BC's BestEver.Guide

15/06/2024

🚂🍷 Exciting news! Bottleneck Drive’s Grand Sommelier Express is back with a few last-minute seats available! Don’t miss out on this exclusive experience!

📅 Event Details:

Dates: Friday, June 21 & Saturday, June 22, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Historic Kettle Valley Railway Depot, Summerland

🎟️ What To Expect:

* Reception with appetizers, Summerland wines, craft beers, and premium spirits
* Live music performances
* Journey aboard BC’s only heritage steam train to Trout Creek Canyon
* Enjoy local ciders and charcuterie at Trout Creek Canyon
* Optional private dinners at Bottleneck Drive member venues
* Assigned Seating: No rush!

We will be roaming around Summerland all weekend, will we see you there?

Check out to learn more and get your tickets!

13/06/2024

🌊 Join Us to Make Waves in Your Community 🌊

The Best Ever Guide to the Okanagan is an upcoming resource for making meaningful connections with small businesses in our communities. It will introduce you to remarkable people, stories you’ll love, and businesses you’ll be proud to support.

Join us to showcase your business and connect with your niche audience through our unique approach that blends the art of storytelling with the science of advanced targeting, ensuring every campaign captures the heart and reaches the exact audience it’s intended for.

🥰 Our Approach to Meaningful Marketing 🥰

We do things differently around here. No lackluster landing pages, no pushy advertorials, and certainly no mundane directory listings.

We are storytellers and visual architects, crafting immersive brand experiences through captivating photography, videos, and transformative campaigns. We offer brands the power to evoke emotions, connect authentically, and create an impact beyond transactions.

Ready to make waves in your community? Join us to showcase your business and connect with a hyper-targeted niche audience tailor-made just for you.

🔗 Visit https://bestever.guide/studio/ to learn more.

Welcome to your local British Columbia Branded Content Studio: Creating compelling campaigns featuring British Columbia hospitality experiences + products.

26/03/2024

Our latest Best Ever Story is live! 🎉 Driving Your Future: A Celebration of Women in Motorsport

We had the opportunity to attend an incredible event hosted by Mercedes-Benz Canada at the state-of-the-art Kelowna Mercedes-Benz dealership, and we're thrilled to share all the highlights with you! 🚗✨ Dive into our story as we explore the following chapters:

🏎️ Nicole Havrda: Meet the sensational 18 year old BC racer as she shares her inspiring journey, passion for motorsport, and dedication to empowering the next generation of female racers.

🏁 Driving Your Future: Discover Mercedes-Benz Canada's visionary "Driving Your Future" initiative, focused on empowering Canada's youth through mentorship and social change.

💃🏼 She's Mercedes: Join us as we celebrate the strength and empowerment of women in the automotive industry with She's Mercedes, a global initiative driving change and breaking barriers. (Have you heard the story of the brazen Bertha Benz? You must watch this video! 😲)

✨ Canadian debut of their revolutionary new retail concept: Step into the future of automotive retail at the brand new Mercedes-Benz Kelowna dealership, where innovation meets luxury to redefine the car buying experience.

Read the full story:

Welcome to Mercedes Benz Kelowna: Experience the Canadian debut of their new retail concept at the Kelowna Mercedes Benz dealership.

08/03/2024

🏎️✨ Excited to celebrate Nicole Havrda’s journey on International Women’s Day! 🌟🏁

At just 18, this incredible young woman from Courtenay, BC is making history in Formula 3, becoming the first woman to win the Formula Pro USA F3 Western Championship. 🏆

Teaming up with Mercedes-Benz to celebrate , she encourages girls to pursue their passions in the automotive industry. 🚗💪

Nicole met with girls from our local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters () with the aim of inspiring more girls to explore opportunities in the automotive space. Watching their little eyes light up and hearing the questions they had for Nicole was super cool!

This initiative is part of Mercedes-Benz Canada’s national partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters; part of its “Driving Your Future” Corporate Citizenship initiative, which focuses on empowering the next generation of Canadians.

“I love sharing my journey and inspiring girls to challenge the status quo. Just because you don’t see a lot of girls doing something doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go after it! I would love to see more women in the automotive industry and I’m so happy to team up with Mercedes-Benz to celebrate International Women’s Day. The state-of-the-art new facility at Mercedes-Benz Kelowna is an amazing venue to showcase different career paths that exist in automotive.” – Nicole Havrda, professional racecar driver

Nicole acknowledges trailblazing women like Danica Patrick, Susie Wolff, and Lyn St. James as role models, aiming to inspire girls to challenge stereotypes in motorsports. 🌈

We have a full story coming on this incredibly inspiring young woman, the new gorgeous space , and the powerful women making waves there like .

