Nestled among the grasslands, highlands, and mountains of the southern Okanagan Valley, Osoyoos has the distinction of being home to Canada’s only desert and its warmest lake. The arid climate draws visitors to the town to enjoy swimming, hiking, and cycling, while its unique ecosystem produces abundance from the vineyards and farm fields that stretch into the surrounding hillsides. Foodies will find a culinary scene that benefits from this richness by visiting local wineries and farm stands to pick up local vintages and orchard produce in summer. You can also dig into the history and vibrant living culture of local First Nations traditions here. Whether you’re looking to enjoy aquatic pursuits in the warm waters of Osoyoos Lake, hike in the sagebrush of the local hills, or embark on a culinary or cultural exploration, Osoyoos provides the opportunity for many memorable moments in a singular desert environment in the sunny, southern interior of the province.

The busy season in Osoyoos runs from May to September, with peak periods in July and August. During the summer months of low humidity and dry, hot weather, temperatures can easily climb above 40 degrees Celsius. In summer, the city and beachfront are teeming with people enjoying the beach and Osoyoos Lake. The fall shoulder months are a great time to stay in one of the area’s vacation rentals if you want to experience fewer crowds and more space on the lakefront. The winter months from November to March see colder temperatures in this arid desert climate that entices visitors for snow sports at the local ski resort, 40 minutes northeast of the city.

Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre

The spectacular Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (pronounced in-ka-meep) is located in an extraordinary habitat that is known as Canada’s only pocket desert; an endangered ecosystem of fragile, semi-arid shrub-grassland. The Centre’s interactive exhibits share compelling stories of the Okanagan people and surrounding the desert environment.

Spotted Lake (Kliluk)

Located in the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area, Spotted Lake is considered to be a place of healing by local First Nations. During the hot summer months, much of the lake evaporates, leaving behind “spots” of mineral concentrations such as calcium and magnesium. As the water disappears, the minerals change colour, going from blue to green to yellow.

sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point)

This paddle-shaped peninsula in Osoyoos Lake is a protected park offering space for visitors to enjoy the water away from the crowds. The peninsula extends a kilometre into the lake, providing access on both sides, including a pet-friendly beach, spots for fishing, and a wetland trail for birding.