Spring has truly sprung in the Okanagan Valley! And there’s no better way to celebrate the return of the warmer weather than with a visit to Osoyoos where you can be among the first to sample some world-class wine and spirits. Savour the town’s sensational dining, break a sweat with some outdoor adventures in that famous desert sun, or just revel with friends at one of the many festivals and events that kick off the spring season in the Okanagan Valley.
Spring Awaits You in Osoyoos
As “Canada’s Warmest Welcome,” Osoyoos invites you to get out in the sun. The month of May kicks off with a series of open markets and table dinners at many of the region’s internationally renowned wineries, as well as the Osoyoos Spring Music Festival (May 4–8), where multiple musicians (including a few Juno Award-winners) will hit several stages around town.
Festivals and Farmers’ Market
There’s a festival for almost everyone here. For example, those looking to get out into nature can partake in any number of guided hikes, tours and events being put on as part of the Meadowlark Nature Festival (May 20–23).
Be sure to leave space on your calendar for Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, as Osoyoos has plenty of immersive Indigenous experiences to enjoy. Stay and enjoy the Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta and Fireworks Show on July 1.
The blossoming of the spring season also means the blossoming of the region’s rich agricultural bounty, which is on full display at the Osoyoos Farmers’ Market, running every Saturday at Town Hall Square from 9 am to 1 pm starting May 7.
Wineries Galore
With more than 50 wineries between two celebrated wine regions (Oliver-Osoyoos and the Similkameen Valley) all within a 20-minute drive of Osoyoos, travellers can hit the scenic backroads and tour many vineyards during their visit, sampling many different wines and grape varietals.
The spring season is ideal for visiting wineries as it marks the start of the spring wine releases and the return of Wine Club Dinners. Guests will be first in line to sample the newest vintages and varietals with several new lines of bubbly wine popping into the tasting rooms this year, accompanying the region’s famous diversity of reds and rosés! If wine isn’t your fancy, Osoyoos also has something for beer, cider and spirit aficionados too.
Spirits, Craft Beer and Cider
Tumbleweed Spirits focuses on small-batch spirits. Their cherry moonshine is made with local South Okanagan cherries—or, for the brave, the Fireweed Whiskey will surely knock your socks off.
There’s also North Basin Brewing Co., located in downtown Osoyoos and offering local suds like The Ditch IPA, named after the infamous irrigation canal that turned the South Okanagan into the lush array of orchards and vineyards that it is today.
And of course, with its abundance of apples, Osoyoos has several cideries nearby, like Orchard Hill Estate Cidery, Bordertown, and Maverick, serving sips of the South Okanagan’s favourite fruit.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants
If you’re looking to pair that new favourite wine or spirit you just discovered, you’re in luck, because Osoyoos is also a leading culinary destination in Canada. It is home to many farm-to-table restaurants.
Connoisseurs and aspiring foodies can savour seasonal local flavours prepared by renowned chefs. Using the best of the bounty from the South Okanagan and Similkameen, local chefs source much of their produce from their own backyard to produce a diverse array of international and indigenous cuisines. Be sure to leave room to journey along the Tortilla Trail, the newest culinary adventure to arrive in Osoyoos.
Outdoor Fun
You’ll also want to get out and enjoy the sunshine while you’re down here. Already famous for its warm weather and South Okanagan sunshine, outdoor fun and adventure can be found all over Osoyoos this time of year.
Jump into Canada’s warmest lake and try your hand at any number of water sports, hit the links on any of the town’s multiple internationally renowned golf courses, or venture out into Canada’s desert with a trip to either Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre or the Osoyoos Desert Centre with its newly renovated Desert Boardwalk Trail.
Plan Your Tour Now
With Osoyoos’s vibrant scenery, celebrated wine and cuisine, and joyful residents always eager to share their cultural festivities and events, the spring season is truly one of the most exciting times to tour this exciting little corner of the province.
Plan your trip to Osoyoos by visiting destinationosoyoos.com or download the travel guide at appscanada.ca/osoyoos.