2021 OSOYOOS
POCKET GUIDE YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS NOW
B R I T I S H
C O L U M B I A
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C A N A D A1
15ParkBistro.com/Menus
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www.15parkbistro.com 250.495.5508 | reservations@15parkbistro.com 15 Park Place, Osoyoos Located in the Watermark Beach Resort
Contents 04 Welcome 06 Celebrating 75 Years 08 The Syilx Okanagan Nation 10
Art in Osoyoos
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Events
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Explore Out-of-Doors
18 Local Parks 20 Attractions 24
Golf
25 Food for Thought 29 Nature’s Fruit Basket 33 The Wine Route 40 Shop 46 Town Map
Sherani Theophilus Don Urquhart Melissa Fowler
Associate Publisher Editor Production & Cover Photo
© TIMES-CHRONICLE Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is strictly prohibited. ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 250.495.7225 | marketing@timeschronicle.ca Every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of publication. TimeChronicle assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions that may have occurred.
Anarchist Star Trails by Greg Reely gregreelyphotography | gregreely 3
Talk to a local There’s nothing like local advice. Drop into the Visitor Information Centre to talk to a local who can give you friendly advice on getting around, where to stay, and what to see and do.
Osoyoos Visitor Centre
July – Oct, open daily 9:00am – 4:00pm Nov – June, closed Sunday and Monday 9912 BC-3, Osoyoos 1.888.OSOYOOS | 250.495.5070 visit@destinationosoyoos.com www.destinationosoyoos.com destinationosoyoos @osoyoosbc
Visitors need to know Emergencies Ambulance/Fire/Police - 911 Forest Fire - 1.800.663.5555 Cell *5555
Taxi
Osoyoos Taxi 250.495.7004
Transit
Osoyoos transit info 250.498.8054 4
Happy 75th Birthday Osoyoos! Osoyoos was incorporated on January 14, 1946. The Board of Trade, later called the Chamber of Commerce, was the governing body of the small village until then. After knocking on doors and inviting the citizens to attend an information meeting, the Municipality of the Village of Osoyoos held its first official meeting at the Canadian Pacific Railway Station on January 31, 1946. William Andrews was elected Chairman of the Board, which later changed to the more familiar ‘Mayor’ designation. With population growth, the Village of Osoyoos became the Town of Osoyoos on June 30, 1983. Our last census in 2016 shows a population of 5,085. While the Okanagan Valley area has been the home to First Nations people for 10,000-15,000 years, the Osoyoos area was a natural stop on the fur trading route by explorers and fur-traders working for the Pacific Fur Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company. The discovery of gold at Rock Creek brought an influx of gold seekers. Ranching and the planting of 30 acres of soft fruit and apples in 1906 made it necessary to consider irrigation in the valley, which led to the ‘ditch’ and the South Okanagan Lands Project in 1927. The Town of Osoyoos, continues to offer its residents a place to shop, work, raise a family, enjoy the earliest fruit in Canada, easily use the parks and trails, and enjoy the warmest lake in Canada. And we will continue to offer ‘Canada’s Warmest Welcome’ to all. Happy 75th birthday Osoyoos! Warmest regards, Mayor Sue McKortoff Photography by Kathryn Young-Davies www.kyoungtravels.com | kyoungtravels
Celebrating 75 Years The name Osoyoos comes from the word sẁiẁs (pronounced ‘soo-yoos’) meaning ‘narrowing of the waters’ in the local Okanagan Nation language (nsyilxcən). The ‘O’ prefix in Osoyoos was added by settlerpromoters wanting to harmonise the name with other place names beginning with ‘O’ in the Okanagan region (Oliver, Omak, Oroville, Okanogan). Thousands of miners heading to the goldfields and farmers driving herds of livestock crossed the 49th parallel from 1858 resulting the building of a customs house in Osoyoos in 1861, with John Carmichael Haynes the tax collector.
Main Street Scene, Circa 1948 Photography by Albert Kalten
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Seniors (age 65 and over) comprise 43 per cent of the town population with the average resident aged 55.4 years (2016) compared to 40.8 years for the rest of the population of British Columbia. The average age of the Osoyoos senior population is second in B.C only to Qualicum Beach at 60.1 years.
Tomato ‘hot caps’, circa 1935
Although many people claim the town is in a desert, Osoyoos actually gets 10 cm too much rain each year to be an actual desert.
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS
Customs Office, circa 1915, with two car-loads of people being greeted by Customs officials.
highest levels of biodiversity in the entire country and is home to over 100 rare plants, and over 300 rare invertebrates. How did Anarchist Mountain get its unique name? One account says it is named after Richard G. Sidley, an early settler, and ‘wild Irishman’, who was appointed Justice of the Peace and Customs Officer (1891) and the first postmaster at Sidley (1895). Another account is that Sidley named it after an eccentric prospector and purported cattle thief named John Haywood, who carried a stick of dynamite in his boots. When asked why, Haywood said he was an anarchist. During World War I, the minerals of Spotted Lake were used in manufacturing ammunition and it is said that prior to this plundering of the minerals, the lake featured an even greater variety and intensity of colours. Crew working in fgd, Vista from Anarchist MT, circa 1955
In 1865 the Dewdney Trail – a 720 km trail connecting Fort Hope (now Hope) to Fort Steel in the East Kootenays – passed through the narrows where Osoyoos is now situated. After repairing the bridge across the narrows in 1880, pioneer Theodore Kruger charged a toll of $1.25 per person on a horse and 75 cents per head of livestock. The area around Osoyoos has one of the
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The Syilx Okanagan Nation Photography by Melissa Fowler |
The First Nations People of Osoyoos are part of the Syilx Okanagan Nation which is made up of eight communities in the interior of British Columbia and in the United States. These communities include: Okanagan Indian Band, Upper Nicola Band, Westbank First Nation, Penticton Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), and Lower and Upper Similkameen Indian Bands and the Colville Confederated Tribes in northern Washington State. Over 500 band members live and work on the Osoyoos Indian Reserve – 13,000 hectares of Sonoran Desert landscape stretching from Oliver to Osoyoos that reflects a small portion of their once vast traditional lands. Thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers, the Osoyoos Indian Band’s ancestors used the current sẁiẁs meaning ‘narrowing of the waters’ Provincial Park as a crossing and as a cultural and living site. Ancestral remains found at sẁiẁs have been dated as 1,224 years old – the oldest on record in the Osoyoos region.
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@melissamfowler
Okanagan First Nations once travelled widely for fishing, gathering and hunting and each year, the first harvests of roots, berries, fish and game were celebrated by ceremonies honouring the food chiefs who provided for the people. In the winter, people returned to permanent winter villages. At the height of Syilx culture, about 3,000 years ago, it is estimated that 12,000 people lived in the Okanagan valley and surrounding areas. Radiocarbon dating of animal materials and disposed shells give valuable insights into the Osoyoos Indian Band’s ancestors and confirmed they lived, travelled and traded on routes extending along the Columbia River Basin as far back as 3,265 – 4,475 years ago. The names of many familiar towns throughout the Okanagan Valley come from Indigenous languages. This includes Osoyoos, Keremeos, Penticton and Kelowna reflecting the long history of the Syilx people on this land.
Photography by Sapphire LeCamp from the Osoyoos Indian Band, a Grade 7 student from Senpaq’cin school
ałi kw̌u_sw̌iw̌i-numtax , ałi kw̌u_suknaqinx , ałi axaʔ iʔ tmxʷulaxʷ Photography by Nora Hamade | @simplynorah
The OIB is one of the most successful First Nations bands in Canada having achieved financial independence and high levels of employment. OIB Chief Clarence Louie has commented that, “today we are probably the only band in Canada that has the number of businesses and joint ventures that we have on a per capita basis.”
THE SYILX OKANAGAN NATION
ałi kw̌u_sw̌iw̌i-numtax ałi kw̌u_suknaqinx We are Okanagan ałi axaʔ iʔ tmxʷulaxʷ Because our land is beautiful We are beautiful
traditional medicine for their people. The small lake is rich in a variety of minerals, including magnesium, sodium and calcium sulfates, titanium and silver that give the lake its unique spots which range in colour from blue, to green, to yellow. In scientific terms, it is a saline endorheic alkali lake.
