Years ago, when my kids were little, I taught fitness classes at a local lakeside resort. It was a fun job because my clients were all relaxed with their families and in that happy “vacation mode.” It was also a welcome one-hour break from raising the littles.
Most of my participants were visiting Kelowna from Alberta or Ontario. Every once in a while, someone would comment on the increased traffic and ask how I felt about the influx of tourists each summer.
The question was usually the same: Doesn’t it bother you?
My answer was always simple: No.
I had thought about it quite a bit, and I had come to the conclusion that we live in one of the most beautiful places in Canada – and I would argue, in the world.
I moved here in 1998 from the Lower Mainland, and it didn’t take long to realize that Kelowna is, in many ways, Canada’s resort destination. People save all year to spend a week enjoying what we as locals get to experience every day.
That realization changed my perspective. Instead of being frustrated by the extra traffic or busier beaches, I felt grateful.
In fact, Andrew and I choose to stay close to home for much of the summer because we know how fortunate we are to live here. If people want to spend part of their vacation enjoying our beautiful community, I can certainly understand why.
As we head into the BC Day long weekend, though, I’d like to suggest that our appreciation shouldn’t stop at Kelowna. After all, our longest-running licence plates mottos have been reminding us for decades that this is “Beautiful British Columbia”.
And they’re right.
Whether your favourite place is the Okanagan, Vancouver Island, the Kootenays, the Cariboo, the Peace Region or the North Coast, there is always something remarkable to explore about every corner of this province.
We have towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, rugged coastlines, ancient forests, rolling vineyards, rushing rivers and wide-open spaces that remind us just how spectacular God’s creation really is.
It’s no wonder people from around the world choose to visit – and many choose to stay.
Even the name British Columbia has an interesting story. In 1858, Queen Victoria chose the name to distinguish this British territory from the American lands associated with the Columbia River. More than 165 years later, it remains a name recognized around the world for its natural beauty.
BC Day itself has a more recent history. The first Monday in August became a provincial holiday in 1974 as a time to celebrate our province, its history and the people who have helped shape it. It also gives us something equally valuable; a long summer weekend to enjoy everything British Columbia has to offer.
Sometimes I think we forget to be tourists in our own backyard.
We’re so busy rushing from one commitment to the next that we don’t stop to appreciate what visitors notice immediately.
The lake.
The mountains.
The fresh fruit stands.
The hiking trails.
The quiet moments watching a sunset over the water.
This long weekend, I hope you’ll take advantage of the extra day. Put the phone down for a while. Pack a picnic. Go for a hike. Visit a provincial park. Paddle a lake. Explore a community you’ve never visited before. Or simply spend time outside with the people you love.
Some of life’s best memories aren’t made on extravagant vacations. They’re made sitting around a campfire, skipping rocks across the water, sharing an ice cream, or watching your children discover something new in nature.
That’s one of the greatest gifts British Columbia offers us.
So, wherever this BC Day weekend takes you, I hope you’ll take a moment to appreciate this incredible province we call home.
Because “Beautiful British Columbia” isn’t just a slogan on our licence plates. It’s a daily reminder of just how blessed we are.
From my family to yours, I hope you have a wonderful BC Day long weekend.
Source: Kelowna Now
