Located on Highway 97 at the junction of two major highways,
adjacent to the US border and at the northernmost tip of the Sonora
Desert lies Osoyoos, a charming beach town with the sophistication
of a larger centre.

Climate and Agriculture
This great little town features the lowest annual rainfall and the highest average temperatures making it one of Canada’s
driest climates. Apricots, peaches, plums, pears, apples and grapes flourish in the hot, dry Osoyoos desert. The sandy soil, long and strong sunlight hours and minimal precipitation creates the perfect environment for growing wine grapes. The Desert Wine Region begins in Osoyoos, with many wineries nearby including North America’s first aboriginal owned winery, Nk’Mip Cellars.

The area also features desert flora and fauna such as prickly pear cactus, antelope and sage brush, rattle snakes and rare species of birds. In fact the surrounding ecologically sensitive desert area is home to over 30% of BC’s threatened and endangered wildlife, rare insects and plants.

Recreation
Osoyoos is home to Canada’s warmest freshwater lake. Sunbathers and water recreation enthusiasts alike flock to Osoyoos in the summer to enjoy swimming, boating, parasailing, fishing and more.

Golf lovers will enjoy playing at Osoyoos Golf and Country Club, a full 36 hole Executive course or Sonora Dunes golf course, a short , challenging 18 holes surrounded by desert sand and sagebrush, owned by the Osoyoos Indian Band.

Amenities
Osoyoos shopping consists of boutique shops with unique products
and personal service, grocery, pharmacy, hardware, video, florist,
clothing and furniture stores.

Healthcare facilities include medical clinics, dentists, optometrists,
home and day care services.

Things to do:

• Osoyoos Museum: considered the “best” small community museum in BC.
• Nk’Mip Cultural Centre: a reconstructed traditional village, self-guided trails, specialized desert animal programs (such as rattlesnake and bat programs), and interactive displays.
• Packing House Tour: learn how fruit is processed prior to appearing in your grocery store and savour a sample of some of the freshest fruit in the world.
• Rattlesnake Canyon: mini golf.
• Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad: houses the biggest little European model railroad in Canada.
• Osoyoos Desert Centre: interpretive centre with kiosks, native plant garden, a Spade foot Toad Pond and a 1.5 km desert boardwalk.
• Mt. Baldy Ski area: an unpretentious family ski resort currently undergoing expansion, cross country ski trails and Championship Frisbee Golf Course.
• Haynes Point Provincial Park.

Quick Facts

• Population: 4801 (2005)
• Age Distribution: 0-14 10%

• 15-24 7%
• 25-44 16%
• 45-64 30%
• 65+ 37%

Elevation: 909ft
Hours of Sunshine: 2039 hrs
Avg. Summer Temp 35 degrees C
Avg. Winter Temp -0.1 degrees C
Avg. Rainfall 249.8 mm
Avg. Snowfall 53.8 cm