Getting to Osoyoos, a small town in the Okanagan Valley, B.C., may take some doing, but once you’re there you have small-town charm mixed with high-end activities — all easily done on a budget. Escape with the family to Canada’s only desert, filled with family-friendly activities, natural beauty and country fun.
The town is so small, in fact, you can easily walk everywhere you need to be, no need for public transportation or car rentals. Whether visiting for a day from a nearby city or staying over, guests can hike, bike, kayak, shop, dine and sip wine in Canada’s rural-meets-luxury Okanagan Valley region.
Begin with breakfast at your hotel or head to Jojo’s Café for a breakfast sandwich, $5.35–5.69 and locally sourced coffee for $1.95–2.29, or the handheld Five Bite Breakfast including cheddar, bacon, eggs and spinach for $3.69. Grab a few homemade baked goods to snack on later and head out on the town.
Osoyoos Lake. Photo: Angelique Platas
Travel over Osoyoos Lake, visiting local shops and taking in the region’s wild beauty. The main street running through town is lined with oddities and gift shops. The kids will love local beach stores and quirky shops including the Elvis Fine Jewelry Store. Window shop for free or stop in for something to take home.
The lake offers swimming, boating and water sports in the summer with rental shops along the beach. Discuss options with your hotel and see if they are affiliated with any local watersport rentals. They may have a few complimentary options for you or suggestions, or check out Spirit Beach Watersports for $20–25 an hour with a canoe, kayak, wakeboard, double tube or paddleboard. Non-motorized watersports are the most kid-friendly and affordable by the hour.
Head out on a hike sans guide for free and enjoy the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley before heading back for dinner. You’ve worked up quite an appetite traversing all over town by foot and on water, so treat yourselves to fresh, locally sourced cuisine.
Nk’Mip Cellars Patio. Photo: Angelique Platas
Check out the lakeside dining at Watermark Restaurant. Located in the Watermark Beach Resort, the menu offers affordable options from mushroom and chickpea salad, mussels, pan-seared Okanagan Arctic char and beef brisket, $15–29.
You’ll have plenty of cash left over to check out a local winery. See if your trip coincides with a sunset wine down on Nk’Mip Cellars outdoor patio schedule. Even if you have young children in tow, Nk’Mip Cellars is a kid-friendly winery with fun dining options, like loaded gnocchi poutine.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Africa
Sep 28, 2026Elewana Collection Expands Family Safaris Across Kenya, Tanzania
Safaris are popular family travel experiences for many reasons, from immersive wildlife encounters to educational moments to unforgettable memories. Elewana Collection recently expanded its family safari offerings. These programs span several properties in Kenya and Tanzania, each tailored to reflect the natural and cultural wonders of each location.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Destinations / Europe
Sep 28, 2026Add Variety to Your European Vacation with Side Trips
Most trips to Europe center around the larger cities, partly because they contain the most popular attractions and partly because they are the landing point for most trans-Atlantic flights. But even if your family plans to spend most of their time visiting the highlights of Paris, Rome or London, consider exploring nearby towns on a daytrip or an overnight break from the city crowds.
Destinations / North America
Sep 25, 2026Celebrate the Holidays with Winterfest from Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
We don’t want to rush fall, especially since it just started, but we want to put Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the family traveler’s radar. Starting Friday, Nov. 27, Delaware River Winterfest will turn Philadelphia's waterfront destination into a winter wonderland. Family travelers can expect ice skating, warm cabins, firepits, festive food and drink options, and other holiday fun.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / Asia
Sep 25, 2026Japan: The Next Big Thing in Leaf Peeping
If you’re like me, you grew up with the knowledge that autumn comes with beautiful shades of red, orange, yellow and purple as the leaves on the trees prepare for the coming winter. And you probably, like me, know there are some really great places around the country to see those colors in all their glory. But America isn’t the only country where nature puts on this annual show. Japan enjoys plenty of the changing colors of the season as well, and it just might be the next “it” place for leaf peeping.
ShareThis