Categories > Guides and Tips
Discover Osoyoos: A Traveller’s Guide to the Desert Oasis of Canada
- Where is Osoyoos?
- What is the main street in Osoyoos?
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Osoyoos
- What to Do and See in Osoyoos
- Visit Osoyoos Lake
- Take a tour at Osoyoos Desert Centre
- Learn local history at Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
- Hike at sẃiẃs Provincial Park (Haynes Point)
- Admire Spotted Lake
- Go on a side trip at Anarchist Mountain Lookout
- Try water sports activities with ATB Watersports
- Book a tee time at Osoyoos Golf Club
- Go on wine tours
- Nk'Mip Cellars
- Moon Curser Vineyards
- Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
- Where to Stay in Osoyoos
- Safari Beach Resort
- Spirit Ridge
- Watermark Beach Resort
- Where to Eat and Drink in Osoyoos
- The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry
- Terrafina Restaurant at Hester Creek Estate Winery
- Junction 3 Coffee House
Somewhere in BC, there’s a town that’s so warm it has earned a special place in our hearts. It’s surrounded by scenic landscapes, beautiful vineyards, and a massive lake that feels like a warm hug you don’t want to get out of!
Osoyoos is a unique destination for vacations, special occasions, and just because! It offers so much all year round for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts!
We don’t want to gatekeep this anymore. Check out our handy guide that will show you what to do, where to stay, where to dine, and what else there is to know about Osoyoos!
Where is Osoyoos?
Osoyoos is a town in the southern part of Okanagan Valley, BC. It’s near the Canada-US border, near Washington State.
What is the main street in Osoyoos?
The main street in Osoyoos is Main Street on Crowsnest Highway. It’s the centre, which is full of local businesses and has the bridge over Osoyoos Lake that will take you to the eastern part of town.
Things to Know
Location: Okanagan Valley, BC
Time Zone: PST (Pacific Standard Time) GMT-8
Pronunciation: O-sue-use
Languages: English and Syilx
Population: 5,763 (2023)
To ensure nothing goes wrong during your Osoyoos trip, check out these tips that helped us a lot during our visit there:
- Plan which route you want to take. You can reach Osoyoos using Highway 3 and Highway 97, so pick which road you feel most comfortable with.
- Schedule your activities because not all experiences and wineries are open at the same time and many are closed for the winter.
- Bring weather-appropriate clothing. Pack light clothes and bathing suits in the summer (it does get hot!) and bundle up in the winter.
- Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and bring sunglasses and a hat for sunny days.
- Bring a water bottle and light snacks to keep you hydrated and energised. This also helps during the drive to and from Osoyoos.
How to Get to Osoyoos
By bus: BC Transit #40 offers Osoyoos to Penticton bus service. Once you get there, you can take Osoyoos Local bus #41, which has stops at Cottonwood Drive, Jonagold Place, and Main and 89th Street.
By car: Drive to Highway 97 from Penticton or to Crowsnest Highway from Vancouver. Both ways will end up at the intersection, which will take you to Main Street in Osoyoos.
You can park for free on Main Street, with restrictions on motor homes and trailers.
By rental service: Make a stop at Penticton for the closest car rental services. Enterprise and Budget Car Rental are available there.
You can also rent a scooter when you’re in Osoyoos to explore the area easily. Osoyoos Scooters is located next to Ambrosia Restaurant on the corner of Ponderosa Drive and Main Street.
What to Do and See in Osoyoos
Visit Osoyoos Lake
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This is a no-brainer. When in Osoyoos, you have to see Osoyoos Lake, which extends from BC to Washington, USA. It’s the warmest freshwater lake in Canada, with an average temperature of 24°C in July and August.
Enjoy water sports activities, like swimming, paddleboarding, and boating. But if you’re on a boat, be careful not to cross the border because the process to go back is really, really complicated.
There are lots of access points to the lake, including the marina (the boat launches are also here), Lion’s Park, and the town centre.
Take a tour at Osoyoos Desert Centre
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Location: 14580 146 Ave
Contact: 250-495-2470
Opening Season: May – October
Website
Explore Canada’s desert at Osoyoos Desert Centre, where you can take a 1.5 km tour and learn about this hot ecosystem! You’ll be walking on a boardwalk to keep you and the wildlife safe.
You can see the place at your own pace—choose between a guided and self-guided tour. Your visit will last approximately one to two hours, which isn’t a lot so this is a perfect side trip if it’s not on your schedule yet.
