VITA Summer 2025 | British Columbia

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Beach, Please

How to pack the ultimate heat-proof beauty bag

Words by Emily MacCulloch and Ingrie Williams, @t.zonebeauty

AFTER MONTHS OF DREARY WEATHER, we’ve finally reached peak Canadian summer. But with the arrival of spicy temperatures and a high UV index, your beauty routine needs an upgrade. There’s an art form to packing the perfect bag to stave off seasonal beauty emergencies (sudden frizz, anyone?), so we’re sharing a few essentials to keep you looking sleek, stylish and minimally sweaty for the sunny season ahead.

STEAM-PROOF STRANDS Maintaining fuzz-free, healthy hair when the humidex is high can feel like mission impossible. While frizz doesn’t discriminate, those with curly, colour-treated or damaged hair know that when there’s humidity in the forecast, there’s flyaways. The best defense against unruly strands? Moisture. Opt for more nourishing shower staples and pop a pocket-sized frizz fighter in your bag. Keeping your scalp and strands protected against the sun is another must for summer, as both areas suffer damage from UV exposure. Look for an antioxidant-rich scalp treatment that’s lightweight yet hydrating (minus

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any exfoliating ingredients) along with a protective leave-in that you can spritz on before heading out the door that won’t leave your hair feeling heavy or sticky.

NO-MELT MAKEUP As Mother Nature cranks up the heat, it’s time to dial it back on makeup. Under the season’s flattering filters (bless you, bright days and extended golden hours), focusing on a radiant complexion and glossy accents is all that’s required. A skin tint is a musthave for your-skin-but-better vibes. These lightweight liquids are souped up tinted moisturizers that will even out discolouration, creating a uniform

glow while plumping skin with all-star ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Blending with your fingers or a sponge totally works, but a foundation brush will buff the product into skin for an airbrushed effect. End with a spritz of setting spray and let high shine effects work their magic. Adding a swipe of lip oil and adorning nails with a chrome topcoat locks in a dazzling impression.

SUNNY SKIN SAVIOURS A sunscreen is a mandatory must-pack for any adventure—and trust us when we say it’s never been easier to find one you’ll love enough to wear every day. Among the bounty

of silky lotion or serum-like formulas available to choose from these days, many boast bonus ingredients, such as the brightening power of niacinamide or the soothing benefit of squalane. If it’s a day of the week, please wear SPF and don’t skimp on application. Not sure how much to use? You need half a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face, ears and neck alone. What about a tan, you say? To satisfy the need for a sun-kissed glow, turn to self-tanner and complete the mood boost with a new-to-you fragrance. Tap into fresh citrusy scents that feel oh-so-right and are a great summer memory maker. V

Power Pair

IF THERE’S ONE THING WE KNOW, it’s that skincare gets really exciting when science, nature and that glow factor come together— and Clarins has nailed it again. The latest launches from the iconic French beauty brand are rewriting the rules on radiance and, trust us: your skin will thank you.

Meet the new Bright Plus [Advanced] Serum—a multi-action brightening powerhouse—and the best-selling Double Serum, now officially a dream duo when it comes to boosting brightness, clarity and all-around glow. While each one stands strong on its own, the real magic happens when you mix one drop of Bright Plus with Double Serum and apply daily for a month. The result? Your skin, but visibly brighter, smoother and more even-toned.

Why we’re obsessed with Bright Plus [Advanced]

Clarins has been at the forefront of plant-based brightening for over 30 years, and this latest launch proves they’re still leading the charge. Inspired by groundbreaking research in partnership with an international institute in Paris, Bright Plus [Advanced] targets melanin distribution—the real secret behind uneven skin tone.

The star? Purple tea extract, a high-altitude botanical loaded with antioxidant power that boosts something called caveolae (yes, it’s a thing), help

Double Down on Radiance

Clarins Bright Plus [Advanced] Serum and Double Serum are the terrific twosome your skin deserves

ing to distribute melanin more evenly. Translation: fewer dark spots, reduced dullness and that elusive lit-from-within look we all chase.

And Clarins didn’t stop there. Bright Plus also features: acerola extract to restore radiance; niacinamide + vitamin C derivative for an even tone; lady’s mantle and sea lily to stop dullness in its tracks; and a lightweight, milky texture that feels like a dream. It’s suitable for all skin types— even sensitive—and works overtime to smooth, hydrate and seriously brighten.

