Skip to content
Explore the Map logo
  • DestinationsExpand
    • Canada
    • United States
    • Ireland
  • AdventureExpand
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Road Trips
  • Gear
  • AboutExpand
    • About
    • Contact
Instagram Pinterest Facebook YouTube
Explore the Map logo

Canada

All Adventures

United States

All Adventures

Ireland

All Adventures

About Explore the Map

Hey, I’m Sam! I'm based in Kelowna, BC and love exploring the Okanagan (and beyond), finding hidden trails, scenic views, and cool adventure spots.

Whether it's hiking local mountains or traveling to new places, I love sharing my journey and helping you get out there and explore too.

  • https://www.instagram.com/explorethemap_
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
Wouldn’t want to live anywhere else 🫶 If you Wouldn’t want to live anywhere else 🫶

If you’re new here, hi! I’m Sam 👋

I love exploring the Okanagan and sharing it with you — all the cool places to explore, fun adventures to have, and delicious food to try. 

I feel blessed every day to live in the Okanagan and can’t wait to help you explore more of it! 

Is there something or somewhere you’d like to see more of? Let me know! 

#okanaganlife #okanagansummer #kelowna #lakecountrybc #lakelifeisthebestlife #supexplorer #paddleboarding
We’re a pretty entrepreneurial bunch here in the We’re a pretty entrepreneurial bunch here in the Okanagan, aren’t we? 

Between the restaurants, craft breweries, small-batch distilleries, cideries, wineries, and all the local adventures popping up, it really feels like there’s always something new to try.

OC Cultivates by @okanagancollege really brings that all together and is such a fun celebration! [hosted]

It was held inside the @kfcentre this year and if you haven’t been, you’ve gotta! The lower level is an aviation museum!

Plus, the food was sooo good! There was a giant charcuterie spread by @tjsgrazing, creative little bites by @o_lakecafe, cute little macarons (my personal fave) by @okanagancollege culinary students, plus a lot more! I may or may not have gone back for seconds. 

I also got to try wine, beer, and ciders from some local spots I hadn’t been to before, including @threelakesbrewing, @scenicroadcider, and @nostalgiawines.

It was also inspiring to hear from some of the people who are shaping the future of tourism in the Okanagan and how they see the future here ✨

If you’re into food, finding new local gems, or just want to feel a little more connected to what’s happening around Kelowna, definitely keep an eye out for OC Cultivates next year!

👋 Hey, I’m Sam! Follow for fun things to do around the Okanagan. 

#occultivates #okanagan #kelownabc #thingstodo #okanaganevents
Is Paul’s Tomb the most beautiful hike in Kelown Is Paul’s Tomb the most beautiful hike in Kelowna? It’s definitely in the running! 🌿

This Kelowna classic hugs the edge of Okanagan Lake and is so beautiful in the morning light 😍

Paul’s Tomb is a moderately easy 6.5 km round-trip hike on Knox Mountain, with about 225 m of elevation gain if you’re starting from the very bottom. Since the road to the first lookout is currently closed, you’ll need to hike up from the base, either via the paved road (a bit longer but easier) or the switchbacks for a steeper start.

At the end, you’ll find a lovely little beach, picnic tables, and benches that are perfect for a lakeside break or quick swim before heading back.

And if you’re not ready to stop, keep going along the shoreline on the Lochview Trail for even more lake views.

Save this post for your next adventure! 

👋 I’m Sam, follow for more local hiking tips, hidden gems, and fun things to do around the Okanagan!

#kelownabc #getoutsideandplay #goforawalk #walkmore #britishcolumbia #beautifuldestinations #okanagan
Let’s go on a hike! Skaha Bluffs in Penticton i Let’s go on a hike!

Skaha Bluffs in Penticton is best known for its world-class rock climbing, but did you know it’s also home to some pretty awesome hiking trails?

Comment “map” and I’ll send you a bunch of hiking trails in the Skaha Bluffs area that are perfect if you’re looking to explore more of Penticton on foot.

We hiked part of the Fortress Diamondback Trail, and it was such a fun route, about 3.5 km with forest views, rocky terrain, and some lookouts. 

You can easily mix and match trails to make your own loop depending on how much time (or energy) you have.

And even though most of the trails lead to climbing areas, they’re still super enjoyable for hikers! It’s actually really cool to stop and watch the climbers in action.

Also, if you’re based in Kelowna like me, this makes for an easy and fun day trip. Penticton is just over an hour’s drive with lots of cool stops along the way like Hardy Falls! 

Don’t forget to cool off with a swim afterwards!

👋 Hey, I’m Sam! Follow @explorethemap_ for fun things to do around the Okanagan. 

#visitpenticton #okanaganlife #hikinglife #hikebc #hikeyourownhike #skaha
Your weekend just got tastier! Who are you bringin Your weekend just got tastier! Who are you bringing to try these delicious treats around the Okanagan? 👇

1️⃣ Pickle flights every Sunday at @theofficebrewery in Kelowna. Flavours change weekly and everything’s 15% off until the end of June when you show this reel or mention my account!

2️⃣ Loaded milkshakes from @roots_sustainable_eats at @otgowinery in West Kelowna. There are six incredible flavours made with real, high-quality ingredients. We tried the cotton candy and decadent chocolate, and will be back!

3️⃣ Giant cream puffs at @arrowleafcellars in Lake Country. Available every weekend from 11 am until they’re sold out. New flavour every week!

📍Save this post for your next foodie adventure around Kelowna!

👋 Hey, I’m Sam! Follow @explorethemap_ for more fun things to do in the Okanagan. 

#explorekelowna #kelownaeats #uniqueeats #westkelowna #lakecountry #bcfoodieblogger #foodie #okanaganlife #kelownabc
Easily in the running for Kelowna’s most beautif Easily in the running for Kelowna’s most beautiful hike! When’s the last time you hiked Paul’s Tomb?

👉 Comment “map” and I’ll send you my blog posts on Paul’s Tomb and other Knox Mountain hikes.

Any hike that hugs Okanagan Lake’s shoreline is stunning, but in the morning light it’s absolutely unreal ✨

Paul’s Tomb is a moderately easy 6.5 km round-trip trail with about 225 m of elevation gain if you’re starting from the very bottom of Knox. 

The road to the first lookout is currently closed, so you have no choice but to hike up from the base. You can either take the paved road (a bit longer but easier) or tackle the switchbacks for a steeper climb.

At the end, you’ll find a peaceful spot with benches, picnic tables, and a few little beaches that are perfect for a post-hike swim or lakeside snack.

Want to keep going? Lochview Trail starts at the beach at the end of Paul’s Tomb and continues along the lake shore. 

What are your favourite beautiful hiking trails in Kelowna?

👋 Hey, I’m Sam! Follow @explorethemap_ for fun things to do around the Okanagan. 

#explorekelowna #hikingaddict #natureatitsbest #okanagan #explorebc #okanaganlife #getoutandhike #womenintheoutdoors
  • Disclaimer, Privacy & Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
  • Destinations
    • Canada
    • United States
    • Ireland
  • Adventure
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Road Trips
  • Gear
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Shop
Search