What I Love About Where I Live

Today I’m answering WordPress’s dashboard prompt: What do you love about where you live?

I’ve shared some thoughts about my region—the Okanagan in British Columbia, Canada—before, but there’s always more to discover.

I originally moved to Alberta from Brazil, drawn by the mountains. The Rocky Mountains, to be precise. From an immigrant’s perspective, Alberta was the obvious choice for a climber eager to explore Canadian peaks. Canmore and Alberta served me well for 15 years, but as our interests evolved and we wanted to pursue downhill biking more seriously, we needed a change of scenery.

We visited Vernon and explored other mountain towns, but with my son’s age and the approaching end of his schooling, I decided on a mid-sized city of 40,000 with convenient airport access and post-secondary education options nearby.

My other non-negotiable was access to water I could truly enjoy. Vernon delivered beautifully—three substantial lakes surround the city. While Okanagan Lake claims the title of largest, Kalamalka Lake has captured my heart as my personal favorite.

For five summers, I immersed myself in downhill biking, some stand-up paddleboarding, and leisurely walks. Then something shifted. I began walking around the neighborhood during those quiet winter months, and when spring arrived, it brought with it a renewed energy and an irresistible desire to explore beyond my usual boundaries.

I downloaded the AllTrails app and began searching for new adventures. What I discovered was mind-blowing—an incredible wealth of trails, mountains, lakes, and hidden gems I never knew existed practically at my doorstep! I clipped Bruce onto his leash, and off we ventured.

Since November 2024, Bruce and I have been walking and hiking daily. We’ve explored stunning turquoise and sapphire lakes throughout the region, conquered several mountain peaks, and stumbled upon spectacular climbing areas I’d never even heard of. This daily exploration has completely renewed my energy and rekindled my enthusiasm for this beautiful corner of the world.

Sometimes it takes a shift in routine to truly appreciate what’s been waiting for you all along.