Location: Osoyoos
Top Things to do in Osoyoos
Top 10 Things to do in Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley
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 Model Railroad
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 637 reviews
OPEN YEAR ROUND Monday to Saturday. A world Class Miniature Wonderland Experience. 4000 sq ft. of family fun with up to 45 computer controlled trains traveling on 2 km (1 1/4 miles) of tracks weaving through mountains and towns. Discover the 20000 + hand-painted little people and animals in scale 1:87 (HO) placed in humorous and funny situations and scenes. You'll be impressed with the devotion to details and the charm and humor of the presentation. Watch with delight, the unique operational car system running through towns, stopping for gas and traffic lights. So much more than just Trains. When driving from downtown Osoyoos, take Hwy 3 towards Vancouver (about 3 km.) Turn left at the SECOND entrance into the Buena Vista Industrial Park onto 115th Street. Look for the yellow warehouse with the big signs out front.
Reviewed By myersb2017
What a great place for all ages as this is an amazing creation that you need many visits to take it all in as there is so much detail
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Nk'Mip Cellars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
At Nk’Mip Cellars, we are the dedicated guardians of a proud legacy. As the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America, we are inspired to express our culture in everything we do. Our Winery itself is a bold celebration and strong reflection of our commitment to authenticity and deep respect for our colourful past. We extend an invitation to discover, not only the international award-wining wines we produce, but also the relentless spirit and remarkable history that inspire them.
Reviewed By 8Peter - West Vancouver, Canada
We fell in love with their Pinot Blanc - flinty, full bodied, clean and rich flavour - there are definitely grapes in the bottle. The other 4 wines were enjoyable too. Our tasting hostess was Karen - very charming, knowledgeable, one of the most "professional" tasting hostess in our over 100 winery visits worldwide. I feel the winery is more about making good wine than making money. I read about the Okanagan Indian Band Chief - Clarence Louie - it helped me understand the mission of the winery - superb but affordable wines. We lucked into speaking with Sam Baptiste, the General Manager of the Vineyards. He knows his grape stock in detail - the varietals, the clones, the suitable soils (Ok, terroir too!). His passion is incredible. The winery building is first class, the tasting room spacious and elegantly decorated, with huge native peoples content.
7. Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 500 reviews
The Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre is a 9,000 square-foot interpretive centre that exhibits 2 films, the Inkameep Day School Art Collection, indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits, a 1.5 km walking trail, and reconstructed traditional Okanagan village, and (visitor favourite) interpreter hosted programs which boast a fun filled experience for all ages! The centre is also an architectural marvel, and was built from local, sustainable materials.
Reviewed By Lvmom1517 - North Vancouver, Canada
A really lovely and peaceful spot to visit in the summer. My children, age 7 and 10, and I arrived at 9:35am and just missed the first guided tour. The friendly receptionist (Derek) led us to the theatre and we had a private viewing of a 20 min film about the Okanagan band. It is meant for a younger audience (age 7-12) so a perfect introduction for my kids. The walking tour, which began indoors with a focus on art, was excellent and my children and I were engaged the entire time (about 90 min, a bit longer because we stopped in the middle to watch one of the researchers try to capture a transmitter rattlesnake - very exciting). The reconstructed village and metal sculptures are lovely and our guide (Jenna) provided a plethora of stories and information about Okanagan Indigenous history and culture. After the walk, we watched the Snakes Alive show (30 min), which was also engaging and informative. At this point, my kids were starving so we ate our lunch at a beautiful picnic spot with a gorgeous view of the lake, right outside the facility. After lunch, my kids wanted to go back on the walk and check out the village again. We also spent more time examining the desert animals display (mostly snakes) and a nice gift shop. We spent about 4.5 hours at the centre. A highlight of our trip to the Okanagan.
8. Moon Curser Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
9. 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.
10. Rattlesnake Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By sherrim448 - Stony Plain, Canada
We purchased a day pass for the four of us and it worked out perfectly! We had a 13 and 15 year old with us. It was hot so we went in the morning - had a hoot with less line ups and then came back in the evening. The evening was definitely busier but a different experience at night. Doing this we felt we got our monies worth for sure. We watched a lot of the staff there that are primarily young people and were thoroughly impressed by their hard work and professionalism. Lots of things to contend with with Covid and I saw them wipe things down and make sure everything was safe. I saw a couple teens have to deal with unruly middle aged men who feel they should be able to turn go karts in to bumper cars and ram their way around the track. They pulled them over and kicked them out - not easy when you're a young man and they are more than grown adults who should know better. They are so dog friendly that a pair of the staff offered to hang onto the dog as the couple went on the ride. Water everywhere for pooches too. The ice cream there is the best and you get a HUGE scoop for single scoop. This was our first time to Osoyoos and we will be back here for a day of fun again next year.
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