Osoyoos

Osoyoos is also a popular summer holiday destination and has gained an enviable reputation as the community of choice for retirees who wish to escape harsher Canadian winters. All in all, it's a true "lifestyle community", where people go to enjoy the good life.
The Osoyoos region's semi-arid climate produces very hot, dry days, and may have Canada's hottest weather a few times each year. The chief industries of Osoyoos are fruit production, viticulture (wine making), and tourism.
Most travellers will arrive by automobile and try to schedule their holidays to coincide with the Spring and Fall Wine Festivals.
Osoyoos is just north of the Canada-US border, and the border crossing is the busiest in British Columbia outside of the Lower Mainland.

History

The Osoyoos area has long been home to the Okanagan people (who speak the Syilx language), an Interior Salish people who still live in the valley, from the head waters of the Okanagan Lake, downstream to near the Okanagan river's confluence with the Columbia River in present-day Washington, though the traditional territory once encompassed the entire Columbia River. Like many places in the British Columbia Interior, the Osoyoos area was named by the Okanagan people. Osoyoos (O-sue-use) or (Sou-yoos) in the Syilx language describes a "narrow" waterway or where land almost meets, which refers to the cinched waistline of the 19 km long Osoyoos Lake (5 km of which is in the USA). The Okanagan people are thought to have first lived in the area around 3500 to 4000 years ago.
There are indications that non-native travellers may have been here in the 1500s, and also that Spanish conquistadors came here searching for Eldorado: they got as far as Kelowna before they and most of their horses died during a severe winter. It was not until the early 1800s that trappers and traders arrived, followed by gold miners and then ranchers. A fairly young place, in terms of settlers, who found the area too hot and dry in the summer. The first commercial orchard was planted in 1890, and when the South Okanagan irrigation canal was built in 1919, the town of Osoyoos began to grow and was thus incorporated in 1946.

Landscape

The Okanagan Basin area around Osoyoos is an area of notable ecological significance. Habitat types include wetland/riparian, grassland/shrub-steppe, coniferous forest, and rugged terrain. This wide assortment of habitats supports extensive biological diversity. Nearly half the bird species in Canada are found here along with many plants that exist nowhere else in North America, or in some cases the world.

Climate

The climate is desert-like with summers that are generally hot and very dry (just over 300 mm (12") of annual precipitation), resulting in one of the Provinces longest growing seasons, and the warmest summer daytime average temperature in Canada (27.9°C). Normally, daily temperatures in July and August average near 30°C (86°F), with overnight lows of around 14°C (57°F). September and October are usually warm and pleasant. Winters are short but can be somewhat cold with average lows around -5°C (24°F) in January. Spring arrives early with the return of warm and pleasant weather in April. Current weather conditions and historical climate data can be found online at Environment Canada.

Osoyoos is in the south central interior of British Columbia, approximately 400 km east of Vancouver at the junction of Highways 97 and 3 near the border of Washington State.

By car

• Take Highway 97 south from Kelowna and Penticton.
• Highway 97 also heads north from Omak and Oroville, both in Washington.
• Highway 3 (Crowsnest) travels from Hope (and Vancouver further along on highway 1) in the west, and from Nelson and Castlegar from the east in the Kootenays.

By plane

There is a small airport in Osoyoos, with a single paved 2,800 foot long runway running 12/30.
The closest major airport is in Kelowna BC 150 km to the north car rental available Vancouver, 400 km to the west-southwest. There is also a regional airport in Penticton, which serves domestic flights; Canada Customs services are available upon request.

By bus

There is no public transport, though the town is small enough that getting around on foot or bike is suitable. As with most destinations in the Okanagan, getting around by car is the best way to see all the sights.
Bike rental:

• Double O Bikes, 8905 Main St, +1 250 495-3312.

Scooter rental:

• Scooters Osoyoos, 5702 Main St, +1 250 495-3575.
• Lakeshore Scooter Rentals Ltd, 6015 Lakeshore Drive, +1 250 495-4243.

• The viewpoint on Anarchist Mountain. Due to the close proximity to the US border, Highway 3 east had to be built straight up and over this mountain rather than going around. Gaining hundreds of meters of elevation in a very short stretch of road, the viewpoint at the top affords great views west to town, and south into the US.

