Hiking trails around Osoyoos take in a wide variety of terrain from easy strolls along the shoreline of Osoyoos Lake and the Okanagan River to more strenuous climbs on Mount Kobau. Landscapes include orchards and vineyards, marshy wetlands, dry grasslands dotted with antelope brush and sage, stands of ponderosa pine and granite cliffs.
Several trails provide interpretive signage or guided tours with excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife watching, with panoramic views. Many of the trails around Osoyoos are also suitable for cycling.
Skirting Osoyoos Lake along the Main Street motel strip, Pioneer Walkway is a fully accessible linear park with gardens, picnic tables and benches.
For a longer outing, but equally easy terrain, the Irrigation Canal Walkway provides a 12km/7.5mi round trip trail along the man-made waterway that opened the Osoyoos area to fruit growing.
On one side see the original sage and antelope brush ecosystem, on the other, the results of irrigation.
International Hike & Bike Trail
The International Hike & Bike Trail follows the course of the Okanagan River channel from the north end of Osoyoos Lake to McAlpine Bridge on Highway 97 north of Oliver's town centre. The 18.4km/11.3mi pathway is broad and virtually flat with many access points for side trips to wineries and fruit stands.
Wetland Walks
Wetlands around Osoyoos are home to a wide range of bird species. Some nest in the area, others can only be seen during migration periods. Also, keep an eye out for other marsh-dwelling critters like turtles and beavers.
Haynes Point Provincial Park
Haynes Point Provincial Park occupies a long narrow spit of land that juts far into Osoyoos Lake. A 1.5km/0.9mi gravel and boardwalk trail runs through the wetlands near the park entrance. Interpretive signage provides information on the delicate ecology. Climb the spotting tower for a bird's eye view of the marshes.
Osoyoos Lake Oxbows
The Okanagan River once meandered along a twisting and turning course known as oxbows, bordered by rich marshes. But the river now runs through a man-made channel designed to reduce flooding, and many of the wetlands have been filled for development. Efforts are under way to rehabilitate what remains of this important habitat.
The Osoyoos Oxbows Trail takes in the wetland reserve at the north end of Osoyoos Lake. Learn about the local ecology through interpretive signage at the parking area on Road 22. This trail is flat and easy.
Desert Trails
The desert-like antelope brush ecosystem of the South Okanagan is highly endangered. Two attractions in Osoyoos protect some of this natural environment and offer tours to help visitors learn about its plants and animals. Trails at both sites are rated easy, but beware of the extreme heat of mid-summer days.
Osoyoos Desert Centre
Take the guided or self-guided tour at the Osoyoos Desert Centre (admission fee) located on a small remnant of the highly endangered antelope brush ecosystem of the South Okanagan. Learn how plants and animals adapt and even thrive in the arid, desert-like conditions. The trail is a 1.5km/0.9mi boardwalk that protects the delicate plants. Open from late April through October.
Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
Located on reserve lands of the Osoyoos Indian Band, the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre provides interpretation of the culture of the Okanagan First Nations and the desert environment of the South Okanagan. Gravel trails run through 20ha/50ac of endangered antelope brush ecosystem to a recreated First Nations village. The centre is conducting research on the endangered western rattlesnake, which may be seen along the trail. Open from early March to mid-November, admission fee.
Mount Kobau
Drive a gravel road to within 1km/0.6mi of Mount Kobau's 1870m/6135ft summit. A steep trail leads to the mountain top where an abandoned forestry lookout tower still stands and the views are spectacular. From the parking area, the 5km/3.1mi Testalinden Trail circles the summit and leads to Testalinden Lake. More amazing views await.
Stop by the British Columbia Visitor Centre @ Osoyoos, junction of Highways 3 and 97, and pick up a copy of the Osoyoos Visitors' Guide for trail descriptions and maps. Staff can answer questions and provide directions.
Practical Points
- The South Okanagan can be extremely hot in summer. Consider timing hikes for early morning or evening. Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen and carry water.
- When hiking in the dry grasslands, be aware that this is habitat for the western rattlesnake.
- Black bears are not uncommon even at lower elevations and definitely on the sub-alpine slopes where they feed in summer.
- When hiking in bear country, carry bear spray, make enough noise to announce your presence and be aware.
- The best time to hike in the mountains is late June through September, depending on snow conditions. Trails in the valley are accessible year-round.
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