Fun BlogWelcome to the Fun Patrol Blog

If you haven't visited the beaches yet this summer, you don't know what you are missing!  Head down to one of the many lakes in the area and have some fun in the water.  With all the great shaped beach toys on the market, you'll never get bored. Maybe just a blanket with refreshments and a good book will do the trick.  Whatever your relaxation technique is, there are plenty of options in the Okanagan.  The August long weekend is just around the corner and things are booking up quickly. Do you realize that there are more accommodation options available when it's not a long weekend?  There are just as many venues with entertainment and availability on boat rentals when you plan a vacation other than a long weekend. Let us know if we may assist you in planning the ...

Enjoy the hot summer nights of the Okanagan.  Great for an evening picnic or camping out on the deck.  This weekend you can check out the Open Air Performances at Swalwell Park beginning at 6:30pm.  Enjoy the sweet sounds of Corey Doak & Phat Nero. Be sure to check out the events at www.ilovekelowna.com.

Well it looks like we are finally into sunshine.  The forecast for the week is in the 30's.  It's about time summer arrives, even if it's only a couple of weeks behind.  There should be no worries about water in the reservoirs this summer. Many groups are planning their vacations at last minute this year due to lingering economic angst and lousy weather.  Let's put all of that behind us and get on with having some FUN!  After-all, working the many extended hours in the office or on the job site should be rewarded with some free time. Give us a call, even if it is last minute we'll see what we can do to find you a getaway. Let the summer begin!

Yippee!! The kids are finally loose and you can make your getaway plans.  No notes to teachers and no homework! When you head to the Okanagan this summer be sure to eat lots of locally grown fruit and take some home with you in a jar.  Many of the markets and artisans carry local jams and preserves.  Maybe you like to do this yourself, so stop by an orchard and buy flats of produce to take home and preserve for the next seasons. There is non stop fun in the Okanagan for the kids.  Check out all the local lakes, beaches, parks and activity centres. Have a great summer and let the FUN begin! 

Well this is definitely one of the coolest Springs that I remember.  The Okanagan is beautiful and lush with all the moisture that we have experienced.  Don't wake up on a September morning and realize that you just missed summer.  Although the weather hasn't been terrific, summer really is here!  Plan those summer vacations and getaway.  The sun is peeking around the corner and the hot summer weather is waiting for you to come and visit. Air conditioned buses for wine tours, properties with pools and beaches for summer time fun and picnics.  Reserve your spot today.  Give Fun Patrol Vacations a call.

Be sure to attend the Celebrate Lake Country Tourism showcase at Swalwell Park.  This event will have vendors from Lake Country displaying the different different Tourism attractions.  Come out and join us Friday, June 4th from 3:30pm - 7:30pm.  There will be entertainment, food and beverage, Farmer's Market, Tourism displays and fun for the whole family.  The NEW Waterpark will be open and lots of parking. See you there!

It's always great to wake up to a beautiful blue sky and realize that you are living in paradise.  If you live in the Okanagan, you know you don't have to plan a holiday until the winter unless you love to ski and then you never leave.  This is like one big playground.  The most difficult decision to make on a beautiful day like this is...will I go golfing today or maybe on a wine tour or maybe I'll go for a walk along the magnificant boardwalk in Kelowna along the lake.  Maybe Ogopogo will be out today? Whatever it is that you love to do, we have it all.  Plan you next vaction to the Okanagan.  Let Fun Patrol Vacations plan it for you.

Now is the time to book your vacation rental for your summer holidays.  As the requests are picking up for summer bookings, they are on a first come first serve basis.  All we need is a deposit and a signed agreement and you're ready for your Okanagan Vacation.  Don't wait until it is too late. Fun Patrol has a wonderful selection of properties to choose from.  If you are looking for a vacation for 2 or a getaway for 20, we have a place for you! Give us a call or check our available dates for each specific property!

Did you know that when you create a blog you can not edit the title.  When you sit down on a Monday morning to update your blog, there are a couple of musts!  First you must drink coffee to be awake, secondly you must proof your material and thirdly don't press save until you have completed one and two.  Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and letting me know that I should use my spell checker.

Check out our properties listed on this site.  Several of the properties are still available for the May long weekend.  Whether you are coming to the Okanagan for a golf and wine tour or whether you are coming to town for a soccer tournament, we've got a place for you.  Give us a call and let us assist you in finding the perfect property.

