Cool Off with a Waterfront Vacation to Osoyoos, BC
Things To Do During Your Osoyoos, BC Vacation
Canada as a whole isn't exactly well-known as a major beach destination or for its warm weather. But Osoyoos, a small town tucked into the southernmost section of the renowned Okanagan Valley — AKA "Napa North" — is known for being exactly that, a warm-weathered beach getaway. Situated in the deepest dry belt that is the southern Okanagan region of British Columbia, the town of Osoyoos is home to Canada's only desert, and the regions sparkling crown jewel, Osoyoos Lake.
With its mild climate and mountainous surroundings, the Osoyoos region has been able to promote the earliest fruit in Canada; in fact 96% of BC's soft fruits are grown in the south-central Okanagan.
With so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors, plus indoor cultural attractions, all-ages entertainment options, and great local restaurants and wineries, Osoyoos is a fantastic choice for your summer family vacation! Even better, the Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel has a lakefront location and loads of family-friendly amenities, including beach lounge chairs, tables, kayak rentals, BBQ areas, pet-friendly rooms and rooms with kitchenettes, making it the ideal waterfront destination.
Osoyoos Lake Regional Park
One of Osoyoos' main draws is Osoyoos Lake, the warmest freshwater lake in Canada. It spans 22.5 kilometers from Osoyoos into northern Washington and offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. From more relaxed activities such as fishing, swimming, and soaking up the sun on the sandy beaches to adrenaline-pumping pursuits like water skiing and wakeboarding, Osoyoos Lake truly has something for everyone. With its calm, warm waters, the lake is also a prime destination for kayaking and paddle boarding.
Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The desert geology and wildlife are certainly unique to Osoyoos, and one of the best places to learn all about it is the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre. The centre, managed by the Osoyoos Indian Band, is open year-round and offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits highlighting the area's distinct plant and animal wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a short, educational film indoors and there's also a scenic 1.5-kilometer walking trail that leads to a traditional First Nations Village, passing through desert sage and antelope habitat.
Inside, treat yourself to a snack or drink at the cafe or browse for authentic First Nations-made artisan crafts and souvenirs at Coyote's Gifts. By the way, if you're interested in visiting but have no idea how to pronounce the name, you're not alone! It's actually not as complex as it looks: in-ka-meep.
Nk'Mip Cellars
Located only 300 meters from the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Nk'Mip Cellars is the first Indigenous-owned winery in all of North America! It's also been named the No. 2 Winery in British Columbia by Wine Align.
The winery's Indigenous roots shine through in every manner, from the sustainable production and bottling practices to the artisan crafts and other merchandise available for purchase. There's also a fantastic restaurant onsite, with a locally-sourced menu highlighting authentic foods from the Okanagan culture. We highly recommend dining on the patio and enjoying the panoramic views of the valley and Osoyoos Lake. Throughout the year, there are also special food and wine experiences available by reservation only.
Whether you're eating or not, the award-winning wines at Nk'Mip Cellars, open year-round, are not to be missed.
Spotted Lake In Osoyoos, BC
Just eight minutes from Osoyoos Lake is a much smaller and very unusual body of water, Spotted Lake. The moment you see it, you'll have no doubt whatsoever how the lake got its name. Due to a high concentration of mineral deposits including magnesium sulfate, calcium, and sodium sulfate, the lake appears to have large colored spots. This is especially true when the weather is warm in the summer and some of the water begins to evaporate, really showing off the multi-colored, circular-shaped spots of rich mineral deposits.
While Spotted Lake is a can't-miss site and photography spot in Osoyoos, it's closed to the public as far as swimming and exploring up close due to its ecological sensitivity and cultural significance to the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation. Visitors may view Spotted Lake and take photos from outside the fence.
Rattlesnake Canyon In Osoyoos
Looking for a family-friendly things to do in Osoyoos? Rattlesnake Canyon, an amusement park with an Old West mining town theme, fits the bill perfectly. Every member of the family will be entertained for hours, with options including a mini-golf course, go-karts, bumper boats, gem mining and fossil digging station, a temporary tattoo parlour, a traditional arcade, classic theme park rides, concessions (with a whopping 48 ice cream flavours!), gift shop, and even a massive rock climbing wall.
Rattlesnake Canyon is actually totally free to enter, and the park even welcomes well-behaved pets. The rides and attractions are priced individually and there are several specials and passes available for bundled discounts.
Where to Stay In Osoyoos: Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel
With a postcard-worthy waterfront Osoyoos location and direct access to a private beach, the Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel is one of the best accommodation choices for a family-friendly getaway. Soak up the sun on the beach while you take in mountain and vineyard views all around, enjoy family meals in the picnic areas, and spend time making memories on the water. Guests of the hotel will also enjoy beach chairs and tables on the Hotel’s private beach. Spending a day on the water and finding a spot to BBQ along the shore is one of the best things to do in Osoyoos!
When you're ready for a break from the sun, head to the indoor swimming pool and let the kiddos take turns on the waterslide. In-room amenities at the Osoyoos hotel include Starbucks coffee and tea and free wi-fi, and some rooms have kitchenettes and balconies with stunning views. The Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel loves dogs, too, so Fido is also welcome!