Location: Osoyoos
Top Things to do in Osoyoos
Things to do in Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley: The Best Nature & Parks
Osoyoos (/ɒˈsuːjuːs/, historically /ˈsuːjuːs/) is the southern-most town in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia between Penticton and Omak. Near the border with Washington state, the town is also adjacent to the Indian Reserve of the Osoyoos Indian Band. The origin of the name Osoyoos was the word sẁiẁs (pronounced "soo-yoos") meaning "narrowing of the waters" in the local Okanagan language (Syilx'tsn). The "O-" prefix is not indigenous in origin and was attached by settler-promoters wanting to harmonize the name with other place names beginning with O in the Okanagan Country (Oliver, Omak, Oroville, Okanogan). There is one local newspaper, the Osoyoos Times.
Restaurants in Osoyoos
1. Osoyoos Desert Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
The Osoyoos Desert Centre is a 67 acre nature interpretive facility where visitors can learn about desert ecology, habitat restoration and conservation of endangered ecosystems in the South Okanagan. Guests are invited to explore Canada’s desert by taking a guided or self-guided tour along a 1.5 km elevated wooden boardwalk. In addition, the Centre features an interpretive facility with hands-on exhibits and a native plant demonstration garden. Visitors can also browse through our Gift Shop, enjoy a snack in the outdoor picnic area, or relax at one of the kiosks and take in the spectacular views.
Reviewed By okforyou
IF you want to truly see and understand the dramatic natural landscape of this area, a visit to this Desert Centre is a must. Well explained through the self-guided material and storyboards set out throughout the boardwalk, it provides an enjoyable and enlightening afternoon.
2. Osoyoos Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 408 reviews
Known as the "warmest lake in Canada," Osoyoos Lake stretches fourteen miles and is a favorite for summer recreation and winter sports.
Reviewed By edn636 - Delta, Canada
Walking along the lake shore was such a wonderful relaxing and de-stressing experience. It did help, the time of year did help create this tranquility for us. I would seriously recommend a walk along the lake in the off season. It really cleared out my mind of all the "junk" that was there.
3. Anarchist Mountain Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
A scenic lookout that takes visitors from 910 feet to 4,045 feet for spectacular views of the Okanagan Valley and part of Washington state.
Reviewed By Merlin797 - Okanagan Valley, Canada
If your traveling on Hwy 3 in either direction, up or down the Anarchist, and you see the pullout for the viewpoint, you better pull off and enjoy the view. It's good, no matter what the weather.
4. Haynes Point Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Measuring about 60 feet across, this natural spit of land stretches out into the middle of a lake providing views of both Canada and the United States.
Reviewed By alexgiovannelli - Osoyoos, Canada
This is a small peninsula that extends into Osoyoos Lake. It has one road in and same road out. It is very popular with campers as sites are lake front, relatively private, and only a few kilometers from downtown. Great for those that like to canoe or spend time on the lake. Be aware these campsites book very quickly and advance booking is needed. You can also use day facilities and go for a walk if you cannot find a site.
5. Osoyoos Lake Oxbows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
6. Mount Kobau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By dougshmish - Vancouver, Canada
I drove up from Osoyoos. 5 minutes on the highway and about 35 on the gravel road up the mountain. The road is in excellent condition for dirt road that goes up a mountain. Any 2wd car can make it although there is some rough washboard along the way that requires you to slow down. I went up with my 6” reflector telescope and got to see several clusters, nebulae, galaxies and planets. Observed: M5, M9, M10, M12, M27, M33, M81, M82, M94, M97, NGC6960, Saturn and Jupiter. Dark skies, pretty warm but a sweater was nice. Saw a fox on the drive up.
7. Spotted Lake
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 352 reviews
Reviewed By ShoMeTheWhirled - Osoyoos, Canada
This is a mainstay of any drive to Osoyoos on Hwy 3. USUALLY looks pretty cool. Right now though, we have had so much water that you can’t actually see the spots.... hopefully in the fall the water will recede and you’ll be able to enjoy one of my favourite natural beauties in the area.
8. Kruger Ridge Trails
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Https://www.destinationosoyoos.com/hiking-and-biking/
Reviewed By 724yasmina - Vancouver, Canada
Hiking up Kruger Mountain, there are stunning views of the Okanagan valley, both north and south. The hike becomes a little steep in places but the views are well worth the effort.
9. Sandhu Greenhouses & Nursery
10. Gyro Osoyoos Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By jiffypop101 - Canada, null
My Wife and I hung out on this beach while visiting Osoyoos and really had a blast. The water was warm and it was busy. There are bathrooms as well as a snack shack the serves a little bit of everything. We really like this place. There is also a Boston Pizza on this beach.
