A Heartwood Adventure: Hillside Orchards & Demelo Family Farm

This week our Heartwood primary classes gathered for a special fall field trip, filled with sunshine, animals, and plenty of laughter. These outings always remind us how much children learn from being immersed in nature — tasting, touching, and experiencing the world around them.

Hillside Orchards

We began the morning at Hillside Orchards, just south of Oliver. Living in the Okanagan, our children are fortunate to grow up surrounded by orchards and vineyards, but visiting together with classmates made the experience extra memorable. The kids wandered through the rows, crunching leaves underfoot, and taking in the crisp fall air. Niko even figured out how to crack open a watermelon to enjoy it fresh from the field — a sweet surprise that summed up the joy of the day.

Demelo Family Farm

Our next stop was Demelo Family Farm, where donkeys, goats, pigs, and chickens greeted the children from their pens. Giggles and wide eyes followed as the kids took in the sights and sounds of farm life. We had picked up lunch-to-go from Oliver Eats between the two tours, and gathered to enjoy it picnic-style on the lawn in the warm October sunshine. It was the perfect pause before heading home with tired legs and happy hearts.

A Special Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to Shari for organizing this outing. Trips like these take thought and care, and her efforts gave the children a chance to learn and play in the most joyful way possible. The pumpkins, muddy boots, and wide smiles we carried home are all thanks to her dedication.

Our Family’s Bonus Adventures

After the Heartwood trip wrapped up, our family carried on with a few extra stops. The kids had a blast riding their bikes at the local skate park, and we finished the day at Bartier Bros., where Kevin works, enjoying dinner in the vineyard as the golden light stretched across the rows.

It was the perfect way to end a full day — part community outing, part family adventure — and a reminder of how lucky we are to live and learn in such a beautiful place.