Thanks to for organizing this event and giving us a sneak peek into the incredible documentary: “The Car Knows No Difference: Women In Motorsport”. Watching it gave me shivers and left me completely blown away by .havrda and the other fantastic young women drivers - WOW!

Happy International Women’s Day!

21/02/2024

truly embodies the essence of community! Their unwavering support for neighbours and the vibrant energy they bring to every visitor is exceptional.

Well, they have taken community engagement to a whole new level with the introduction of their Certified Local program, exclusively available to Okanagan residents! 🎉

By getting your hands on the FREE Haywire Certified Local card, you get access to these exciting perks*:

✨ Enjoy complimentary flash tastings for you and up to three guests in the brand-new Haywire lounge or on the patio.
✨ Receive a 10% discount on any product, at any time.
✨ Gain early bird access to special events.
✨ Join the club and get a special gift with your second Haywire Club shipment!

And, of course, they didn’t stop there. Haywire’s team wholeheartedly backs their neighbours in this initiative, too! Flash your Certified Local card and you’ll ALSO receive:

✨ 15% off Best Available Rates* at . We LOVE this hotel. the people and experience are outstanding!

✨ 15% discount on food at *: They might just have the BEST patio in the Okanagan, we LOVE hanging out here!

✨ 15% discount at .stonehouse. We just had dinner here last night and it was AMAZING!!

Join us and your other Okanagan friends to support local! Sign up for your Haywire Certified Local card now at haywirewinery.com/certified-local to be a part of this incredible community.

* Please make sure to check out the program for terms & conditions, available dates and exclusions.

05/02/2024

Are you looking for polished photos for your personal brand that stand out?

Tips:

1. Source props that shine a subtle light on your offerings.

2. Choose outfits that align with all aspects of your brand personality, from playful to professional.

2. Align those props & outfits with your brand colour palette.

3. Invest in a professional make-up application to bring out your best natural features.

4. Find a photographer who helps you feel at ease and can light the scene to make you “pop” but doesn’t make it look “flashy”.

Meet Kiri Sandana (), one of Kelowna’s Best Ever Realtors®. Kiri has an incredible gift of making everyone feel at home. Her warm, soft and kind personality is incredibly engaging. You immediately want to be her BFF.

💄Makeup by:

04/02/2024

We love photographing some of the Best Ever People and their businesses in !

Meet Victoria (.makeupartistry): A mobile makeup artist in the Okanagan Region with a passion for crafting unique looks that enhance natural beauty. She creates long-lasting customized looks for all occasions, inlcuding Personal Branding Photoshoots like ours!

Are your brand photos looking a little outdated?

Whether you need professional headshots for LinkedIn or want more personality-packed imagery, we specialize in high-end photography without the hefty price tag.

If you’re ready to upgrade your brand images, send us a message or click the link in our bio. Let’s talk about your goals and how we can help! 📩

16/01/2024

Welcome to Your Best Ever Photoshoot! Transform your brand presence with high-end magnetic personal brand and product photography for Okanagan businesses.

‼️ Secure Your 20% Winter Discount Now! Only 4 Spots Available! ❄️✨

🖥️ Whether it’s for your new website, social media platforms, or upcoming launch, picture yourself portrayed with confidence in a beautifully styled setting, free from distractions. Our expertise lies in providing you with authentic imagery that mirrors your true self while radiating the level of professionalism you deliver to your clients.

Introducing our latest offering, the Best Ever Photoshoots – an experience tailored for those seeking a premium photoshoot without the complexities of organizing a beautiful location and incurring exorbitant costs. Envision yourself in this premium location where every corner serves as a picturesque backdrop.

💫 Welcome to The Okanagan Nest - A Luxurious, Vibrant Space for Impactful Brand Photography 💫

For a limited time, step into this luxurious Kelowna photography studio with Okanagan lake views, creating a vibrant energy for your brand. Relax into flow, unwind, and explore every facet of your business self in this creative haven. Book your Best Ever Photoshoot and experience the magic!

🌟 Here's What It Feels Like To Work With Us 🌟

"The best photoshoot I have ever had!" - Jennifer Powter
"We have loved working with this talented duo!" - Megan McKay-Hall
"We have been blown away!" - Leeann Froese
"The two of you are so good at what you do!" - Avrinder Hans

These photoshoots are best for service based professionals (Realtors, Coaches, Designers, Consultants, Influencers, Creatives) as well as businesses who want to feature their products in lifestyle scenes (food & beverages, beauty, household, home decor, fashion) and more.