Chief Louie credits this to the fact the Sylix people have for thousands of years traded with other tribes from far and wide. “We are business people, we have always been business people,” he said. For a more in-depth look into the fascinating history of the Indigenous Peoples of this region and their close relationship to the land, visit the award-winning interpretive center NK’Mip Desert Cultural Centre. It features a wide range of engaging indoor exhibits, outdoor displays and walking trails.
Photography by Steve Roche
The word nk’mip (pronounced ‘in-ka-meep’) translates to ‘bottomland’, being as it is, located at the southern (bottom) end of the Osoyoos Indian Reserve.
During the hot summer months, water in the lake evaporates leaving concentrations of these various minerals that form the visible spots which change in size and colour through further evaporation.
Similarly, no visit to Osoyoos would be complete without a visit to the surreal Spotted Lake. Known to the Syilx First Nations as kliluk, it has long been considered a sacred lake and an important source of
The lake is located 10km northwest of Osoyoos in the eastern Similkameen Valley, on Highway 3. Please respect the cultural and ecological importance of the lake and do not go beyond the fencing.
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Art in Osoyoos If you are seeking an artistic excursion, Osoyoos has a diverse, vibrant arts and culture scene. Boasting many festivals, art walks, shows and galleries, it is a joy to get lost in Osoyoos’ colour, sounds and literature. There are several artists’ groups that are active in the area, including: Osoyoos Potters, Artists on Main, the Osoyoos Photography Club, O’s Own Writers, the Osoyoos Wood Carvers, the Osoyoos Quilters Guild, the South Okanagan Amateur Players and Osoyoos Music in the Park.
Okanagan Art Gallery
8302 Main St. Osoyoos | 778.437.2238 www.okanaganartgallery.com A great hidden gem on bustling Main Street consisting of an artists co-op of about 25 artists, mainly painters (acrylic, oil and watercolour), but also sculptors and photographers. The Gallery is run by the artists so when you visit, there will always be an artist or two in the gallery.
Osoyoos & District Museum and Archives
8702 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.2582 www.osoyoosmuseum.ca Established in 1963 the museum features over 4,000 historical items and recently returned to Main Street moving into a new facility. Guided historical walking tours are available during the summer months.
The Art Gallery Osoyoos
8713 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.2800 www.osoyoosartscouncil.com/art-gallery Offering original art produced by artists and artisans, the gallery features guest artists, local and non local, through out the year.
Wide Hearts Open Arts (WANA) Unit 5 - 8302 Main St. Osoyoos www.widearts.ca
‘Petal Power’ painted with acrylics with a colourful Impressionist style. By Larry Hunter | www.larryhunterart.com
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WANA presents performing, visual and literary arts and cross-disciplinary opportunities as avenues of education, inclusion and involvement for individuals of all generations, cultures, and genders.
No matter how brief your stay might be in Osoyoos, a typical Spring to Fall period is chockablock with festivals celebrating everything from oysters– yes they may not grow here, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be celebrated along with a glass of wine–to luscious cherries, vineyards and grapes, to boat races on the lake, to revelling in the delicious sinfulness of everything pork. And let’s not forget the long weekends from Victoria Day, to Canada Day all the way up to Thanksgiving. The fun never stops!
‘Canada Day’ by Greg Reely gregreelyphotography |
gregreely
EVENTS
Events
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July 1 Cherry Fiesta, Canada Day Celebration & Fireworks! Cherry Fiesta is a true all day celebration that creates many opportunities for residents, their families, and visitors to Osoyoos to celebrate Canada’s birthday and the pride of calling this great country “our home”. Featuring a Pancake Breakfast, the Cherry Fiesta Parade, entertainment & activities at the Osoyoos Legion and Gyro Park, and as soon as the sun goes down one of the largest fireworks displays in the country! Photography by: Richard McGuire
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osoyoosfestivalsociety.ca
Easter Eggstravaganza osoyoosfestivalsociety.ca
Osoyoos Oyster Festival
okanaganoysterfestival.com
EVENTS
April Photography by Osoyoos Oyster Festival
Meadowlark Nature Festival May 20 to 23
May
Photography by Melissa Fowler |
@melissamfowler
meadowlarkfestival.ca
Wine Country Drag Racing May to October winecountryracing.ca
June
Aug
Photography by Osoyoos Music
Osoyoos Music in the Park - June to Aug
Mount Kobau Star Party - Aug 7 to 15
osoyoosmusicinthepark.com
Half Corked Marathon - Sept 10 & 11 oliverosoyoos.com
mksp.ca
Sept
Dragon Boat Flag Race Festival - Sept 17 & 18 osoyoosdragonboat.weebly.com
Pig Out - Sept 24 & 25 oliverosoyoos.com Photography by Leila Kwok
Photography by Leila Kwok
Oct
Cask & Keg - Oct 2
Fall Wine Festival
Festival of the Grape - Oct 3
October to November
Nov Winter with Wine Country Nov 26 to Dec 5 oliverosoyoos.com
olivercaskandkeg.ca
oliverfestivalofthegrape.ca
Trick or Treat Main Street - Oct 31 ocubc.com/ttms
Dec
Christmas Light Up
osoyoosfestivalsociety.ca
The East Osoyoos Christmas Market | thelakevillagebakery.ca
Due to the evolving circumstances surrounding Covid-19, please confirm event dates by checking the website, or destinationosoyoos.com for more updated information. 13
Explore Out-of-Doors If you’re looking to enjoy the wonderful environment of the South Okanagan then hitting the trails will give you the best experience. A wide range of trails of varying difficulty cater to hiking, biking (including e-bikes), and trail running. Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice and Osoyoos makes a great base to explore the unique beauty and diversity of this desert environment. Experience the Okanagan River valley, grasslands, highlands, and mountains surrounding Osoyoos Lake and Oliver to the north. And as an added bonus there is always the reward of a refreshing glass of wine on one of the patios of the area’s many wineries at the end (or middle) of your adventure. Remember the temperature can get quite hot so bring sun protection and water to drink. 14
@melissamfowler
Strawberry Creek Trail
For some beautiful views of Osoyoos Lake and town, take a stroll on the Strawberry Creek Trail. Located on the west side of Osoyoos the trail winds through the Osoyoos hills, past a historic mine, and around a golf course. The trail gives fantastic views of the lower Okanagan Valley with only a moderate walking effort. The trail is not well marked so best to check a map and seek some local advice.
Photography by Backwoods Mama www.backwoodsmama.com
EXPLORE OUT-OF-DOORS
Photography by Melissa Fowler |
Mount Kobau
Soaring 1,873 metres over the Southern Okanagan river valley, Mount Kobau offers sweeping views. It can be enjoyed through two short hiking trails – one 1.3 km round trip with a view overlooking Osoyoos, or a 3 km loop trail that leads in the opposite direction to the Chopaka Lookout with views over the Keremeos/Cawston Valley. There is also a small picnic area at the trailhead just off the parking lot.
Photography by Backwoods Mama | www.backwoodsmama.com
Oxbows
At the northern end of Osoyoos Lake, the Oxbows is a wonderful wetland area that is popular for its easy hiking, as well as bird watching. In fact, the Oxbows protected area supports 20 per cent of the B.C. population of Yellowbreasted Chats, a bird species that is listed as critically imperiled in B.C .and nationally threatened.
Photography by Let’s Go Biking | www.letsgobiking.net
International Hike & Bike Trail This 18.4 km trail begins at the north end of Osoyoos Lake. The flat, mostly paved pathway runs alongside the Okanagan River channel, past orchards and vineyards to the McAlpine Bridge in Oliver. Accessible to all ages both on foot and bicycle. 15
Photography by Melissa Fowler |
@melissamfowler
Anarchist Mountain Lookout Photography by Greg Reely |
gregreelyphotography
sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point) sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point) is a beautiful campsite and day-use park located within the traditional territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band that is both archaeologically and culturally significant. The main loop trail is fully paved, great for walking and biking. The park also is home to a wetland trail, providing access to abundant habitat. The park is proudly managed and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band.
No trip to the South Okanagan is complete without a visit to this viewpoint just outside of Osoyoos. Rising 1,491 metres (4,892 ft) above sea level, Anarchist Mountain offers panoramic views of Osoyoos Lake, the town, as well as south towards Washington State and the Town of Oroville, WA. Head East on Highway 3 from Osoyoos. Follow the switchback for approximately 7 km until you reach the area to safely pull off on the right handside.