We do suggest you bring sunglasses and a hat or umbrella because the path is not shaded. Wear light clothing too, since this is a desert, so expect it to be hot!
Learn local history at Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
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Location: 1000 Rancher Creek Rd
Contact: 250-495-7901
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm
Rates:
- Adult: $18
- Seniors & Students: $17
- Children (5 – 17): $14
Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is an interpretive centre with indoor and outdoor exhibits. This is a must-visit for people who want to know more about the Okanagan people and their territory.
You also get to learn about the history of the place and its wildlife. It’s a very interactive experience since you won’t stay indoors only—you’ll actually be out in the desert for some of the learning experiences.
Hike at sẃiẃs Provincial Park (Haynes Point)
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You’ll find sẃiẃs (swee-yous) Park in the traditional territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band. This is one of the cannot-miss places in Osoyoos because of its cultural significance, having been a habitation and crossing site of their ancestors.
Outdoor enthusiasts will have a blast here, too. It’s a site for camping and hiking, and there’s also a boat launch for Osoyoos Lake.
Bring your furry companion and head over to the dog beach, which you can see near the campsites. For the whole family, there are picnic areas and drinking water all around the park.
Admire Spotted Lake
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Location: 16300 BC-3
Known as kłlilx’w to the First Nations of Osoyoos, Spotted Lake is rich in various minerals, which results in those unique spots you see on the surface during summer when the water evaporates.
These patches come in different colours too, such as green, yellow, and blue. The water doesn’t flow anywhere, so it gets its supply from the hills, rain, and underground springs.
You should know that the lake is closed to the public since it’s a sacred site, so you’ll only see it from a distance. If you want to see it, book a tour from the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre or admire it from the roadside.
Go on a side trip at Anarchist Mountain Lookout
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Location: 1345 BC-3
There’s no reason not to go to the Anarchist Mountain Lookout, which is probably the best viewpoint in Osoyoos! On top, you’ll see the expansive scenery of the Okanagan Valley, including the whole town of Osoyoos and Osoyoos Lake!
And no, you don’t have to hike to get here. Just drive east on Highway 3 to the lay-by on the road—it’s essentially a roadside viewpoint.
Try water sports activities with ATB Watersports
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Location: 5815 Oleander Dr
Contact: 250-498-9044, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 am – 9 pm
Website
There are lots of water sports activities at Osoyoos. It is a popular place for this since the water isn’t freezing, which is very unique in Canada.
ATB Watersports offers many activities for everyone, like paddleboarding, kayaking, SUP yoga, and charter tours. We recommend the tour for an all-inclusive service.
Book a tee time at Osoyoos Golf Club
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Location: 12300 Golf Course Dr
Contact: 1-800-481-6665
Rates
Tee Time Booking
Website
Your trip to Osoyoos should include a relaxing time—Osoyoos Golf Club welcomes members and non-members! It’s the only desert-style golf course in Canada, as it’s formed in the desert mountainside.
It offers 9 and 18-hole courses, as well as private golf lessons for beginners. And your time will be a scenic one because you’ll see the lake and orchards while you play.
Go on wine tours
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Did you know that Osoyoos is a red wine country? Yup, you can sample the best reds and taste award-winning bottles!
Going on a winery tour is actually one of the most popular things to do in Osoyoos—you’ll find experiences that include transportation, which makes things convenient if you aren’t familiar with the area.
Don’t miss out on Icewine, a speciality of the Okanagan Valley. Also, check the seasonal hours since winter tends to slow down the activities.
Nk’Mip Cellars
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Location: 1400 Rancher Creek Rd
Contact: 250-495-2985, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Website
You shouldn’t miss Nk’Mip Cellars, the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America! It offers a wide variety and award-winning wines, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Icewine.
Dine at the restaurant for farm-to-table meals, or join a wine tasting event at the gorgeous vineyard that overlooks the town. We strongly recommend the Main Tasting Bar to sip on award-winners!
Moon Curser Vineyards
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Location: 3628 Highway 3 East
Contact: 250-495-5161, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10 am – 4 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Moon Curser Vineyards is a small winery that has an impressive list of awards, including the 2019 Best Performing Small Winery in Canada at the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada.
This is one of our favourites for full-bodied reds! The wine tasting experience is an excellent activity because you get to try four reds (they make good bottles) and one white or rosé.
