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.

A bluebird at the Osoyoos Desert Centre
 Birding
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    The Osoyoos Desert Centre
    14580 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.

Osoyoos Oxbows Trail
 Birding
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    Osoyoos Oxbows Trail
    999 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.

A ruddy duck at sẁiẁs Provincial Park
 Birding
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    sẁiẁs 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

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…
Read
 Cafe
 Food
A yellow-headed blackbird in Osoyoos
 Food
A California quail in Osoyoos
 Food
 Shopping
Bullock's oriole
 Visitor Centre
 Accommodations
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    Hotels and resorts in Osoyoos

    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.

    Book now

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.

Anarchist Mountain Viewpoint
 Birding
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    Anarchist Mountain Viewpoint
    1345 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.

Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
 Birding
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    Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
    1000 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.

 Cafe
Birdwatching at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
 Food
The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The-Berry, photo by Destination BC and Indigenous Tourism BC
 Food
Exploring Osoyoos Oxbows Trail
 Accommodations
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    Campgrounds and RV parks in Osoyoos

    Plan your perfect vacation with rustic campgrounds and lakefront RV resorts.

    Book now

Explore More

Events at the Osoyoos Desert Center

Check for birding-related events held throughout the year.

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The annual Meadowlark Nature Festival

Explore and celebrate the spectacular natural environment of the Okanagan Similkameen every May.

Learn more.
The South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls (SORCO) Annual Open House

Every May, this by-donation open house allows visitors to see the many resident and recovering eagles, hawks and owls at the shelter.