Photography by Baldy Mountain Resort | www.baldyresort.com Photography by Minivanpam | Trailforks.com
Dogtown Trail
The 7 km Dogtown Trail is located within the White Lake Grasslands Protected area. A variety of hikes of varying lengths are located in this area, popular with those seeking to view wildlife. 16
Baldy Summit Baldy Summit to Gilly’s Cabin is a 11.3 km loop trail in a beautiful forest setting. At the top your effort is rewarded with expansive views of the Southern valley areas from Osoyoos to Oliver. In mid to late summer the alpine wildflowers add a stunning visual component.
Photography by Let’s Go Biking | www.letsgobiking.net
Golden Mile Trail
Irrigation Canal Walkway
If you fancy a hike or bike through a vineyard try out the 4 km Golden Mile Trail which starts from the scenic Tinhorn Creek Estate winery. As you make your way through the vineyards, you will pass Fairview Townsite, a former Gold Rush town offering lovely views of Oliver and the surrounding hills. A longer 10km loop leads uphill to the dilapidated ruins of the Stamp Mill.
EXPLORE OUT-OF-DOORS
Photography by Backwoods Mama | www.backwoodsmama.com
This flat 12 km trail travels along the now-abandoned waterway that once provided water to the orchards and wineries in the area. It’s great for walkers, cyclists, and those pushing strollers. The trail now features Story Walk boards starting at the West Bench trail head. While you enjoy the trail, you and your kids can read the story ‘Max Goes to the Space Station’ by Jeffrey Bennett.
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Local Parks Aside from its natural beauty, Osoyoos also offers many local parks. Please remember dogs must be on-leash unless in the Off-Leash Dog Park. Other recreational parks cater to sports like BMX, skateboarding, baseball and tennis. Pioneer Walkway, the Lakeshore Walkway and Gyro Beach Walkway are popular places to stroll. In the summer the Town Square opens up with a number of activities including the Farmer’s Market and, this year a bigger contingent of Food Trucks. Photography by Richard McGuire
www.osoyoos.ca
Sun Bowl Arena 9301 Hummingbird Lane Ice rentals are available contact the Sonora Community Centre for bookings!
Sonora Community Centre 8505 68th Avenue | 250.495.6562 recreation@osoyoos.ca
Weight room, fitness classes, recreation programs, Osoyoos Library 18
Build sandcastles on the sandy beach and picnic on the grassy area at Cottonwood Park, which boasts colourful flower gardens, well-maintained landscaping and a paved, wheelchair-friendly walkway. Public washrooms are also available at the park.
Goodman Park
Goodman Park is located along Lakeshore Drive at Bayview Crescent and Lake Osoyoos. Benches, picnic tables, and full-service washrooms are located on site. This is the perfect place to stop for a swim when walking along Lakeshore Walkway.
Gyro Beach
Located at the bottom of Main Street, Gyro Beach is the largest beach in Osoyoos, B.C. and here you’ll find plenty of shady trees, warm shallow waters and swimming areas all within walking distance to Main Street shops, restaurants and cafes.
Legion Beach
Legion Beach is nestled in a cove on the west side of Osoyoos Lake, which is within a 10-minute walk from Main Street in downtown. Legion Beach features a grassy area, picnic tables, big trees for shade and a sandy beach in addition to a designated dog swimming area.
Lion’s Park
Lions Park is equipped with a sandy beach and a large grassy area, picnic ta-
bles and beautiful trees for shade. The park also has public washrooms and a great playground for the kids. A paved walkway connects Lions Park with neighbouring Gyro Park, which is a great path for walking and cycling.
LOCAL PARKS
Cottonwood Park
Off-Leash Dog Park
The Osoyoos dog park is a paradise for both owners and dogs of all sizes! Offering beautiful lake views and green grass, the completely fenced space offers a small dog only area, as well as a larger area for dogs of all sizes. Complete with ample parking, covered seated area, and a public washroom.
Photography by Richard McGuire
Osoyoos Lake Regional Park
Osoyoos Lake Regional Park is located on the east side of Osoyoos Lake at 16th Avenue and 45th Street. The park features many shady trees, a large sandy beach, washrooms, picnic tables, and parking.
Osoyoos Splash Park
The splash park combines the sensations of water movements and interactive play elements in a safe ‘zero-depth’ water play area. 19
Attractions Take a break from your wine trail adventure and check out the terrific trail bikes & hikes, waterlogged lake laughs and play a round of golf or two. Get your ‘cowboy’ on and saddle up for horse ride. Learn about the ‘pocket desert,’ slide back in time at the museum, or tickle your imagination with an art adventure. Try out some wild west amusements or maybe a quick excursion to Europe thanks to the impressive miniature railroad. So many things to do, so little time!
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There is no better way to begin experiencing all that Osoyoos and the area have to offer than simply getting on, around, or in the lake! Jump in for a swim at one of the lovely sandy beaches. If you like being in the centre of it all then check out Gyro Beach, for lower-key ones there’s Legion Beach.
ATTRACTIONS
Play in the Lake For a dip with your four-legged friend, head to the specific dog swimming areas of Goodman Park, Lions Park, Legion Beach, Gyro Beach and sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point). For more land-based water fun for your kids, check out the Jack Shaw Splash Park. And one for the whole family is the Osoyoos Wibit at Gyro Beach that offers a unique water park adventure on the lake itself. Boating is a huge part of summer life on the lake, and watercraft of all sorts can be rented from ATB Watersports (who by the way also do a paddleboard breakfast yoga sessions!), Osoyoos Marine Rentals, Starlite Marina & Beach Shop, Spirit Beach Watersports or at either of three Wakepilot locations – Desert Sunrise Marina, Spirit Ridge Resort or Walnut Beach Resort. Osoyoos Lake has close to 20 kms of shoreline to fish with 43 species of fish waiting to take the bait. Just don’t forget to get your fishing license.
Above The Board Watersports
5815 Oleander Dr. Osoyoos 250.498.9044 | www.atbwatersports.com Choose your sport from wakeboarding waterskiing, wake surfing, wakeskating, air chair, kneeboarding or tubing. There’s something for everyone from beginners to advanced.
Lake Osoyoos Sailing Club
8015 Spartan Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.4540 | www.sailosoyoos.ca The sailing club offers lakeside facilities catering to recreational sailing and is composed of a diverse membership of water sports enthusiasts who enjoy sailing, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding. The club has a small fleet of sailboats.
Osoyoos Marine Boat Rentals
8015 Spartan Dr. Osoyoos (At the Desert Sunrise Marina) | 250.495.0808 Osoyoos Marine provides ski/wakeboard boats and pontoon boat rentals as well as equipment including wakeboards, skis, life jackets, ropes and tubes.
Osoyoos Wibit
Park Pl. Osoyoos | 250.462.8770 www.okanaganwibit.com/british-columbia Our unique water parks add an additional way all ages can enjoy water recreation in an original, exciting way that is healthy, affordable and fun!
Starlite Marina & Beach Shop
7906 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.5240 www.starlitemarina.yolasite.com Looking for a paddle on the lake, a water cruise with the family, a fun wake board and tubing experience, or an exhilarating wave-runner ride, visit Starlite Marina.
Wakepilot
Desert Sunrise Marina – 8215 Spartan Dr. Spirit Ridge – 8000 45 St. Walnut Beach – 4200 Lakeshore Dr. 250.495.4195 | www.wakepilot.com Wakepilot is the top-rated outdoor attraction in Osoyoos and the premier watersports provider in western Canada. They offer wakeboarding, charters to PWC, boat, SUP and kayak rentals. 21
Family Fun
Area 27
127 Area 27 Dr. Oliver | 236.488.0027 www.area27.ca Kartplex at Area 27 operates high performance Arrive + Drive race karts that are designed to give the sensations of racing machinery while remaining safe and serviceable. After your race, head over to the lookout and gaze in awe at the world-class 4.83 km car racing circuit.
Coyotes Sports Simulation
8519A Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.5878 www.coyotessportssimulation.com For a cool break from the sun check out the sports simulations and virtual reality games. This includes 33 different golf courses from around the world, bowling, hockey and soccer. Also, four laser shooting games and two 9D VR chairs with 126 games.
Kobau Lanes Bowling Centre
8404 97th St. Osoyoos | 250.495.6112 Kobau Lanes is eight lanes of five-pin bowling fun for people of all ages! The bowling centre is also fully licensed and open 7 days a week!
Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad
11611 - 115th St. Osoyoos | 250.495.6842 Billed as the ‘biggest little European railroad in Canada’ this world-class miniature railroad is 372 sqm of family fun with up to 40 computer-controlled trains traveling on 2.0 km of HO Scale track, weaving through European-themed mountains and towns.
