Osoyoos, BC is filled with endless activities perfect for family outings, group bonding, fun filled couple activities or solo expeditions. Whether you're in Osoyoos for a day or a week, there is something for everyone.
Attractions
Osoyoos has a number of unique cultural and family-oriented attractions to add interest and adventure to your holiday. here is a sample of our top recomendations.
NK'MIP Desert Cultural Centre (1-250-495-7901), Toll-Free: 1.888.495.8555.www.nkmipdesert.com
The Centre celebrates thousands of years of a precious Okanagan First Nations culture and habi-tation on desert lands. The NK'MIP Desert lands are one of Canada's three most endangered eco-systems and home to many endangered plant and animal species. The Centre provides on-site cultural tours, programs, self-guided nature trails, interpretive sites, visitor programs, cultural events, rattlesnake research and tagging programs, Native sculptures and interactive displays re-flecting the unique and contemporary experience of a desert centre based on the rich heritage of the Okanagan people. Their mission is to promote respect and understanding of the living culture of the Okanagan People and conserve and interpret Canada's only desert.
Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad (1-250-495-6842) www.osoyoosrailroad.com
This is the biggest little European model railroad in Canada. With over 3000 sq ft of space, the railroad includes 800 houses, 6000 hand painted people and dozens of trains.
Rattlesnake Canyon
A great attraction for the kids, Rattlesnake Canyon is a miniature Disneyland including mini golf, a 35’ climbing wall, a go kart track, bumper boats, a bungee tree, an arcade and a Windmill Ice Cream Parlour. Call 1-250-495-3544 for details on operating hours and admission prices.
Gambling
Lake City Casino in Penticton. Visit www.lakecitycasinos.com or call 1-250-487-1280 for more information.
Hiking & Biking
For the casual outdoor enthusiast, Osoyoos has many walkways along the beach, through the provincial park, beside orchards, on side streets or just a pleasant stroll downtown.
Listed below are just some of the many places to explore. If you’d like more information on these or other hikes, please ask our Guest Services team.
Anarchist Mountain
This 4 km trail offers stunning views of the western portion of the Okanagan Valley and Osoyoos Lake. You can turn off this trail to hike your way to the summit of Anarchist Mountain (1480m) with a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys. To get there, travel east of Osoyoos for 17 km on Hwy 3, then turn north on Lamont Road. The Over The Top trailhead will be on the right. After 2 km, follow this trail for 600m and take the left side of the fork. A second option is to travel east on Hwy 3 for 24 km and turn left north of the gate, park here and start your hike on the High Road Trail. Follow for 2 km then turn right and make your way around Anarchist Mountain.
International Bicycling & Hiking Trail in Oliver
The International Bicycling and Hiking Society of Oliver welcomes outdoor recreationalists from all over the world to come and enjoy the trail along the scenic Okanagan River. The trail measures 18.4 kilometres in length, stretching from the head of Osoyoos Lake to McAlpine Bridge, where the Okanagan River and Hwy 97 intersect north of Oliver. Paved sections make the trail accessible to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts including cyclists, hikers, strollers, rollerbladers, horseback riders, and wheelchair users. Parking and access are located at many points along the trail. The trail also has washroom facilities and easy access to a dozen wineries.
Golden Mile Hiking Trail
This gravel trail winds along the foothills of the west side of the valley, providing outstanding vistas of Oliver and the surrounding valley and mountains. The trail itself is about 6.5 km long, through the return trip along the valley orchards adds another 3.5 km. Expect the hike to take at least three hours. Park at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards (where you can also obtain a map) and follow the directions along rural roads past cherry, apricot, peach, apple and pear orchards and along the edge of the driving range of the renowned Fairview Mountain Golf Course. Continue up the road to the heritage townsite of Fairview where you’ll find a kiosk that provides historical information about the early days of the South Okanagan valley. A sign marks a 200 metre detour to the Stamp Mill ruins. At the mill site are the remains of stone walls that were built over 100 years ago - a great place to have a picnic and listen to the birds.
Haynes Point Provincial Park
This park contains a natural marsh rich in birdlife such as canyon wrens, marsh wrens, white-throated swifts and red-winged blackbirds. A gravel trail leaves from the information kiosk across from the amphitheatre and enters the marsh, crosses a footbridge that spans a beaver dam, and continues through level grassland rimmed by marsh vegetation with interpretive signs along the way.
Hiking & Biking at Apex Mountain
This ski resort is a great hiking and biking destination in the summer months! Wander alpine meadows. Discover incredible wildflowers. Enjoy breathtaking scenery while looking for deer, ground squirrel, red-tailed hawk, and other wildlife. Terrain ranges from easy fire roads to mellow trails to technical steeps. Apex is a 30 minute drive west of Penticton.
