Osoyoos, BC
Canada’s warmest welcome
Nestled in the southern Okanagan Valley, Osoyoos is celebrated for its diverse natural beauty, with desert landscapes, mountains, vineyards and the renowned Osoyoos Lake, known as the warmest lake in the country.
Osoyoos is rooted deeply in Indigenous culture and history. The name “Osoyoos” originates from sẁiẁs (pronounced “soo-yoos”) meaning “narrowing of the waters” in the local Okanagan language (Syilx’tsn). This area has been home to the Syilx Okanagan First Nations for millenia.
Europeans first arrived in the South Okanagan in 1811 as part of the fur trade, and Osoyoos’s first permanent white settlers were cattle ranchers and farmers in the late nineteenth century.
The first orchards in Osoyoos were planted in 1857, and since then, orcharding has become a major part of the culture and economy of the town. Today, Osoyoos is home to numerous orchards, vineyards, and wineries, and its thriving community enjoys some of the warmest weather in the country.
A Sacred Place
Spotted Lake
This lake is the central part of the Okanagan and is considered the Chief among lakes where all water, minerals and salt converge. The Syilx people view this lake as many lakes within a lake and each circle has a particular healing quality.
It very interesting because this lake has no outlet and the water doesn’t flow. Spotted lake is comprised of 365 circles of various shapes and depths, each with it’s own distinct makeup of minerals. Among these include, magnesium sulfate, calcium, sodium sulfates, etc. The colour of the spots are determined by the mineral deposits and varies from season to season with rainfall.
Indoor and Outdoor Exhibits
Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
As this cultural center is primarily an outdoor self-guided tour I highly recommend wearing proper shoes. I did wear flip flops and while that was fine as far as path safety, there are warnings everywhere to watch for rattlesnakes, so that was definitely top of mind while walk around the centre. I spend about 1 hour here inside the facility and walking around the 1.5km loop.
There are two multi-sensory theatres where you can learn about the legends of Sen’klip (the Coyote).
As you explore the outdoor displays and walking trails you will learn about how plants were used for food, medicine and technology. There are exhibits and signage all along the 1.5kms of desert walking trails located on their 50 acre site. The trail leads to a traditional village where you can peek inside a traditional pit house and sweat lodge.
I found myself reading all the signage and saying to myself… “Wow, I had no idea”. I can say unequivocally, I learned a lot about the people, the region and the history.
Nk’Mip Cellars
“We are what we were and always will be”
The first Indigenous-owned winery in North America, and is inspired to express the culture in everything they do. The Winery is a bold celebration and a strong reflection of the commitment to authenticity and deep respect for their history.
These wines are deeply rooted in culture and the love of the land and you can tell in every sip, it tastes like inspiration and the depth of the flavours can only be described as a love affair between taste buds. The land speaks through this wine and to honest the nose on these….you don’t even have to drink them to enjoy them. Inhaling the notes speaks volumes.
Discover the relentless spirit and remarkable history that inspire these wines.
Cuisine inspired by the Indigenous roots
The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry
The inspiration for the name of this restaurant came from the chaptik story passed down through the generations of the First Nations people of the Okanagan.
The Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation approach to food is based on the creation stories of their culture and took their stories as the inspiration for the name of our restaurant: “The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry,” based on their story of the Four Food Chiefs.
Osoyoos Gone Wild!
Now you know!
Osoyoos area is home to numerous wildlife species that have made the desert their home.
This region is a unique ecosystem where a multitude of animals and critters can survive and thrive, and some species you won’t find anywhere else in Canada! Why wouldn’t they with the variety of grasslands, wetlands desert vegetation, heat, and lakes throughout the South Okanagan.
Many of these may not be a surprise, but some might have you take a second look:
There is an abundance of different snake species that live around the area, ranging from western yellow-bellied racers to gofer snakes and of course, rattlesnakes.
This species is the only scorpion found in Canada.
- Bobcats
- Badgers
- Borrowing Owl (hence the name of the Winery)
- Scorpions? Yup!
- Big Horn Sheep
- Abundance of Snakes
Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion. There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.