The longest and brightest days of the year have arrived in the South Okanagan, bringing with them a list of endless possibilities for adventure, leisure and family activities in Osoyoos. From the calm sunrise to the breathtaking pastel sunsets, the area is yours to explore as you seek out the many possible things to do in Osoyoos in summer, including:
- Exploring the rich culture and history of the area.
- Enjoying a fun-filled day of games and rides with your family.
- Running the gauntlet of local award-winning wineries.
- Hitting the green with Osoyoos golf courses.
- Embarking on an eco adventure.
- Be a beach bum on Canada’s warmest freshwater lake.
- Dine in at one of Osoyoos’ restaurants.
- Immerse yourself in the mysterious beauty of the night sky.
Curious about the Osoyoos weather forecast ahead of your summer vacation? Check out our Osoyoos Webcam for a real-time look at the current conditions.
1. Take A Walk Through History
Step back through the boundless history of the South Okanagan region at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre. Open Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, this marvellously-designed interpretive facility showcases the heritage of the Okanagan Nation through self-guided displays, artifacts and galleries of storytelling. Most notable is the centre’s traditional pit house, offering an immersive look into the cultural significance of the region’s Indigenous peoples.
If you’re looking for even more cultural enrichment, the 67-acre Osoyoos Desert Centre is definitely worth checking out. It’s a popular destination with interactive displays in the interpretive building, an immersive native plant garden and guided or self-guided tours along the 1.5 km boardwalk. This facility is located on the other side of the valley and offers plenty of things to do in Osoyoos for guests of all ages.
2. Family Friendly Things To Do In Osoyoos
Rattlesnake Canyon is the quintessential summer destination for all ages, featuring bumper boats, go-karts, a 1500 square food arcade, a towering climbing wall, bungee tree, and of course, the 18-hole mini golf course at the centre of it all! For a cool treat, head over to the windmill for 48 flavours of ice cream, along with iced coffee, cotton candy and other refreshments.
For all the thrill seekers looking to test their abilities on the track, check out Kartplex at the Area 27 Motorsports Complex. Challenge your friends and family to a race around the 1.21 km track, open to all ages eight and above, by reservation only.
Looking for some refreshing leisure after a day of exploring all the things to do in Osoyoos? Look no further than our outdoor hot tub and pool! Spend a relaxing afternoon under the sun, with access to our pool deck chairs and waterslide for the perfect summer getaway.
3. Explore the Best Wineries in Osoyoos
Nothing pairs together quite like sunshine and a glass (or several) of your favourite vintage. Whether you’ve already uncovered a handful of your favourite wineries in Osoyoos or you’re a first-time sommelier, there are endless tasting opportunities at the 40 plus wineries within the South Okanagan tip.
For a truly special summer afternoon away, check out the several wineries in Osoyoos with restaurants for an unparalleled tasting experience as you pair local fare with award-winning wines. Some of our favourite wineries with restaurants around Osoyoos and Oliver include:
- Hester Creek Estate Winery – Terrafina
- Tinhorn Creek – Miradoro
- Kismet – Masala Bistro
- Nk’Mip Cellars – Patio Restaurant
If you’re looking for exciting things to do in Osoyoos as a couple or a group, we’re happy to recommend several professional Osoyoos wine tours. These tours offer an unforgettable wine-tasting experience, taking you safely through the region’s stunning sage flats and rolling vineyard vistas, while introducing you to some of the best wineries in Osoyoos.
4. Experience The Osoyoos Golf Season
If you’re looking for some fun and leisurely things to do in Osoyoos, be sure to check out the area’s beautiful golf courses. With the longest golf season in BC’s interior, you’ll have plenty of time to play the course while enjoying the stunning natural surroundings of lush vineyards and picturesque desert vistas. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some local wildlife along the way.
5. Take In The Local Sights
Immerse yourself in one of Canada’s most unique ecosystems that encompasses the town of Osoyoos. This “pocket desert” is home to hundreds of rare flora species and animals, often visible from the many hiking, mountain biking and horseback trails traversable from the valley floor to the height of the Anarchist Mountain lookout.
One of the most eye-catching natural landmarks is Spotted Lake, or “Kliluk” to the Osoyoos Indian Band. This sacred pool and its 365 rings, only visible in the summer heat, are said to have different healing properties while also being a geological rarity as one of the world’s highest concentrations of minerals.
Another local favourite outdoor adventure is a visit to Sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point), a beautiful naturally-formed peninsula that extends to the centre of Osoyoos Lake, making it a must-visit destination for those searching for things to do in Osoyoos. In addition to the lakeside camping sites and pathways, perfect for a summer stroll, the park is also an important archaeological and cultural heritage site managed by the Osoyoos Indian Band.
6. Cool Off On Osoyoos Lake
One of the best things to do in Osoyoos on a warm summer day is to enjoy the sunshine on Osoyoos Lake. Feel the calming, cool waters wash over you as you dive into Canada’s warmest freshwater lake. On those arid summer days synonymous with the region, Osoyoos Lake becomes a gathering place for locals and travellers alike.
Discover the scenic focal point of the Osoyoos summer lifestyle for yourself and explore the many family activities offered by local businesses, from boat rentals to watersport experiences and the local Okanagan Wibit. Or, take a relaxing afternoon escape to the Osoyoos Lake beach, just steps away from the resort.
7. Dine-In at Osoyoos’ Restaurants
There’s certainly no shortage of fine dining in Osoyoos, a town acclaimed for its bountiful produce, local cheese, cured meats and diverse cultural influences that appear on menus across the South Okanagan. With several restaurants in Osoyoos to pick from, including our very own 15 Park Bistro, you’re sure to find a memorable summer dish to enjoy on an outdoor patio.
