Articles
Here is more information about the many things to see and do in the South Okanagan:
Osoyoos
So much to offer:
Desert Model Railroad
To the delight of adults and Children alike, Poul Pedersen turned his 40 year old hobby into a tourist attraction when he opened his miniature railway to the public. His wife Ulla painted thousands of figurines with painstaking care to be placed in the elaborate scenes that fill 4,000 sq. ft. of viewing. Wander at will and gaze on little European villages, ski hill, fairgrounds, lakes, mills, castles and dozens of rural and urban scenes that astound the observers. The detail is so captivating that you feel like Gulliver must have felt as you explore the charm of the miniature countryside.
Try to follow the 20 computerized trains as they wind over miles of track through tunnels and over tiny trestles. The display also boasts to be the first in North America to feature moving cars as well. You do not need to be a train enthusiast to be enthralled. The loading docks, the moving Ferris Wheel and the drive-in movie scenes enchant any audience. When the lights are dimmed for the night scene get ready for the collective sighs as the visitors watch little lights from the vehicles and villages illuminate the darkness. The Desert Model Railroad operates Mon. to Sat. in the Buena Vista Park on Highway 3 on the west side of Osoyoos. Visit their website at www.osoyoosrailroad.com Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The Osoyoos Indian Band has won world-wide recognition for their winery and resort on Rancher Creek Rd. off of Hwy. 3 East of Osoyoos.
The Nk'Mip interpretive centre helps to educate visitors about the unique desert habitat through informative displays and presentations in a state-of-the-art theater. Family-friendly, the centre offers interactive stations where you can listen to bird calls or even watch staff handle a rattlesnake. The outdoor walking trails lead visitors to a small Indian village that portrays the harsh conditions that the Okanagan people experienced living in Canada's only desert. More Info call: 1-888-495-8555 | Links
Wineries:
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Gyro Beach
Possibly the best beach in Osoyoos is right downtown! In the summer tourists stretch out on their beach towels to enjoy warm sand, swim in Canada's warmest lake or picnic on the grass - all within the downtown core. Restaurants, pubs and shops are within a short walking distance so when people get tired of tanning, they can entertain themselves in the business district.
The beach is a great spot for water-sports like para-sailing, boating or water skiing. Rentals are right along the water.
On July 1st, the popular Cherry Festival is held on Gyro Beach. Performers sing or entertain at the band shell, vendors display goods, food and beer stalls serve the crowds and various activities like cherry pit spit contest and the pie eating contest are fun to participate in or just watch. By evening thousands of people set up lawn chairs along the beach to get a close view of BC's best fireworks that flash over the water and explode overhead.
The walkway along the beach is popular all seasons. Families walk their dog or come to feed the ducks and geese. Gyro Beach is central to the community of Osoyoos and a beautiful jewel of a park along their waterfront.
The beach is a great spot for water-sports like para-sailing, boating or water skiing. Rentals are right along the water.
On July 1st, the popular Cherry Festival is held on Gyro Beach. Performers sing or entertain at the band shell, vendors display goods, food and beer stalls serve the crowds and various activities like cherry pit spit contest and the pie eating contest are fun to participate in or just watch. By evening thousands of people set up lawn chairs along the beach to get a close view of BC's best fireworks that flash over the water and explode overhead.
The walkway along the beach is popular all seasons. Families walk their dog or come to feed the ducks and geese. Gyro Beach is central to the community of Osoyoos and a beautiful jewel of a park along their waterfront.
Osoyoos Waterslides and RV Park
Listen for the squeals of delight and the sound of laughter when you visit the Osoyoos Waterslides. With 5 runs – 2 kiddy slides, and 3 twisty adult tubes – the whole family will enjoy a day splashing down the slides, or enjoying a rest on the grassy lawns. Picnic tables with umbrellas are available, but in limited numbers.
The waterslides are open from June 28 to the long weekend in September from noon until 6 pm. Children’s rates are from $5-$10, and adults will pay $15. The facility is clean and well managed by Tony and Nadia, who also run the adjoining RV site. The change rooms are clean and convenient, and there is a kiosk for drinks and food.
The day pass gives you the option to return during the day, so if you decide to cross the road and spend some time at the beach, you can return later and ride a few more times at the waterslides. You will find the waterslides at 5003 East Lakeshore Drive a great value for family entertainment.
The waterslides are open from June 28 to the long weekend in September from noon until 6 pm. Children’s rates are from $5-$10, and adults will pay $15. The facility is clean and well managed by Tony and Nadia, who also run the adjoining RV site. The change rooms are clean and convenient, and there is a kiosk for drinks and food.
The day pass gives you the option to return during the day, so if you decide to cross the road and spend some time at the beach, you can return later and ride a few more times at the waterslides. You will find the waterslides at 5003 East Lakeshore Drive a great value for family entertainment.
Summerland
Summerland Ornamental Gardens
An idyllic place to wander or picnic, the Ornamental Gardens have evolved from an agricultural research station in 1914 to the present 15 acre garden and visitors' centre. Each season highlights different plantings so there is always colour and variety to delight guests. The rose garden alone has over 100 varieties that bloom late into the year.
The brochure boasts that their army of volunteers can plant 15,000 annuals in one day. With those numbers, one can imagine the riot of colour balanced by the green lawns, trees and shrubbery. A popular spot during wedding season is the Friendship Plaza where you will find couples exchanging vows in a vibrant setting.
Not to be missed is the Canyon Walk where you can watch for the antique steam engine of the KV Railway as it backs unto the trestle at the Trout Creek canyon. This is a lovely cool and shady spot during the heat of summer.
The enchanting grounds are beautifully maintained through efforts of a non-profit society, so be kind and leave a donation to help them keep this Okanagan treasure.
The brochure boasts that their army of volunteers can plant 15,000 annuals in one day. With those numbers, one can imagine the riot of colour balanced by the green lawns, trees and shrubbery. A popular spot during wedding season is the Friendship Plaza where you will find couples exchanging vows in a vibrant setting.
Not to be missed is the Canyon Walk where you can watch for the antique steam engine of the KV Railway as it backs unto the trestle at the Trout Creek canyon. This is a lovely cool and shady spot during the heat of summer.
The enchanting grounds are beautifully maintained through efforts of a non-profit society, so be kind and leave a donation to help them keep this Okanagan treasure.