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.
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.
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.
On the other side of the valley, the 67-acre Osoyoos Desert Centre facility is another popular destination for guests to explore, with interactive displays within the interpretive building, an immersive native plant garden and guided or self-guided tours along the 1.5 km boardwalk.
Family Friendly Activities 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.
For a refreshing and relaxing afternoon under the sun, our Watermark guests have access to our outdoor hot tub and pool, with waterslide and pool deck chairs for the perfect summer getaway.
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.
To guide you on an unforgettable tasting experience, we’re happy to recommend several professional Osoyoos wine tours, safely taking you through the region’s sage flats and rolling vineyard vistas of the best wineries in Osoyoos.
Experience the Osoyoos Golf Season
The vibrant green fields of Osoyoos’ golf courses are home to the BC Interior’s longest golf season, thanks to the long dry summer days that make for unforgettable days on the course. From the first hole to the final tally of the scorecard, golfers will experience a vibrant backdrop of lush vineyards, picturesque desert vistas and even the occasional bird spotting opportunities making for an entertaining getaway for group or solo endeavours.
Take in the Local Sights
Immerse yourself in one of Canada’s most unique ecosystems that emcompasses 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 concentration of minerals.
Cool Off On Osoyoos Lake
Feel the calming, cool waters of Osoyoos Lake 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.
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.
Take a Walk at Haynes Point
Sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point) is a beautiful naturally-formed peninsula that extends to the centre of Osoyoos Lake. 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.
Gaze at the Stars Above
Did you know that the Town of Osoyoos restricts upward-facing lights to allow for greater night time visibility and a reduction of light pollution?
As the day draws to a close and the air temperature cools, the natural beauty of Osoyoos doesn’t shy away. On clear nights, look up to the vast depths of the stars above! Star gazing is a unique family activity in Osoyoos, with Mount Kobau and Anarchist Mountain offering cosmic explorers the perfect lookout to worlds above.