It appears the weather has returned to beautiful sunshine again. Now is the time to book your summer vacation property so that you get first dibs on some of the best properties in town.  Most properties have the May long weekend booked already and guests are planning their vacations away from the office. Give Fun Patrol a call and let them find you the perfect vacation spot.

To all the Moms out there we wish you Happy Mother's Day! If you're looking for things to do then you've come to the right place.  There are many restaurants that cater to Mother's Day Brunch.  If you haven't made reservations for lunch or dinner you may want to call ahead to make sure they have a spot for your special lady. We are off to Gray Monk for Willie's fabulous Mother's Day Delight. Have a wonderful day!

I know my blog is to be about the Okanagan and Travel but this is a very significant time of the year for me.  My company has been in business for over 1 year now and it is doing very well.  I've met several wonderful people through this journey as well as made many great alliances and created new friendships. None of this would be possible without my Mother giving me the great gifts that she did.  Although my Mom passed unexpectedly in 2003, her strength. determination and desire to succeed runs through me everyday.  In this business there can be a lot of juggling of tasks and making sure you get individuals what they are looking for.  With a positive attitude and high expectations of one self Fun Patrol Vacations will continue to grow and exceed my every go...

April 30th to May 9th, 2010 If you are lucky enough to be here right now then I'm sure you've been sampling some of the Okanagan's best wines. For more information on the Spring Wine Festival and schedule be sure to check out www.thewinefestivals.com. Need a place to stay? Give us a call.

If you were watching Global news out of Vancouver today you would have heard Claire Newell talk about beautiful Kelowna and the many things to do while you are there. If you are looking for Golf, Orchards, Beaches & Wine then you are heading in the right direction when you make Kelowna your destination.  Play one of 17 Golf courses when you get here or spend the day at the Beach with family and friends. There's lots for the children and big kids in this playground meca.  Once you come for a visit, you'll be tempted to invest for your future.  As my fiance and I did 5 years ago.  We love this area so much and we had so much company we decided to buy a vacation condo so that our company had somewhere to go rather than with us.  That plan fell apart when I ...

Visit the Okanagan for the best in wine, food and recreation.  If you and the guys are looking to get away from the frozen greens come and play one of our many championship golf courses.  Fun Patrol will coordinate your tee times and arrange for the chef to show up to cook your dinner, after-all who wants cooking to get in the way of counting your deuce money after the game? This is a great destination for family fun.  The water might be a little cold at the beach for swimming but the water in the pool will be perfect.  Stay at one of our vacation condos that offers a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and located next to a soccer park and running track for the kids to tire them out. Maybe it's time to just get away from a hard working winter.  Let Fun Patrol spoil you by...

If you've never travelled to Lake Country then it's time to put it on your list of places to visit in BC.  Lake Country is vacation destination with so many activities available.  Located 10 minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, 15 minutes from UBCO and centrally located between Vernon and Kelowna. Surrounded by orchards, lakes, mountain views and championship golf courses.  This is the perfect destination for the whole family.  Whether you're here for the Fun or the Relaxation, Lake Country has it all.  Be sure to stop by Gray Monk Winery on Camp Rd for wine sampling and a delicious lunch or dinner, opening for dinner on May 1, 2010.  Looking to spend the day on the lake, well then get ready to make your first decision because you have 3 magnif...

Well it's a beautiful Saturday morning in the Okanagan, the sky is blue, the air is clear and the smells of fresh country air are magnificant!  If you are planning your upcoming long weekend, think Okanagan.  There will be an Easter Egg Hunt up at Jack Seaton park in Lake Country.  Get there by 10:30am to register. Graymonk Winery will be open for lunches.  If you haven't been to the Grapevine Restaurant at Graymonk then you'll want to check it out.  An amazing view of Lake Okanagan and the most wonderful hosts Willie and Marie.  Be prepared to pay a little more but well worth it. Another favorite of Fun Patrol is Quails Gate Winery on the Westside and Cedar Creek in Kelowna. If you are looking for something special to do with the family then you've come t...