Inkameep Provincial Park
Nestled in the tall cottonwoods and riverside thickets along the Okanagan River just north of Oliver, this park protects a few hectares of this rapidly diminishing habitat. Short trails lead from the campground to a short section of the dike on the river. It is a scenic walk along the river amongst old-growth cottonwood trees with plenty of opportunities for bird-watching. For further hiking, visitors must leave the park and drive to the other side of the river where the dike runs all the way to Osoyoos.
Mount Kobau Trails
There are two marked trails on the top of Mt. Kobau, one of the highest peaks in the area, which provide great views along alpine meadows. The Testalinden Trail begins at the parking area atop the mountain (access via Hwy 3, approximately 11 km west of Osoyoos, then 17 km along a gravel/dirt access road). It is a 5 km loop around the summit that passes through mixed sub-alpine forest and open grasslands. The trail provides interesting landscape diversity and excellent views of the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys and the Cascade Mountains.
NK’Mip Desert Cultural Centre’s Village Trail & Loop Trail
NK’Mip Desert Cultural Centre explores the dynamic cultural heritage and the beautiful desert landscapes. Guided and self-guided interpretive trails roll through 50 acres of sage grasslands and ponderosa pine forests. The wheelchair accessible trail includes interpretive signs, benches and shady areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the spectacular views of Osoyoos Lake and the surrounding cliffs. This trail is accessed through NK'Mip Desert Cultural Centre.
South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area
The Richter Pass has long been a priority for conservation efforts in the Okanagan, as it represents one of the four most endangered ecosystems in Canada. The protected area comprises four sites: Mt. Kobau, Kilpoola, Chopaka East and Chopaka West. Access to the sites is via Hwy 3 and Kruger Mountain Road, 9 km west of Osoyoos. The protected area has no developed trails, however there are opportunities for hiking on the old roads that traverse the sites
Spotted Lake
For a really unique experience, drive 8kms West of Osoyoos on Hwy 3 is a 38 acres section that contains on the worlds’ highest concretions of minerals: magnesium sulphate, calcium, sodium, etc. When the lake dries in late summer, it forms into exactly 365 colourful circles (on private land – but can view from highway)
Horseback Riding
Located at the bottom of Rancher Creek Road is Indian Grove Riding Stable. Morning, afternoon and evening rides are available, as well as full day rides. The day ride takes you along breathtaking mountain trails, down a canyon, through a stream to a campsite where you can explore underground waterfalls. You can fish, swim or just relax while your guide prepares a delicious dinner before you return. Reservations are recommended; they can be reached at 495-7555 or contact Guest Services to assist in the booking.
Movie Theatre
The Oliver Theatre, located at 36092-97th Street (Hwy 97), in Oliver, plays first-run features. Call 498-2277 for movie listings and show times.
Museum
The Osoyoos Museum is a small community museum run by volunteers. The collection is focused on Osoyoos and Okanagan history and contains a variety of artifacts from war memorabilia to First Nations children’s drawings to a sizeable butterfly and insect collection. The museum is open to the public from May to September, and will open for special events and requests during the rest of the year. Throughout July and August it is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. The museum is located at 19 Park Place.
Sailing
Osoyoos Sailing Club (1-250-495-6070) www.sailosoyoos.com
The Club offers lessons in July and August only.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Mount Baldy (1-866-SKI BALDY) www.skibaldy.com
Mount Baldy is a great family ski destination serving the South Okanagan. Mt. Baldy offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as a day lodge, restaurant, pub, ski shop, rentals and lessons.
Apex Mountain Resort (1-877-777-APEX) www.apexresort.com
Near Penticton, Apex was rated “Best Small Destination Resort” by Ski Canada Magazine. With a variety of terrain including legendary chutes, powdery glades, smooth cruisers, and even a world cup aerial site, Apex is ideal for families. In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, Apex offers a tube park, cross country trails, night skiing, outdoor hockey/skating rink, sleigh rides and snowmobile tours. The Snow Sport & Adventure Centre features the Ski and Snowboard School, Kid’s Club and a reservation centre for all resort activities.
Big White Ski Resort (1-800-663-2772) www.bigwhite.com
The drive is a bit longer, but if you’re looking for a big ski experience, look no further. Facilities include ski shops and rentals, repair shops, a ski school, spas including hot tub/jacuzzi/sauna, day care, indoor swimming pool, grocery and liquor stores, conference centre, restaurants, lounges and pubs. Another great feature is the Mega SnowCoaster, the largest mountain tube ride in North America. Other fun activities include skating, snowshoeing, dog sledding and snowmobiling.
Silver Star Mountain Resort (1-800-663-4431) www.skisilverstar.com
One of BC’s most popular ski areas, Silver Star is located 22 km from Vernon. Enjoy downhill and cross country skiing, night skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding and sleigh rides. The village has numerous food and beverage outlets, ski shops and rentals, indoor swimming pool, hot tub/jacuzzi/saunas, conference rooms, gift shops and lessons. Silver Star also has a daycare, skating rink and other amenities.
Wakepilot Wakeboarding (1-250-495-4195) www.wakepilot.com
Offering fully insured wakeboarding with certified operators.