Rattlesnake Canyon
5502 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.3544 | www.rattlesnakecanyon.ca This western mining town-themed amusement park includes an 18-hole mini golf course, bumper boats, go-karts, a rock-climbing wall, arcade with over 30 games, gem panning activity, tattoo parlour, bungee tree, tilt-a-whirl and tornado. And don’t miss a stop at the authentic windmill for an ice cream cone.
Osoyoos Scooters
Electric bike wine touring Photography by: Leila Kwok
Double O Bikes
8905 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.3312 | www.doubleobikes.com Double O Bikes provides rentals, repairs, bikes and accessories, everything you need to get out and ride!
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6907 Ponderosa Dr. Osoyoos 250.408.9899 | www.osoyoosscooters.com Get with the hip kids and cruise around town on one of the brand new Yamaha BWS 50 or Vino Scooters!
South Okanagan E-Bike Safaris 250.689.2786 | www.okebikesafaris.ca An all-new e-bike safari company, with a fleet of high quality Cube Electric Bikes.
ATTRACTIONS
Photography by Richard McGuire
Photography by Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
14580 146th Ave. Osoyoos 250.495.2470 | www.desert.org Come experience the beauty and diversity of this unique desert environment at the Osoyoos Desert Centre, a 67-acre nature interpretive facility located 3 km north of Osoyoos. Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour along the 1.5 km boardwalk, explore handson displays in the interpretive building, and stroll through the native plant garden.
1000 Rancher Creek Rd. Osoyoos 250.495.7901 | www.nkmipdesert.com The spectacular Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (pronounced in-ka-meep) is one of the Okanagan’s top tourism destinations. The state-of-the-art interpretive centre is an architectural marvel sensitively constructed into a hillside. Extensive indoor and outdoor exhibit galleries create a fun, interactive learning environment with hands-on displays, education stations and two multi-media theatre experiences.
Osoyoos Desert Centre
Photography by Sun Hills Riding Centre
Indian Grove Riding Stables
600 Rancher Creek Rd. Osoyoos | 250.495.7555 Indian Grove Riding Stables has led horseback trail rides through the Osoyoos desert and along mountain trails for over 40 years.
Sun Hills Riding Centre
3800 Golf Course Dr. Osoyoos 250.408.9990 | www.sunhillsriding.ca Explore Canada’s desert on horseback with one hour guided trail rides past stunning valley views overlooking orchards, vineyards and Osoyoos Lake.
Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
Photography by Tucker Macor |
Mount Baldy Ski Resort
@tuckermacor
2680 Mt Baldy Rd. Oliver | 250.498.4086 www.baldyresort.com A bounty of winter fun is offered at Mount Baldy, 40 minutes northeast of Osoyoos. A variety of trails, activities and amenities is offered in the winter. By the end of June, or early July the snow atop Baldy gives way to a lush greenery bursting with colourful wildflowers. Hiking up the mountain is a perfect respite from the blistering heat of the valley floor, making this a cool reward for your effort. 23
Golf
Osoyoos offers two unique golf experiences, the first, Osoyoos Golf Club is a desert-style golf course with plush conditioning, and two unique 18-hole championship courses to play. The Park Meadows course is a resort-style course that is walker friendly amidst a park-like setting, while the Desert Gold course is a new and unique resort-style golf experience. Sonora Dunes, on the other hand, is a professionally-designed, nine-hole, par-35 course with impeccably manicured greens and emerald fairways winding through the desert environment.
Osoyoos Golf Club
12300 Golf Course Dr, Osoyoos | 250.495.7003 1.800.481.6665 | www.golfosoyoos.com The Osoyoos Golf Club is Canada’s only desert-style golf course with plush conditioning, affordable rates, and 36 holes of championship golf located in the heart of the South Okanagan Valley & Canada’s Wine Country.
Cougar Mountain Therapy
Sonora Dunes Golf Course at Spirit Ridge Resort
1300 Rancher Creek Rd. Osoyoos 250.495.4653 | www.sonoradunes.com Sonora Dunes is a par-35, 2,307 metre course with impeccably manicured greens and emerald fairways winding throughout the desert landscape.
Services located at 8521 Main Street, Osoyoos
Elisabeth Pazdzierski, R.Ac 250.495.5373 | cmtc-therapy.com cougarmountaintherapy@gmail.com
Okanagan-SImilkameen Community Acupuncture Laurel Irons, R.Ac 250.499.1905 | oksacupuncture.com similkameen.acu@gmail.com | @oksacupuncture
Relax Manual Osteopathy/Massage Therapy Bonnie Butler R.O.M.P. 250 24 498 9434 | relaxmanualosteopathy.ca relaxmanualosteopathy@gmail.com
Food for Thought A wide range of utterly terrific food options ranging from restaurants, food trucks, wineries and small artisan shops in and around Osoyoos offer endless choices of cuisines unique to our culture and lifestyle.
Photography by 15 Park Bistro www.15parkbistro.com
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15 Park Bistro
District Wine Village
Ambrosia Western & Indian Cuisine
Dolci Thai
Boston Pizza at the Watermark
1200 Rancher Creek Rd. Osoyoos 250.495.1143 Features a Caribbean-style menu, only steps from the beach.
Unit 235, 15 Park Place (located in the Watermark Beach Resort), Osoyoos 250.495.5508 | www.15parkbistro.com The bistro is an intimate environment well suited to both a casual evening with friends, or a romantic dinner for two.
6910 Main St., Osoyoos | 250.495.2227 This is for those seeking a little spicier tingling of their taste buds. Serves both Indian and Canadian cuisine. Unit 238 - 15 Park Pl. Osoyoos 250.495.6927 | www.bostonpizza.com A casual dining setting with over 100 menu items including gourmet pizzas made with their signature hand pressed dough.
Campo Marina Restaurant
5907 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.7650 | www.campomarina.com This upscale, yet casual eatery offers Italian cuisine with a leaning towards Tuscan flavours.
Convivia Bistro
8312 74th Ave. Osoyoos 250.495.2223 | www.conviviabistro.ca Convivia Bistro is the delicious answer for Italian and French cuisine.
Dairy Queen
5914 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.3227 | www.dairyqueen.com Enjoy great food and soft serve treats
Diamond Steak & Seafood House 8903 Main St., Osoyoos | 250.495.6223 www.diamondsteakhouseosoyoos.com The Diamond’s varied menu has choices for everyone: steak, seafood, pasta, pizza, rips, and also Greek offerings.
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100 Enterprise Way. Oliver 250.809.1869 | www.districtwinevillage.com This brand-new wine concept village will showcase some of the region’s top wineries in a relaxed outdoor setting. The Village will feature a restaurant and pop-up kitchens. 8710 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.6807 | www.dolcithai.com Dolci Thai is a small, family-run restaurant featuring authentic Thai food.
Footprints Beach Bar & Grill
Golden Chopsticks
8527 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.8092 Golden Chopsticks is a family-owned restaurant specializing in authentic Chinese cuisine.
Green Side Bar & Grill
12300 Golf Course Dr. Osoyoos 1.800.481.6665 | www.golfosoyoos.com Open for lunch and dinner the Green Side offers delicious pub food overlooking a golf course.
Gyro Beach Cafe
17 Park Pl. Osoyoos | 250.498.1779 Beachside pizza and snacks.
Indian Flame
8515 B Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.9000 www.indianflameonmain.com Serving up a wide variety of authentic Indian food items.
Jojo’s Cafe
8316 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.6652 | www.jojoscafe.ca Coffee beverages and made-to-order sandwiches, homemade soup and daily baked goods.
Quiznos
Kettle Candy Co.
Roberto’s Gelato
3 Harbour Key Dr. Osoyoos 778.823.0199 | www.junction3.ca Coffee and baked goods. 8111 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.4030 Sweets of all kinds.
Kozo Cafe
8143 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.2330 | www.kozocafe.jimdofree.com Japanese food with a unique flare.
La Marqueza Mexican Tacos
8306 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.1963 A Mexican restaurant and food store offering fresh, authentic dishes.
Mamis Pizza
8515 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.6838 Family-owned pizza and pasta since 1994.
O’ Delights Asian Fusion Restaurant 8323 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.2899 | www.odelightscafe.com Asian dishes, largely Chinese with a handful of Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese.
