Golf
Take a swing at one of the four local courses. Watch ScoreGolf Episode 9 – South Okanagan Golf Trail
Osoyoos Golf & Country Club
With two 18 hole championship courses, beautiful vistas and a long playing season, Score Magazine named it “Canada`s Best Hidden Gem”.
Sonora Dunes Golf Course
Located just outside of the city of Osoyoos, this 9 hole executive course offers stunning views of the lake, vineyards, desert and surrounding mountains.
Fairview Mountain Golf Club
This 7025 yard Les Furber design located in Oliver is rated by Score Magazine as one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada. Golf Digest consistently rates this course a “Four Star Must Play Golf Facility”.
Inkameep /Nk`Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course
The 18 hole championship course located in Oliver is owned and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band.
Wine
With 39 local wineries, it’s not hard to see why this area is the Wine Capital of Canada!
Principal varietals are:
Osoyoos – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Oliver – Merlot, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
Skiing
Only a short drive from The Beach House Osoyoos and you will be skiing!
Ski Mt. Baldy
The local option, located only 50 km from the Beach House, Baldy has a base elevation of 5,650 feet above sea level, which is 2,000 feet below the mountain peak. The resort offers over 20 km of marked, groomed snowshoe trails, over 40 km of groomed and un-groomed cross country trails, a tobogganing area and even an 18-hole championship frisbee golf course.
1-866-ski-baldy (754-2253), or 250-498-4086
Apex Ski Resort
Located only 85 kilometres from the Beach House, Apex Mountain Resort is known as a family friendly mountain that has a wide variety of terrain for everyone. Rated “Best Small Destination Resort” by Ski Canada Magazine, Apex offers a tube park, 56 cross country trails, night skiing, a challenging ice climbing tower, full size skating rink and skating loop, sleigh rides and snowmobile tours.
Hiking and Biking
International Hike & Bike Trail
The easy-ride International Hike & Bike Trail follows the course of the Okanagan River channel from McAlpine Bridge on Highway 97 in the north to Osoyoos Lake in the south.
The total distance is 18.4km/11.3mi, of which nearly 10km/6.2mi is paved. The path is broad and virtually flat. There are many access points, including at the Oliver Visitor Centre. Stop for a look at the interpretive sign describing the history of sockeye salmon in the river.
Fairview Trail Network
Intermediate level mountain bikers ride the Golden Mile Trail along the hillside west of Oliver for a close look at many of the area’s diverse ecosystems. Take the full 10km/6.2mi loop starting at Tinhorn Creek Winery and stop at the Fairview Townsite, once a bustling gold mining town, now a wide-open ecological reserve, and read about its history at the info kiosk.
Views from the trail take in Oliver, the valley and the mountains beyond. Near Tinhorn Creek Winery, a side trail leads to the stone ruins of a stamp mill that dates to gold mining days. For a serious adrenaline rush, expert riders can gear up for a run at TKO, an extremely steep single-track downhill that connects with the Golden Mile Trail above Tinhorn Creek Winery.
McIntyre Bluff Trail Network
Access to the McIntyre Bluff Trail Network is through the private property of Covert Farms. Call ahead or stop in to get permission to cross. The Rattlesnake Lake loop trail is rated intermediate with technical single-track to fast double-track conditions. Ride the trail in either direction. Only advanced riders should tackle the McIntyre Bluff out-and-back section, but the views from the top of the 250m/820ft cliff are outstanding.
Where to eat
Enjoy wine country cuisine, including local fruits and vegetables and regional meats and seafood, relaxing on outdoor patios overlooking the lake and vineyards.
Or stroll through the town centres of Osoyoos or Oliver for a cup of coffee, decadent dessert or quick bite to eat.
Here’s a small sample:
Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek Winery
Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl Winery
Terrafina at Hester Creek
Masala Bistro at Kismet Winery
The Patio at NK’Mip Cellars
JoJo’s Café
Good Karma Kitchen
Campo Marina Italian
Boston Pizza
Little Village Bakery
Pappa’s Firehall Bistro
Medici’s Gelateria
Local Events
| April | Oysterfest (South Okanagan’s premier wine and seafood event) |
| May | Half Corked Marathon (weaves racers through the vineyards, sampling wines and fine food along the route) |
| May | Pig Out (annual vineyard pig roast) |
| May | Osoyoos Medieval Faire – (live jousting, food, games and entertainment) |
| May | Meadowlark Nature Festival – (over 90 environmental tours and events held under the open sky) |
| June | Devour (food, wine and film festival) |
| June | Cactus Jalopies – (wine tours and poker run, garage tours, drag racing) |
| July | Cherry Fiesta (parade, children’s activities, live music and one of the largest Canada Day fireworks shows in the country) |
| July | Prospera Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan (epic cycling ride and family activities) |
| August | Uncork the Sun (outdoor concert and wine tasting event) |
| September | Freakin Farmer (adventure obstacle race) |
| October | Festival of the Grape (wine, music, art and grape stomp competition) |
| December | Winter Festival (wine tours, festival of trees, fireworks, parade, etc.) |