Pair it with Clarins’ iconic Double Serum, packed with 21 plant extracts (hello, turmeric), and you’re essentially giving your skin a masterclass in glow. The two serums complement each other like good jeans and a great white tee—timeless, effortless and better together.

Results That Speak for Themselves

After just one month of using the Bright Plus [Advanced] Serum (especially when boosted with the serum-in-lotion), testers saw a 47 per cent boost in radiance, a 44 per cent reduction in yellow skin tone and a 35 per cent drop in dark spot visibility. And 92 per cent of women said the duo delivered even better results when used together.

Pro Tip: The Clarins Mix

Do the Clarins Mix: 1 drop of Bright Plus + 1 pump of Double Serum. It’s the shortcut to your most radiant complexion yet.

Clarins is also keeping things planet-friendly. The new Bright Plus bottles feature recycled glass, and the formulas contain between 91 and 95 per cent ingredients of natural origin. So, you can feel as good as you look. Bright skin. Even tone. Major glow. It’s all happening—with a little help from Clarins’ new power pair. Clarins.ca

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Beyond Blueberries

SUPPORTING LOCAL FOOD

PRODUCERS in Canada isn’t just patriotic—it’s delicious. Across the country, farmers and makers are pushing boundaries to grow and craft world-class ingredients, while also closing the loop from soil to table in inspiring, sustainable ways.

On the West Coast, a group of pioneering farmers is experimenting with crops typically found in warmer climates. At Westholme Tea, you can sip a cup of Camellia sinensis from the only dedicated tea farm in North America.

“It was a passion for tea and the challenge of what might be possible that inspired us to start Westholme,” says founder Victor Vesely. “But it’s our deep love for Vancouver Island that keeps us growing. The tea reflects more than terroir—it captures the culture of the people and place that create it. That’s what you taste in every cup.”

Further north, Vancouver Island Sea Salt is proving there’s no need to look to Maldon or Italy for a premium finishing salt. Harvested from Pacific waters fed by glaciers and surrounded by oldgrowth forests, the salt boasts a unique “merroir”—a distinct flavour profile shaped by its marine environment.

On Salt Spring Island, Jane Squier has transformed her 6,000-square-foot greenhouse from hydroponic lettuce production into a subtropical citrus grove called The Garden. Now in retirement, Jane supplies hyper-local fruit to just 10 restaurants and bakeries, including Nero Tondo, Burdock & Co., Oxeye, Pilgrimme, Pluvio, Kissa Tanto, The Acorn, Toca, Francis Bread and Love’s Galettes.

These partnerships have helped spread awareness of Canadian-grown citrus and of Jane’s deeper mission: regenerative farming. “We can work towards creating living soil again and move towards a more balanced production system—where food quality is actually worth eating,” she says.

She encourages others to grow their own hardy citrus varieties, such as Sudachi or Yuzu, from Canadian nurseries like Phoenix Perennials, Tropic of Canada, Flora Exotica and Fruit Trees and More, and to learn from growers in cold climates, including Saskatchewan-based Arkopia.

Meanwhile, the Prairies are home to some of Canada’s most internationally coveted crops, such as durum wheat semolina—much of which is exported to

Italy to be milled into ‘00’ flour, only to be sold back to Canadians at a premium.

Vancouver’s Flourist is working to close that loop. “Our vision was to create a community that gathers around the flour mill,” says co-founder Shira McDermott. “It’s a nod to the earliest human civilizations, and to the role agriculture—especially grains—have played in how we come together.”

Ontario’s Arva Flour Mill, the sixth-oldest continually operating business in Canada, has honoured this tradition for more than 205 years. “We work with a local grain elevator that supplies hard and soft red winter wheats, all grown within a 100-kilometre radius,” says flour miller Dustin Blackall.

At Kaslo Sourdough Pasta in British Columbia, the concept of ‘closing the loop’ goes even further. “It’s not just about sustainability,” says co-owner Tania Lettrari. “It’s about honouring the land, the people, and the science behind Canadian agriculture.”

Canada also grows over half of the

world’s mustard seed, most of which is exported. But Gravelbourg Mustard in Saskatchewan and Kozlik’s Mustard in Ontario are changing that. The latter has even been praised by celebrity chef David Chang: “It’s memorable when you have the best of something. In my opinion, this is the best mustard anywhere.”