Osoyoos Pho Vietnamese Cuisine
Unit 7 - 6511 Main St. Osoyoos | 778.437.5566 Vietnamese pho noodles, rice rolls and bánh mì sandwiches.
Pizza 97A
6001 Lakeshore Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.3999 | www.pizza97a.com Pizza, Canadian – vegetarian friendly.
Pizza Factory & Lounge
8115 Main St. Osoyoos, BC 250.495.2033 | www.townpizzafactory.com Italian, pizza, fusion, Canadian - vegetarian friendly.
Pointe 49 Kitchen & Bar
4200 Lakeshore Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.5400 www.walnutbeachresort.com Barbecue, American, Canadian.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Junction 3 Coffee House
5506 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.5327 | www.quiznos.ca Quick bite, sandwiches, soups, pizza. Unit 227 - 15 Park Pl. Osoyoos 250.495.5425 | www.robertosgelato.com Homemade Italian-style ice cream and espresso drinks.
Scoopsies
8324 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.689.0422 Ice cream, cupcakes and beverages like lemonade, hot chocolate and tea.
Smitty’s Family Restaurant 8906 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.6333 | www.smittys.ca Family restaurant.
Sofia’s Mexican Food Truck
9910 BC-3, Osoyoos | 250.535.4108 Mexican, Latin – vegetarian friendly, vegan options.
Sol Grill Room & Lounge
7906 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.6884 Grill, pub food and international.
Spirit Beach Cantina
8000 45th St. Osoyoos 250.689.5770 | www.spiritbeachcantina.com Hang out at this colourful little beach cantina and enjoy some Tex-Mex food.
Sugar Quail Bakery
5820 89 St. Osoyoos | 250.689.4136 www.sugarquailbakeshop.com Cakes, cookies and other baked goods.
The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry
1200 Rancher Creek Rd. Osoyoos 250.495.4660 | www.bearfishrootberry.com Fabulous view and equally fabulous food. The restaurant serves modern ‘vineyard cuisine’ inspired by Indigenous heritage.
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The Lake Village Bakery
Unit 4 - 6511 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.3366 | www.thelakevillagebakery.ca A traditional artisan sourdough bakery that uses locally sourced, sustainable ingredients where possible.
The Market
1200 Rancher Creek Rd. Osoyoos 250.495.4660 Locally inspired breakfast and all-day menus including handmade pizzas and vegetarian dishes.
The Owl Pub
The Patio Restaurant at Nk’Mip Cellars
1200 Rancher Creek Rd. Osoyoos 250.495.2985 | www.nkmipcellars.com Contemporary North American cuisine with fresh farm-to-table innovations.
Wander Cafe
Unit 103 - 8309 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.4429 | www.wanderemporium.com This store provides a warm atmosphere where you can enjoy fair trade coffee.
Wildfire Grill
7603 Spartan Dr. Osoyoos, 778.437.3838 | www.owlpubosoyoos.com Pub snacks, burgers, pastas.
8526 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.2215 | www.wildfiregrillosoyoos.com Features a bistro menu with a selection of local wines.
The Sage Pub
Windmill Ice Cream Parlour
6403 Cottonwood Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.2322 | www.sagepub.ca Pub favourites like ribs, wings, sandwiches, entrees, pasta, and pizza.
5502 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.3544 | www.rattlesnakecanyon.ca Ice cream in 48 flavours at the Okanagan’s only authentic windmill.
For all your grocery needs UNBEATABLE SAVINGS
EVERY DAY EVERY WEEK
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Osoyoos, BC 9129 Main St Unit #3 | 250-495-5355
Nature’s Fruit Basket Fruit season in the Okanagan Valley reveals this beautiful slice of the province in its most luscious glory. The sights, scents and tastes of the region’s progressing fruit and vegetable season is an unmistakable and ever-delighting feature of the Okanagan. The season kicks off in early-June for the South Okanagan and South Similkameen areas and continues through the Fall. Blossoming and ripening times are earlier in the southern part of the Okanagan than in the north, by as much as 3-4 weeks in the case of Osoyoos versus Vernon. Cherries are the first fruit ready for harvest, typically around the beginning of June, followed by apricots, peaches and plums. Apples are the grand finale of the Okanagan’s fruit season, with fresh ears of corn beautifully rounding out the vegetable season. U-Pick An alternative to simply buying from the roadside stalls is to pick your own. Orchards offering this can be easily spotted via the giant ‘U-Pick’ signs along the highway. U-pick farms usually offer cheaper prices for the fruit when it’s you putting in the labour! Fruit that is sold at fruit stands and orchard markets is generally picked early on in the day markets open meaning they are virtually just as fresh. Continued on pg 30
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For a memorable family-oriented activity, this ‘freshest farm-to-table’ can’t be beaten for some rewarding fun.
Most U-picks provide boxes but you may need to provide your containers in some cases.
If you choose the self-pick option, be sure to prepare for your harvesting experience. Wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little dirty in the process. Cherries, in particular, can easily stain clothing. Wear supportive shoes because flip-flops and other slippers are not practical.
And as a general rule of thumb, fruit is best picked when it separates easily from the tree branch. If it is hard to pull off the tree, then it probably isn’t ready to be picked. Also, try to pick fruit with the stems on as that will keep it fresher longer.
Prepare for the weather especially in early summer and the fall where the weather can change rapidly. In the hot summer months, it is better to pick in the mornings – most U-picks open by 8:00 a.m. – before it gets scorching hot (which also further ripens the fruit). Be sure to bring water to drink, wear a sun hat and slap your sunscreen on.
Historical roots The historical roots of the Okanagan fruit industry run deep, having first started in B.C. in the early 1800s with European explorers introducing many fruits to North America and the western world. Stocks of grafted fruit trees were transported across the Americas and transplanted in regions of the Pacific Northwest where they thrived in the mild climate. The Hudson’s Bay Company planted the first apple seeds in 1826 at Fort Vancouver (now Vancouver, Washington) before the border was established between the United States and what was to become Canada.
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The development of commercial orchards started in coastal BC with the first on the mainland planted in 1859, seeing the rapid diversification to include not just apples, but peaches, plums and pears. The spread to the Okanagan followed the Cariboo gold seekers and by the early 1860s fruit trees were being planted in Lillooet, Lytton, Cache Creek and other smaller settlements near Kamloops. The first apple trees in the Okanagan (Penticton) were planted by Father Pandosy in 1862, who also planted the valley’s first grapes for producing Sacramental wine.
The Aberdeens even started up a jam factory to process much of the fruit. At its peak, the Coldstream Ranch was one of the largest producers of fruit in the British Empire.
Brar Fruit Stand and Orchard
Osoyoos Market on Main
NATURE’S FRUIT BASKET
The 194 hectares Coldstream Ranch near Father Pandosy’s Okanagan Mission saw two 40 hectares lots of orchards planted in 1892 by Lord Aberdeen, former Governor General of Canada and his wife. These orchards included crab apples, apricots, peaches, prunes, cherries, and plums alongside raspberry canes and strawberries.
Town Hall Square Saturdays 9am to 1pm 250.495.3537 www.osoyoosmarketonmain.ca Running from May through September, the market brings together a delicious combination of home-made, home-baked, and home-grown. This includes a variety of artisan crafts, fruits and vegetables, baked goods and wine/cider/beer/spirits.
4280 Hwy 3. Osoyoos | 250.495.6604
C&C Family Orchards
7024 45th St. Osoyoos | 250.485.2266
Casa Del Mell Orchards
14803 97th St. Osoyoos | 250.495.3936
Fernandes Fruit Market
4305 62nd Ave. Osoyoos | 250.495.6678
Osoyoos Fruit Basket
9910 Crowsnest Hwy. Osoyoos 250.689.8988
Osoyoos Fruit Market
Photography by Osoyoos Market on Main
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10105 100th Ave. Osoyoos | 250.485.2485 www.osoyoosfruitmarket.com
Apricots
Peach Hill Farm & Fruit Market
Blueberries
97 Hwy, 9105 176th Ave. Osoyoos 250.495.5060
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Blackberries Cherries Grapes Melons Nectarines Peaches Pears Plums Raspberries Strawberries
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La dolce vita: fine food, wonderful wine, great music, and the good things in life.
lastella.ca
The Wine Route The heart of B.C.’s premier wine country is found in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys which lie between the 49th and 50th parallels, the same latitude of the famous European wine regions of Champagne and Rheingau. But the wineries of these two B.C. valleys are famous not from that simple geographical similarity, but for the quality of wine on par with the best of the world.