Don't miss out on this exclusive offer! Secure your 20% winter discount by booking and completing your photoshoot before February 28, 2024. Elevate your brand with the Best Ever Photoshoot experience! 🚀

https://bestever.guide/kelowna-brand-photography/

07/09/2023

Steve and I have been on an incredible summer adventure, dedicated to bringing you more guides to the Best Ever BC Wineries. We kicked off our summer journey in the picturesque along , savouring moments like this one at the incredible . 🌿🍇

Mother Nature has not been kind to our beloved Okanagan Wineries. First, the frost damage hit hard, followed by devastating wildfires, and now a rock slide on Highway 97. 🌄🔥🏞️ These challenges have tested the resilience of the Industry.

We stand firm in our commitment to supporting our friends in this remarkable community. 🤝 This season, we're working tirelessly to capture as much content as possible, gearing up to create guides that will pave the way for a phenomenal bounce-back season in 2024! 💥🍷

This week, it is all about you ! Want to be featured in our guide to the Best Ever Okanagan Falls Wineries for FREE? Or perhaps you want to go all in with a full feature story that includes a fantastic commercial photography package you can use across all of your marketing channels? We arrive in town THIS Monday! DM us now to secure your spot (or email [email protected]). 📩📸

Let's toast to new beginnings and the unwavering spirit of the BC wine industry! 🥂🍇

29/08/2023

🌟 Stand out in the crowd with a Stunning Story That Sells 🌟

Let's transform your marketing journey into an unforgettable adventure, boosting customer engagement and conversions like never before.

📸 STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY 📸
📖 INTERACTIVE STORY 📖
🎯 YOUR IDEAL AUDIENCE 🎯

Choosing us for your commercial photography needs means more than exceptional imagery. FOUR lucky Okanagan Businesses receive a Complimentary Best Ever Story with their commercial photography package.

Our guides reign as BC Food, Wine, and Travel authorities, gracing first page search results with over 1800 keywords. It’s a VIP pass to your dream audience.

Why us? In a nutshell, we focus on...
🤝 ENGAGEMENT
🎣 ATTRACTION
💼 CONVERSION

🔓 Secure Your FREE Best Ever Story 🔓

Elevate your brand beyond visuals. FOUR lucky Okanagan Businesses receive a Complimentary Best Ever Story with a commercial photography package. This exclusive offer is limited to four fortunate clients in these lifestyle categories:

🍽️ RESTAURANTS
🍷 WINERIES & BEVERAGES
🛌 PLACES TO STAY

Only FOUR spots are available for this exclusive deal and must be booked in September. Secure your spot and elevate your brand today. Minimum commercial photography investment required. Check out the link for more details.

https://bestever.guide/stories/

21/08/2023

💔 These past few days have been filled with heartache as wildfires swept through our beloved Okanagan community. I snapped this picture on my phone of the view from our house before we were put on Evacuation Alert.

Thankfully, we were not on Evacuation Order like many of our close neighbours who are still not able to return home, or do not have a home to return to. We extend our deepest sympathy to those impacted by the Okanagan wildfires and who have suffered tremendous loss.

👩‍🚒 Our immense gratitude goes out to the remarkable firefighters and first responders, and selfless volunteers across the Province who are working tirelessly to safeguard our homes, families, and businesses.

*** Let's stand together and support those affected in the Okanagan Valley ***

🤝 Donate: The Canadian Red Cross and United Way are on the frontlines, providing relief to BC wildfire-stricken areas. Your contributions aid in providing essentials like cots, blankets, food, clothing, and mental health support.

🍇 Buy Local, Buy B.C.: Many local wineries and small businesses have been hit hard. Show your support by purchasing BC wine online (or even better, join their wine clubs!) and other local products from affected businesses.

🫶🏼 Show Social Support: Leave comments and reviews for local businesses to show your support.

🚫 Due to ongoing wildfire activity, we urge everyone to avoid non-essential travel to the Central Interior and Southeast, including Shuswap and Okanagan areas. Accommodation is crucial for evacuees and emergency personnel. Let's do our part to ensure everyone's safety.

💪 As this crisis continues to unfold, let's remember that united, we can overcome anything. We will rebuild, restore, and emerge stronger than before. Our collective strength as a region will guide us through these emotions and challenges.

04/08/2023

Are you heading out this long weekend to taste some amazing wine from our fantastic BC Winemakers and wondering where to start?

We've got you.

Click the link in our bio to explore our Best Ever Winery Guides for the following regions:

📍 Summerland (still in production, but loads of great producers to explore on )

📍 Naramata

📍 Osoyoos / Oliver

📍 Kelowna

📍 West Kelowna

📍 Lake Country

Enjoy responsibly and have the Best Ever long weekend! 😎🥂

Save this post for your next wine tasting adventures!

30/07/2023

Praying for Osoyoos this evening. Stay safe, everyone. 🙏🏼

25/06/2023

18/06/2023

After a full two days shooting with a full frame mirrorless Canon R5, we still believe this old adage to be true. “The best camera is the one that’s with you”. (Good thing we had our iPhone in our pocket on our way to bed!) 🌈

07/06/2023

Hi! We’re Steve and Michelle, residents of the breathtaking Okanagan Valley in Kelowna, we have a deep appreciation for the smaller towns with big hearts and the wild places that make British Columbia truly special.

