Taking a twist from the lyrics on Don Henley (of the Eagles), “after the boys of summer have gone,” Osoyoos continues to beckon with Canada’s warmest welcome. Sure, the beach scene has changed. Still, beautiful vistas remain and there is much to explore.
Confirm the seasonal hours and details at destinationosoyoos.com before you embark on your adventures. Then, settle into a relaxed pace and delve deeply to reveal the region’s hidden gems.
Get Into the Spirit with Breweries, Cideries, Distilleries and Wineries
Gazing out your window at snow-dusted vineyards, you may feel frosty at first. Chase away your chills in cozy tasting rooms with warm reds and whites and bubbly wines as crisp and cool as the fresh snow. Less pressed for time, folks at tasting rooms that remain open or welcome you by appointment can share their stories with you more personally.
Easy-to-find local wineries in Osoyoos include Lakeside Cellars, Nk’Mip Cellars, Bordertown, and Adega on 45th. Follow a winery map or get onboard with one of several tour companies that offer exceptional itineraries. Plus, you don’t have to travel far in the South Okanagan and Similkameen to visit more BC wineries.
Explore breweries, cideries and distilleries, too. Tumbleweed Spirits Craft Distillery offers a variety of great spirits and a cocktail lounge where you can linger to enjoy craft cocktails and bites. North Basin Brewing Co., located in the heart of Osoyoos, presents mainstay and seasonal craft beer for your discerning palate. Support another local business by ordering or bringing in food to pair with your beer, or nosh on local snacks from suppliers such as The Lake Village Bakery or Rooster Mafia Foods.
Stir up Your Senses With Food, Wine, and Winter Events
Each December, the spirit of the holiday season kicks off with the Osoyoos Lite-Up and Parade. With Main Street bedecked like a Hallmark card, it’s easy to get into festivities as you peruse the shops and culinary treasures. Osoyoos is known for its streetside boutiques with vintage to practical goods, and you’ll discover unique finds for everyone on your list—including yourself!
Refuel at Osoyoos’s cozy cafes and bakeries as you plan your next stops and be sure to check out the list of Christmas artisan markets, such as those at The Art Gallery Osoyoos or the District Wine Village in Oliver. Don’t miss the Osoyoos Artisan Christmas Market in downtown Osoyoos on December 2 and 3!
Nk’Mip Cellars pride themselves as “dedicated guardians of a proud legacy” and the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America. They celebrate their colourful history through award-winning wines and all they do.
Dip into the past and present to learn the perfect wine for holiday festivities with Nk’Mip Cellars’ Food and Wine Pairing Experience. Tantalize your senses with food bites by Chef Ian Stilborn, inspired by the holiday season and paired with Nk’Mip Cellars wine. Book options between 11 am to 3 pm, Friday to Sunday, December 2 to 18. Or, take in the Nk’Mip Afternoon Wine Lounge, presented 3 to 5:30 pm, December 2 to 18. Reserve your seat to enjoy wines by the glass as you nibble on some of the chef’s inspired small plates. The Nk’Mip Cellars Monthly Dinner Series and Vertical Tasting Series are also tasty winter options.
Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek offers Short Table Dinners on Tuesday evenings to December 27. Manuel Ferreira, Executive Chef Jeff Van Geest, Miradoro crew and occasional guest chefs present themed menus that will leave your tastebuds singing.
Osoyoos Performing Arts presents a concert series running all winter long, including “Christmas for a King” by Steve Elliott, the David Gogo Band, and Jack Semple, to name a few.
Embrace Winter Wellness
Inhale the crisp, fresh air and embrace winter wellness. Whether for a hike in the region’s lovely pathways, or ski, snowboard and snowshoe activities above the snowline at Baldy Mountain, it’s invigorating to get outdoors.
Find your balance and reward yourself with some pampering at the local spas or settle into a lakeside resort for relaxation.
Where will you snuggle in Osoyoos this season?