Canada's Best, For You to Experience! The Okanagan Bucketlist

Inside Big White’s distinctly Canadian dining scene

Taste Canada at Big White

Photo: Big White Ski Resort

Executive chef Boddie Macklin-Shaw is responsible for culinary direction across Big White Ski Resort–operated establishments.

In an era when ski resorts across North America increasingly answer to corporate boards and distant shareholders, Big White Ski Resort stands apart. Still locally owned and operated, the resort moves at a different pace—shaped by independence, community and a quiet sense of Canadiana.

That philosophy extends well beyond the lifts. Big White’s culinary scene—spanning more than 20 dining establishments, including restaurants, coffee shops, food markets and food trucks—reflects the same local-first mindset. From slope-side sushi and quick mountain breakfasts to steakhouses and après institutions like the iconic Snowshoe Sam’s, every food and beverage outlet at Big White is locally owned and operated, grounded in Canadian values and regional pride.

What many guests don’t immediately recognize is that this isn’t simply variety—it’s a cohesive dining ecosystem shaped by the mountain, the Okanagan Valley and the people who live and work here.

Local-first, mountain-inspired

Overseeing the culinary direction for Big White Ski Resort–operated establishments—including Kettle Valley Steakhouse, The Woods, Clocktower Coffee Co. and the resort’s day lodges—is executive chef Boddie Macklin-Shaw. His menus are designed around the realities of mountain life: cold days, long hours outdoors and the need for food that’s both comforting and nourishing.

“Being Canadian-owned matters because it reflects how I approach food and hospitality: with humility, pride in place, and a strong sense of responsibility to the people around us,” Macklin-Shaw says. “Canada’s food culture isn’t about excess or ego—it’s about seasonality, resilience, and making the most of what we have. That philosophy fits naturally with cooking in a mountain resort, where the environment shapes everything we do.”

That mindset translates to menus that prioritize warmth, flavour and generosity—food designed to restore after time on the slopes.

Photo: Big White Ski Resort

A locally sourced steak served at Big White highlights Canadian producers and regional ingredients.

A true taste of the Okanagan

Despite the logistical challenges of operating at elevation, Big White continues to expand its commitment to local and regional sourcing. Ingredients are drawn from the Okanagan Valley and across British Columbia whenever possible, with producers like 63 Acres and Rad Relish Co. increasingly featured across menus.

Canadian beef, West Coast seafood and Okanagan produce form the backbone of many dishes, supported by Canadian beer, spirits and wines. Menus evolve with availability, ensuring they remain flexible, seasonal and reflective of the region.

“Seasonality isn’t a concept for us—it’s a necessity,” Macklin-Shaw says.

Independent operators, deeply rooted

That same Canadian-first mindset is reflected in Big White’s independent restaurant operators, including the Kelowna-based Nixon Group, led by husband-and-wife team Kyle and Carolyn Nixon, which owns and operates the iconic Snowshoe Sam’s and SOPRA Italian Kitchen, which opened in 2024.

Photo: 6 Degrees Bistro

6 Degrees features refined, slope-side dining at Big White, with a focus on local flavours.

A new addition: The Fat Marmot

Another example of Big White’s homegrown dining culture is The Fat Marmot, the newest creation from long-time Big White locals John and Ana Mooney, already known for favourites like Underground Pizza and Six Degrees Bistro. In Keep Moving Forward: The Big White Ski Resort 60th Anniversary Documentary, Mooney reflects, “At Big White, people come and they don’t want anything but local Okanagan wine.”

The Fat Marmot’s culinary direction is led by executive chef Alessa Valdez, whose experience includes Alo Bar, part of Toronto’s Michelin-starred Alo Restaurant Group, and Phantom Creek Estates in the South Okanagan. Her menu blends classical training, modern technique and a strong respect for seasonal Okanagan ingredients, offering bold flavours and thoughtful presentation in a relaxed mountain setting.

Photo: Cabin Kitchen + Bar

Cabin Kitchen + Bar has opened at Big White, offering a Canadian-inspired menu rooted in comfort, heritage and regional flavours.

Cabin Kitchen + Bar: A new Canadian-inspired chapter

Following the closure of Globe Restaurant in April 2025, Big White turned the page to a new chapter in its culinary story with the opening of Cabin Kitchen + Bar in December.

The restaurant is the latest venture from Ross Derrick, who first opened Globe in 2008 and took full ownership in 2022. His broader Okanagan portfolio includes Derrick’s Steakhouse in downtown Kelowna and Broken Anchor Kitchen, known for its elevated West Coast seafood.

At Cabin, Derrick brings his love of Canadian comfort food to the mountain. The menu nods to homegrown traditions with refined, regional dishes such as Great Grandma Alice’s Split Pea Soup, Alberta elk and pork meatballs, Red River bison chili and a playful Nanaimo Bar cheesecake. The beverage program features rotating Canadian craft taps, house-made cocktails and a 100% Canadian wine list.

A mountain that tastes like home

Together, Big White’s chefs, restaurateurs and producers have created a dining scene that feels authentic rather than manufactured—one shaped by people who live here, cook here and believe in the value of keeping things local.

