Acknowledgment
The ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band and its people.
This trail exists upon the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Syilx (Okanagan) Band, Osoyoos Indian Band and their people. Travel consciously and respectfully.
Located in the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band and its people, Osoyoos presents a unique climate filled with grasslands, highlands, deserts and mountains. Due to its mild climate, Osoyoos is an ideal year-round road trip and birding destination where hundreds of bird species have been recorded.
The town of Osoyoos presents visitors with an eclectic downtown core, with locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, pubs and cafes.
Getting Here
Summer Birding in Osoyoos
Catch swallows galore over the lake and fields! Barn, Tree, Violet-green, Bank, Cliff, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows can be found – getting a photo of any of these quick species is tough, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities. Flycatchers flock to the region in warmer weather, too. Willow, Western Wood-pewee, Least, Hammond’s, and Dusky Flycatchers are around, plus Say’s Phoebe and Western & Eastern Kingbirds. Along the shores, watch for Long-billed Curlews, Wilson’s Snipes, and Spotted Sandpipers. You’ll see lots of colour in the trees as well, with American Goldfinches, Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Lazuli Buntings, and Bullock’s Orioles!
Fall Birding in Osoyoos
Majestic Sandhill Cranes can be seen during migration seasons. Along with these giant birds, tiny visitors like Ruby-crowned Kinglets can be found in fall as well. Two remarkable raptors are common in the season: Northern Harriers and American Kestrels. Both are uniquely adapted to their environment and can hover in place as they prepare to dive on prey in the fields below.
Winter Birding in Osoyoos
Wintering waterfowl arrive on Osoyoos Lake, like Common & Barrow’s Goldeneyes, and Common & Hooded Mergansers. Some raptor species are more common in the colder months as well, including Rough-legged Hawks and Golden Eagles. An exciting winter sight is the Northern Shrike – an adorable (but vicious) predatory songbird!
Spring Birding in Osoyoos
- Osoyoos Lake comes alive in spring, with plenty of waterfowl. Cinnamon Teals, Green-winged Teals, Redheads, and Northern Pintails arrive, joining the wintering species like Common & Barrow’s Goldeneyes, and Common & Hooded Mergansers. Warblers and swallows will start showing up in spring as well, and a regional favourite, the Osprey, can be found perched near or circling above the lake as they watch for fish.
Osoyoos
Located in the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band and its people, Osoyoos presents a unique climate filled with grasslands, highlands, deserts and mountains. Due to its mild climate, Osoyoos is an ideal year-round road trip and birding destination where hundreds of bird species have been recorded.
The town of Osoyoos presents visitors with an eclectic downtown core, with locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, pubs and cafes.
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114580 146 Avenue, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V2
North of Osoyoos, this interpretive centre focuses on preserving the unique antelope-brush ecosystem. Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour along the 1.5 km boardwalk, explore hands-on displays in the interpretive building, and stroll through the native plant garden.
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2999 246th Avenue, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V2
Located at the north end of Osoyoos Lake, the Oxbows are a wetland and important bird area (IBA). One of the few remaining wetlands in Osoyoos, it is home to many rare or threatened species of birds, amphibians and insects. The trailhead at Road 22 leads through fantastic birding habitat around the oxbows and dyke, with over 250 species recorded.
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332 Avenue, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V2
Head down to the wetlands area and follow the self-guided interpretive marsh trail to access a viewing platform and watch for a bustle of waterfowl, with Mergansers, Goldeneyes, and several species of ducks, especially in winter and spring!
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48316 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V4
A cozy shop serving locally roasted coffee, sandwiches, soups, and plenty of baked goods made from scratch in-house.
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515 Park Place, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V0
As the South Okanagan’s newest neighbourhood bistro, 15 Park takes great pride introducing local ingredients to those looking to experience all the region has to offer.
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68312 74 Avenue, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V0
Italian and French cuisine inspired by traditional recipes using fruits and vegetables grown in the Okanagan Valley.
