Today is Love for Kelowna Day and I wanted to celebrate by getting personal with you and share my history with Kelowna, why we decided to move back, why I love it here, how this small promise I made has changed my life and some of my favourite photos that I’ve taken in this gorgeous place!
Growing up in Kelowna
I was born and raised in Kelowna, BC. It’s crazy to see how much development has occurred in Kelowna since I was a child.
I used to really look forward to leaving Kelowna and living in a new city because of the adventure. It wasn’t until I actually moved away to Fort McMurray that “the grass is always greener on the other side” became true.
In 2018, I moved to Fort McMurray (northern Alberta) and I lived there for a couple of years and although it didn’t work for us long-term it was a wonderful growth opportunity and I’m happy it’s a chapter in my life because it played a huge role in who I am today.
Moving Back
We decided to move back to Kelowna for a couple of reasons. The biggest motivator was that we weren’t happy living in Fort McMcMurray, we didn’t enjoy living there, I didn’t enjoy my job, and we missed our family back home so we decided to come back.
My Promise
In May of last year I made this promise to myself that I was going to live a fuller life and that I was going to adventure more. It’s crazy how a small promise can change your life but because of this promise I have seen and done more in Kelowna than I EVER did in the 22 years I lived here before.
What I Love About Kelowna
There are so many wonderful things about Kelowna that I love but when I wasn’t living here there were things that I really missed.
The Mountains: I love the mountains, I missed them so much when I was living in Northern Alberta because it’s fairly flat. Every time I would come back home to visit I would just stare at the mountains and the hill sides.
Okanagan Lake: I missed having a gorgeous lake that I could cool down in the summer in, enjoy a day at the beach, and do some water activities.
Family: Both of our families live here in Kelowna and I missed them while I was away, the birthdays, family dinners, holidays, coffee nights, etc., They were a huge reason why we decided to move back…to be closer to family.
The Outdoors: There are so many incredible beaches, parks, hikes to enjoy here in Kelowna. Ever since the Spring I have been trying to do one hike a week to get outdoors more and explore more of the Valley.
Wineries: Kelowna has so many wineries! I love the smaller, local wineries that have a unique story. I never did a wine tasting before I left and now I’m obsessed!
Favourite Photos of Kelowna
Since I’ve been exploring Kelowna more here are some of my favourite photos of this beautiful place!
Leave me a comment over on the channel if you live in Kelowna (or if you don’t) and why you love where you live!
Happy Photographing!
Beautifully Wander| Robynne Ikesaka