Planning a getaway for the May long weekend?  This is the first official weekend getaway with nice weather or if you come from Vancouver, it the first long weekend getaway with rain.  Be sure to book your trip to the Okanagan sooner than later.  Vacation properties book quickly and if you're undecided, you'll want to give your travel mates a nudge.  Check out the wineries, golf courses and ball parks!  No shortage of things to do on the long weekend in May!

Are you still thinking about whether or not to rent your house out as a vacation rental this summer while you're in Europe?  Think about it no longer...jump off that fence and give us a call.  We would be pleased to schedule an appointment to stop by and or have a conversation over the phone about what is involved in Summer rentals. Wait no longer, put those questions to rest and let us assist you with the knowledge you require to make that decision once and for all.  If you are on the other side of the coin and you are having company visiting this summer and they don't know where they are going to stay, let Fun Patrol find them a local property.  This way you're not cleaning up after your guests...we are!

If you are still looking for things to do half way through Spring Break then be sure to check out the Sports and Recreational Facilities that Kelowna has to offer.  Once you visit these venues you'll wish Spring Break was extended.

Don't forget to set your clocks forward an hour on Sunday March 14th.  Hop into spring with longer days.  The weather in the Okanagan has been unbelievable this year.  With very little snow and blue skys people are getting out to enjoy the beauty of our landscapes. Plan a trip to the Okanagan this Spring by calling Fun Patrol Vacations.  We look after all the details so that you can sit back and relax.  Book your next Okanagan Vacation Rental with Fun Patrol.

Now that the children are off with Spring Break, parents are looking for things to do. Parks, trails and natural spaces are an important part of our community, providing a location for exercise, relaxation, and outdoor activities.  They also filter our water and air and provide habitat for wildlife. In the Okanagan we're lucky to have easy access to parks and trails.  Even so, they can still be wild places, so while you're out, protect yourself and the parks by doing these simple things: Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back Stay on designated trails to protect plants and trees near the path Know about and be alert to wildlife in the area Pack out garbage and pick up after your pet Take water, wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather For more i...

We love guests from Alberta.  Did you know that 80% of our business is generated from guests arriving from Alberta?  We appreciate you visiting our area to enjoy all the treasures the Okanagan has to offer.  That converts to:  We appreciate you spendng your hard earned cash here!  And we THANK YOU! When you plan your next trip to the Okanagan, be sure to give Fun Patrol a call.  We look after all the little details for you.  Come have fun in the Okanagan this Spring and Summer. Call soon to book!

Way to Go Canada!  Most Golds ever won in the Winter Olympics!  The last couple of weeks have had us on the edge of our seats with anticipation of medal contention.  All the hard work of the athletes leading up to the Olympics finally challenged.  There were so many memorable moments of the Olympics but I have to say that watching that final Canada vs USA Gold match in Men's Hockey really had to take the cake. My brother told me in the morning that the game would end in a 2-2 tie at the end of regulation and Sid the Kid was going to score the winning goal.  Well I called him on the edge of my seat during each intermission asking if he wanted to change his prediction and he said, "no, I'm going to be famous tomorrow at the Fire Hall when Sid the Kid comes through!"...

Sheilagh Trew comes to Fun Patrol with 10 years of experience as a Travel Consultant.  Whether you are looking to plan your next trip to the Okanagan or planning a Hot Holiday, Sheilagh will assist you in all of your travel arrangements.  Sheilagh moved to Kelowna, BC two years ago from Edmonton, AB and has remained actively involved in the Travel Industry. Sheilagh is looking forward to having the opportunity to showcase the beautiful properties that the Okanagan has to offer, as well as provide the additional concierge services available to our guests through the Fun Patrol website. Don't wait any longer, book that vacation today with Sheilagh at sheilagh@funpatrol.ca. Welcome to Sheilagh from the Fun Patrol Team.  

With the enthusiasm growing for Okanagan vacation properties, it's best to consider your vacation dates earlier than later.  Whether your planning a golf tournament, corportate retreat or family vacation, let Fun Patrol work with you to find that perfect vacation spot.  Even if we don't have the listing you're looking for we will do our best to find you the right place.

Life is sweet!  Another Gold for Canada, 3 Silvers and 1 bronze!  Way to go Canada, keep up the great spirit and keep on winning!  Every Olympic athelete's dreams have the possibility of coming true in these two weeks!  May your dreams be your destination! If you are tired of the crowds and want to get away for some great skiing be sure to come to the Okanagan and ski Silver Star and Big White.  You'll want to come back year after year....OK maybe everytime you can get away for a winter holiday.

