Spring in Osoyoos
Whether you’re visiting Osoyoos for Spring Break or staying at Watermark Beach Resort for a relaxing escape, there are plenty of great things to do this spring. Osoyoos has beautiful weather and scenery, which makes spring the perfect time to visit and experience our quaint lakeside town for a quiet, peaceful getaway.
Rattlesnake Canyon
No family trip to Osoyoos is complete without a visit to Rattlesnake Canyon, which will be reopening for the season in April. This destination boasts no shortage of fun and thrilling attractions, including:
- 18-hole mini-golf course
- Bumper boats
- Go-Karts
- rock climbing wall
- 1500 sq ft arcade with over 30 games
- Tattoo parlour (don’t worry they wash off!)
- Bungee tree
- Tumble whirl, Helicopter and Tornado rides
- Climbing wall
- Gemstone and fossil mining station
Visit the windmill for a treat or for cool refreshments. The little shop features 48 flavours of ice cream, cotton candy, iced cappuccinos and cold drinks. Make your day of fun even more memorable by purchasing a souvenir from the gift store!
Go Golfing
It may not technically be summer yet, but here in Osoyoos the golf season is in full swing! Sonora Dunes and the Osoyoos Golf Club are now open and anticipating a great year of tee times ahead.
Sonora Dunes
This unique 9-hole course is situated amidst the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the region. Golfers of all levels can enjoy the experience, from seasoned pros to beginners who relish the spectacular views of the mountains and lake. The clubhouse features covered patios and an open deck, providing a casual and welcoming atmosphere for golfers to relax after a day on the course.
Osoyoos Golf Club
Since 1973, Osoyoos Golf Club has combined an ideal desert climate with picturesque golf on two full-length courses. With the longest season in the Okanagan, the Park Meadows course offers a pleasurable “resort-style” golf experience in a walker-friendly park-like setting. The Desert Gold Course offers a unique links-style golf experience.
Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The heritage and culture of the Okanagan Indigenous community is an important part of life in the South Okanagan. The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is an architecturally stunning interpretive centre with exhibits, galleries and educational displays.
The indoor and outdoor exhibitions and galleries offer visitors an extensive and immersive learning experience. With an array of hands-on displays, educational stations and two multimedia theatre experiences, visitors are engaged in interactive learning that is both fun and informative.
The centre is open daily from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and the facility is currently self-guided. The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is educational, fun and beautiful, making it a perfect activity to add to your adventure list!
Take in The Blooms
Osoyoos and the surrounding South Okanagan region is home to countless acres of orchards. In April, the hills and valleys will be flooded with colour and white blooms as the orchard trees blossom. Explore the beauty of nature by going for a walk or drive near Van Kalkeren Orchards & Fruit Stand or C&C Family Orchards.
Take a stroll or leisurely drive down the peaceful country roads and experience cherry blossoms, pear blossoms, peach blossoms and many more. For a little added fun, rent some bicycles and experience the fresh spring air.
Bring a Bike
Speaking of bicycles, you can’t truly experience the South Okanagan without embarking on a bike ride on the scenic winding roads that surround Osoyoos’ world-class wineries. Watermark Beach Resort works with local businesses to bring guests action and adventure with guided bicycle tours. Some popular Osoyoos bike trails we recommend include:
- Golden Mile Trail
- International Hike & Bike Trail
- Irrigation Canal Walkway
- Kettle Valley Trail
- Mt. Kruger WA Loop
- Persona Desert Half Iron Bike Course
So get out there and speed down Anarchist Mountain, go on a bicycle wine tour, or simply explore the South Okanagan in a relaxed style.
Hike In The Hills
The stunning spring hikes of Osoyoos will give you a great opportunity to see the plentiful wildflowers that bloom this time of year, and many visitors find that the crisp spring air makes for a refreshing day spent outside. We recommend embarking on your spring eco adventure at the Oxbows Trail, Canal Walkway, Mount Kobau or the Mount Kruger Loop. Each of these areas will immerse you in a unique and breathtaking natural setting.
Whether you’re an avid explorer or someone who likes to take in the views without tiring yourself out, there’s a trail around Osoyoos for everyone. Some additional local favourites include the Golden Mile Trail, Sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point), and the Pioneer Walkway!
Gone Fishing
Thanks to the warmer temperatures in the South Okanagan, Osoyoos Lake tends to warm up early in the year. This means that it’s a favourite haunt for fisherman year round and you can expect to find plenty of rainbow trout (which can reach up to 11 pounds in this lake) and sockeye salmon! You’ll also find black bullhead and crappie, carp, lake whitefish, largemouth bass and more.
We recommend going fishing on the lake in the early morning or late evening, while using top water lures. Target areas of cover such as weeds and rocks with a lure that imitates a bug, minnow or frog. When fishing on cloudy days dark colours are a good choice, while brighter colours or chrome may work better on clear days. So grab your tackle box and hit the lake for some Osoyoos fishing.
Wine Your Way
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or completely new, a visit to a South Okanagan winery is an absolute must. In the spring, many wineries have new set hours or are available by appointment. Best of all, the off-season means that you can experience the winery in a quieter environment and you will likely have the undivided attention of the staff.
Depending on the winery, you may even be able to take a tour with the winery owner or winemaker! Osoyoos is blessed with a wide variety of world-class wineries to choose from, book your wine tour today or stop by some fave local wineries for a tasting. Some of our own favourite local wineries & breweries include:
Dining Out
You’re going to need some serious fuel to keep up with all these adventures, and Osoyoos is rich with delicious dining options for all. Enjoy stunning lakeside views and delectable dishes at 15 Park Bistro, or dig into some coffee shop favourites at Gino’s Coffee House, just a short walk up the street from your Watermark suite.
Dine among the vines at Hester Creek’s Tuscan inspired restaurant, Terrafina. For spectacular views visit Tinhorn Creek’s restaurant, Miradoro, and enjoy some indulgent mediterranean dishes. In town for a while? The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry, and Campo Marina offer a fantastic assortment of mouth-watering cuisines to choose from!
* Before planning an exciting itinerary, please check with local businesses to ensure availability.
