Sabrina Smelko Tells Us Why She Loves Her New Life in Beautiful British Columbia

With a view like this just 200 metres from her home office you can see how this move made sense! When not hosting Save My Reno and Home To Win for HGTV Canada, Sabrina works as an illustrator, designer and blogger.

See how Sabrina Smelko transformed this simple semi with big and bold design choices.

As Sabrina put it: “Nature is Boss”. Her new home is surrounded by mountains and the ocean, and she’s soaking in all she can. Among her favourite nature spots are Garibaldi Provincial Park, Alice Lake, Murrin Provincial Park, Cat Lake, Lake Lovely Water and the Squamish Estuary!

According to Sabrina, her adorable dog Piper is living “her best life.” She can go from splashing in the ocean in the morning to romping in the snowy mountains in the afternoon. She went from leash-led walks in the city to off-leash heaven! She loves chasing the ducks, but is aloof to all of the eagles.

Find out 23 things you didn’t know about Sabrina Smelko.

Sabrina would never have imagined herself as a “sled-head” (slang for a snowmobiler), and neither would we! But snowmobiling is a fun, efficient way for the former Torontonian to travel to areas not accessible by foot. It’s not as easy as it looks, but she’s learning as she goes and is putting safety first by going through an avalanche training course.

Moving from the flats of Southern Ontario to the ups and downs of the bike trails on Round Mountain in Garibaldi Provincial Park and Half Nelson trails has been a joy for Sabrina. Next up on her cycling adventures, Alice Lake and the North Shore. What she’s most excited about though is downhill cycling at Whistler Bike Park this summer. Don’t forget your helmet!

The Save My Reno team transforms a dingy basement into a workout wonderland.

Although (thankfully?) lacking in big-box stores, Sabrina has found an abundance of amazing independent shops that she loves, including Anna’s Interiors, Nooktka and Sea and Wild at Heart to name a few. There is also a year-round farmers’ market and the Refresh Market fair.

Related: The Save My Reno team brings you tips on shopping antique markets.

While there aren’t as many options for eating out as there are in bigger cities, Sabrina has found a healthy serving of cool cafes and restaurants. Among her go-to spots in the Squamish area are The Watershed Grill, Joinery and the Fuel and Forest Cafe.