In a ski industry increasingly defined by scale and sameness, Big White offers something refreshingly different: food with a sense of place, ownership with purpose and a mountain that tastes unmistakably Canadian.

Explore the flavours of Big White and learn more about the resort’s food and dining at bigwhite.com/explore/food-dining.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Winter basecamp: Settling in for the season at Predator Ridge

Settle in at Predator Ridge

Photo: Predator Ridge

Make Predator Ridge your base camp this winter, and enjoy everything the region has to offer.

Winter in the North Okanagan has a way of changing how you think about time. Days feel less scheduled, more intentional. And when you have the right home base, winter stops being something you plan around and starts becoming something you build your days around.

That’s where Predator Ridge comes in. Just minutes from Vernon and within easy reach of some of the region’s best winter recreation, Predator Ridge works remarkably well as a winter basecamp—a place to settle in, unpack properly and experience the season at its own pace.

Rather than short stays and weekend escapes, winter at Predator Ridge is well suited to longer-term living. The resort offers a range of long-term rental options, from well-appointed condos to townhomes and executive home rentals, available furnished or unfurnished. Whether you’re working remotely, relocating for the season or simply looking to experience winter differently, the flexibility makes it easy to stay for weeks or months at a time.

Photo: Photo: Danae Marie Photography

From this basecamp, the North Okanagan’s best winter experiences are always within reach. SilverStar Mountain Resort is a short drive away, making it easy to head up for a few hours of skiing or snowboarding and still be home before dinner. For those drawn to quieter trails and endurance days, Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre offers world-class cross-country skiing, with immaculately groomed trails that invite regular midweek outings rather than occasional visits.

Back at Predator Ridge, winter unfolds at a gentler pace. The resort’s extensive trail network stays active year-round, perfect for walking, snowshoeing, or fat biking through open landscapes and forested sections. The outdoor skating rink becomes a natural gathering spot, while fitness, yoga and wellness programming continue through the colder months, helping routines feel uninterrupted despite the change in season.

The appeal of using Predator Ridge as a winter basecamp is the balance it creates. Outdoor adventure is close and accessible, but so is comfort. Evenings are spent at home rather than on the road, fires replace patios, and winter days feel full without feeling rushed.

Vernon quickly becomes part of that rhythm as well. The city offers all the essentials—local cafés, restaurants, shops and services—without the congestion that often defines peak season elsewhere. It’s an easy place to run errands, meet friends or linger over a coffee after a morning outdoors.

Winter in the North Okanagan isn’t about chasing everything at once. It’s about choosing a place that supports the way you want to live for the season. As a basecamp, Predator Ridge offers the space, access and quiet confidence to make winter feel not just manageable, but genuinely rewarding.

For those willing to stay a little longer, winter at Predator Ridge proves that the Okanagan’s off-season may be its most livable one.

Learn more about Predator Ridge on its website here.

Photo: Predator Ridge

Snow-dusted vineyards, candlelit tastings and seasonal indulgence 

Winter on the Westside

Photo: Mission Hill Estate Winery

The ninth annual Festival of Lights is dazzling visitors once again this season.

Forget the summer crowds. In winter, West Kelowna’s Westside Wine Trail reveals a quieter, more intimate side of wine country. One defined by snow-dusted vineyards, warm tasting rooms and iconic estates like Mission Hill Family Estate, where seasonal traditions and hospitality shape the experience. December offers a magical backdrop for lingering tastings, meaningful conversations and time well spent.

Picture cozy tasting rooms without the hustle, more time to ask questions, and the rare chance to have a winemaker or proprietor personally pour your flight. This is the season to slow down and discover the quiet charm of West Kelowna with a winter itinerary that blends scenic walks, culinary experiences and twinkling holiday lights.

The Westside winter wonderland

Each year, West Kelowna transforms into a festive wonderland during the annual Twinkle Tour, a self-guided journey through the community’s most dazzling light displays. Wander through the sparkling light tunnel at the waterfront or enjoy a scenic evening drive past homes glowing with holiday cheer. Planning your route is easy with the mobile-friendly map here.

At the heart of the season is the annual Festival of Trees at Mission Hill Family Estate, a cherished holiday tradition that brings warmth and wonder to the estate. Now in its ninth year at Mission Hill, and part of a beloved B.C. tradition spanning more than three decades, it transforms the winery into a glowing winter landscape through Jan. 4. Guests are invited to explore beautifully decorated trees before enjoying a guided tasting of Mission Hill wines paired with seasonal small bites. With partial proceeds supporting excellence in child health at the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the experience blends beauty, hospitality and community giving hallmarks of the winter season at Mission Hill. Available daily, this is a must-see stop for holiday visitors.

Photo: Contributed

Seasonal tables and inspired entertaining

The holidays are all about gathering, sharing and good food. For those seeking last-minute inspiration, Mission Hill’s final Holiday Entertaining Culinary Class of the year takes place on Dec. 19 and 20. This intimate experience offers the opportunity to elevate your seasonal menus while indulging in a chef-led, four-course dinner thoughtfully paired with Mission Hill wines. With additional classes such as Pasta Notte and European Comforts arriving in the new year, this festive evening is a fitting way to begin the season. Explore the full culinary class calendar and reserve your place early.

