A Food Lover’s Perfect Weekend in Canada’s Westernmost Province

The whole area of the North Okanagan-Shuswap is connected by Highway 97. The first time I visited Grindrod was to scout out a farm for one of my pop-up dinners . As I travelled 60 miles north of Kelowna , I remember an elderly chap with a dog flagged down my car just to welcome me into the community. For me, that sums up the region's vibe.

The North Okanagan-Shuswap is more than a detour. It's an area of British Columbia that's packed with lush farmland, countless lakes (including the turquoise-colored Kalamalka Lake ), SilverStar ski and snowboard resort, and a ton of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. While Rattlesnake Point in Vernon is solid for an easy-going stroll, Tplaqín Trail (Enderby Cliffs Park) is a rigorous, more challenging climb, with sweeping panoramic views of the Shuswap River valley as the payoff. Curate a visit to the region with some of my favorite stops.

01 of 08

Timber Shuswap

Timber is a beloved neighborhood all-day spot in Blind Bay, owned and operated by award-winning chef Chris Whittaker and his partner Marianne. With dishes like Breakfast Poutine (poached Keenan Farm eggs, Village Dairy + Table 's cheese curds, crispy hash, bacon, vegetarian gravy) and Johnston Strait Sockeye (smoked roe, winter vegetables, herb spaetzle, horseradish, and dashi "chowder"), it's easy to see why. Their thoughtful, ever-changing plates find harmony with the bounty of seasonal ingredients from the region.

02 of 08

Cambium Cider Co.

Cambium Cider (formerly BX Press) is the shared vision of a chef, a cidermaker, and an orchardist with more than 20 apple varieties. Set in a third-generation certified organic orchard, the all-day menu is concise and considered, while the orchard-driven ciders let the fruit shine. Check out the concert series every Wednesday and Thursday night from May to September, or book an orchard tasting tour on weekends throughout July and August.

03 of 08

Mountainside Donuts

Fancy a light and fluffy doughnut in the middle of nowhere? Drive along Deep Creek Road to find Mountainside Donuts , an unassuming hillside shack serving fresh, old-fashioned glazed doughnuts (sourdough on Saturdays). Don't hold back: Pre-order a dozen.

04 of 08

Fieldstone Organics

Canada is among the world's leading growers of ancient whole grains, lentils, and legumes. Fieldstone Organics started in the early 2000s as a co-op to shorten the supply chain and connect consumers to heritage and heirloom grains, including Red Fife, the country's oldest wheat. Group tours of the Spallumcheen-based facility are available on request from May to August.

05 of 08

Little Branch by Timber

This year, the Whittakers opened Little Branch by Timber , a more casual sandwich shop in Salmon Arm with the same commitment to quality. Each hefty Italian-inspired sandwich is constructed to order using bread from Forest and Food Fixation and Tanto Latte soft Italian cheeses made right next door. Choose from classics like Mortadella (with stracciatella, pistachio, pesto, arugula, olive oil) or the signature Chicken Caesar (caciotta, mozzarella, breaded chicken, marinara).

06 of 08

D Dutchmen Dairy

For smooth milk products housed in nostalgic glass bottles that taste like my childhood, look no further than D Dutchmen Dairy in Sicamous. The products are a staple for local chefs and residents alike, including fresh milk from the pasture-raised cows and high-fat whipping cream. The storefront is located just off Highway 1, making it a convenient ice cream pit stop for anyone driving from Alberta to the Central Okanagan.

07 of 08

Green Croft Gardens

After starting Green Croft Gardens in 1987, Wolf and Gabriele Wesle have been instrumental in helping to shape the Okanagan's farming DNA. Home to everything from Icelandic sheep and horses roaming around to Lowline cattle and a flock of chickens, their beautiful 20-acre certified organic vegetable farm in Grindrod boasts serious Narnia-like vibes. Visit the farm stand year-round on Thursdays from noon to 5 p.m., learn more about their philosophies by booking a farm tour, or check out their stand at seasonal farmers' markets in Salmon Arm and Enderby.

08 of 08

Elements Adventure Company

Charles Ruechel of the Elements Adventure Company offers interactive full- and half-day wild mushroom identification walks that introduce participants to the world beneath our feet. After a stroll in the park, there's an option to add on a wild mushroom tasting with baker and forager Amanda Kilborn of Forest and Food Fixation , who shares cooking and preparation tips and tricks.

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