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Many of Okanagan Valley’s top dining destinations are also located at these wineries, offering a wide range of culinary delights including an emphasis on farm to table ingredients. Some also offer accommodation onsite enabling an immersive winery experience. It may surprise many to know that the roots of the region’s wine industry date from the 1850s with the establishment of Father Pandosy’s Okanagan Mission, and the planting of vineyards for making sacramental wines. Prohibition, from 1918-1920, brought this to an end, with the commercial wine industry only recovering in the 1930s with the first modernera winery – Calona Vineyards. This winery started in 1932 and remains the oldest continuously running winery in the province. It wasn’t until the 1970s with experimental plantings of Vitis vinifera grapes that the industry embarked on the start of a journey that has brought it to the world recognised stature it now enjoys. Free trade agreements with the US in the late 1980s provided further impetus to shift from the 34
Photography by Ramification Cellars
poorer quality hybrid and Vitis labrusca grapevines. Now the region grows more than 60 grape varieties producing virtually every style of wine across the spectrum of sweetness levels, including still, sparkling, fortified and dessert wines, and even ice wines. The Okanagan Valley and Similkameen Valley account for 80 per cent of all wine produced in province.
Photography by Leila Kwok
More recent plantings include: Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Trebbiano, Pinotage, Malbec, Barbera and Zinfandel, all varietals typically associated with warm climates.
Stretching over 250 km, the Okanagan Valley with its stunning, sun-bathed landscape punctuated by tranquil lakes set between brush covered hillsides is the jewel in the crown of the B.C. wine industry. It is the mother demarcation for all wine-growing in the valley which is punctuated by sub-regions. Microclimates and soil types vary from endto-end across a number of sub-regions, each with distinct conditions, or terroir. This is the valley of award-winning wines delighting even the most fastidious of connoisseurs with sundrenched big, bold reds to lively crisp whites. The Okanagan has four officially recognised geographical sub-regions, or sub-appellations: Skaha Bench,
THE WINE ROUTE
The Okanagan Valley Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls and the Golden Mile Bench. The Osoyoos-Black Sage area is often considered a sub-region with its own unique terroir but currently lacks official designation as such. With low-key, family-run boutique vineyards to larger winery operations, the Okanagan Valley wineries are not only rich in tradition and character, but producers of world-class wines that consistently rank at the top of international competitions. A key factor in Okanagan Valley’s uniqueness for wine production is its climate. Daytime temperatures can reach 40°C, but the cool nights allow the grapes to maintain their natural
THE MUST SEE SOUTH OKANAGAN DESTINATION, OFFERING ARTISAN CRAFTS, WINE, BEER AND FOOD ALL IN ONE STUNNING LOCATION. 100 ENTERPRISE WAY, OLIVER, BC
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acidity. The hot days and cool nights produce wines with ripe fruit character, fused with a distinctive acidity. This unique growth profile is widely recognised as a signature trait in B.C. wine and an important factor in its superlative wine quality. Interestingly, the Okanagan Valley is also warmer and more arid than California’s Napa Valley, and gets nearly two hours more sunlight per day during the peak growing season because of its northern latitude.
Golden Mile Bench
The Golden Mile Bench is aptly named, as this sun-drenched shoulder on the west side of the valley running from Oliver towards Osoyoos was the first sub-region demarcated in 2015. Its southern facing aspect provides a warm climate with morning sun, rather than afternoon sunshine, making it a cooler microclimate than those located on or across the valley floor. This makes it ideal for full-flavoured white wines such as Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, alongside bright fruity reds like Merlot and Cabernet Franc. With an average of 1,484 growing days the soil in the Golden Mile Bench features well-drained fluvial fans of stony gravelly, sandy loams or gravelly, loamy sands. 36
Black Sage/Osoyoos
Stretching from just north of Osoyoos on the east side of the valley up to Oliver is the Black Sage grape growing area. With full afternoon sun in what is the hottest location in Canada and an average of 1,551 growing degree days, this intense daytime heat is offset by cool nights giving wine from this area big flavour with vibrant acidity, the bedrock of the Okanagan Valley’s unique and award-winning wines. This unique microclimate gives rise
Photography by Nora Hamade @simplynorah
to big bold reds such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah/Shiraz, and also whites such as Chardonnay. The soil plays its part with very deep sandy glaciofluvial materials overlying granite bedrock. Other wineries slightly south of Black Sage are dotted on the slopes around Osoyoos making them very accessible to visitors staying in the range of waterside resorts in the town. The youngest of the region’s wine areas, the Osoyoos Indian Band’s Nk’Mip Cellars was the first to open its doors in 2002. Similar to Black Sage wineries those located around Osoyoos excel in the creation of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah/ Shiraz, and Chardonnay wines.
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LAKESIDE www.lakesidecellars.ca LARIANA www.larianacellars.com LIBER www.liberfarm.ca MAVERICK www.maverickwine.ca MOON CURSER www.mooncurser.com NK’MIP CELLARS www.nkmipcellars.com NOSTALGIA WINES www.nostalgiawines.ca PHANTOM CREEK www.phantomcreekestates.com PLATINUM BENCH www.platinumbench.com QUINTA FERREIRA www.quintaferreira.com RAMIFICATION www.ramwine.com RIVER STONE www.riverstoneestatewinery.ca ROAD 13 www.road13vineyards.com RUST WINE CO. www.rustwine.com SECOND CHAPTER www.scwines.ca SILVER SAGE www.silversagewinery.ca SONORA DESERT www.sonoradesertwinery.ca SQUEEZED www.squeezedwines.com STONEBOAT www.stoneboatvineyards.com TINHORN CREEK www.tinhorn.com VINAMITÉ www.vinamitecellars.com
WINE VILLAGE 43 DISTRICT www.districtwinevillage.com
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BREWERY 44 FIREHALL www.firehallbrewery.com MOON CRAFT CIDER 45 HOWLING www.howlingmoon.ca
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OLIVER & OSOYOOS ADEGA ON 45TH www.adegaon45.com BARTIER BROS. www.bartierbros.com BLACK HILLS www.blackhillswinery.com BLUE SKY www.blueskywinery.ca BORDERTOWN www.bordertownwinery.com BURROWING OWL www.burrowingowlwine.ca C.C. JENTSCH www.ccjentschcellars.com CASTORO DE ORO www.castorodeorowinery.com CHECKMATE www.checkmatewinery.com CHURCH & STATE www.churchandstatewines.com COVERT FARMS www.covertfarms.ca CULMINA www.culmina.ca DESERT HILLS www.deserthills.ca FRENCH DOOR www.frenchdoorwinery.com GEHRINGER BROTHERS www.gehringerwines.ca GOLD HILL www.goldhillwinery.com HESTER CREEK www.hestercreek.com HIDDEN CHAPEL www.hiddenchapelwinery.com INNISKILLIN OKANAGAN www.inniskillin.com/Okanagan JACKSON-TRIGGS www.jacksontriggswinery.com KISMET www.kismetestatewinery.com
43 E nterprise Way
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CANADA USA
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The Similkameen Valley The Similkameen Valley, northwest of Osoyoos is a hidden gem in B.C.’s wine industry and has been gaining ever greater notoriety for its award-winning wines. Lush vineyards in the arid land are set against a fabulous backdrop of rugged, rock-faced mountains. The majority of the wineries-typically smaller in scale than many of those in the Okanagan Valley-are grouped around the two small towns of Cawston and Keremeos. The surrounding mountains act to reflect the heat into the valley long after the sun has set each day. Similar to the Golden Mile Bench, the Similkameen Valley averages 1,533 growing days. The soil in the area is varied and includes stony, gravelly, and
silty loams from glacial rock formation. The combination of an arid valley floor and persistent winds make irrigation a challenging task in this region. It does have the benefit of keeping mildew and insect pests in check, which means vineyards can often avoid the need for spraying. This coincides with the area’s emphasis on organically grown fruit. The first winery in the area was Keremeos Vineyards (now named St. Laszlo) established in 1984 with some 15 wineries now in operation. The valley is known for its Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
Nestled on benchland overlooking the Similkameen Valley, Seven Stones Winery is well-known for its full-bodied red wines, a spectacular view and its mysterious caves.
