TRAVEL

A Taste of Autumn: Fall Okanagan Wine Festival 2025

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11 months ago

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The Okanagan Valley is preparing to welcome wine lovers from across Canada and beyond as the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival returns from October 3 to 12, 2025. Spanning the region’s most picturesque communities: Kelowna, Penticton, Summerland, Oliver, and Osoyoos, the 10-day festival is one of North America’s only celebrations staged directly during the grape harvest. Against a backdrop of golden hillsides and lakefront vistas, the valley transforms into a hub of tastings, vineyard tours, and gourmet experiences.

At its core, the festival offers a chance to explore the valley’s wineries at their busiest and most vibrant moment of the year. Guests can enjoy vineyard lunches and dinners, expertly guided tastings, and seminars that explore the art of wine and food pairing. Each event is designed to highlight the diversity and quality of British Columbia wines while providing intimate experiences with winemakers and chefs. The festival atmosphere blends the charm of harvest traditions with modern culinary creativity, making it a must-attend for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Among the highlights is the BC Wine Awards Gala and Reception on October 3 at Okanagan College in Penticton, where the province’s best vintages are unveiled and guests can sample the newly crowned Wine of the Year. Another standout is the Sunset Drive Fall Outdoor Wine Tasting on October 11 in downtown Kelowna, which brings together 20 wineries, local food stations, and live DJ entertainment in an urban plaza setting. With ticketed events starting at around $80 and a wide variety of experiences across the valley, the festival promises an unforgettable celebration of both wine and the beauty of autumn in the Okanagan.

Learn more at thewinefestivals.com

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Lifestyle

The Ultimate Summer Road Trip Checklist: Essentials for Your Next Great Escape

Prepare for your summer adventure with our expert guide to road trip essentials, featuring top picks from Monos, Anker, and Coleman for a seamless journey.

Published

2 weeks ago

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July 7, 2026

By

The Evolution of the Modern Road Trip

As summer temperatures rise, the allure of the open road beckons millions of travelers to embark on scenic journeys. While the essence of the road trip remains rooted in spontaneity and freedom, the modern traveler now relies on a sophisticated mix of technology and comfort to enhance the experience. Beyond just a map and a tank of gas, the right gear can mitigate the stress of long hours behind the wheel and transform a standard drive into a seamless adventure.

Must-Have Gear for Comfort and Convenience

Staying organized and comfortable is paramount when space is limited. Industry leaders like Monos and BOACAY are redefining travel comfort with items like the Soft & Warm Travel Blanket, priced at approximately $32. These additions ensure that passengers remain cozy during long hauls, especially when climate control settings vary throughout the cabin. Furthermore, maximizing space is easier with specialized accessories like the JOYTUTUS Car Cup Holder. At $28, this tool expands storage capacity for oversized bottles, preventing spills and keeping refreshments within reach.

Powering Your Journey and Staying Entertained

In an age where navigation and entertainment rely heavily on mobile devices, reliable power is no longer optional. Brands like Anker provide the necessary hardware to keep smartphones and tablets charged across multiple state lines. Meanwhile, the social aspect of the trip can be bolstered by offline entertainment. Investing in a collection like ‘Travel Games for Adults,’ which features over 100 activities for roughly $13, provides a much-needed break from screen time and fosters connection between passengers during stretches of remote highway.

Preparation is the Key to Success

Ultimately, a successful road trip is the result of intentional packing and preparation. Whether it is ensuring your snacks stay chilled in a Coleman cooler or having a versatile toolkit on hand, these essentials provide a safety net for the unexpected. By prioritizing utility and comfort before buckling up, travelers can focus on what truly matters: the memories made between the starting point and the destination.

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LOCAL

Where to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Vancouver: Top Bars, Patios, and Fan Zones

Discover the best bars, restaurants, and fan zones in Vancouver for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From Parallel 49 to Gastown United, find your match-day spot.