• Osoyoos Museum

  address: 19 Park Place
  Don't forget to visit the Osoyoos museum, the "Best Small Town Museum in B.C." The museum features one of the finest displays from the archives of the B.C. Provincial Police. There are Indian artifacts, the first Canada Custom's House in the early 1800s, an 1879 log building, and the only liquor distilling apparatus to be found in a B.C. museum. Also of interest are artifacts from the local pioneers, miners, ranchers and farmers that struggled to reclaim this desert. It is open from the May long weekend until Labour Day Weekend.

• Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad

  phone: +1 250 495-6842
  address: 11611 - 115th St
  Multiple trains running on over a kilometre of HO scale track. Unintuitively, the theme here is of European towns and villages. There is a gift shop on site.

• Osoyoos Desert Centre

  address: 9202 - Hwy 97
  This ecological interpretive centre provides guided and self-guided tours along a 1.5 km boardwalk through the desert, teaching the local flora and fauna of this unique area. $6 adult, $15 family.

• Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre

  phone: +1 250 495-7901
  address: 1000 Rancher Creek Rd
  Another source of insight into the desert flora and fauna, this one from the perspective of the natives. Self-guided and guided cultural tours on over 2 km of trails. Desert animals available for viewing including a live rattlesnake show. $12 adults, $8 children (ages 5–17), $36 families.

• Nk'Mip Cellars

  address: 1400 Rancher Creek Rd
  The first Native-owned winery in North America, and the second in the world. Often has special events such as a traditional salmon barbeque matched with not-so-traditional wines. Daily tastings.

• Haynes Point Provincial ParkSurrounded by warm water and sandy beaches, Haynes Point sits on a pencil of land jutting into Osoyoos Lake at the southwest end of the town. The water is reported to be the warmest in Canada making it excellent for swimming, boating and fishing. Lakeside campsites and privacy make this a popular camping area. Reservations are necessary during the summer months.

• Osoyoos LakeOsoyoos Lake is the warmest fresh water lake in Canada and provides for great summer time activities. Bring your boat or just sit on the beach and enjoy the day.

• Pioneer WalkwayOne of the many spots in Osoyoos where you are greeted by visitors and locals alike. The walkway is located along the lakeshore, and in the middle of the Motel district. Admire the plants and enjoy the scenery.

• Lakeview Carriage Co

  phone: +1 250-498-9624
  Horse drawn carriage ride through town

• Desert Country Wine ToursIf you don't have a car this may be the best way to see the over 30 south Okanagan wineries. Prices vary depending on length of the tour: $40–$80.

• Osoyoos Golf & Country Club

  phone: +1-800-481-6665
  brings together an ideal desert climate and picturesque Okanagan surroundings. Perched high above the Town of Osoyoos, vistas of mountains, lake, desert and valley on two full eighteen hole championship layouts offer all golfers a unique golfing experience.

• Sonora Dunes Golf Course

  phone: +1 250-495-GOLF
  Offers a one-of-a-kind nine hole desert links course. The breathtaking views of the lake, vineyards and surrounding mountains ensure golfers will enjoy this unique experience.

• Lake Osoyoos Sailing ClubFeel the power of wing during a three hour introduction to the sport of sailing. The program is offered by the Lake Osoyoos Sailing School and generally runs during July and August of each year.

Events

• Annual Cherry Fiesta don't forget about the Osoyoos cherry fiesta which is held every year on July 1, Canada Day. Many events are planned throughout the day, including a pancake breakfast, parade, the Cherry Spitting competition, and at night we have the Fireworks display. Don't miss out on all the festivities and excitement!

The Osoyoos Art Gallery is open year round. Local artists and craftsmen exhibit and sell their work May through September. Individual and group exhibitions run Oct through April. The gallery is staffed entirely by the efforts of generous volunteers and is managed by the Osoyoos Arts Gallery Committee. The gallery is wheelchair accessible and hosts over 7000 visitors annually.
Wineries - Vineyards

