![Sticker on railing at Kelowna, BC #lafeteducanadaday Sticker on railing at Kelowna, BC #lafeteducanadaday](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_353_Compressed_600_dywbry.jpg)
![Marina at Kelowna BC Marina at Kelowna BC](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_355_Compressed_600_vieuhw.jpg)
![Parliament Building + Harbour at Victoria BC Parliament Building + Harbour at Victoria BC](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_425_Compressed_600_mbdduu.jpg)
![Vancouver, BC, Canada via West Broadway at Daybreak Vancouver, BC, Canada via West Broadway at Daybreak](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_377_Compressed_600_o3biwg.jpg)
![Granville Island Public Market Granville Island Public Market](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_320_Compressed_600_cqhu0p.jpg)
![Dena Rosko with smoothie, camera, + tea Dena Rosko with smoothie, camera, + tea](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_289_Compressed_600_wyke0i.jpg)
We enjoyed our travels to beautiful British Columbia over a few trips. Ever j'adoring Canada + walking, walking, walking in cities + outdoors (Is your city walkable?).
![False Creek at Vancouver, BC False Creek at Vancouver, BC](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_278_Compressed_600_r3kog2.jpg)
![City Skyline at Vancouver, BC City Skyline at Vancouver, BC](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_389_Compressed_600_yzatzg.jpg)
![Rhododendron at Vancouver, BC Rhododendron at Vancouver, BC](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_393_Compressed_600_s84zbm.jpg)
![Pink Flower at Vancouver, BC Pink Flower at Vancouver, BC](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_394_Compressed_600_suzghn.jpg)
![Canadian flag at Granville Island, Vancouver, BC Canadian flag at Granville Island, Vancouver, BC](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_385_Compressed_600_z5icai.jpg)
![Aquabus ferry at False Creek, Vancouver, BC Aquabus ferry at False Creek, Vancouver, BC](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_388_Compressed_600_jjl8xw.jpg)
![Busker at Granville Island, Vancouver, BC Busker at Granville Island, Vancouver, BC](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_390_Compressed_600_gxg8og.jpg)
![Sunset + arrows underneath bridge at Granville Island, Vancouver, BC Sunset + arrows underneath bridge at Granville Island, Vancouver, BC](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_392_Compressed_600_rbzlhr.jpg)
![Sunset at False Creek, Vancouver, BC, Canada Sunset at False Creek, Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_371_Compressed_600_rkj1gf.jpg)
![Sunset at False Creek, Vancouver, BC, Canada Sunset at False Creek, Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_372_Compressed_600_gvbrd5.jpg)
![Sunset at False Creek, Vancouver, BC, Canada Sunset at False Creek, Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_374_Compressed_600_azgqre.jpg)
![Skytrain terminal at Vancouver, BC, Canada Skytrain terminal at Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_369_Compressed_600_ermwd8.jpg)
![Skytrain at Vancouver, BC, Canada Skytrain at Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_364_Compressed_600_rre61n.jpg)
![Seagulls at Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver, BC, Canada Seagulls at Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_307_Compressed_600_ijbtgo.jpg)
![Crepes at Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver, BC, Canada Crepes at Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_309_Compressed_600_isryyw.jpg)
![Sunflare behind observatory near harbour at Vancouver, BC, Canada Sunflare behind observatory near harbour at Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_301_Compressed_600_sznsdb.jpg)
![Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Canada Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_284_Compressed_600_hdbjow.jpg)
![Tea Shoppe at Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Canada Tea Shoppe at Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_283_Compressed_600_fxskbw.jpg)
![Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Canada Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_291_Compressed_600_mjlm1i.jpg)
![Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Canada Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_292_Compressed_600_ilgjmd.jpg)
![Calligraphy brushes at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Canada Calligraphy brushes at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_295_Compressed_600_ojx1ku.jpg)
Highlights in Vancouver included Granville Island Public Market, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, walks at sunset along the seawall + the Aquabus at False Creek, transit from Yaletown to Broadway, lunch at Gastown, shopping for tea + snacks at Chinatown (dried ginseng, + medium grade loose leaf tieguanyin *not* prepackaged), tea, tea, tea, crepes, + coffee back at Gastown + Granville, + just enjoying being in Canada.
![Parliament Building at night, Victoria, BC, Canada Parliament Building at night, Victoria, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_423_Compressed_600_jv7pyb.jpg)
![BC Ferries at the Strait of Georgia, BC, Canada BC Ferries at the Strait of Georgia, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_277_Compressed_600_anmbne.jpg)
![Ship Point Night Market, Victoria, BC, Canada Ship Point Night Market, Victoria, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_428_Compressed_600_ys6yxp.jpg)
![Ship Point Night Market, Victoria, BC, Canada Ship Point Night Market, Victoria, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_429_Compressed_600_ngqm5z.jpg)
![David's Tea shop at Victoria, BC, Canada David's Tea shop at Victoria, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_420_Compressed_600_ictw0r.jpg)
![Canadian Flag at Government PL, Victoria, BC, Canada Canadian Flag at Government PL, Victoria, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_411_Compressed_600_f7fn1x.jpg)
![Chinatown at Victoria, BC, Canada Chinatown at Victoria, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_404_Compressed_600_k48eyz.jpg)
![Masquerade Ball at the Empress Hotel, Victoria, BC, Canada Masquerade Ball at the Empress Hotel, Victoria, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_401_Compressed_600_qdwc5s.jpg)
![Downtown Victoria BC, Canada Downtown Victoria BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_408_Compressed_600_pdmste.jpg)
![Walk signal at Victoria, BC, Canada Walk signal at Victoria, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_406_Compressed_600_z7wcfn.jpg)
Highlights in Victoria included seeing a masquerade ball at the Empress, meals + bevies at various places, walks to the Parliament Building + Royal BC Museum, walks to Chinatown, a visit to the Ship Point night market, + just enjoying walking in cities in Canada. Honorable mention to the gorgeous ride from the magnificent BC Ferries through the Strait of Georgia via Tsawwassen.
