TRAVEL
A Taste of Autumn: Fall Okanagan Wine Festival 2025
The Okanagan Valley is preparing to welcome wine lovers from across Canada and beyond as the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival returns from October 3 to 12, 2025. Spanning the region’s most picturesque communities: Kelowna, Penticton, Summerland, Oliver, and Osoyoos, the 10-day festival is one of North America’s only celebrations staged directly during the grape harvest. Against a backdrop of golden hillsides and lakefront vistas, the valley transforms into a hub of tastings, vineyard tours, and gourmet experiences.
At its core, the festival offers a chance to explore the valley’s wineries at their busiest and most vibrant moment of the year. Guests can enjoy vineyard lunches and dinners, expertly guided tastings, and seminars that explore the art of wine and food pairing. Each event is designed to highlight the diversity and quality of British Columbia wines while providing intimate experiences with winemakers and chefs. The festival atmosphere blends the charm of harvest traditions with modern culinary creativity, making it a must-attend for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Among the highlights is the BC Wine Awards Gala and Reception on October 3 at Okanagan College in Penticton, where the province’s best vintages are unveiled and guests can sample the newly crowned Wine of the Year. Another standout is the Sunset Drive Fall Outdoor Wine Tasting on October 11 in downtown Kelowna, which brings together 20 wineries, local food stations, and live DJ entertainment in an urban plaza setting. With ticketed events starting at around $80 and a wide variety of experiences across the valley, the festival promises an unforgettable celebration of both wine and the beauty of autumn in the Okanagan.
Learn more at thewinefestivals.com
TRAVEL
Vancouver International Film Festival Kicks Off 2025 Edition
VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) officially opened on October 2, marking the start of one of Canada’s most celebrated cultural events. Running until October 12, the festival will showcase an ambitious program of around 260 films from across the globe, including premieres, independent productions, and critically acclaimed features. Organizers highlight VIFF’s role as a platform for international cinema and Canadian filmmakers.
Venues and Programming
Screenings will take place at iconic Vancouver venues, with new additions such as Granville Island Stage and the Alliance Française. Alongside the films, VIFF offers panels, workshops, and special events connecting filmmakers with industry professionals and the public. The festival emphasizes diversity, Indigenous voices, experimental storytelling, and emerging talent.
Cultural and Economic Impact
For Vancouver and British Columbia, VIFF is both a cultural highlight and an economic driver, drawing thousands of visitors and generating activity for local businesses. With its reputation as a bridge between North American and Asian cinema markets, the festival remains an influential stop on the global film circuit.
As the curtains rise on the 2025 edition, audiences and industry alike are set to experience another dynamic celebration of the art of film.
TRAVEL
Weekend Getaways – Enjoy BC’s beautiful September sights
For those looking to escape the city, late September is an ideal time to explore British Columbia’s natural beauty. In Salmon Arm, the cooler weather makes hiking and waterfall excursions especially enjoyable, while the fall colours begin to emerge in the Shuswap region. On Vancouver Island, Campbell River offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities, with salmon runs in full swing and the chance to spot bears along the rivers. For mountain lovers, Revelstoke provides alpine views and a charming small-town feel, where visitors can enjoy both outdoor adventures and cozy local dining.
Travelers should be prepared for variable fall weather, with warm days giving way to cooler nights and the possibility of rain in coastal or mountainous areas. Layered clothing is a must, and an early start is recommended for hikes or longer drives as daylight hours continue to shorten. If heading to higher elevations, it’s also wise to check road conditions for any signs of early snow. Whether you choose culture in the city or crisp mountain air in the backcountry, the weekend of September 27–28 offers plenty of options for a memorable trip in British Columbia.
TRAVEL
Majority of Canadians Say U.S. Trust Is Gone for Good, Poll Finds
A recent Ipsos poll reveals that 60% of Canadians believe they can never trust Americans the same way again. This sentiment has remained stable in tracking since February.
At the same time, just over half of Canadians approve of how Prime Minister Mark Carney and the federal government are managing Canada–U.S. relations, while about one-third disapprove and the rest are unsure.
The survey also finds that 71% of citizens expect trade and economic disputes with the U.S. to persist for several years and see little prospect for near-term resolution. Regarding possible future agreements, 42% believe the Prime Minister will succeed in negotiating a new trade deal with the Trump administration. Another 22% disagree, and 37% are undecided.
Interestingly, despite strong distrust and concern over ongoing conflicts, over half of respondents—54%—say the Canada–U.S. relationship has remained stable in the past couple of weeks, a notable shift from perceptions in August.
The poll was conducted from September 9 to 12, 2025, with a sample of 2,001 Canadian adults, and carries a margin of error of about ±2.7 percentage points.
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