• Antelope Ridge Winery

  phone: +1 250 498-6966
  address: 32057 Road 13

• Black Hills Estate Winery

  phone: +1 250 498-0666
  address: 4190 Black Sage Road

• Burrowing Owl Winery

  address: 100 Burrowing Owl Road

• Carraige House Vineyards

  address: 32764 Black Sage Road

• Gehringer Brothers Winery

  address: Road 8, Okanagan Valley

• Gersighel Wineberg

  address: 29690 Hwy 97, Okanagan Valley

• Hester Creek Estate Winery

  phone: +1 250 498-4435
  address: 13163-326 Ave, Okanagan Valley

• Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards

  address: Road 11 West, Okanagan Valley

• Jackson Triggs Winery

  address: Hwy 97, Oliver, Okanagan Valley

• Moon Curser Vineyards

  address: 3628 Highway 3 East

• Nk'Mip Cellars

  address: 1400 Rancher Creek Road

• Road 13 Vineyards

  address: 13140 316A Avenue Okanagan Valley

• Rust Wine Co

  phone: +1 250 498-3276
  address: 4444 Golden Mile Rd. Oliver

• Silver Sage Winery

  phone: +1 250 498-0310
  address: Road 9, 32032 87th Street, Okanagan Valley

• Tinhorn Creek Vineyards

  address: 32830 Tinhorn Creek Road

Orchards - Farm Markets

• Black Sage Orchards

  address: 8772 316 Avenue

• Chris Jentsch Fruit Company

  address: 341448 97 Street

• Covert Farms, Seacrest Road

  address: Okanagan Valley

• Ferreira Orchards

  address: 34664 71 Street, Oliver, Okanagan Valley

• Fritzville Fruit and Veggie Market

  address: 34032 Hwy 97, Oliver

• Gemini Fruit Company

  address: 9736 326 Avenue, Oliver, Okanagan Valley

• Heart Berry Farm

  address: Hwy 97 North, Oliver, Okanagan Valley

• Herb Garden Fruit Market

  address: Hwy 97

• Karow Farms

  address: 8932 314 Street, Oliver, Okanagan Valley

• Llloyd Park Farm

  address: 9554 326 Street, Oliver, Okanagan Valley

• Nature's Produce

  address: 38063 97th Street, Oliver, Okanagan Valley

• Oliver Fruit House

  address: 32651 87th Street, Oliver, Okanagan Valley

• Peach Hill Fruit Market

  address: Hwy. 97 North

• Sagebrush Nursery

  address: 38206 93 Street, Oliver, Okanagan Valley

• Ambrosia

  address: 6910 Main St
  Get cozy at Ambrosia - the perfect diner style restaurant to sample both Western and East Indian Cuisine.

• Bombay Grill Restaurant

  address: 5506 Main St
  Featuring Indian Cuisine for lunch and dinner buffets.

• Breeze Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 250 495-3274
  Great food, great cocktails and the best patio downtown.

• O' Delights Bakery

  address: 8323 Main St
  Come by O'Delights Bakery for a wide variety of fresh baked goods, smoothies, specialty coffees and daily chef specials. Start the day with their made to order breakfast, starting at 7:30AM M-F and 8AM Sat. Catering services are also available.

• Campo Marina Italian Restaurant

  phone: +1 250 495-7650
  Voted the most popular restaurant in the South Okanagan, the atmosphere will make you feel like you are in Italy, with fine dining, freshly made bread and fine wine.

• Diamond Steak and Seafood House

  phone: +1 250 495-6223
  Fantastic souvlaki, kalamari, and other Greek specialties as well as steak and seafood. Extensive wine selection.

• Golden Chopsticks

  address: 8527 Main St
  Serving authentic Chinese and Japanese food. Your choice of five kinds of tea with every meal.

• Lotus Buffet Chinese Restaurant

  address: 8311 78th Avenue
  Good Chinese food for lunch or dinner.

• Kismet Cafe

  address: 103-8309 Main St
  Great coffees and expressos, breakfast and lunch with the newspaper.just like home.

• Sol Grill Room and Lounge

  phone: +1 250 495-6884
  Watch the sun set and take in the beautiful view of Osoyoos Lake while enjoying superb cuisine served with elegance and grace. Extensive wine selection.

• Wildfire Grill

  phone: +1 250 495-2215
  The menu provides an innovative culinary experience featuring globally inspired cuisine using indigenous ingredients of the region.
• The Sonora Room at the Burrowing Owl Winery. The perfect marriage of food, wine and ambiance is often an elusive quest. But now, British Columbia's south Okanagan region is home to the ultimate epicurean experience, offered at the Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery's new fine dining restaurant.

• Passatempo Restaurant

  phone: +1 250 495-8007
  At Spirit Ridge. A bistro-style restaurant situated amidst vineyards and orchards overlooking Lake Osoyoos. Enjoy their focus on regional products, fresh ingredients and friendly service.