Canada finally wins gold on Canadian soil.  The draught is over thanks to Alex Bilodeau!  Winning in true Olympic style with his family and Country cheering him on. Thank you Alex!  And congratulations to Jennifer Heil for her Silver and Kristina Groves for the first Canadian speed skating medal.  Keep up the great work Canada!

Well the day has finally arrived!  As we watched the torch travel the Country it will be at it final destination at 6pm PST tonight.  Be sure to catch the opening ceremonies tonight in Vancouver either live or on television. We are so fortune to be citizens of such a wonderful Country.  We may get upset from time to time with the way our Politician's make decisions, but at the end of the day, there's nowhere better than CANADA. For the next couple of weeks and forever we welcome the world to our Province of BC.  May the games be a success and here's to wishing our Canadian Atheletes the best of luck!  To creating memories and making new friends. WELCOME WORLD to the BC 2010 Olympics!

Planning an Okanagan getaway with some friends or family?  Easter weekend is a popular time to travel.  If you are looking for an Easter reTREAT, give us a call and we'll find you the perfect vacation rental. Spring is just around the corner and there are several deals to be had.

The Olympic torch passed through Kelowna and Lake Country the past couple of days and the energy in the air was amazing.  To see the Community come out by the thousands to celebrate the eternal flame was so exciting.  When I looked over at the school to see a child wiping the tears of excitement from her eyes, it made me realize how magical this moment really was. Wishing the remaining journey a safe one for the Olympic committee and all the participants that helped to bring the magic to our Community.

OK so you and the family have decided to do a European vacation this summer and want to rent your house out to visitors of our great community.  Well now is the perfect time to consider what needs to be done in order to have it ready for summer rentals.  Some of the things to consider are short term rental zoning and insurance, contracts and house prep.  If you need assistance with getting the right information, call Fun Patrol Vacations.  We will list your property, design custom contracts, coordinate your bookings and leave the marketing to us.

Fun Patrol would like to wish everybody a Happy, Prosperous New Year!  With the recession hopefully behind us, this should be a year of happy, fun times.  We managed to get through one of the toughest years that I can recall in my 40 something history. We look forward to working with many of you and providing top notch service to all our guests.  When your planning your next trip to the Okanagan, please be sure to give Fun Patrol a call and let us look after all your planning needs.  Spring isn't that far away so let's start planning those golf tournaments.

It's the time to start thinking about those New Year's resolutions.  Fun Patrol's New Year's resolution is all about good health and having Fun!  This past year was a tough one for many physically & financially.  We are hoping the New Year will bring financial stability and good health to give you the opportunity to have a vacation.  If that is the case, then be sure to let Fun Patrol look after all your travel needs to the Okanagan.  LOL

Looking for those last minute perfect gifts?  Well come to the Okanagan and fill up the stockings with award winning wines, custom chocolates or gift certificates for the upcoming golf season.  If you're looking for the more extravagant gift, book a beautiful vacation rental with an in-house spa service or private chef. Whatever your pleasure, Fun Patrol would be happy to make the arrangements.  If you're looking for that special gift, you've come to the right place.

Winter is a great season in the Okanagan and cross-country skiing enthusiasts will enjoy the serenity of our wilderness.  In addition to the trails available at the major ski resorts, Kelowna has several active cross-country ski clubs that maintain approximately 85 kms (50 mi) of groomed, easily accessible trails.  Check out these settings: McCulloch Lake50kms of trailsTake Hwy 33 from Kelowna about 6.3kms past the Big White turn-off, go right and follow the signs along McCoullough Road about 4.5 kms to trailheads. Big White25 kms of an assortment of trailsTake highway 33 East and follow the signs to Big White Resort.  Call 1-800-663-2772 for information. Postill Lake40 kms of trailsThe turn off to Postill lake is located just north of the airport on highway 97.  Ta...

This week is going to be a cold one in the Okanagan.  With both Big White and Silver Star Ski Mountains in full gear, the playground is back OPEN for the season!  Be sure to check out www.BigWhite.com and www.SilverStar.com and plan your winter FUN!  The Okanagan has all 4-Seasons that cater to our visitors.  If you love winter activities and don't want to get stuck in traffic at the olympics, then come to the Okanagan.  Book with US!