Published

1 month ago

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June 11, 2026

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Vancouver Prepares for Global Football Fever

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to transform Vancouver into a vibrant hub for international soccer fans. From June 11 to July 19, the city will host a series of high-stakes matches, and local venues are gearing up with massive screens, themed menus, and immersive viewing experiences. Whether you are looking for a high-energy brewery atmosphere or a family-friendly outdoor square, Vancouver’s hospitality sector has curated a diverse range of options to ensure you don’t miss a single goal.

Premier Outdoor Viewing and Craft Beer

Parallel 49 Brewing Company is leading the charge by converting its 250-seat patio into a dedicated outdoor stadium. Featuring a 14-foot high-definition screen and 40 taps, the venue offers free admission and will open early for 9 a.m. matches. For those seeking a neighborhood-wide celebration, the Gastown United campaign will bring football fanaticism to the historic district’s streets and patios from June 13 through July 7, offering unique business activations and local watch parties.

Interactive Fan Experiences and Giveaways

For fans who want to combine the game with interactive betting and prizes, the PROLINE House Pop-Up at Butcher & Bullock is a must-visit. The venue features a 17-foot screen and offers fans chances to win Team Canada jerseys and official gear. Meanwhile, The Westin Bayshore is launching its ‘Bay’Score Soccer Experiences,’ utilizing an immersive LED Infinity Wall and offering elevated stadium-style bites. This venue provides a more upscale viewing environment, complete with value-added snack combos and staycation packages for those traveling from outside the city.

Community and Family-Friendly Hubs

Families and students at UBC can head to Wesbrook Village for ‘Soccer in the Square.’ Held at Norman MacKenzie Square, this all-ages event provides a shaded tent, picnic seating, and a 150-guest capacity, making it one of the most accessible ways to watch the tournament. Additionally, the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown is offering a ‘Match Day Package’ and a lobby fan zone, catering to visitors who want a luxury experience paired with their football. From the arcade vibes at GRETA YVR to the community spirit of UBC, Vancouver is ready to welcome the world.

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business

Unlocking Toronto’s Potential: Why Billy Bishop Airport Expansion is a Vital Economic Catalyst

Explore why expanding Billy Bishop Airport is essential for Toronto’s economic growth, global connectivity, and its transition into a world-class meta city.

Published

2 months ago

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May 20, 2026

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The Case for a Modernized Waterfront Gateway

The proposal by Premier Doug Ford’s government to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has ignited a debate about the future of Toronto’s urban landscape. At the heart of the discussion is the potential to transform the downtown hub into a world-class, walkable, and sustainable airport. By extending the runway to accommodate modern jets, the city could bridge the gap between its current status and that of elite global “meta cities” like London and New York.

Economic Connectivity in the Post-Pandemic Era

As cities navigate the recovery from pandemic-era shifts, the role of downtown cores has evolved. Recent data suggests that visitors now account for approximately 60 percent of activity in major North American downtowns, far outstripping office workers. Billy Bishop Airport serves as a direct pipeline for these visitors, bringing tourists and business professionals directly into the heart of Toronto. Expanding the airport’s reach to include major tech and finance hubs like San Francisco, Miami, and Vancouver would strengthen Toronto’s economic competitiveness and foster the flow of ideas and capital.

Infrastructure and Urban Identity

Urbanists argue that the world’s most successful cities thrive on multi-airport systems that offer geographic flexibility and ease capacity pressure at primary hubs. Similar to London City Airport or New York’s LaGuardia, a modernized Billy Bishop would provide a seamless transit experience that integrates with the city’s residential and commercial fabric. This “messy urbanism”—a mix of industry, residential life, and transportation—is central to Toronto’s DNA.

A Sustainable Future for Aviation

One of the primary benefits of the proposed expansion is the transition to quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft. Modern jets are designed to minimize noise pollution while maximizing connectivity, addressing long-standing concerns from local residents. While the provincial government’s unilateral approach has faced criticism for sidelining municipal stakeholders, the underlying vision remains clear: a sustainable, integrated airport is a critical asset for a city with global ambitions.

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