In B.C.’s Fraser Valley, Steve Hope of Fraser Valley Hazelnuts is planting the future. After Eastern Filbert Blight wiped out 95% of the province’s hazelnut trees in 2005, he partnered with three other families to rebuild the industry with resilient varieties.

“The Fraser Valley, like much of southwest B.C., offers the perfect climate for hazelnuts,” he says. “The product we produce here—yes, I’m biased—is the best-tasting hazelnut in the world.” Ultimately, it’s Canadian consumers who make all of this possible. “Supporting Canadian-grown products means supporting Canadian families,” Steve says. And that’s a harvest we can all feel good about. V

1. TABLET TAKEOVER For those who like their tech sleek and portable, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE WiFi ($399.98) is your new go-to. With a vibrant display, powerful processor and battery built for long study (or streaming) sessions, this tablet is the perfect blend of play and productivity.

2. FIT FOR THE YEAR AHEAD Wellness matters during back-to-school season, and the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 ($63.99) is the perfect wrist companion. Track your steps, heart rate and even your sleep patterns with this slim, sporty device that helps you stay in tune with your health while tackling your schedule.

3. START WITH SMARTS The Acer Gateway Chromebook 311 ($264.99) is a lightweight, budget-friendly laptop perfect for everyday student life. Featuring a bright 11.6-inch HD

display with anti-glare, speedy Intel® processor, HD camera and long-lasting battery, it’s built for everything from lecture notes to late-night research—no charger anxiety.

4. HEADPHONES THAT MAKE THE GRADE The JLab JBuddies Studio Wired Headphones ($24.98) are cool, comfy and kid-safe. Designed with volume-limiting at 85dB, these over-ear headphones are ideal for homework, virtual learning or zoning out to a playlist—without breaking the bank.

5. PRINT IT LIKE A PRO From assignments to admin, the Canon PIXMA TR7021A wireless All-in-One printer ($199.98) covers all the bases. Compact yet packed with features like auto-duplex printing, document feeding and a clear OLED display, it handles scanning, printing and homework hustle with ease.

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Words by Carissa Kasper
Thanks to Canadian farmers, global ingredients are being grown right here at home
The Garden on Sat Spring Island. Photography by Hakan Burcuoglu for Burdock & Co.
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The Fresh Sheet

BAE SIDE Vancouver’s waterfront patio scene just got hotter. Open daily all summer, Bae Side is the ultimate destination for long lunches, golden-hour cocktails and late-night lounging, thanks to a laid-back aesthetic and eclectic menu that draws inspo from the West Coast to India, the Mediterranean, Mexico and beyond. Cocktails like the Gua Wah (vodka and guava with a kick of green chili) and Baè-licious (tequila, watermelon, lychee) pair perfectly with the Pacific Poke Bowl, Hamachi Crudo, chargrilled kebabs and indulgent sliders. Come fall, this outdoor oasis will shift indoors, with a permanent restaurant, Mishree on the Water, launching spring 2027. For now, all signs point to the patio. 601 Stamps Landing, Baesideco.com NOA NICHOL

FOLIETTA Here’s a boisterous and airy Italian restaurant to write home about. Not usually one to start with a dessert mention, we simply have to here, because the Budino al Caramello is the best sweet we’ve eaten all year long. Rich caramel pudding with salted caramel sauce, house-made almond roca and a thick dollop of chantilly cream atop—wow. Veal fans should not miss the Vitello alla Parmigiana, a breaded 14-oz bone-in chop served tomahawk-style on a plate

JUNE Now that June—named after one of the owner’s moms—is open, you’d best get your reservation in. The busy brasserie is already beloved for its mini martinis (bet you can’t drink just one), frog legs with spiced B.C. honey, classic steak frites and Pasta for Rachel: a single sheet of ravioli du dauphiné bathed in French Isigny butter, of which you can ask for an extra scoop doled out from a tub, tableside. It’s rare to find a fine-dining resto with a soft-serve machine, but there’s one here blending seasonal fruits right in; on a recent night, it was fresh local rhubarb. There are 100 seats in June, but if you head downstairs, stepping through the green and burgundy curtains just past the ice room, you can discover another 35 more at Lala, a bar spinning vinyl seven nights a week. 3305 Cambie St., Juneoncambie.com

with sugo sauce and burrata, and pasta fans have an excellent array of housemade fresh pastas to choose from, like Trottole con Agnello with braised lamb neck, saffron and ricotta salata. There’s a stellar vino menu, too. If you’re feeling fun, go for the Fattoria Petriolo ‘Folietta’ Chianti DOCG Toscana—it’s served in a 1-litre “fiasco” wine bottle with a traditional straw basket and emblazoned with Folietta’s logo. 1480 Nanaimo St., Folietta.com

