Sunday, June 22, 2025

Wine Country Worth the Detour: A Travel Agent's Guide to Okanagan Valley Dining



As a Certified Travel Agent with CMTA Travel Services, I regularly get requests from clients looking to extend their Alberta trips into British Columbia's wine country.

While I specialize in motorcycle tourism and haven't made it to the Okanagan recently myself, I've been researching dining options for riders and travelers who want something better than roadside stops.

Here's what keeps coming up in my research:

Nature's Table at Summerhill Pyramid Winery
consistently appears in reviews with a 4.4 Google rating and 4.6 OpenTable rating. 
(https://www.summerhill.bc.ca/dine/)
Located at 4870 Chute Lake Road in Kelowna, reviewers specifically mention the organic farm-to-table approach and stunning Okanagan Lake views.

Multiple reviews note good parking accessibility and vegan options - important for travelers with dietary restrictions.

The price point runs higher ($30+ per plate based on reviews), but guests seem to feel it's justified.




O'Rourke's Peak Cellars Garden Bistro in Lake Country
shows up with a solid 4.6 rating across 464 reviews.
(https://peakcellars.com/Visit-Us/Garden-Bistro)

What catches my attention is the consistent mention of it being "less touristy" with
vineyard-side patio dining overlooking orchards and the lake. For travelers looking to escape crowds, this appears to be a solid choice.



Both establishments are seasonal operations, so checking ahead is essential when planning your route.

When I'm mapping out wine country extensions for clients, these are the types of stops that can elevate a good trip into a memorable experience.

The key is balancing scenic routes with quality dining that justifies the detour.

Planning a BC extension to your Alberta adventure? Contact CMTA Travel Services - I can help you map out the complete route, including rider-friendly accommodations and fuel stops along the way.

Have you discovered any hidden gems in wine country that deserve a spot on travelers' itineraries? I'm always researching new recommendations for clients.

Reach out to me, I'd love to hear from you.

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Best - The 2025 Best of Alberta Awards


Alberta's rural communities are home to extraordinary businesses, dedicated individuals, and remarkable organizations that make our province shine. 

The 2025 Best of Alberta Awards celebrate these unsung heroes who strengthen our communities and create unforgettable experiences for travelers.

Why These Awards Matter
Every stop strengthens Alberta, and these awards recognize the people and places that make our province exceptional. 
From the server who remembers your coffee order to the mechanic who gets you back on the road, from the museum curator preserving our history to the entrepreneur creating jobs in small towns – these are the stories that deserve recognition.

Timeline:
  • Nominations Open: NOW until October 31, 2025
  • Voting Begins: November 07, 2025
  • Winners Announced Privately: December 31, 2025
  • Public Celebration: March 2026 Gala - DTBA
Winners receive an incredible media prize package including featured articles in our Rubber Tire Touring Magazine and Road Trips + Tours Book, complimentary memberships to CMTA, RiderFriendly.ca, and Rumble Alberta, free access to GrowBizSkills.ca training courses, premium web advertising placement, and ongoing promotional opportunities throughout 2026 – giving winners year-round exposure to thousands of Alberta travelers and tourism enthusiasts.

How to Nominate: Visit rumblealberta.com/best and submit your nominations. 

Tell us why your nominee deserves recognition – their story matters!

See Alberta through the eyes of a tourist, and nominate the people and places that make that journey unforgettable.

#RumbleAlberta  #BuyLocal  #ExploreAlberta  #BestofAlberta

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Discover the Magic of Motorcycle Touring in the Maritimes: Your Gateway to Atlantic Canada's Hidden Gems

Maritime Scenery

The salt-tinged air hits your face as you lean into a sweeping curve along Nova Scotia's legendary Cabot Trail. Below, the Atlantic Ocean stretches endlessly, while above, Cape Breton's rugged highlands paint a backdrop that no photograph can truly capture. This is motorcycle touring in the Maritimes – where every mile tells a story, and every turn reveals another breathtaking vista.

Why the Maritimes Should Top Every Rider's Bucket List

Atlantic Canada offers some of North America's most spectacular motorcycle touring, combining dramatic coastal scenery, rich maritime history, and the warmest hospitality you'll find anywhere. 


From the rolling hills of Prince Edward Island to the rugged coastlines of Newfoundland, the Maritimes deliver a riding experience that's both challenging and soul-stirring.
The Cabot Trail remains the crown jewel – 298 kilometers of pure riding bliss that winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. But savvy riders know the real magic lies in exploring beyond the famous routes: the Evangeline Trail through Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, New Brunswick's Fundy Coastal Drive, or PEI's scenic Red Sands Shore Drive.

The Professional Way to Experience Maritime Motorcycle Tourism

Here's where many riders make a costly mistake: they assume they need to trailer their bikes across the country or settle for rental motorcycles that don't feel like home. There's a better way – and it's exactly what Freedom Biker Tours has perfected.
Freedom Biker Tours stands as Canada's #1 motorcycle tour company, and their "Ride Canada's Maritimes" tour is a masterclass in how motorcycle tourism should be done. This comprehensive 11-day, 10-night guided experience takes the stress out of planning while maximizing your time on the most spectacular roads Atlantic Canada has to offer.