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78526 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V0
Friendly and fun atmosphere serving authentic Mexican street tacos and burritos with housemade hot sauces. Check out the market side for imported Mexican products.
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815 Park Place, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V0
Cozy craft brewery in the beautiful Osoyoos Valley. They offer a diverse selection of handcrafted beers in a rustic taproom with stunning views of vineyards and mountains.
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97603 Spartan Dr, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V7
The Owl Pub offers a cozy, laid-back atmosphere with scenic lake views, hearty pub fare, and a great selection of local brews.
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108906 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V0
Fuel up before some early morning birding at this family-friendly spot serving up all the breakfast classics from bennies to pancakes to omelettes.
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115820 89 Street, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V1
Make your life a little sweeter with cookies, tarts, bars, and mini cheesecakes made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
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128905 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V0
Cruise around town with ease or venture to a local winery. Rent from a variety of bikes, including comfort cruisers, electric bikes, and mountain bikes.
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139912 British Columbia 3, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V2
Stop in to learn about the area from helpful Visitor Service Ambassadors who are happy to help make your trip a remarkable one!
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From affordable motels to convenient hotels and even luxurious resorts, there’s plenty of options to choose from to spend your night comfortably in Osoyoos.
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151345 British Columbia 3, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V6
A stunning viewpoint located just outside of Osoyoos along Highway 3.
Watch soaring raptors, and keep an eye out for Lewis’s Woodpeckers, one of the stars of the region.
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161000 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V6
This state-of-the-art interpretive centre offers opportunities to learn about the culture and history of the Osoyoos Indian Band and the surrounding desert. Explore over 1.5kms of desert walking trails and watch for Calliope Hummingbirds, Western Meadowlarks, California Quails, and raptors like Golden Eagles and Ospreys.
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173 Harbour Key Drive, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V3
A family owned and operated coffee shop with friendly service and patio seating, serving a variety of coffee drinks and fresh pastries.
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181400 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V4
Enjoy a range of food and wine tasting experiences at this Indigenous-owned and-operated winery in Osoyoos. Drop in for a sample flight, enhance your experience with their pre-set wine tasting paired with their Chef’s inspired small food bites, or take a private guided vineyard tour.
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191200 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V6
Surrounded by vineyards, enjoy modern cuisine inspired by Indigenous roots with timeless views of Osoyoos Lake.
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201000 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V0
Discover the fascinating stories of the desert and share in the rich living culture of the Okanagan people through unique, private tours.
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214200 Lakeshore Drive, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V6
Located inside the Walnut Beach Resort on Osoyoos Lake, enjoy creative breakfast fare before heading out on the birding trails.
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226910 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V3
Nostalgic atmosphere in this family owned and operated Indian restaurant that also serves American-style breakfast, including omelettes, waffles, and their special potato pancakes.
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236511 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V3
This beloved eatery serves up breakfast and brunch plates, along with grab-and-go items like sandwiches, smoothies and fresh baked goods.
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246403 Cottonwood Drive, Osoyoos, BC, CA, V0H 1V3
Stop by for some tasty pub fare classics in this local pub with a lively atmosphere.
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Plan your perfect vacation with rustic campgrounds and lakefront RV resorts.
As the Okanagan and Crowsnest Highways intersect, the nation’s warmest lake signifies your arrival to Canada’s desert. Recharge along Main Street Osoyoos and gather supplies ahead of your next big day out.
Osoyoos is a delightful desert town offering Canada’s Warmest Welcome and the Osoyoos Bird Trail Itinerary is well worth exploring for birding adventures. Osoyoos is surrounded by deserts, vineyards, and mountains in the Okanagan Valley. The region provides a uniquely mild climate and a variety of bird habitats, making it an ideal year-round road trip destination.
Under the watchful eyes of Anarchist Mountain, the traditional lands surrounding East Osoyoos provide innumerable opportunities for self-reflection, inspiration, and world-class wildlife viewing.