![Kismet Estate Winery at Oliver, BC, Canada Kismet Estate Winery at Oliver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_356_Compressed_600_hzda7j.jpg)
![Kismet Estate Winery at Oliver, BC, Canada Kismet Estate Winery at Oliver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_357_Compressed_600_zaoapn.jpg)
![Beach at Kelowna, BC, Canada Beach at Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_340_Compressed_600_mdtakg.jpg)
![Wave on beach at Kelowna, BC, Canada Wave on beach at Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_352_Compressed_600_fsjatn.jpg)
![Rotary Marsh Park, Kelowna, BC, Canada Rotary Marsh Park, Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_344_Compressed_600_jdsipi.jpg)
![Rotary Marsh Park, Kelowna, BC, Canada Rotary Marsh Park, Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_346_Compressed_600_v5mnpq.jpg)
![Bird nest at Rotary Marsh Park, Kelowna, BC, Canada Bird nest at Rotary Marsh Park, Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_349_Compressed_600_pegxxn.jpg)
![Downtown Kelowna, BC, Canada via park Downtown Kelowna, BC, Canada via park](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_337_Compressed_600_eqojby.jpg)
![Sculpture at park, Kelowna, BC, Canada Sculpture at park, Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_335_Compressed_600_kteve7.jpg)
![Marina at Kelowna, BC, Canada Marina at Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_325_Compressed_600_zyfzqe.jpg)
![Park + beach walkway at Kelowna, BC, Canada Park + beach walkway at Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_338_Compressed_600_qixcff.jpg)
![Statue of the legend of Ogopogo at Kelowna, BC Statue of the legend of Ogopogo at Kelowna, BC](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_336_Compressed_600_tzpwae.jpg)
![Waterpark splash pad for kids at Kelowna, BC, Canada Waterpark splash pad for kids at Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_339_Compressed_600_deld8m.jpg)
![Pub at Kelowna, BC, Canada Pub at Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_334_Compressed_600_abupsh.jpg)
![Promenade at Kelowna, BC, Canada Promenade at Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_332_Compressed_600_fdkndv.jpg)
Highlights in Okanagan included Lake Okanagan, Kismet Estate Winery at Oliver near Osoyoos (the meaning of Kismet resonated as "follow your destiny"). We also enjoyed the ample beaches, parks, trails, Rotary Marsh Park, art, food, + shopping of Kelowna, but mostly meeting + visiting with people.
![Tea sign at tea shop, Kelowna, BC, Canada Tea sign at tea shop, Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_341_Compressed_600_ojjtd1.jpg)
![Green smoothie + medjool dates at Victoria, BC, Canada Green smoothie + medjool dates at Victoria, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_415_Compressed_600_nxx1k8.jpg)
![Carrots at Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver, BC, Canada Carrots at Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_317_Compressed_600_nlez5c.jpg)
We enjoyed the markets, eats, the beach + the sea, + semi-desert climate of Okanagan. Again, we walked, walked, walked everywhere, + enjoyed breathing air, hiking, exploring, + the sunshine of K-town. Okanagan holds a special place in my heart because I visited here (Penticton) as a child for fishing trips, + the (then) water slide parks. Besides the attractions + the obviousness of my American tourist-ness, I felt at home in Canada, + left wanting to know you better.
Oh so much more to see, learn, know, experience, + love about Canada.
![Woman with Baby at Peace Arch, Blaine, WA, USA. Woman with Baby at Peace Arch, Blaine, WA, USA.](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_397_Compressed_600_nouces.jpg)
![Peace Arch "friends of a common mother" at Blaine, WA, USA Peace Arch "friends of a common mother" at Blaine, WA, USA](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_395_Compressed_600_zyesti.jpg)
Loaded with four bottles of wine, + near a dozen bags of tea, we headed south to the border. As with home, we noticed the poverty + prosperity standing at a corner at a mission + walking through Chinatown, + felt that tension with visiting where there is need. This tension only fuels my passion to support connections in cities for human thriving.
Appreciating the exchange rate also carried this tension for me. Cities share great need + possibility as potential partners for a region. I especially appreciated the normalization of health as a standard for a city (here, here, + here). For instance, off the skytrain I found a smoothie bar to my delight. In Victoria, I found another smoothie/juice bar. People knew what I meant when I asked for vegan steamed milk with a chai tea bag, + it was ok to ask. I was recovering my health at the time, + I felt cared for here. I appreciate it when cities or nation-states make health + thriving a priority. Your southern neighbors have much to learn from you. I hope that by learning we can stop behaving as stereotypical culturally appropriating arrogant Americans, + more as friends.
Build bridges instead of walls!
Turn towards each other instead of away.
Compassion + Community = Neighbors!
![Hibiscus flower, Kelowna, BC, Canada Hibiscus flower, Kelowna, BC, Canada](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/1222800/DenaMRosko_Images_326_Compressed_600_ip0cne.jpg)
Thank you for your hospitality, Canada. Much love to our neighbors + may we be kindred spirits here in the great Pacific Northwest region! Until next time!