Okanagan Life celebrates the best.

From altruistic souls performing festive acts of compassion or five wonderful women and their rise in consequence, to the brilliant and fabulous finds unearthed throughout the Okanagan, discover some of the things that make the Okanagan Valley best. Plus - rediscover the pastoral niches left untouched by exponential growth and see it through the eyes of varying generations.

Christmas days in need and deed

Traditionally, Christmas is a time spent with family and friends, but we introduce you to those who will NOT be home for the holidays.

Wonderful women

Meet the five Women of Distinction award recipients who share their energy and passion to support community programs throughout the Okanagan Valley. Among the 2005 Women of Distinction was Sharon Shepherd, new Kelowna mayor, for Lifetime Achievement.

2005 Best of the Okanagan Awards

The results are in! It's our 11th annual readers poll in which you voted for your favourite Okanagan businesses, professionals and venues. The Best of the Okanagan has become the definitive source for finding and celebrating the best our valley has to offer.

Bling bling

Finding the fabulous. We trek the Okanagan for fine and fun finds in unusual gems and designer jewelry. There is a piece of jewelry out there with your name on it, and if it doesn't exist, someone will make or find it for you.

Innovations

Do global positioning satellites offer new ways to cut auto insurance? ICBC is quite happy with status quo, but should the crown corporation's customers be happy too?

Life lines

Eight fitness tips for women. Women, having less muscle than men, find it harder to keep their fat under control. Discover these tricks to success.

Food of choice

The aroma most connected to childhood memories, ginger adds some spice to your Christmas delicacies.

Enthusiasms

Naramata dreamin': rediscovering a sleepy, rural hamlet from a bygone era.

Lit bits

Memoirs by two local lads chronicle life both long past and present.

Amazing person

Okanagan nordic skier Joan Reid trains for the 2010 Paralympics on her custom designed "mountain board."