As the busy summer days wind down and the leaves turn to amber and gold, Osoyoos and the many things to do this fall come with a quiet, peaceful atmosphere for visitors and residents alike.
With the warmth from the summer still lingering over the Southern Okanagan, we’ve put together our list of favourite things to do in Osoyoos this autumn. Read on to find out how you and your loved ones can have a good time in our little slice of British Columbia this season.
Experience the Beautiful Landscapes with a Horseback Ride, Hike, Bike or Paddle Boat
With temperatures cooling in the high teens, now’s the perfect time to experience the beauty of the South Okanagan landscape. Horseback rides are a great activity for the entire family, with local tours provided by Indian Grove Riding Stables or Sun Hills Riding Centre.
If you prefer your boots to stay on the ground, there’s tons of hiking trails to choose from including,
- Mount Kobau,
- The Oxbows (a perfect trail for bird watchers),
- nʕaylintn (also known as McIntyre Bluff),
- and The Golden Mile Stamp Mill Trail
For biking enthusiasts, there’s tons of options to choose from, including over 30 bike trails of various elevations and difficulties. The perfect mix of desert landscapes and boreal forests make exploring these trails one of our favourite things to do in Osoyoos. You can also spend a day on the water by renting a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe and taking it out on the lake.
Witness the Beauty of the Universe Above
With restrictions placed on upward-facing lights in Osoyoos, the night skies are some of the most clear and beautiful in Canada. See our galaxy by visiting Mount Kobau, the site that was tested and determined to be the best possible location for the Queen Elizabeth Telescope.Find Fresh Fruit with Pumpkin Picking, Apple Picking & Fruit Stands
Yes, we looked it up and pumpkin is in fact a fruit. Pumpkin picking is a fantastic fall activity for families or couples. We love visiting Covert Farms and their Discovery Garden Pumpkin Patch, but you’ll also find plenty of fresh pumpkins at a variety of our local fruit stands.
September and October are also apple season, so we recommend visiting the Okanagan-Similkameen Valleys and their various orchards that allow you to pick your own bounty of fruits. If you prefer to visit the dozens of vegetable and fruit stands set up around Osoyoos, you can taste the variety of fresh produce that’s in season. We love using these locally-produced fruits and vegetables in our own recipes to bring new life to meals.
Eat Fresh with the Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants
If you’re more of a restaurant goer than a chef yourself, Osoyoos restaurants are perfect for any occasion. Pair great food with great wine, both made with locally-produced ingredients found only a few minutes away. Our favourite places to eat around Osoyoos include,
For the adults and honeymooners there are also tons of options for winery restaurants, including,
- Hester Creek Winery – Terrafina
- Nk’Mip Cellars – Patio Restaurant
- Kismet Estate Winery – Masala Bistro
- Tinhorn Creek Vineyards – Miradoro Restaurant
- Burrowing Owl Estate Winery – The Sonora Room
Run the Gauntlet of Tasting Canada’s Best Wines
Osoyoos has the perfect semi-arid climate for growing grapes, which is why it’s one of the best destinations for wine in Canada. With over 50 wineries to choose from, visitors can run a gauntlet of wine tasting tours while witnessing the breathtaking views from the vineyards. Watch as the colours of the leaves change and learn about the process of making wine while the harvest is in full swing.
If you’re more of a beer drinker, make sure to check out North Basin Brewing Co. You’ll find a wide variety of seasonal beers that you can sample by flight or by pint. With so many creative flavours, we recommend you try them all!
