winery and while away the hours sipping on their new vintage flavours. If you’d rather pick up some wine to take home, then many of the vineyards have small stores that can help you out with this also!

We guarantee that if you follow this list, your rainy days in West Kelowna will never be boring! So what’s your favourite thing to do when it’s wet and cold outside? We would love to hear how our guests spend their time!

For when the weather conditions are happier, check out our 5 things to do in the Okanagan blog post.

 

Written by Hannah Poaros