Danika Sea - Art Direction + Photography

06/16/2025

🌊 Beyond Tribune Bay: My Edible Roadtrip to Hornby Island 🌿

Most people visit Hornby Island for the stunning white sand of Tribune Bay (and yes, it is magical)… but there’s so much more to explore on this little island gem.

From lavender lemon mead to cliffside hikes, scones before summits, and sunset pizza on the rocks—this roadtrip was packed with flavour and fresh air.

🧭 In this post, I’m sharing 10 unexpected things to eat, sip, and see on Hornby Island—plus links to trails, spots to swim, and where to stay.

🍕✨ Read it here:

Most people know Hornby Island for its legendary Tribune Bay—a white sand crescent that feels more Caribbean than coastal B.C. But beyond the sun-soaked beach days, there’s a quieter, more delicious side to the island that’s just waiting to be explored. On a recent summer escape, we set out to...

04/02/2025

I just put together a roundup of all the work I’ve done for the Buy BC Ambassador program this past year — and it’s full of local goodness! From snackable back-to-school content to festive cocktails and winter brunch ideas, it’s been such a joy to bring B.C. stories to life through food photography and storytelling.

A big thank you to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and everyone who’s supported the journey. Let’s keep supporting B.C.’s incredible food producers!

Explore a year of delicious content featuring B.C.-made products—from cozy brunch recipes to festive cocktails and gift guides. Discover how to support local with every season.

02/13/2025

Love isn’t just about romance—it’s about friendship, family, and community! This year we’re celebrating El Día de la Amistad y el Amor (Day of Friendship and Love) with incredible B.C.-made snacks, meals, and treats that highlight Latin Canadian culture.
From Solecito burritos to warm Antojos y Sabores Mexican Cuisine tamales and a cozy cup of Level Ground coffee Peru coffee, these flavours bring us together.

Shop at Mi Tierra Latina Store Vancouver a proud Buy BC retail partner, or support these amazing businesses directly online.

Visit BuyBC.gov.bc.ca to discover and support local Latin artisans!

Celebrate El Día de la Amistad y el Amor (Day of Friendship and Love) on February 14th, while supporting B.C. businesses and enjoying locally.-made Latin foods.

01/19/2025

✨ Nourish your mind, body, and soul with B.C.-made goodness all day long! ✨

☀️ Morning: Start your day with a comforting Wild Moon Organic Bone Broth to boost digestion and immunity.
🌊 Midday: Recharge with Moonshine Mama's Elixirs & Tonics Sublime Supergreen Elixir after a refreshing cold plunge.
🌙 Evening: Unwind with Harmonic Arts Golden Mylk Latte and Feel Calm Tincture to relax and restore.

Discover how these local products can transform your self-care rituals this winter.

with Buy BC

As winter settles in, prioritizing self-care becomes essential. To support wellness during the colder months, I turn to some incredible B.C.-made products.

12/21/2024

Cozy weekend brunch vibes 🍳✨ This Kale, Leek, and Cracked Pepper Verdelait Frittata is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, made with the freshest Vancouver Island ingredients. Think rich, free-range eggs from Farmer Ben’s, local kale and leeks, and a creamy kick from Natural Pastures’ Pacific Wildfire Verdelait. 🔥🥬

for Buy BC featuring Natural Pastures Cheese Company and Farmer Ben's Eggs

A warm fluffy frittata is always a hit. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a cozy weekend brunch.

12/10/2024

✨ Sip the Season! ✨
From a vibrant Winter Garden Gin & Tonic to a cozy Spiced Pear Moscow Mule and an elegant Festive Fig & Brandy, these holiday cocktails are packed with local B.C. flavours. 🍸✨
Pro Tips To Level Up Your Holiday Cocktails
💙 Add a Punch of Colour (Winter Garden Gin & Tonic)
🍐 Infuse Your Base Spirit (Spiced Pear Moscow Mule)
🍒 Make Fancy Ice (Festive Fig & Brandy)
Want more tips and the recipes? Head to the Buy BC blog for all the festive details! 🥂

Featuring:
Copper Penny Distilling
Fuse and Sip
gold.soda
Wayward Distillery
Not Too Sweet
Forbidden Spirits Distilling Corp.

This holiday season, elevate your gatherings with simple yet sophisticated cocktails made using the finest B.C. ingredients.

