Picture yourself standing among towering ponderosa pines, sunlight filtering through the canopy, the air rich with the scent of earth and sage. In the Okanagan Valley, forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, offers a profound way to reconnect with nature, lowering stress and boosting well-being. This Japanese practice invites you to slow down and immerse your senses in the forest. Pair it with a locally inspired feast celebrating the region’s bounty, and you’ve crafted a perfect staycation that embodies the Okanagan’s vibrant lifestyle. Let’s explore how to experience this in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park and why living here feels like a vacation every day.

‍

Immersing in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park

Located just 26 kilometers southeast of Kelowna, Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park sprawls across 7,800 hectares of Okanagan Highlands wilderness, accessible via June Springs Road. Its diverse trails, from the gentle Lost Lake Trail to the historic Myra Canyon with its 16 Kettle Valley Railway trestles, make it a prime spot for forest bathing. The park’s dry forests and rolling hills create a serene backdrop, perfect for unplugging.

For a practical forest bathing experience, visit in early morning during summer or fall to enjoy cooler temperatures. Park at the June Springs Road lot and choose a trail like Myra Canyon for easy access. Leave your phone behind, walk slowly, and find a quiet spot—perhaps near a canyon viewpoint. Touch the rough bark of a Douglas fir, listen to the wind rustling leaves, or inhale the herbal aroma of wild sage. Sit for at least 20 minutes, soaking in the surroundings. You might spot mule deer or hear distant birdsong, but stay alert for black bears and travel with a companion for safety. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Local guides in Kelowna offer immersive walks, but self-guided sessions here are just as rejuvenating. This is about grounding yourself in the moment, leaving refreshed and connected.

‍

Savoring the Okanagan’s Culinary Scene

While foraging isn’t permitted in BC Provincial Parks like Myra-Bellevue due to strict conservation laws, the Okanagan’s culinary scene celebrates the region’s wild and cultivated bounty. After your forest bathing session, drive 20 minutes to Quails’ Gate Winery in West Kelowna (3303 Boucherie Road). Their Old Vines Restaurant crafts dishes with locally sourced ingredients, often incorporating foraged elements like chanterelles or saskatoon berries from permitted Crown or private lands, supplied by experts like Scott Moran of Scott’s Wild Produce. Savor a wild green salad or berry-infused dessert paired with estate wines, all while gazing at Okanagan Lake. Book ahead for lunch to keep your day seamless.

For a hands-on experience, visit the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market on Dilworth Drive to gather fresh produce that echoes the valley’s wild flavors. Events like the Okanagan Feast of Fields in September showcase local chefs turning regional ingredients into gourmet bites. These meals connect you to the land’s story, making every dish a celebration of the Okanagan’s agri-tourism heritage.

‍

Living the Okanagan Dream

The Okanagan lifestyle means forest bathing and local feasts are part of your everyday rhythm. Imagine a home where nature is your neighbor. In communities like Wilden, minutes from Myra-Bellevue, you’ll find modern homes and townhomes nestled among trails and ponds, listed through Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty. Properties in areas like Postill Lake offer rustic retreats with sustainable designs, blending seamlessly with the landscape. These homes, often backing onto greenspace, make the valley’s beauty your backyard, embodying the “live where you vacation” ethos.

From forest bathing to savoring local flavors, the Okanagan offers a life of endless staycations. Why not make it your home? We can help you make it yours! Contact Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty.