Osoyoos, British Columbia
Osoyoos is a recreation and agricultural community situated on the shores of Lake Osoyoos surrounded by lakes, desert hills and valleys of grapes and fruits. The small community is the southern-most entry point in the Okanagan Valley neighbouring the Canada / USA Border.
Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada is home to a wineries, vineyards, orchards and fruit stands. There are wineries in the region providing top quality tours and wine information. The community is rich in First Nation wine culture and history - one of the local wineries in the region is the first winery to be operated by one of Canada's First Nation people.
Some of the activities enjoyed in the summer months in Osoyoos include hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, road cycling, swimming, water skiing, camping, golfing, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, wine tours, fruit picking, fishing and kiteboarding. Baldy Mountain is the winter destination in the region for downhill skiers and snowboarders.
Unique to Osoyoos is Canada's only desert - the Northern Sonora Desert. A lake and desert eco system enjoying less than 12 inches of rain and over 2000 hours of sunshine a year! The Osoyoos region is referred to as the "Arid Biotic Zone" because of the desert landscape and the very dry temperatures. It is home to some of North Americas most endangered species like the Sage Thrashers and Tiger Salamanders.
The community of Osoyoos has many of the amenities important to travelers like accommodations, banks, grocery stores, gas stations, repair shops, gift stores, restaurants, internet and laundromat.
The community follows along the sandy shores of Osoyoos Lake which is reported as being the warmest fresh water lake in Canada! In the backcountry of Osoyoos near the community of Rock Creek is a very popular hiking and mountain biking trail named the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.
Sandy beach parks in the community of Osoyoos which are easily accessible include the Haynes Point Park and Cottonwood Park. The parks and trails located away from the community in the backcountry forests and mountains include the Kettle River Provincial Park and Conkle Lake.