Current trends suggest that if you have a business, the business needs to be on Facebook and Blogging.  With the technology keeping us connected to current information, the demand is high to be proactive in this area.  Fun Patrol Vacations has a Facebook account.  Please visit us and become a Fan.  Fun Patrol will not be twittering at this time but maybe in the future.  Your suggestions are always welcome.

November 22nd - 24th at the Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver. Fun Patrol will be attending this conference to find out what's happening in the BC Tourism trends.  We will find out how to best serve our clients.

With 3 cm of new powder are on the slopes.  Big White has added 11 more open runs to total 18 to choose from: Hummingbird Hummingbird Terrain Park Easy Out Highway 33 Serwa's Happy Valley Way Easy Street Exhibition Paradise Speculation Ridge Connector Lower Distributor Upper Distributor Squirrel Kangaroo Roller Coaster Perfection Mogul’s Track For more information go to the Big White website  

Shylo is our family golden retriever.  Shylo loves to be pampered and loves to play.  Our neighbors just bought a doggy spa 'For Pet's Sake' here in Lake Country, BC.  Well Shylo went for her first spa treatment.  While she was there of course she thought she was part of the babysitting service for the other dogs by checking on them at each of their stations.  Shylo came home feeling beautiful and clean and made her black lab sister, Lucy jealous.  Lucy would have a nervous breakdown at the spa.  Lucy likes to lounge at home on a big fat pillow and eat Scooby snacks....Can you say spoiled dogs? If you're looking for a groomer to take your dog to, be sure to check out For Pet's Sake on Hwy 33.  Nicest people in town.

Well we knew it was inevitable!  We love it for FUN on the slopes but not so much fun in the commute.  This is when a hot cocoa by the fireplace while relaxing on vacation is the perfect ingredient.  Take your time today.  Be sure to put on those snow tires and travel safe.  Bundle up if you have to venture outdoors.

Break open the ski equipment!  Early snow fall has made the slopes better than previous years to open. On Saturday morning Big White will open with Ridge Rocket, Laura's Gondola and the Plaza Chair at 8:45am.  For a complete list of what will be open and daily snow report, check out www.bigwhite.com.

If you were lucky enough to attend an evening of hot Cuban rhythms at the Kelowna Community Theatre you will be waking up with skip in your step.  Apart from the problems with some of the microphones, the music was Fun, rhythmatic and Cuban.  People were dancing in the aisles.  Another fun night in Kelowna.

Thank you to all the Canadian Men and Women of War for making Canada a Better place to live.  Thank you for giving us our freedom.  Our prayers and thoughts are with the Canadian soldiers, sailors, and airmen and airwomen who make the ultimate sacrifice to defend our Nation.  May you and your families be protected.

94 Days before the World comes to Whistler BC.  As a proud Canadian this will be a great opportunity for Canada to showcase the many hidden treasures throughout our Province.  If you're not participating in the Olympics and want to plan a vacation close to home...Think Okanagan!  The beautiful Okanagan is a true Canadian Vacation Destination...What sets us apart?  We enjoy all four seasons!  Activities & Accommodations for everybody in the family to enjoy.

Emerald Point Strata voted Katrina for President.  Emerald Point has been in operation for three years and is located in beautiful Lake Country BC, 10 minutes from the International Airport and 15 minutes to Kelowna.  This is a wonderful complex that has all the elements of a perfect vacation property.  With the proper vacation property zoning and guests boasting of the summer time Fun, this is the perfect revenue generating investment.  If you're looking to buy, rent or list your property, give Fun Patrol a call and they will get you connected.

What a beautiful day in the Okanagan!  The air is crisp and the activities are endless.  If you're looking for a vacation at an adult playground, then come to the Okanagan.  When the Okanagan has this much to offer for the adults, you can only imagine what's in store for the kids.  Come visit for the wine and be sure to catch an action packed hockey game while you're here.

Wow what a display of fireworks the Lake Country Fire Department put on Saturday night.  It gets better every year.  With all the children still in costume from tricker treating and the Lions serving up hot chocolate, it turned out to be a perfect night.  If you ever want the perfect bon fire, the Lake Country Fire Department is who you want to call.  Thanks for all the entertainment!

