Explore the desert greens and vineyard scenes in Osoyoos

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In the southernmost pocket of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley lies a haven that defies visitor expectations. Osoyoos, cradled by sagebrush-dotted hills and anchored by the province’s warmest freshwater lake, looks and feels unlike any other Canadian destination. 

“Many are surprised to learn that Osoyoos is home to a semi-desert ecosystem,” says Nk’Mip Cellars estate manager Troy Ravndahl. Step out of a car in July, and the dry heat wraps around visitors, a stark contrast to the temperate coastal climate most associate with British Columbia. 

Approaching Nk’Mip Cellars, visitors immediately sense something unique about the winemaking operation. “Every bottle of wine is a tribute to the Osoyoos Indian Band’s heritage, the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America,” explains Ravndahl. “Guests are invited to experience wine through a cultural lens, where stories of the land, community and traditional knowledge are woven into every tasting.” 

The on-site restaurant, Sweetgrass at Nk’Mip, also offers “a dining experience that honours our ancestral roots,” adds Ravndahl. The menu showcases dishes that complement the bold character of wines that originate in this distinctive terroir. “The desert climate with its hot days and cool nights, combined with the longest growing season in Canada, produces intensely expressive fruit.” 

The same climate that helps grow grapes also shapes the local golf season.  

The lengthy playing window spans from March through late October. It’s unlike anywhere else in Canada,” boasts Bryan Ewart, general manager at Osoyoos Golf Club.  

Stand on the elevated tee box at Osoyoos Golf Club, and the views capture attention. Ewart adds, “There’s something special about an early morning round as the sun rises over the East Monashee Mountain Range, casting a golden glow across the fairways.” 

After golf or wine tasting, Osoyoos Lake draws swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders. For a different take on the region’s wine scene, companies like Wakepilot run boat-based tours that stop at lakeside wineries, combining sightseeing with tastings in a way that reflect the area’s laid-back energy. 

For some visitors, a weekend trip turns into a reason to come back again, and maybe even stay longer the next time. Ewart notes visitors “quickly discover that it’s more than just a great golf destination — they fall in love with the lifestyle, the warm climate and the vibrant community.” 

With its blend of active pursuits and tranquil pleasures, Osoyoos stands as a notable Canadian destination where, as Ravndahl puts it, “Wine is not just a product — it’s a narrative.” 

This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Destination Osoyoos.