• Smitty's Restaurant

  address: 8906 Main St
  A family friendly place for your dining needs from full breakfasts to dinners.

• Dolci Deli and Catering

  phone: +1 250 495-6807
  address: Main street
  European deli café with excellent fresh sandwiches on in-house baked bread. Licensed with a private backyard patio. Organic espresso bar and gourmet deli meats/cheeses for takeout.

• Osoyoos Golf and Country Club

  phone: +1 250 495-3355
  Three dining areas, extensive decks and patios overlooking a beautiful panorama of orchards and lake below. Casual and warm hospitality are the norm with "clubhouse" fare and daily features.

• Bibo Wine Bar

  address: 8316 Main St
  Inventive salads & sandwiches for lunch; tapes, entress and fondues for dinner. The largest selection of BC wines in town.

• Promenade Wine Bar

  phone: +1 250 495-5400
  At Walnut Beach Resort. Offers mouth-watering tapas and meals that can be enjoyed with friends and family in-suite, in-doors or alfresco on the balcony.

• Desert Surfside MotelEscape the crowds and enjoy the small town charm of Osoyoos, BC's hottest vacation and travel destination. This is a brand new complex that is right on the beach. An elevator assists speedy movement and offers wheelchair access to every room on the property. All rooms are non- smoking and offer kitchens to create simple or deluxe meals. Amenities on the property include beach BBQs and designer patio furniture for individual or group gatherings, bike rack, wireless internet, and some units have phones.

• Del Ray B&BIt is brand new, has spacious main floor rooms with private entrances and ensuites with jacuzzi tubs. It is situated in the middle of an apple orchard and while you relax in the gazebo you have a spectacular lake view. You can either rent a room with breakfast or a one bedroom suit by the week. The hosts, Bob & Phyl are very friendly and helpful.

• Cabana Beach Campground and RV ParkOffers family campers one of the nicest sandy private beaches in Osoyoos. There are a dozen RV sites, with electric and water hookups, situated right on the waterfront overlooking the lake and sandy beach. There are more accommodations inside the main campground. Unique tenting sites with "cabanas" (a cooking shelter, with water tap, electricity, sink, light and optional fridge rental). Also full hookups are available for motorhomes up to 30 feet and trailers up to 25 feet. (Larger RVs cannot be accommodated.) Camping cabins are also available for weekly rental (bring own bedding). This campground has seen many generations of happy campers! Reservations are recommended for July and August. Your hosts: Gary and Alison. No pets.

• Coast Osoyoos Beach HotelCanada Select 3.5-star hotel. The Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel lies on the tranquil shores of Osoyoos Lake and features 250 feet of private beachfront, making it a perfect summer destination to visit with family and friends.

• Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & SpaCanada Select 4.5-star resort. Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa is surrounded by dramatic sun-drenched landscapes, miles of vineyards and views to Lake Osoyoos' warm, blue waters, Spirit Ridge's Osoyoos vacation rentals are within reach of desert golf, luxurious spa experiences and unique cultural opportunities at the cultural centre.

• Holiday Inn & Suites OsoyoosOpen year round.

• Walnut Beach ResortWalnut Beach Resort features 110 suites, an 800' private sandy beach, outdoor pool, wine bar and meeting facilities for up to 150 people.

• Watermark Beach ResortThis luxury Osoyoos lakefront resort is in the centre of the town of Osoyoos on the shores of Osoyoos Lake. The resort consists of a main building that houses 123 suites on four stories as well as 30 Beachfront 2 Bedroom suites spread out in 5 separate buildings along the shores of Osoyoos Lake. This 1.8 hectare resort encompasses over 1,000 feet of beachfront along the shores of Osoyoos Lake. All of the suites contain fully equipped gourmet kitchens as well as private balconies.

• Casa Del Mila Oro Resort

  phone: +1-250-495-2373
  address: 47- 5401 Lakeshore Drive Osoyoos, BC, Canada V0H 1V6
  Townhouse and condo complex on the waterfront on the Eastern side of Osoyoos. Pool and conference centre. Great for groups. Ask if you can rent townhouses side by side for larger groups.

• Continue north to Penticton and Kelowna to visit the rest of the Okanagan.
• Head west to visit Cathedral Provincial Park and Manning Provincial Park, two large expanses of mostly untouched wilderness.
• Head east and visit the Kootenays.