1143 Highway #3 Cawston, BC 250.499.2144 sevenstones.ca
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Cave & Winery Tours | Tastings Patio Lunch with a Million-Dollar View
TASTING ROOM OPEN 10am to 6pm daily untill October 31st
THE WINE ROUTE
Vanessa Vineyard Similkameen Independent Winegrowers
SIMILKAMEEN
PENTICTON (34 KM)
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FORBIDDEN FRUIT WINERY www.forbiddenfruitwine.com SEVEN STONES WINERY www.sevenstones.ca VANESSA VINEYARD ESTATE WINERY www.vanessavineyard.com CROWSNEST VINEYARDS www.crowsnestvineyards.com TWISTED HILLS CRAFT CIDER www.twistedhills.ca OROFINO WINERY www.orofinovineyards.com KLIPPERS UNTANGLED CRAFT CIDER www.klippersorganics.com RUSTIC ROOTS WINERY www.rusticrootswinery.com HUGGING TREE WINERY www.huggingtreewinery.com CLOS DU SOLEIL WINERY www.closdusoleil.ca CORCELETTES ESTATE WINERY www.CorcelettesWine.ca ROBIN RIDGE WINERY www.robinridgewinery.com
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Shop
Osoyoos Flowers
85th Street Boutique
8519 A Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.7673 | www.osoyoosflowers.com
AG Foods
8501 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.6534 www.osoyooshomehardware.ca
7204 - 85th St. Osoyoos 250.495.4984 | www.85thstreet.ca
Osoyoos Home Hardware
8130 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.6818
Pharmasave Osoyoos
Beach Chik Island Time
8509 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.463.9591
Buy-Low Foods
Unit 3 - 9129 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.5355
California Day
8120 Main St, Osoyoos | 250.495.5150
Cheeks Wear
8131 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.1495 | www.cheekswear.ca
Elvis Fine Jewelry & Music Room
8301 C 78th Ave. Osoyoos | 250.495.7424 www.pharmasave.com/osoyoos
Polka Dot Door
8141 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.2226 | www.polkadotdoor.net
Relkie Art Glass
700 Cougar Ct. Osoyoos | 250.714.6399
Red Apple
9150 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.5448
Sage to Sea Boutique
8302 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.4484
15 Solana Key Ct. Osoyoos | 250.689.4711
8506 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.2558 | www.fields.ca
8302 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.7795 | www.shoebizokanagan.ca
8317 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.2200 | www.osoyoosflorist.com
8305 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.6055 | www1.shoppersdrugmart.ca
8318 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.7285
Unit 104 - 8313 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.6644 | www.strikethepose.ca
Fields
Flowers on Main
Lady Chadderton’s
Play 36 different golf courses, including many on the PGA Tour. Featuring driving ranges, miniature golf, hockey, soccer, baseball, football, bowling, laser shooting and 9D VR Pod Chairs.
Shoe Biz
Shoppers Drug Mart Strike the Pose
For all your flower & plant needs. 250.495.ROSE (7673) www.osoyoosflowers.com
250.495.5878 www.coyotessportssimulation.com
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8519A Main Street, Osoyoos | Open Mon to Sat, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
The Curator
Unit 3 - 8302 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.408.5162 www.curatorsdesigns.com/osoyooshome
Unity
Salon 85
Unit 2 - 7405 - 85th St. Osoyoos | 250.495.7909
Solterra Desert Spa
8519 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.4456
1200 Rancher Creek Rd. Osoyoos 250.495.2119 | www.solterradesertspa.com
8320 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.6990 | www.wanderemporium.com
8127 Main St. Osoyoos | 778.437.2117 www.southokanaganmassagetherapy.com
Wander Home
Your Dollar Store With More
Unit 5 - 9143 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.0404
Self Care Advanced Fitness Club
7802 85th St. Osoyoos 250.495.0477 | www.advancedfitnessclub.ca
Art Therapy Corp.
Unit 4, 8302 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.7868 | www.arttherapycorp.com
Beyond Beauty Hair Studio
South Okanagan Massage Therapy Studio 23
8115 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.7850
Sunshine Valley Family Chiropractic 8507 74th Ave. Osoyoos | 250.495.4810 www.sunshinevalleychiropractic.com
The Good Life
8905 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.4425
Three60 Fitness
250.485.3228 | www.three60fitness.ca
Vengeance Fitness
8404 - 97th St. Osoyoos | 250.495.7237 www.vengeancefitnessosoyoos.com
Unit 5 - 6511 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.4406 www.beyondbeautyosoyoos.com
Drink
8515A Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.6313
Unit 226 - 15 Park Pl. Osoyoos 250.782.0923 | www.northbasinbrewing.com
Bonnie Doon Health Supplies First Choice Health Foods
8511 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.5320
Heaven On Earth
8315 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.1919 www.heavenonearthwellness.com
Levia Wellness Spa
Unit 232 - 15 Park Pl. Osoyoos | 250.495.8312 www.leviawellnessspa.com
North Basin Brewing Co.
Orchard Hill Estate Cidery
3480 Fruitvale Way. Osoyoos | 250.535.2240 250.493.9412 | www.orchardhillcidery.com
Tumbleweed Spirits
6001 Lakeshore Dr. Osoyoos 778.437.2221 | www.tumbleweedspirits.com
Luna Del Sol Hair Design
Cannabis
Move Therapies
Indigenous Bloom
Okanagan-Similkameen Community Acupuncture
Interior Cannabis
8316 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.3939 Unit 101 - 7611 Spartan Dr. Osoyoos 250.535.1199 | www.movetherapies.com
8521 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.499.1905
Osoyoos Massage Therapy
8317 68th Ave. Osoyoos | 250.495.2273 www.osoyoosmassagetherapy.com
Osoyoos Nail Studio
6201 45th St. Osoyoos | 778.739.9876 www.indigenousbloom.com 8304 72nd Ave. Osoyoos | 250.535.0506 www.interiorcannabis.wm.store
Maple Leaf Greenery
8322 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.1992
Wine Tours
8523 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.3505 | www.osoyoosnailstudio.ca
Desert Country Wine Tours
8301 78 Ave. Osoyoos | 250.495.2225
250.408.9226 | www.moxietours.com
Osoyoos Physiotherapy
Pretty Cut and Dry Hair Studio 8319 Main St. Osoyoos | 778.892.4247
Rhone Beauty Lash Extensions Unit 104 - 8111 Main St. Osoyoos 250.528.2229 | www.rhonebeauty.com
Saffron Hair Design
8143 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.0565 | www.saffronhairdesign.ca
250.498.7316 | www.desertcountrywinetours.com
Moxie Tours
OK Wine Shuttle
250.495.3278 | www.okwineshuttle.ca
Sagebrush Tours
250.859.5982 | www.sagebrushtours.ca
Sẁiẁs Spirit Tours
250.689.1549 | www.swiwsspirittours.com
Wine Tours Gone South 250.498.7501
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Stay Reflecting the wide range of choices for things to do in Osoyoos, the accommodation scene similarly offers options for every budget and taste. From campsites and RV parks, to budget-friendly motels, B&Bs, waterfront hotels and five-star resorts. And for a truly unique experience check out the fabulous accommodation available onsite at several of the wineries. Nothing beats waking up to the jawdropping view of verdant vineyards stretching towards the sparkling lake. No better way to start the day!
