Osoyoos is located in the south central interior of B.C., approximately 400km east of Vancouver on the border of Washington State. The city boasts the lowest annual rainfall and the highest average temperatures in Canada. The Osoyoos area has been classified as Canada's only desert because of the unique flora and fauna that call it home. The area is also referred to as BC's Desert Wine Country and is home to Canada's warmest lake - Lake Osoyoos.
Things to do in Osoyoos
Bird Watching
Osoyoos is paradise to bird watchers, where you will find unusual and captivating wildlife. They can be viewed at the marshes at the head of Lake Osoyoos. Be amazed to see Canada's smallest hummingbird, bats, canyon wrens, sage thrashers, and brewer's sparrows; if you are lucky you will see the rare chukar partridge.
Carriage House Wines
Carriage House is one of the smallest wineries in the Okanagan; owned and operated by Dave and Karen Wagner. Dave is the winemaker; the Winery under his careful guidance produces top quality wines made from 100% B.C. grapes, with an emphasis on fruit flavor. A Carriage House specialty is Kerner, produced in a dry style and an off-dry style. Fruity Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are all available from the winery. Visit the small tasting room and wine shop at Carriage House Wines; meet the owners! Summer hours are May - October 10am - 6pm daily; winter hours November - April by appointment. Call 250-498-8818 for more information.
Desert Area
This is Canada's only desert, extending past Osoyoos Lake to Skaha Lake and west up the Similkameen Valley towards Keremeos, approximately 24 km (15 miles). The area receives an average rainfall of less than 12 inches per year; you will find desert plants and animals in this area that are not found anywhere else in Canada. The "Osoyoos Arid Biotic Zone" is a continuation of the Sonoran Desert that extends from Mexico right up to the Okanagan Valley. While irrigation has made Osoyoos a lush green oasis, it is interesting to note that the desert continues undisturbed where there is no water.
Desert Centre
Tucked into the southernmost corner of British Columbia’s beautiful Okanagan Valley, this extraordinary habitat is home to one of North America’s most fragile and endangered ecosystems. You will find the largest concentration of species at risk (over 100 rare plants and over 300 rare invertebrates) in Canada. The Desert Centre is an interpretive education and research facility offering insight into this sensitive ecosystem, its plants and animals. We invite you to take a fascinating excursion along the elevated boardwalk and experience the intimate beauty of our special desert
Desert Country Wine Tours
Enjoy visiting the Wineries of our Valley ... taste and sample their fine products. You will learn about the history and the growth of the wine industry and see the spectacular scenery from the comfort of a roomy air conditioned van. We take you from the Desert hillsides to the Similkameen Valley the vineyards of desert wine country produce world renowned wines. Offering a choice of 3, 4, and 5-hour tours, each one covering special wineries and scenic areas. The tours include round-trip service, 7 days a week. Call 250-498-7316 for more information.
Desert Springs Golf Course
Featuring 1200 yards of golfing pleasure that includes a scenic lakeview par 3 course, pro shop and rentals. Discounts are available for children and seniors. Open 7:30am - 7:30pm. Call 205-495-3110 for more information.
Domaine Combret Estate Winery
The winemaker, Olivier Combret, is a 10th generation French wine maker. Together with his family, Olivier chose the South Okanagan for its dry desert climate, and access to irrigation and under his guidance the winery has prospered. The result is wine of unforgettable character reflecting the flavor of the site. Domaine Combret Estate Winery proudly produces an award-winning Chardonnay, together with Riesling, Gamay, Cabernet France, Riesling Ice Wine, and Pinot Noir Ice Wine. The tasting room is open 9 am – dusk. Come and discover this exceptional Estate Winery with a Tradition of Quality. Call 250-498-6966 for more information.
Fishing
Osoyoos Lake reflects the splendour of the Okanagan mountain range. The Osoyoos Lake is the warmest fresh water lake in Canada. The lake supports approximately 30 species of fish (varieties include large Mouth Bass, Trout, Kokanee, Perch and White fish) and is sanctuary to the Canada goose, the bald-headed eagle and the great horned owl.