Carry that inspiration home by adding special touches to your own holiday table. Stock up on specialty ingredients from local retailers and winery tasting rooms. Stop by Valorosa for authentic Italian goods, including panettone straight from Italy, or visit the Okanagan Pasta Factory for freshly made, artisan-style pasta. Many wineries also offer gourmet treats such as chutneys, cheeses and antipasti, perfect for creating a festive spread that pairs beautifully with your favourite wines.

Photo: Contributed

A toast to new beginnings

As the year draws to a close, West Kelowna’s wineries offer unforgettable ways to ring in the new year.

Golden Soirée–New Year’s Eve Dinner at Mission Hill Family Estate

For the first time ever, Mission Hill hosts an elegant black-tie Golden Soirée to welcome the year ahead. The evening begins with a 5:30 p.m. reception featuring fresh-shucked oysters, followed by a multi-course, wine-paired dinner with dishes such as beef tenderloin with short rib and truffle pithivier. The celebration concludes with a toast to new beginnings, shared resolutions and a remarkable year ahead. For a more intimate experience, guests may upgrade to one of Mission Hill’s private salons. With limited seating available, early reservations are recommended.

31 Charkay at Grizzli Winery

Savour a Canadian-inspired, three-course dining experience in a warm, fireside setting—perfect for welcoming the new year in comfort and style.

The Great Gatsby at Crown & Thieves

Step into the glamour of the roaring 1920s as Crown & Thieves transforms into a glittering den of live music, dancing and celebration, with options for a decadent dinner or lively reception.

Looking for even more festive fun this December? Explore itineraries, events and seasonal activities at visitwestside.com and start planning your perfect winter getaway in West Kelowna. For a peaceful break between tastings, enjoy an easy stroll along the Gellatly Waterfront, wander through the historic Gellatly Nut Farm, or take in the serene beauty of Shannon Lake Regional Park, all perfect spots to soak up the crisp winter air.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Living lakeside: My month at Manteo Resort

My month at Manteo Resort

Photo: Contributed

You will feel right at home at Manteo Resort.

I came to Manteo Resort, part of the Eldorado Resort on Okanagan Lake, thinking I’d stay a few weeks—just long enough to recharge and get some work done in a new setting. But a month in, I’ve stopped counting the days. There’s something about life here that slows you down in all the right ways—the rhythm of the lake, the quiet of the mornings, the sense that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Mornings on the water

Each day begins the same: a cup of coffee, the balcony door cracked open, and the sound of water lapping against the shore. Across the lake, the hills turn gold as the sun rises, and a few ducks drift lazily by. Even in winter, it’s mesmerizing—calm, cool and alive.

On workdays, I set up near the window, laptop open and mountain views just beyond the glass. On weekends, I follow the boardwalk trail along the water, watching the fog lift off Okanagan Lake. The simplicity of it is what makes it magic.

The heart of the Thompson-Okanagan

Photo: Contributed

Living at Manteo means living in the heart of the Thompson-Okanagan region—a place shaped by rivers, lakes and stories. The region takes its name from the mighty Thompson River in the north and Okanagan Lake, where Eldorado Resort rests on its southern shores. Each nearby community—from Kelowna to Peachland to Penticton—carries its own character, from historic main streets to contemporary wineries.

Here, the outdoors are a year-round invitation. You can bike the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, a historic route that stretches more than 460 km through tunnels and trestles, or spend a day visiting family-run vineyards and farm-to-table restaurants that define Okanagan living. Every outing feels like part of a larger story this region tells so well: one of nature, community and connection.

Finding my local rhythm

Kelowna in the off-season has a charm all its own. Mornings mean sourdough and espresso at Sprout Bakery; afternoons might be a stroll through the farmers’ market or a quiet visit to a lakeside wine bar.

At Manteo, life unfolds at a comfortable pace. The suites have everything you need—full kitchens, cozy living spaces and just enough luxury to make everyday life easy.

Weekly housekeeping keeps things simple, and access to the indoor pool, steam room and gym makes it easy to balance comfort with wellness.

Photo: Contributed

In the evenings, a few of us long-term guests gather by the outdoor hot tub, trading stories as the lights from the marina shimmer across the water. It’s a small, friendly community—the kind that makes you feel rooted, even when you’re away from home.

Exploring and belonging

Weekends are for exploring. I’ve wandered the Myra Canyon trestles on misty mornings, tasted pinot noir on snowy patios, and driven the scenic stretch between Kelowna and Penticton just to chase the sunset. The region’s diversity—its landscapes, people and experiences—keeps every day fresh.

Photo: Contributed

Staying awhile

What began as a temporary stay has turned into something more like a lifestyle. Living at Manteo—nestled within the history and beauty of the Thompson Okanagan—reminds me how good it feels to slow down, explore deeply and let a place unfold around you.

If you ever find yourself longing for a quieter pace, a deeper connection to nature, and a community that embraces every season, this little stretch of lakefront might just feel like home, too.

Learn more here.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.