Osoyoos: A Desert Oasis

	A Combination of Desert and Lushness: Osoyoos, BC1

Situated on the shores of the warm Lake Osoyoos, this town is known as a fantastic summer getaway for people across the country. Thanks to innovations of irrigation technology, much of the once barren countryside has been converted into lush areas filled with orchards, vineyards and golf courses. While parts of the desert have been reclaimed, this town is still surrounded by cactus, rolling dunes and tumbleweeds. About 4,300 Osoyoosians call this town home, but the population easily doubles during the summer months when vacationers flock to this location to take advantage of their hot weather and unique geographical location.

HISTORY, CULTURE AND ECONOMY

Taking its name from the Okanagan Indian word Osoyoos, meaning “the narrow place where two lakes come together,” this location has been seeing visitors to its shores since 1066 with the first permanent Native villages. The first Europeans ever to set foot on the mountain desert were Pacific Fur company employees, David Stuart and Monitary in the fall of 1811, while searching for a more efficient path to Fort Kamloops through the interior mountainous regions of British Columbia. From 1812– 1842, the Hudson Bay Company set up important trading posts on the banks of Lake Osoyoos because of its ideal weather conditions and location.

After the gold rush of the late 1800s brought in many a new settler, people started taking up land in the valley for various agricultural endeavors. After the planting of the first orchard in 1890 and the irrigation project of 1919, the area grew to become an excellent spot for fruit farmers and eventually Osoyoos was incorporated in 1946.

The main businesses that continue to draw people to live in Osoyoos are the fruit farming, winery and tourism industries. Among other fruits, peaches, cherries and even bananas (Canada's only banana plantation) are grown in the various orchards in the area. Many wineries call the area home, producing some vino known the world over for its high quality and excellent taste. Because of the wonderful weather that blesses the city, the tourism industry is a large employer of permanent residents.

CLIMATE

	A Boardwalk Through the Osoyoos Desert2

Osoyoos is a sun worshipers mecca receiving over 2000 hours of sunshine a year. Due to its unique location at the base of the Cascade Mountains, Osoyoos is in a rain shadow causing there to be very little annual precipitation.

As Canada's only hot desert (the arctic tundra has desert like conditions in terms of the amount of annual precipitation, but is very cold), Osoyoos has the lowest amount of annual precipitation in the country, taking in only 25 cm (10 in) of rainfall and 5 cm (2 in) of snowfall. Lake Osoyoos is the warmest freshwater lake in Canada and this town also boasts the warmest annual temperature anywhere in the country. The average day time high temperature in the summer (July) is a toasty 29ºC(84ºF). In the winter, the mercury hovers around the freezing point with the average day time high in January being 0.1ºC (32ºF).

TRANSPORTATION

Located on the shores of Lake Osoyoos, Osoyoos is easy to get to by a variety of different modes of conveyance. The nearest airport is in about a three hour (300 km) drive to the north of Kamloops for those hoping to fly into town.

From Calgary, Alberta, Osoyoos is about 890 km (553 mi) or a nine-hour drive by car. Osoyoos is only 400 km (249 mi) away from the largest city in B.C., Vancouver. That works out to be a five-hour drive. While in town, visitors will notice the that city is divided in the middle by the lake. The east side of town where the downtown is found, with a majority of the shop and restaurant located only Main Street.

Farther up the road where road turns into the Crowsnest Highway, visitors will find mostly orchards and residential neighbourhoods. The westside of town is where the majority of the hotels and campgrounds will be found. Should travellers feel like taking a trip to the United States, the lake spans the international boarder, so those with access to a boat or a strong set of legs, can head to the town of Oroville on the southern shores of Lake Osoyoos.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

The main draw of Osoyoos is the natural splendors that permeate every aspect of life in town. The desert and the lake are major sources for activities to do and things to see. The Nk'Mip Desert and Heritage Site shows travellers the rich history of the area through a non-European point-of-view. Offering information and displays about the desert, people visiting this location can go on guided tours of the surrounding dry lands on a raised-board pathway. Another museum that should be on any history buff list is the Osoyoos Museum. Constructed from hand cut logs, this establishment was built in 1963. Families stopping by this location can be regaled with stories of what life was like during the turn of the century for the first settlers to the area.

Lake Osoyoos provides endless hours of entertainment for people in town. The warm lake is perfect for any watery pursuit travellers can think of. Boat rentals, wakeboarding, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, and parasailing are just some of the adventures people can have on the water.

	A Lavender Farm Near Osoyoos, BC3

For people who want to take off and get away from the city, Haynes Point Provincial Park is an excellent destination only 2 km (1.2 mi) south of town. The warm waters in the area make it an idyllic place for water sport enthusiasts looking to partake of some jet skiing, wakeboarding or waterskiing. Bird watchers will rejoice when visiting this area as it is the only know home in Canada to the nations tiniest avian, the Calliope Hummingbird.

No trip to Osoyoos would be complete without visiting at least one of their many vineyards and wineries. One unique stop is the Nk'Mip Cellars Winery. This is the only First Nations owned and operated vineyard in Canada and it annually turns out over 15,000 cases of the delicious grapeproduct. Its location on the hills overlooking the lake give it a breathtaking view of the picturesque town. For people looking to get more than just a taste of what the wine region has to offer, winery tours are available offering whole-day and half day tours.

EVENTS

Every spring this town plays host to a bacchanal that celebrates Dionysus favourite beverage and Osoyoos' most famous export; wine. In early May, the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival offers over 50 events to enlighten and entertain at various locations throughout the Okanagan. Another festival known to draw a fun-loving crowd is the Osoyoos Annual Cherry Fiesta. On the first of July, events take place across the Okanagon to celebrate the sweet tree treat. The festivities range from beer gardens and pancake breakfasts to crafts and cherry pie eating contest.

For people looking to experience the sand and heat of the desert, but would rather not venture out to the Sahara, Osoyoos is a perfect travel destination. The wine, fruit and lake make a trip to this town a perfect summer adventure.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. Osoyoos, B.C., A Combination of Desert and Lushness: Osoyoos
2. Osoyoos, B.C., A Boardwalk Through the Osoyoos Desert
3. Osyoos, B.C., A Lavender Farm Near Osoyoos, BC