Spruce it up by checking out the private winemaker tour and tasting, which will be guided by their winemaker! This one is for individuals who want a more luxurious experience.
We suggest dining in town first before coming here since there’s no restaurant on-site, especially if you tend to get drunk really fast.
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
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Location: 500 Burrowing Owl Pl, Oliver
Contact: 250-498-0620, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 11 am – 4 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Just a 12 to 15-minute drive from the town, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is worth the visit (not that it’s far, anyway!). This picturesque vineyard offers more than just wine tasting—you can dine at Sonora Room Restaurant or book a stay at the guest house!
You get the full experience here. The adult-only accommodation is perfect for the ultimate wine country relaxation, with large bathrooms, balconies overlooking the vineyard, and an outdoor pool with stunning views!
Then, take a tour of the winery and cellar for an up-close look at winemaking. Elevate your experience at The Library Tasting for a taste of older vintage wines.
Where to Stay in Osoyoos
Safari Beach Resort
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Location: 5815 Oleander Dr
Contact: 250-495-7217, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Website
Safari Beach Resort is the perfect weekend destination because it’s located on the shores of Lake Osoyoos! Complete relaxation paired with incredible views once you wake up? It doesn’t get better than this!
What we love about this place, aside from its location, is the amenities. There’s access to the beach, outdoor pools, beach volleyball, a patio for BBQs, picnic tables, and fire pits for smores!
The full amenities are here, basically. All rooms face the lake (plus there’s either a deck or a patio) and fully equipped kitchens! They’re more like an apartment, and we don’t mind the non-modern decor since it adds a homey feeling.
Spirit Ridge
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Location: 1200 Rancher Creek Rd
Contact: 250-495-5445
Pricing: $$
Website
If you’re travelling with your furry friend, check out Spirit Ridge, a pet-friendly resort along the coastline of Lake Osoyoos. The location is very convenient since you’re close to water sports services and the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre.
This all-suite resort provides a comfortable stay with cosy rooms and complete amenities—there’s a fitness centre, internet, fire cauldron, outdoor pools, hot tubs, and a rooftop observation deck.
Watermark Beach Resort
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Location: 15 Park Place
Contact: 1-250-495-5500, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
Website
There’s nothing more perfect than staying at a beachside hotel, and Watermark Beach Resort offers just that. The lake is right in front and you’re just a hop away from Main Street, where most of the shops and restaurants are—best of both worlds, really.
Plus, all the rooms are condo suites with fully equipped kitchens and private balconies! There’s in-suite laundry, too, except for studio suites.
This hotel doesn’t skimp out on amenities. We did enjoy the pool with a slide (perfect for families), steam room, and BBQ area!
Where to Eat and Drink in Osoyoos
The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry
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Location: Spirit Ridge – 1200 Rancher Creek Rd
Contact: 250-495-4660
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 8 pm
Website
Menu
This is one of our favourite places to eat in Osoyoos. The food at The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry is modern vineyard cuisine rooted in Indigenous heritage.
There’s a wide variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. Weekend brunch has got to be our favourite, especially The World Famous in East Osoyoos Smashed Bison Burger, which is incredibly delicious—a very Canadian meal, eh?
Terrafina Restaurant at Hester Creek Estate Winery
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Location: 877 Rd 8, Oliver
Contact: [email protected]
Operating Season: February – December
Website
Terrafina at Hester Creek is a romantic place to dine in Osoyoos, perfect for dates, proposals, and anniversaries. It’s open on a seasonal basis, though.
This Tuscan-style restaurant offers Italian-inspired meals, including pizza and pasta (of course!). All the meals go perfectly with a glass of wine, which makes sense since it’s tucked away in a winery.
The pillowy gnocchi is a must-try, as well as the potato and truffle pizza! If you want something light, pick a charcuterie board and a glass of red!
Junction 3 Coffee House
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Location: 3 Harbour Key Dr
Contact: 778-823-0199, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7 am – 4 pm
Website
A vacation isn’t complete without swinging by a local cafe. Junction 3 is ideal for quick refreshments since it’s super close to the lake and nestled along Main Street.
This small town coffee shop has a pretty big patio, which is nice during sunny days (except when the weather’s a little too warm). The line gets long, though, so avoid peak hours if you want a table.
We suggest grabbing a blended chai and a pastry and eating it by the lake—you can’t go wrong with a chocolate croissant!