CALL ME BACK A red British phone booth transports you to Call Me Back, a cosy 22-seat bar inside the Lions Pub. Expect a sexy vibe (black wallpaper emblazoned with red flowers) and design surprises (the bathroom is covered in Andy Warhol polaroids) with on-point drinks and elevated bar snacks. We loved the savoury Shashuka Martini with green pepper-infused Akvavit, clarified Clamato and dry vermouth; to keep the party going, try the Trasnochando, blended with Fernet Branca, cardamom espresso and a sweet hint of rose petal syrup. Feeling indecisive? Go for the Dealer’s Choice; the bartending team will pick for you. 888 W. Cordova, @callmebacklounge

BAR ASRA “Globally inspired” food can be hard to get right, but Bar Asra does it with a menu based on chefs Kanwardeep Ahluwalia and Baldeep Singh’s world travels—with a few twists on tradition and no fear of spice. Get the patatas bravas with garlic chimichurri to start and the ravioli du dauphiné to follow; the latter’s filled with comté and topped with verdant fresh green peas (“hand-delivered this morning in a paper bag from our fresh-veggie guy,” we were told). Steamed bao buns with prawn recheado and chili pack some heat, while a herbaceous Lima Sour cocktail proved just the right cooling antidote. Next time, we’ll try the murtabak, a popular Arabic street-food of folded cheese-and-jalapeno parcels. Post up on the sunny patio or head inside to reminisce: a sentimental part of us also loved seeing this, one of the early Vij’s locations, born again into something bright and beautiful. 1480 W. 11th Ave., Bar-asra.com

Summer in a Glass

Concerts, culinary experiences and quiet luxury—Mission Hill Family Estate is redefining summer in the Okanagan, one sip (and song) at a time

NESTLED ABOVE THE SHORES OF OKANAGAN LAKE, Mission Hill Family Estate has long stood as a symbol of excellence in Canadian wine and hospitality. In 1981, when most viewed the Okanagan as orchard country, founder Anthony von Mandl envisioned something more: world-class vineyards, award-winning wines and a destination that could rival Napa.

That vision has since shaped four decades of innovation. Today, Mission Hill is the only five-time recipient of Canada’s Winery of the Year, with its wines regularly earning global acclaim. From organic farming to immersive guest experiences, excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s a lifestyle. And this summer, the estate is elevating that lifestyle even further with a season full of music, food and unforgettable moments.

Back for its 18th year, the Mission Hill Summer Concert Series brings four major performances to the winery’s open-air Amphitheatre. The lineup features a sold-out show by Canadian rock icons Blue Rodeo, followed by Jann Arden (July 17), Andy Grammer (July 31), and Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes (August 21).

New this year is the Private Balcony Suite Experience, where a select few can enjoy the music from above with wine in hand. Also debuting: Lawn Dining by Delta, an upscale grab-and-go menu featuring elevated dishes—from fried boneless chicken with homestyle slaw to a vegan twist on the classic BLT—each crafted to pair beautifully with Mission Hill wines.

Beyond the music, the estate’s acclaimed Terrace Restaurant continues to offer one of the Okanagan’s most spec-

tacular alfresco dining experiences. Led by Executive Chef Patrick Gayler, the kitchen focuses on sustainable, seasonal ingredients with a distinctive estate-to-table philosophy. New for summer 2025: an expanded in-house charcuterie program and the launch of Farmstead, a curated collection of gourmet products crafted on-site. Think Estate Golden Honey and Okanagan Quince Vinegar—delicious take-home expressions of the estate’s culinary identity.

Of course, at the heart of it all is the wine. In 2025, Mission Hill shifted to a reservation-only model to preserve the serenity of the estate and personalize every visit. Whether you’re a wine club member or a day guest, each tasting and dining experience is designed with care.