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Photography by Melissa Fowler |
@melissamfowler
Resorts Spirit Ridge Resort
1200 Rancher Creek Rd. Osoyoos 250.495.5445 | www.spiritridge.hyatt.com Pool | Free Parking | Fitness Centre | Free WiFi) Restaurant/Bar/Lounge | Spa | Adult pool | Air Conditioning | Banquet Room | Conference Facilities | Golf Course | Heated pool | Hot Tub Laundry Service | Meeting Rooms | Microwave Non-Smoking | Outdoor pool | Pets Allowed | Refrigerator in room | Self-Serve Laundry | Shuttle Bus Service to beach
Walnut Beach Resort
Bella Villa Resort Motel
6904 Ponderosa Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.6751 | www.bellavillamotel.com
Beachfront | Pets allowed | Free WiFi | Free Parking Air Conditioning | Suites with Kitchenette | Laundry Service | Non-Smoking
Best Western Plus Sunrise Inn 5506 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.4000 www.bestwesternosoyoos.com
Free WiFi | Free Parking | Restaurant | Breakfast included | Fitness Centre | Air Conditioning | Banquet Room | Business Centre | Children Activities Conference Facilities | Heated pool | Hot Tub | Indoor pool | Laundry Service | Pets Allowed | Shuttle Bus Service | Wheelchair Access
4200 Lakeshore Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.5400 | www.walnutbeachresort.com
Boundary Motel
Free WiFi | Free Parking | Restaurant | Fitness Centre | Air Conditioning | Banquet Room | Business Centre | Children Activities | Conference Facilities Outdoor Pool | Hot Tub | Laundry Service Meeting Rooms | Self-Serve Laundry | Wheelchair Access | Bar/Lounge | Spa
Pets allowed | Free WiFi | Free Parking | Air Conditioning | Suites with Kitchenette | Wheelchair Access | Non-Smoking
Watermark Beach Resort
15 Park Pl. Osoyoos | 250.495.5500 www.watermarkbeachresort.com Outdoor Heated Pool with Waterslide | Free Parking | Restaurant | Free WiFi | Fitness Centre | Beachfront | Bar/Lounge | Spa | Air Conditioning Banquet Room | Business Centre | Conference Facilities | Outdoor Hot Tub | Laundry Service | Meeting Rooms | Microwave | Pets Allowed | In room Refrigeration | Self-Serve Laundry | Wheelchair Access
Hotels & Motels Adriatic Motel
5501 Main St., Osoyoos | 250.495.3250
Pool | Free WiFi | Free Parking | Air Conditioning | Suites with Kitchenette | Wheelchair Access
Avalon Inn
7416 Hwy 97. Osoyoos 250.495.6050 | www.boundarymotel.com
Casa Del Mila Oro Resort
5401 Lakeshore Dr. Osoyoos | 250.495.2373 www.casadelmilaororesort.com
Pets allowed | Heated Pool | Hot Tub | Free Parking Air Conditioning | Self-Serve Laundry | Conference Facilities | Meeting Rooms
Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel
7702 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.6525 | www.coasthotels.com
Pool | Beachfront | Free Parking | Free WiFi | Breakfast included | Fitness Centre | Air Conditioning | Heated pool | Hot Tub | Indoor pool | Pets Allowed
Desert Surfside Beach Front Resort 7310 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.2228 | www.surfside-osoyoos.com
Free Parking | Beachfront | Free WiFi | Air Conditioning | Microwave | Non-Smoking | Refrigerator in room | Wheelchair Access
Falcon Resort
7106 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.7544 | www.falcon-spanish.com
Free WiFi | Free Parking | Pool | Air Conditioning | Laundry Service
9106 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.6334 | www.avaloninnosoyoos.com Pets allowed | Free WiFi | Free Parking | Air Conditioning | Suites with Kitchenette | Wheelchair Access | Non-Smoking
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Green Gables Resort
Sahara Courtyard Inn
Free Parking | Beachfront | Free WiFi | Cable | Guest laundry | Air Conditioning | Microwave | Non-Smoking | Wheelchair Access | Ground floor, balcony & courtyard | Picnic tables & communal Bbq’s | All suites have full kitchens/kitchenettes & full bathrooms
Free WiFi | Free Parking | Pool | Pets Allowed | Air Conditioning | Laundry Service
7304 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.6828 www.greengablesbeachresort.ca
Holiday Inn & Suites
7906 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.7223 | www.ihg.com
Free Parking | Beachfront | Free WiFi | Air Conditioning | Concierge | Microwave | Non-Smoking | Pets Allowed | Refrigerator in room | Wheelchair Access | Indoor Heated Pool | Hot tub | Room Service | Restaurant | Fitness Centre
Inkaneep Point Resort
16235, 87th St. Osoyoos 250.495.6353 | www.inkaneep.com
Free Parking | Beachfront | Free WiFi | Air Conditioning | All suites have full kitchens
Lakeview Motel & Suites
6004 89th St. Osoyoos 250.495.7641 | www.osoyooslakeview.ca
Pool | Free Parking | Free WiFi | Air Conditioning | Heated pool | Microwave | Non-Smoking | Outdoor pool | Refrigerator in room | Self-Serve Laundry
Poplars Motel
6404 Cottonwood Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.6035 | www.thepoplarsmotel.com
6205 Cottonwood Dr. Osoyoos | 250.495.7211 www.saharacourtyardinnosoyoos.online
Sandy Beach Suites
6706 Ponderosa Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.6931 | www.sandybeachsuites.ca
Free Parking | Free WiFi | Beachfront | Air Conditioning | Laundry Service | Microwave | Non-Smoking | Refrigerator in room | Self-Serve Laundry | Tennis Court | Wheelchair Access
Shiraz Villa
12190 Hwy 3. Osoyoos 250.495.8040 | www.shirazvilla.ca
Spanish Fiesta
7104 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.6833 | www.falcon-spanish.com
Free WiFi | Free Parking | Pool | Air Conditioning | Laundry Service
Sun Beach Motel
7303 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.7766
New modern suites | Most units with full kitchens Golf packages | Gas barbeques and picnic tables Air conditioning | Sun decks/balconies | Boat docks | Small dogs allowed (off season)
Super 8
9130 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.2633 | www.osoyoossuper8.com
Free WiFi | Free Parking | Air Conditioning | Beachfront | Wheelchair Access | Self-Serve Laundry
Pool | Free Parking | Breakfast included | Free WiFi Air Conditioning | Heated pool | Hot Tub | Microwave | Non-Smoking | Outdoor pool | Refrigerator in room | Self-Serve Laundry
Richter Pass Motor Inn
Westridge Motor Inn
Free WiFi | Free Parking | Air Conditioning | Beachfront | Laundry Service
Free WiFi | Free Parking | Pool | Pets Allowed | Air Conditioning | Non-Smoking
7506 Main St. Osoyoos 250.495.7229 | www.richterpass.com
Riviera Motel
6004 Maple Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.6551 | www.rivieramotel.ca
Free WiFi | Free Parking | Pets Allowed | Beachfront
Safari Beach Resort
5815 Oleander Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.7217 | www.safaribeachresort.com Free WiFi | Free Parking | Pool | Beachfront
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Junction Hwy 3 & Hwy 97, Osoyoos 778.437.2185 | www.westridgeinn.ca
Bed & Breakfasts La Maison Osoyoos Larose
8949 122nd Ave. Osoyoos | 250.495.8771 www.bbcanada.com/lamaisonosoyooslarose
R & R Bed & Breakfast
5221 Oleander Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.2962 | www.rnr-bnb.com
Reflections Guest House
6813 Meadowlark Dr. Osoyoos | 250.495.5229 www.reflectionsguesthouse.com
Rose Garden Suite B&B
6 Yucca Pl. Osoyoos 250.495.8499 | www.bbcanada.com/14797
RV & Camping Brookvale Holiday Resort
1219 East Lakeshore Dr. Osoyoos | 250.495.7514 www.brookvalecampground.com
Cabana Beach Campground
2231 Lakeshore Dr. Osoyoos | 250.495.7705
Island View RV Resort
5005 Lakeshore Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.7696 | www.islandviewrvresort.com
Nk’Mip Campground & RV Park 8000 - 45th St. Osoyoos 250.495.7279 | www.campingosoyoos.com
sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point)
Hwy 97 to 32nd Ave. Osoyoos | 250.548.0076 www.bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/swiws
Waltons Lakefront RV Resort
3207 Lakeshore Dr. Osoyoos 250.495.7033 | www.waltonslakefront.com
sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point) Photography by Ron Hiller
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Suites Available Now ONE BEDROOM FROM $2250/MONTH
TWO BEDROOMS FROM $3475/MONTH Book your safe, private tour today
250-495-2520 sunshineridgeosoyoos.ca 9107 Main St, Osoyoos
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SANI
CAN ALK AL W Y WA
BC VISITOR CENTRE
RCMP
SPLASH PARK
Legion Beach Park
Veterans Memorial Park
Osoyoos Beach Walk
Park Pl.
Veterans Memorial Park
PIONEER WALKWAY
OSOYOOS LAKE
ACACIA TRAIL
Osoyoos Park
Goodman Park
sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point)
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Va
FIRE DEPT.
SKATE PARK
Pean
Osoyoos
LEGEND
Walk/Bike Trails
Sani Dump
RCMP
Parks
Gas Station
Fire Department
Golf Club
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Tour our safe & friendly community. Offering Independent & Assisted Living options. Let us help you with your downsizing and move. Call for details.
250-490-8800 I 3235 Skaha Lake Rd, Penticton, BC I verveseniorliving.com 24/7 CARE STAFF • COUPLES STAY TOGETHER • GREAT FOOD • SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
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