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery
Uncompromising in their dedication to quality, Walter and Gordon Gehringer are producing exceptional wines. Best known for their Rieslings and offer dry, medium and private reserve labels as well as superb ice wines. Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery is one of the original wineries in the South Okanagan. Visit the winery and sample their award-winning wines; open daily 10am - 5pm June - mid-October, Monday - Friday until mid-May. All Gehringer Wines are VOA! Call 800-784-6304 for more information.
Indian Grove Riding Stable
We invite you to ride through Canada's only Desert. Choose a morning or afternoon ride and if you really want a special treat, book the popular Indian Grove Day Ride. The Day Ride begins with a three hour ride, passing through Canada's only desert along breathtaking mountain trails, where you might see deer, mountain sheep, bear, and other wildlife. Your guides then lead you down into a canyon, across a mountain stream to the first destination: a campsite. From here you can explore two spectacular underground waterfalls. You can fish or swim, explore or relax while your guide barbecues a hearty and delicious steak dinner. Please contact us directly for times and prices. Located 2 km east of the Osoyoos at Lake Bridge on Highway #3 Call 250-495-7555 for more information.
Kobau Lanes
These bowling lanes offer lots of fun and excitement for the whole family to enjoy. Come and enjoy their new Laser Bowl. Hours vary so please call ahead. Call 250-495-6112 for more information.
Lake Osoyoos
This Lake is the fourth largest lake out of a chain of five lakes found in the Okanagan Valley. The lake offers nearly 30 miles of shoreline for people to enjoy. It is said to be the warmest lake in Canada, as the water’s temperature reaches bathtub warmth of 26-33 C in August. The lake’s five kinds of fish make it a hit with fishermen, with species including large mouth bass, trout and Kokanee. Lake Osoyoos stretches into Washington State in the U.S.A. A permit is required to visit the American side—and the lake is patrolled. There are several boat launches and marinas in Osoyoos that rent boats, skidoos, paddleboats and more.
Narrow Passage, Ageless Song
This artistic sculpture has been added to downtown Osoyoos as the legacy of the Sculpture Symposium in the South Okanagan. The sculpture was created by Ontario sculptor Don Dickson, as part of the summer's Sculpture Symposium. This is a 'sound' sculpture, and was influenced by the geography and history of Osoyoos. Its overall shape resembles the nearby mountains while the stainless steel uprights capture the essence of Osoyoos and the narrowing of the lake. The adjoining pieces are distant mountain silhouettes and bridge the two sides of the narrows. Circling the base of the sculpture is the annual lunar cycle of 13 moons, representing the passing seasons observed by the Osoyoos Indian Band. The "Ageless Song" of this sculpture is portrayed in the soft tones of the wind chime, which catch the breeze or the wind to produce its own haunting melody.
Nk'mip Desert and Heritage Centre
This visitor attraction offers interpretive outdoor trails, reconstructed native dwellings, exhibits and live animal displays. The heritage centre explores the living culture and desert landscapes of the Okanagan People. Call 888-495-8555 for more information.
1000 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos, BC
Osoyoos Golf & Country Club
The course is not to be missed as golfers can truly enjoy Canada's 'desert' golf course. Featuring 27 holes of championship golf, full service golf shop, rentals, lessons and dining services. Visitors welcome! Open 6am - 10pm. Call 250-495-7003 for more information.
Osoyoos Mini Theatre
The Arts Council successfully promotes the artists, musicians and writers of the South Okanagan. The Council also encourages young people to participate in the arts and to experience the joy of receiving special recognition and awards, in appreciation of exceptional artistic expression. The Osoyoos & District Arts Council also sponsors an annual Concert Series; this series, usually 4 concerts, is held in the Osoyoos Mini Theatre at the Secondary School. Tickets are reasonably priced and are available at Imperial Books or at the door. The upcoming Concert Series is announced each summer. Call 250-495-2776 for more information.
Osoyoos Museum
The Museum is operated by the Osoyoos Museum Society for the benefit of the citizens of Osoyoos and their guests and visitors. The Society is run by a Board of Directors and the Museum's operations are funded in part by contributions from the Town of Osoyoos from admission fees and various donations. The Museum is open to the public from May - September each year; open July & August 7 days a week, from 10am - 5pm.
Osoyoos Storm Jr. Hockey Team
The Osoyoos Storm is a part of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. This “Junior B Hockey Team will captivate your entertainment pleasure. Season begins in September, at the Sun Bowl Arena and see for yourself why this team makes this sport so popular. Call 250 495-7812 for more information.
Pioneer Walkway
Dedicated to the Pioneers of Osoyoos, this walkway on the lakeshore is a perfect place to pause and smell the flowers. Picnic tables, benches, paved parking areas, and a public restroom facility make it a favorite stopping place for travelers. The flowers, the shrubs, the gazebo and fountain of the Pioneer Walkway are a lakeshore bonus, year round.
Rattlesnake Canyon Amusement Park
Featuring mini golf and bumper cars and lots more fun for the whole family. Call 250-495-3544 for more information.
5502 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
Safari Beach Marina
Providing a full fleet of watercraft rentals such as wave runners, water ski boats, pontoon boats, pedal Boats and canoes. This is one of the best ways to enjoy Osoyoos – on the lake. Rates are available by the hour and the day; be sure to reserve early during the busy summer months. The marina is open for weekend service from the May long weekend through June; open 8am - 8pm July & August. Call 250-495-6868 for more information.
5815 Oleander Drive, Osoyoos, BC
Silver Sage Winery
Visit Okanagan's most unique winery. The winery is named after the natural vegetation of the silver sage that covered the property the Manola family purchased it. They have since followed their dream to produce fine organic wines and today have made the Silver Sage one of the most interesting wineries in the Okanagan's Wine Country. The entire process is natural; from the vineyard to the bottle there are no chemicals or sugars used. Due to the natural extraction of wine from the grape this fine wine contains no tannins. Available in the tasting room you will find such fine wines as their Merlot or Merlot/Pinot Noir blend; their signature Silver Sage white; and their fine assortment fruit blend wine; cherry, blueberry, raspberry and for a little spice in your life the Silver Sage Flame. Call 250-498-0319 for more information.
2032 87th Street, Osoyoos, BC
South Okanagan Grasslands
The South Okanagan Grasslands protected area encompasses four sites: Mt Kobau, Kilpoola, Chopaka East and Chopaka West, for a total of 9,364 hectares. The park protects one of the most endangered ecological sites in Canada, featuring a number of rare and endangered plants, animals, birds and reptiles unique to the hot, semi-desert climate. The park offers hiking opportunities, horseback riding, domestic animals and more. Fishing and hunting are also permitted with the appropriate licenses and during the right time of year.
Spotted Lake
Woven into the heritage of the Aboriginal People of the Okanagan, are stories of “Kliuk, the Spotted Lake.” This is the place where aches and ailments were soaked away in the healing mud and waters. Spotted Lake is a rare and unique natural phenomenon covering 15.2 hectares (38 acres). It contains one of the world's highest concentrations of minerals: magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salts); calcium and sodium sulfates, plus 8 other minerals and traces of 4 more, including silver and titanium. In the hot summer sun, the water of Spotted Lake evaporates and crystallizes the minerals, forming many white-rimmed circles, shallow pools that reflect the mineral content of the water in shades of blues and green. Spotted Lake is owned by the Osoyoos Indian Band, so please respect their property and do not trespass.
The Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
The Wyse family opened the doors of their new estate winery and today are not only known for their wines, but also for the unique bell tower and a spectacular restaurant with an outdoor patio. Burrowing Owl wines consistently rank among the very best in Canada. Cellar master Steve Wyse and his wife Michelle insure that the wines receive the very best care and treatment. The wines can be purchased at the winery and tasting facilities are available. The winery's namesake, the burrowing owl, continues to benefit from the ongoing program to support the reintroduction of this endangered species to remote grassland areas of British Columbia. Open May - October 10am - 5pm daily; winter season tours on Saturday & Sunday by appointment. Call 877-498-0620 for more information.
Wild Rapids Water Slide Park
Escape the summer heat by cooling off at Wild Rapids Water Slide. This facility boasts five daring slides and is open seven days a week during July & August. Other amenities include an arcade, concessions, and gift shop. You will also find grassy and shaded areas for your family to relax in. Call 250-495-2621 for more information.