That philosophy is fully realized in the Chagall Room, a sanctuary inspired by von Mandl’s own living room. Outfitted with furnishings from his personal collection, this space offers unscripted luxury—guests may be welcomed with Krug Champagne, an amuse-bouche, or a private Oculus tasting.

For serious oenophiles, the Iconic Oculus Experience is the pinnacle. The journey begins with a tour of the underground barrel cellar carved from volcanic rock, followed by a seated tasting of the estate’s most celebrated wine: Oculus, Canada’s first 100-point red. Paired with refined bites, it’s a sensory experience priced at $300 per person—and worth every sip.

Whether you’re dining on The Terrace, enjoying live music under the stars or indulging in a rare vintage, Mission Hill invites you to elevate your summer. Come for the wine—stay for the magic; reservations are required. Missionhillwinery.com

Photography by Juno Kim
Words by Katie Nanton
Photos by Mission Hill Family Estate
Photography by Leila Kwok

Fresh Face Forward

Dior Beauty reinvents the skincare essentials with a couture touch—and they’re as high-performing as they are stylish

“ These aren’t just your daily basics—they’re your daily beauty rituals, upgraded ”

DIOR HAS ALWAYS KNOWN A THING OR TWO about elevating the everyday—and now, the house is applying its haute couture mindset to the most essential step of your beauty routine. With the launch of its reinvented Skin Essentials line for 2025, Dior delivers skincare that is universal, ultra-effective, and irresistibly sensorial. These aren’t just your daily basics—they’re your daily beauty rituals, upgraded.

At the heart of this reimagined collection are three icons in the making: La Mousse OFF/ON, Le Baume (now in a stunning limited-edition Toile de Jouy case), and the Eye Patches, the ultimate antidote to screen-time fatigue.

La Mousse OFF/ON takes the humble face wash and transforms it into a full-on skincare experience. Its creamy,

airy texture is infused with water lily extract sourced from Dior’s historic Latour-Marliac garden in France—an ingredient known for its purifying power. With each use, it delivers what Dior calls the “OFF” and “ON” effects: deep purification (removing 99 per cent of microparticles and sunscreen residue) and visible radiance (thanks to added niacinamide). The mousse reduces visible pores, hydrates for six hours and strengthens the skin barrier for a full day. Plus, it smells divine—think fresh green notes paired with subtle florals—and comes in an ergonomic, couture-white tube embossed with Dior’s signature logomania print. If cleansing your face has ever felt like a chore, this luxurious upgrade might just change your mind.

For tired eyes in a digital world, Dior’s new Eye Patches are a revelation. These hydrogel patches deliver a potent cocktail of skincare benefits, combining high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid with niacinamide and caffeine to hydrate, brighten and depuff the delicate under-eye area in just ten minutes. Their double-layer hydrogel design is not only plastic-free, but features a signature Dior logomania mesh—bridging science and style. A cooling effect of over 4°C and a doubling of hydration levels make them a go-to for early mornings, long days, or late nights. Whether you’re prepping for a big event or simply reclaiming a moment of self-care, these patches deliver fast, visible results. Rounding out the collection is Le Baume, a cult-favourite that’s now dressed for the season in Dior’s most coveted couture print—the pink Toile de Jouy. This multi-purpose balm is designed to go wherever you do, offering soothing hydration and barrier repair for lips, hands, elbows—anywhere skin feels dry or overworked. Formulated with centella asiatica, squalane, jojoba

oil, shea butter and hyaluronic acid, the balm cocoons skin in velvety softness without feeling heavy or greasy. For beauty lovers on the go, Dior has also released a miniature pebble-shaped version of Le Baume, complete with a clasp to clip onto your bag or coat—part skin saviour, part statement accessory. Today’s skincare rituals aren’t just about efficacy—they’re about experience. With its updated Skin Essentials, Dior taps into a new era of beauty, where performance meets pleasure. From morning to night, La Mousse OFF/ON, the Eye Patches, and Le Baume offer a curated rhythm of care that enhances the everyday. These are staples reimagined not just to work wonders, but to bring a little luxury into the ordinary. Whether it’s the feeling of a rich mousse dissolving the day away, the cooling touch of an under-eye patch, or the comfort of a balm that fits in your pocket and your palm, Dior’s latest offerings are designed to be lived with and loved. Thoughtful, effective and beautifully crafted—this is skincare made to be seen. Dior.com

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