We've explored 100's of places to go and things to do over the past couple of years. Here's our guide to The Best Places to Visit (and Things To Do) in BC (SO FAR!!)

https://bestever.guide/best-places-to-visit-in-bc/

(Thanks for sharing this guide if it resonates!) 🙏🏼

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the Best Places to Visit in BC compiled by BC locals who love exploring our beautiful province!

26/05/2023

It's a double celebration for wine enthusiasts as (May 25th) and (Thursday before Memorial Day in US) align, creating a perfect reason to raise a glass and toast to both occasions. 🥂🥳🥂

Why not make it an even more perfect pairing by serving one of our favourite BC Chardonnays, The McWatters Collection Chardonnay with Carbonara?

Grab the recipe here > https://bestever.guide/wine-with-carbonara/

30/03/2023

Looking to find the ideal wine to pair with your ham this Easter? Our Best Ever Guide to Pairing Wine With Ham is here to help! We've handpicked a selection of BC Wines that perfectly complement the flavours of glazed ham. Elevate your Easter feast with a perfectly paired glass of .

You can find the guide and our recipe for The Best Ever Glazed Ham here:

Discover the best wine with ham pairings to elevate your Easter, Christmas or holiday feast. Included: Best Bone In Glazed Ham Recipe from our Red Seal Chef!

07/02/2023

Looking for something sweet to make for Valentine's Day? While it may not be the season for fresh BC Strawberries yet (hurry up, warmer days!), this recipe is sure to impress your sweetheart. Make sure to plan ahead, as this recipe needs time to set each layer.

Indulge in this silky smooth and delicious Strawberry Panna Cotta with Chocolate dessert.

27/01/2023

We know you’re eager to create memories this camping season and so are we! ⛺ Please note that all of the reservation dates will be announced NEXT WEEK right here ➡ http://ow.ly/ArLT50MujOT 👀 Stay tuned!

27/01/2023

Breakfast Clubs of Canada reports that 1 in 3 children are at risk of going to school on an empty stomach. If you are able, please join us until February 8th with a $2 donation in-store to support .

All money raised locally, stays local.

27/01/2023

From a stunning resort 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile to beautifully designed lodging in a Rwandan forest, these are the locales to visit if you need to get away from it all

27/01/2023

25/01/2023

Here it is! The dish we fell in love over. Well, not exactly.

Steve, our Red Seal Chef was the kitchen leader of one of Earls Restaurants flagship restaurants in Calgary during the early days of the chain’s massive success. I worked with him for a short time, too when we were the best of friends.

We each shared a favourite meal while we worked there, that we called “Blackened Chicken Alfredo” which was punched in as: sub Blackened Chicken Breast | sub Fettuccine Alfredo. It was a match made in heaven, just like Steve and I are today - 30 years later. (Cue the sappiness… ❤️)

Although Steve can’t remember for the life of him the blend of spices that went into the Earls blackening recipe, he has developed his own blend for blackening seasoning. His Alfredo sauce recipe is also downright delicious, which you can find linked in our bio.

We hope you enjoy our favourite dish!

🛒 Fresh BC Chicken Squad was purchased from Johnny's Fresh Meats & Deli in which is sourced from a family farm in BC called Farmcrest Foods

🧀 Bucatini Pasta and Parmigiano Reggiano purchased from Valoroso Foods in

https://bestever.guide/blackened-chicken-alfredo/

29/12/2022

A friendly reminder that camping reservations for some parks open next week on January 3. We want to make booking your camping trips in 2023 as easy and stress-free as possible. Here are some reminders and tips to help:

Camping reservations open on January 3, 2023 for some parks. Check bcparks.ca/operating-dates to see when the park you want to book is open for reservations.

We heard the majority of campers prefer a four-month rolling window, so the four-month booking window is now re-instated. For example, book on January 3 to book a May 3 arrival; January 19 to book a May 19 arrival; February 1 to book a June 1 arrival, and so on.

Our call centre is here to help you with questions, information and making reservations. 1 800 689-9025 (Canada/US toll free), 1 519 858-6161 (International), 7am–7pm PT daily except December 25 and January 1.

We will be rolling out additional improvements and adding additional campgrounds to the reservation system this year. Stay tuned on this channel and visit us here for updates: bcparks.ca/reserve/

19/11/2022

Who's having pancakes for your weekend brunch? We sure miss our fresh BC Berries during these colder seasons. You'll always find packages of frozen raspberries and blueberries in our freezer to top our cereal, oats and to add to our smoothies. What are you having for your weekend brunch?

09/11/2022