11/28/2024

Gift thoughtfully, gift locally! 🎁 Our ‘Give the Gift of B.C.’ box brings together the best of our province’s artisanal treats. From host and client gifts, to presents for good friends and coworkers, these locally made goodies are perfect for the foodies on your list—or a special treat for yourself! 😉 See what makes these B.C.products so special.

Featuring:
VanIsle SaltCo
Le Meadow's Pantry
Viva Cacao
JusTea
Esquimalt - Vermouth & Apéritifs
Murchie's - Victoria
Rogers' Chocolates

Buy BC

Give the Gift of B.C. this Holiday season and support local artisans while capturing the spirit of British Columbia. Find Danika's picks for made-in-B.C. gifts

11/22/2024

💙 I’m Officially a Buy BC Ambassador! 💙

I’m so excited to announce that I’ve joined the Buy BC Ambassador Team! As someone who’s always been passionate about supporting local food and celebrating the incredible talent of B.C.’s growers and producers, this opportunity feels like a perfect fit.

Through this program, I’ll be sharing the stories behind B.C.’s amazing products—helping you discover the flavours, creativity, and care that go into everything grown, raised, and made in this province.

🔗 Read the full announcement:

Introducing Chanelle Saks Sullivan, Danika McDowell, and Chef Mark Singson—your guides to exploring B.C. ingredients and products in new and delicious ways!

11/07/2024

🍂✨ Nothing beats a cozy fall weekend brunch at home! I’ve rounded up some of my favourite B.C.-made products and a few tips for an easy, delicious spread that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family. From a fluffy, veggie-packed frittata to buttery croissants and a DIY mimosa bar, there’s something for everyone—gluten-free, plant-based, and full of local goodness! 🥐🍳🥂

Pro tip: Bake the croissants just before your guests arrive—your home will smell like a Parisian bakery!

Featured products:

Eggs: Farmer Ben's Eggs
Salmon Lox: St. Jean's Cannery & Smokehouse
Smoked Salmon (Plant-Based): Save Da Sea
Gluten-Free Sourdough Bagels: alkeme
Sourdough Bagels: The Sourdough Whisperer
Cheese & Cream Cheese: Natural Pastures Cheese Company
Vegan Spreads: Living Tree Foods
Wild Berry Jam: Forest For Dinner
Ready-to-Bake Croissants: Atome Bakery
Pumpkin Spice Mix: Blume
Deadhead Dark Roast Coffee: 32 Lakes Coffee Roasters
Fresh Juices: Chaser's Fresh Juice Vancouver
Sparkling Wine: Mayhem Wines Inc

Get more tips here https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/blog/cozy-weekend-brunch-ideas-using-b-c-made-products-youll-love/?utm_campaign=DanikaMcDowellFall2024

09/25/2024

Proud to share a snapshot of my work with Natural Pastures Cheese Company ! 🧀📸 Capturing their award-winning cheeses, from the smoky Pacific Wildfire Verdelait against a custom burnt wood backdrop to the creamy delights of local water buffalo milk creations. Each image tells a story of tradition and innovation in the Comox Valley.

09/24/2024

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve joined Buy BC as a Brand Ambassador! 🎉 This means I’ll be helping local brands that need a little extra support with their digital marketing—while still offering my one-off food photography sessions! 📸

Read more in my latest newsletter, link below 👇

I’ve joined Buy BC as a content creator, helping smaller, local brands amplify their voices through digital marketing. This role allows me to support amazing businesses that might not have big budgets, and I’m so excited to share this journey with you!

09/19/2024

Let’s face it, life gets busy, and sometimes we just need snacks that fit seamlessly into our day-to-day hustle. Whether I’m racing out the door for a morning meeting, picking up snacks for my daughter, or grabbing something post-workout, I always reach for my favourite B.C.-made products. 🍎💪🏼

Read more at the link below:
https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/blog/smart-snacking-with-b-c-made-products/



Featured producers:
Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt
FreeYumm
Hornby Organic
Island Nut Roastery
UnderGround Kombucha
Game Changer Foods Inc.

By Danika McDowell, Buy BC Brand Ambassador September 19, 2024 Let’s face it, life gets busy, and sometimes we just need snacks that fit seamlessly into our day-to-day hustle. Whether I’m racing out the door for a morning meeting, picking up snacks for my daughter, or grabbing something post-wor...