Explore Spirit Ridge, British Columbia

Living a few hours south of Montreal, I’d always planned to visit, but never actually committed and booked — after visiting Osoyoos, British Columbia, I see what I’ve been missing by not exploring Canada.

Although British Columbia is across the country, the naturalist vibe and wild beauty are right up my alley. I stayed at Spirit Ridge, an idyllic resort, heritage center and vineyard.

As the first aboriginal-owned vineyard in Canada with the first grape plants seeded from 1966 through the 1970s, depending on whom you ask, this region’s history really goes back thousands of years.

As the first independent hotel in Canada to team up with Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, Spirit Ridge Resort is all about firsts. The First Nations People of aboriginal citizens is made up of seven bands, including local Okanagans, and the resort is dedicated to preserving local heritage and traditions and educating visitors and residents alike.

The property, brimming with personality and culture, is set between Anarchist Mountain, lush vineyards and wild terrain perfect for horseback riding, boating on the lake, swimming, hiking and a slew of other on- and off-property activities.

We took a quick ride up Anarchist Mountain for a view of Osoyoos Lake, Spirit Ridge Resort and all of the vineyards surrounding. Our guide, a member of the First Nations People and Okaganan Band, told us about the region’s vast history and her people’s close connection with the land. Anarchist Mountain itself was once where tribe leaders and chiefs would convene to discuss battle strategies while taking in the lay of the land.

Anarchist Mountain sits up again Mica Canyon, a sacred spot believed to hold healing waters and wellness properties, as well as the nearby Spotted Lake, another main vein in the spiritual and physical wellness of the Okanagan people.

With a focus on the importance of the Okanagan people and their history, Spirit Ridge Resort opened the Nk’ Mip Cultural Center in 2002 that since grew to a full-scale educational center. Guests and local students explore the on-site museum, take in an educational documentary on the region and hike along the desert trails filled with points explaining the different terrain, history and plant life.