What Makes Freedom Biker Tours Special

Visit freedombikertours.com and you'll immediately understand why they sold out for 2025. Their approach goes beyond simple tour guiding – they've created what they call "Throttle Therapy," focusing on authentic experiences, brotherhood, and acceptance among riders.
Their vision says it all: "To inspire and champion a message of Freedom, Brotherhood, and Acceptance across the world by embracing Authenticity, the Therapeutic Healing power of Motorcycling, and the Transformative experience of Throttle Therapy."

The CMTA Travel Services Partnership Advantage

As the travel partner for Freedom Biker Tours, CMTA Travel Services handles the logistics that make these incredible experiences possible. Through our comprehensive booking platform at cmtatravelservices.com/booking, we coordinate:
  • Motorcycle shipping to get your bike safely to the tour starting point
  • Flight coordination perfectly timed with your tour dates
  • Travel insurance through trusted partners Tugo and Cap
  • Flexible payment options with our Flex-Pay services
  • Additional accommodation if you want to extend your stay

Beyond the Tour: Complete Maritime Experiences

While Freedom Biker Tours handles the guided experience expertly, CMTA Travel Services opens up additional possibilities for riders who want to extend their Maritime adventure:
  • Pre or post-tour extensions to explore at your own pace
  • Accommodation booking at rider-friendly establishments
  • Local guide connections for off-the-beaten-path discoveries
  • Activity coordination like lighthouse tours, lobster fishing experiences, or Celtic music sessions
  • Want to visit the Rock?

Real Stories from Real Riders

Freedom Biker Tours' testimonials speak volumes – they offer both video testimonials on their YouTube channel and written accounts that showcase the transformative nature of their tours. As one rider put it, these aren't just vacations; they're "cage-free, worry-free vacation experiences" that create lasting bonds and memories.
"The combination of Freedom Biker Tours' expert guiding and CMTA Travel Services' seamless logistics made our Maritime adventure absolutely perfect. Every detail was handled professionally." – Recent tour participant

Making It Happen: Your Maritime Adventure Starts Here

For 2025 Tours: Freedom Biker Tours' Maritime tour is already on the road, but you can get on their waiting list and start planning for 2026 by visiting freedombikertours.com.
For Independent Maritime Touring: CMTA Travel Services can create a custom Maritime experience using our comprehensive travel solutions. 
Visit cmtatravelservices.com/booking to start planning your personalized adventure.
Questions about motorcycle shipping, insurance coverage, or Flex-Pay options? 
Contact CMTA Travel Services directly – we understand motorcycle tourism because we're riders ourselves, and we're proud to support Canada's premier motorcycle tour company.

The Freedom Begins Here

Whether you choose the expertly guided experience of Freedom Biker Tours or create your own Maritime adventure through CMTA Travel Services, the Maritimes offer something that transforms every rider who experiences them. The combination of breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and the camaraderie of fellow riders creates memories that last a lifetime.

The Cabot Trail is calling. 
Freedom Biker Tours has perfected the experience. 
CMTA Travel Services handles the non ride details. 
All that's left is taking that first step toward the adventure of a lifetime.
Contact us today to start planning your Maritime motorcycle adventure – where freedom truly begins.




Sunday, June 15, 2025

CAPTURE ALBERTA'S HEART - WIN BIG!

 

$2,500 VACATION GIVEAWAY 2026

Presented by Rumble Alberta & Amazing Partners
rumblealberta.com

Ready to turn your Alberta adventures into the 
trip of a lifetime?


Our Rumble Alberta Photo Contest challenges you to explore the authentic heart of our
beautiful province through 8 incredible themed categories:

📸 BIG ICONS - Those roadside giants that make Alberta unforgettable
🎣 FISHING SPOTS - Alberta's hidden angling gems
GOLF COURSES - Scenic fairways across the province
🌾 GRAIN ELEVATORS - Prairie sentinels telling our agricultural story
🏛️ HERITAGE SIGNS - Markers of our rich history
🏛️ MUSEUMS - Guardians of Alberta's treasures
👻 GHOST TOWNS - Whispers from the past
🍁 ROYAL CANADIAN LEGIONS - Honoring our heroes

THE GRAND PRIZE: A spectacular $2,500 Alberta vacation experience for 2026, featuring
stays at premium INNHotels locations, an authentic rider's experience at Junction Inn Motel,
food and beverage tastings at Leduc Brewery, and so much more!

How to Enter:

✅ Visit any of our 8 themed photo stop locations
✅ Snap your best shot
✅ Share https://rumblealberta.com/explore-alberta/photo-stop-maps
 
The more categories you explore, the better your chances!

Why This Contest Rocks:

🎯 Discover hidden Alberta gems you never knew existed
🎯 Support local businesses at every stop
🎯 Create memories that last a lifetime
🎯 Win an epic vacation right in your backyard
See Alberta Through the Eyes of a Tourist:
and maybe win the adventure of a lifetime doing it!

More amazing partners joining soon! Every stop strengthens Alberta.

Partners so far: