Junction of Hwy 97 and Hwy 3 at the southern end of the Okanagan Valley, 105 miles south of Vernon. Population: 4500. Visitor Information: Destination Osoyoos Visitor Information Centre at junction of Hwy 97 and Hwy 3; Phone: 1-888 OSOYOOS (676-9667); Website: www.destinationosoyoos.com; Town of Osoyoos, 8707 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0; Phone: (250) 495-6515; Fax: (250) 495-2400; Email: info@osoyoos.ca; Osoyoos Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 227, Osoyoos, B.C. V0H 1V0; Phone: (250) 495-7142; Website: www.osoyooschamber.bc.ca
Located just 5 minutes north of the US border crossing of Oroville, Washington, this remarkable little resort town is the oasis of the rare desert landscape with the warmest freshwater lake in Canada. Spring comes early and fall stays late; mild winters and friendly small town atmosphere make it the perfect place for snowbirds. Low rainfall and sandy soil create the unique environment of Canada’s only desert, home to over 30% of British Columbia’s threatened and endangered wildlife, rare insects and plants. Opportunities abound for learning about the flora and fauna of the desert ecosystem at the Osoyoos Desert Centre or their use in native culture at the Nk’Mip Desert and Heritage Center. Desert hikers will need to register at Nk’Mip, as all desert access is monitored by the Center.
Located at the foot of Main Street, visitors will enjoy the Osoyoos Museum, known as the best small town museum in all of BC. For active lifestyles, the 27-hole championship golf course comes complete with a million dollar view of the valley and a new 9-hole executive course. Trails in the surrounding hills may be explored by foot or bike. Water sports and boating abound on Lake Osoyoos, with plenty of fun amusements for the whole family.
Located in the Okanagan’s best wine growing area, with over 56% of all BC’s vineyards, Osoyoos is also home to North America’s first winery owned and operated by a First Nations group. The view from the patio of Nk’Mip Cellars encourages lingering over a glass of chardonnay on a warm fall day. Accommodation is ample and diverse, from chain hotels and unique bed and breakfasts to year round RV Parks and three season camping facilities, including one of the most popular provincial parks in BC at Haynes Point.
Seasonal celebrations include the Cherry Fiesta, held on Canada Day with a parade, pancake breakfast, live entertainment, food and craft fair, kids activities and the best fireworks display in the valley. |