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Osoyoos Vacation Rentals & Vacation Rental Homes - Rent Holiday Homes in Osoyoos, Canada:
Osoyoos British Columbia is one of Western Canada’s favourite holiday destinations for several reasons.
Located just five miles north of the US border and almost half way between British Columbia’s east and west borders. It is located on the famous Crowsnest Highway linking the splendour of the famous Rocky Mountains to Vancouver, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. In its southernmost position, Osoyoos is often referred to as the gem of the beloved Okanagan Valley.
Located in Canada’s only desert means the days are warm and dry and the nights comfortably cool. In spring, the location makes it possible for a person to enjoy snowboarding in the hills, just 30 minutes away before lunch and golf at a championship golf course after lunch. Summer temperatures are usually in the 30 Celcius range under a beautiful blue sky. Just as the sun begins to feel uncomfortable, a cool breeze begins to stir the air. Mornings and evenings are perfect.
Osoyoos Lake is the warmest fresh water lake in Canada with temperatures in the low 20’s C in the summer months. The lake, with it’s sandy beaches is over ten miles long and is the place where all the water sports happen. Water skiing, parasailing, sailboating, swimming, and fishing are all enjoyed on the lake. There are several marinas where one can rent a boat for their particular pleasure.
The gentle hills surrounding Osoyoos as well as the valley bottom is a mecca of trail systems for those who love to wander and explore. Many of the trails meander through areas that are unique in Canada, through grasslands, desert, or wetlands that are home to many of Canada’s endangered species. There are trails for everyone, whether you want to walk, ride a bike, or a horse, see spectacular views or view something spectacular.
Being in Canada’s only desert, near the endangered grassland ecosystem, and close to the Osoyoos Lake Oxbows there are several diverse areas to explore. Some of these are in protected areas that are open to the public to explore on their own, others with information kiosks. Some like the Desert Centre, has a boardwalk for the curious to safely walk through the desert without disturbing nature and a hands on interpretive centre with detailed information about the habitats of over 100 plants and 300 invertebrates at risk.
Osoyoos is located in the southernmost point of the Okanagan Valley. This valley, because of its mild climate is home to many orchards and vineyards and is a major fruit producing region in Canada. From the blossoms in late April to the harvest of the Pink Lady Apple in November, orchardists are hoping Mother Nature will be kind to them. The rewards from the fruit harvest, beginning with the succulent cherries are enjoyed by all that come to the valley.
Being a resort town, the population of Osoyoos soars from 5000 people to over twice that much in the summer months. It is also becoming a popular destination for “snowbirds”, the Canadian population that look for a warmer climate during the harsh winter months. As soon as word gets out that Mount Baldy has some fantastic skiing, Osoyoos is destined to become a popular destination year round.
For being a small town, Osoyoos offers everything from casual eating to fine dining and everything in between. Many of the menus offer local grown treats.
The Cherry Festival July 1st ( Canada Day) attracts many people to the event. The day starts with a good old home town parade with active merchant participation , several events throughout the day, and finishes off with over 20,000 people sitting on the beach of Osoyoos Lake watching the best fireworks display outside of Ottawa, the nation’s capital.
The Spring and Fall Wine Festivals are on many North American’s must do lists. The wineries of the Okanagan proudly show off their new varieties, with tours, dinner pairings with renowned chefs, education workshops and lots and lots of fine samples.