Getting Here
By Bike
- Biking Trails: Destination Osoyoos
By Air
- via Penticton Airport
- via Kelowna Airport
Exploring the North Basin
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.
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1The Osoyoos Desert Centre14580 146 Ave, Osoyoos, BC 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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2Osoyoos Oxbows Trail999 246th Ave, Osoyoos, BC 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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3sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point)32 Ave, Osoyoos, BC 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!
Field Notes
Exploring the Osoyoos Bird Trail Itinerary
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4JoJo’s Cafe8316 Main St, Osoyoos, BC 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 Bistro15 Park Pl #235, Osoyoos BC 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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6Convivia Bistro8312 74 Ave, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0
Italian and French cuisine inspired by traditional recipes using fruits and vegetables grown in the Okanagan Valley.
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7La Marqueza Mexican Tacos & Market8306 Main St, Osoyoos, BC 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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8Backroads Brewing15 Park Pl Unit 226, Osoyoos BC 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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9Rooster Mafia Foods5820 89 St, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V1
Grab something to-go from this Portuguese-Canadian deli market with a wide range of options, from fresh salads and sandwiches to a rotating selection of European meats and cheeses.
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10Smitty's Family Restaurant8906 Main St, Osoyoos, BC 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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11Sugar Quail Bakeshop5820 89 St #101, Osoyoos, BC 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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12Double O Bikes8905 Main St, Osoyoos, BC 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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13Osoyoos Visitor Centre9912 BC-3, Osoyoos, BC 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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14Hotels and resorts in OsoyoosBook now
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.
Along the Crowsnest Highway
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.
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15Anarchist Mountain Viewpoint1345 BC-3, Osoyoos, BC 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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16Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre1000 Rancher Creek Rd, Osoyoos, BC 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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17Junction 3 Coffee House3 Harbour Key Dr, Osoyoos, BC 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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18Nk’Mip Cellars1400 Rancher Creek Rd, Osoyoos, BC 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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19The Bear, The Fish, the Root, and The Berry1200 Rancher Creek Rd, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V6
Surrounded by vineyards, enjoy modern cuisine inspired by Indigenous roots with timeless views of Osoyoos Lake.
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20Sẁiẁs Spirit Tours1000 Rancher Creek Rd, Osoyoos, BC 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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21Pointe 49 Kitchen4200 Lakeshore Dr, Osoyoos, BC 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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22Ambrosia Family Restaurant6910 Main St, Osoyoos, BC 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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23Barn Owl Eatery6511 Main St #4, Osoyoos, BC 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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24The Sage Pub6403 Cottonwood Dr, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V3
Stop by for some tasty pub fare classics in this local pub with a lively atmosphere.
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25Campgrounds and RV parks in OsoyoosBook now
Plan your perfect vacation with rustic campgrounds and lakefront RV resorts.
Explore More
Check for birding-related events held throughout the year.
Explore and celebrate the spectacular natural environment of the Okanagan Similkameen every May.
Every May, this by-donation open house allows visitors to see the many resident and recovering eagles, hawks and owls at the shelter.