Osoyoos is a long-established resort town that takes full advantage of its location on the shores of Osoyoos Lake (reputed to be the warmest in Canada) and its climate with hot dry summers and short mild winters.
The lake, Osoyoos River, wetlands, surrounding grasslands and mountains provide myriad opportunities for water sports, hiking, biking, golf as well as wildlife viewing and bird watching. Osoyoos also offers ecological, aboriginal, cultural and family attractions, along with its spectacular desert sunsets.
There's lots more to Osoyoos than sunshine and beaches. Roadside fruit stands offer peaches, cherries and apples from the area's lush orchards. And more than 20 wineries beckon within 21km/13mi of the town centre.
Water Activities
Osoyoos Lake is the central focus for water activities. With an average summer temperature of 24°C/70°F and long stretches of sandy beach, it's an ideal playground for swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and kayaking.
Osoyoos Lake and the Osoyoos Oxbows are also excellent fishing spots. Drop a line for bass, trout, salmon and whitefish or any one of the 43 species found locally.
Natural Sights, Parks & Wildlife
Osoyoos is located in one of the most fragile and endangered ecosystems in North America with the largest concentration of species at risk in Canada. Learn about the rare plants and animals that make their home in the dry antelope brush ecosystem at the Desert Centre Osoyoos and the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre.
Eco-Tours
Great Horned Owl Eco-Tours offers guided excursions for eco-enthusiasts and bird watchers while McKinney Creek Adventures adds a touch of excitement with guided backcountry ATV tours. Check out historic mining sites and learn to pan for gold, discover forest ecology and keep an eye out for wildlife like deer, cougar and bears.
Land Activities
Walking, hiking and cycling trails around Osoyoos include many easy pathways like the International Hike & Bike Trail along the Osoyoos River and the nature trails through the wetlands of Haynes Point Provincial Park.
High atop Mount Kobau take in the 360-degree daytime view or wait until dark for crystal clear stargazing. Get a different perspective on horseback with Indian Grove Riding Stables or Osoyoos Desert Trail Riding Stables. Golfers tee up for 36 holes at Osoyoos Golf & Country Club or a quick nine at Sonora Dunes Golf Course.
Winter Activities
Deep, dry snow beckons from the highlands. Powder hounds head for the slopes at Mt. Baldy Ski Area, 57km/35mi northeast of the town centre. With 34 runs, including lots of glade skiing, on 202ha/500ac of terrain, and a maximum vertical of 394m/1293ft, there's plenty of variety for downhillers and snowboarders, who can also challenge the jumps and rails in the terrain park. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers share 20 km/12mi of marked, ungroomed trails.
Freeheelers and snowshoers also share the extensive trail system at McKinney Nordic Ski Club, 10km/6mi beyond Mount Baldy. The club maintains 14km/8.7mi of trails for traditional and skate skiers from novice to advanced.
Attractions
Osoyoos offers a unique selection of family attractions. The Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad is a must-see mini-world with 20 computer-operated trains running through a Euro-style landscape of cities, villages, resorts and countryside peopled by over 11,000 hand painted figures. Ask designer-builder-operator Poul to point out the sights.
Get active at Rattlesnake Canyon with mini-golf, bumper boats, climbing wall, rides and arcade. Hit the hardware store, no kidding. Osoyoos Home Hardware doesn't stop with floatie toys and coolers, this place boasts a model train, autographed hockey sticks and a jail cell.
Wineries
Osoyoos is located at the southern end of Okanagan wine country with more than 20 wineries within 21km/13mi of the town centre. Tour and taste locally at Nk'Mip Cellars, Twisted Tree Vineyards and Winery and LaStella Winery. Drive north to visit the wineries of the Golden Mile, the Black Sage Bench and North Oliver. West of Osoyoos, wineries are also now appearing in the Similkameen Valley.
Spa & Wellness
Give way to the spirituality of the region with the essence of lavender and cactus in Aboriginal and desert-inspired treatments. Or seek the antioxidant properties of organic vinotherapies. Sonora Desert Spa at Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort offers both along with seasonal yoga and wellness weekends. Take home handcrafted, fresh weekly Smudge body products made in Osoyoos.
Festivals & Events
Of all the festivals and events staged in Osoyoos each year, locals insist the one not to miss is the Cherry Fiesta held on July 1, Canada Day and featuring an over-the-top fireworks display.
Driving Routes
Follow one of three driving routes to Osoyoos. The Mountains & Vineyards Circle Route and the Oliver Area Wine Tour are dedicated to the area's rich wine country. The White Lake-Okanagan Falls route combines science, nature, art and wine. Learn more about driving routes through Osoyoos here: Driving Routes.
For more information on things to do in and around Osoyoos, contact the Visitor Centre.
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