Osoyoos, British Columbia is a beautiful and vibrant destination. Located in the Okanagan Valley in the southern interior of BC, Osoyoos is home to stunning landscapes, exciting recreational activities and friendly locals. From vast vineyards to breathtaking lakeside views, this area offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, you will find it there. Osoyoos is located on the border between the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys in British Columbia. It is one of only two places in Canada where you can still find large stands of the historic Doukhobor village houses. The land here is very fertile and has been used to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers since the early 1900’s. This area is designated as an agricultural region and has been for more than a century. If you are looking for a quiet place to visit, Osoyoos is the perfect destination. The community is small and relaxed, but there are plenty of things to do if you want to experience more.
There are a number of farmers’ markets in Osoyoos throughout the year. It is a great place to enjoy fresh local produce, have lunch and mingle with friendly locals. A great time to visit is on Saturday mornings from 10:00am – 2:00pm.
If you are visiting for the first time, especially in the Summer, you will quickly realize its become the tourist destination that it has become. It feels like a california beach town, with warm Canadian culture, surrounded by beautiful British Columbian forest and mountains.
Huge shout out to Ron Hiller for providing us with some of these incredible shots of Osoyoos. If you are interested in seeing more of his Okanagan photographs, visit his website here.
5 things you may have not known you could do in Osoyoos:
1 – Wine tasting in the Valley. Visit some of the local wineries and sample their delicious offerings. Most wineries provide a picnic area for you to enjoy your wine with a view, or you can drive through the vineyards in Osoyoos on a guided tour!
2 – Hiking and biking trails. Osoyoos is surrounded by one of the largest protected areas in Canada, the Osoyoos Desert Naturalists Association (ODNA). ODNA protects wildlife, habitat and watersheds for future generations. The ODNA offers guided hikes and bicycle tours for all ages.
3 – Golfing in Osoyoos. There are three golf courses in Osoyoos, all located within a short drive of the city. If you are not a golfer, then visit the golf course to check out amazing views of the mountains and lake.
4 – Go fishing on the lake! The lake is home to a variety of fish including rainbow trout, kokanee, bass and catfish. Osoyoos is a great place to try your hand at fishing. If you are not an angler, then try the local restaurants that serve the freshest fish from the lake!
5 – Visit the incredible Peachland mall . You will find over 200 stores, including Nike, The North Face, Tommy Hilfiger and many more.