Today is a great day to head to the pumpkin patch for the halloween pumpkins.  Be sure to pack your thermos of hot chocolate and a box in the back to prevent the pumpkins from rolling around once you get them into the car.  Dress in layers today and be sure to wear water proof boots.  When you start carving those pumpkins, don't forget to keep the seeds and bake them up for a halloween movie snack.

If you're heading out for a game of golf, or getting on your mountain bikes for last of season ride, you better be bundled up.  Tuesday looks like the warmest day of 16 degrees this week.  As long as you're dressed for the cooler weather, you can still have a lot of fun in the Okanagan.

Fun Patrol Vacations has been nominated for the Lake Country Business Excellence Award in the category of 'Tourism Enhancement'.  This award honours a Lake Country based tourism business that has consistently delivered a top quality product and/or service that has enhanced tourism in the area.  The Awards dinner will be hosted on October 15th at the Grapevine Restaurant in Lake Country.  Way to go team.

One of the BEST reasons to visit the Okanagan!  Come for the wine and get swept off your feet by the Okanagan Hospitality.  Plan a trip for 10 of your closest friends or colleagues.  We have the perfect place place for your group to stay!  Let us Pamper you!  The Fall Wine Festival starts October 1st - Oct 11th.  Tickets are selling fast.

A Freddy Couples design located in Vernon.  Wow what a view!  Didn't get a chance to play it today but will be back next week to play a round.  Played Coldstream golf course today.  A little course that had it's challenges and lost a couple balls.  Be sur to check out the Rise next time your in town.  Even if it's just for the view.

Plan a trip to the Okanagan.  The weather is forcasted in the mid 20's all week.  This will be a great week for wine tours, spa services and perhaps a round of golf.  Fun Patrol will be heading to the mountains this week to check it out and take some photos.

There will be several protests around the Province today to protest the HST.  I will be attending the one that starts at 12:30 today, Saturday at the Sails in Kelowna.  As this will have a direct impact on my business; I intend to do whatever I can to stop it from happening.

The Okanagan is feeling like summer and it's half way through September.  If you love to golf, then this is the perfect week to plan a golfing getaway to the Okanagan.  The weather is forcasted in the mid - low 20's for the remainder of the week.  Get out there and enjoy some great moments with friends and family.

For only a toonie you will see some of the best Art in the Valley.  Local artists display their many talents.  I've been to this show for the past 4 years since living in Lake Country and it is definitely worth taking in.  If you love the okanagan and you love Art, you'll love these displays.  Running both Saturday and Sunday in Lake Country at George Elliot School.  Don't miss it!

For those of us without children; Fall is the perfect time to plan a vacation. The air is cooler, the golf courses less busy and the highways are quieter.  Now is the perfect time to travel.  Hang out at the beach without sand fights around you or float on your favorite floatie without being splashed.  Relax at your favorite vacation property and let us come to you!  How about an in-house spa service or maybe we could come and cook a romantic dinner for two?  Let Fun Patrol pamper you!

Today will be mixed feelings for the kids. Reflection on a summertime full of new friends, new experiences and driving mom and dad nuts. Oh did I mention mixed feelings for parents too? There is so much excitement ahead. Wearing new clothes to school tomorrow? The children will be busy looking for familiar faces and connecting with old friends. Now it's time for you! Need to be pampered? How about an in-house spa service? Maybe a chef can cook your favorite meal in your very own kitchen? September is a great month to start planning those gatherings that you have been putting off. How about focusing on work for just a minute? Perhaps its time to reward all those employees at work that pulled together over the summer to keep the business booming. Planning a Corpo...

This is the official launch of Fun Patrol's website.  After many hours of picture selection, uploads and content writing, it's finally arrived.  With tweaking and ongoing updates, this site will get better and better.  The Vacation Rental Management online service is being developed and will provide full online booking capabilities for our client's properties and their guests.  Coming Soon. Special THANKS to my fantastic web developer Michael Hunter for his work and patience.  Thanks to Jennifer of many hats and thanks to Stanley for taking up cooking. We are so excited to grow our business and provide excellent service to our many clients and their friends.  Thanks for being part of our success.