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.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Europe
Sep 28, 2023Gramping Getaways at Chateau Mcely, Czech Republic
What better setting for grandparents and granddaughters to connect and share than a fairy-tale château set beside a fabulous forest? The Gramping Getaway at Chateau Mcely Spa Hotel & Forest Retreat in Mcely, Czech Republic, offers a themed adventure centering around the charming story of the château’s Princess Nely and her magical cheetah friend Pralinka. The character of the princess is based on the children’s book Nely, the Princess of Chateau Mcely written by château owner Inez Cusumano.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / Europe
Sep 28, 2023Visit These 3 London Spots Going All out for Halloween
This October, take the whole family to London and take time to not only enjoy the classic sites but also these scary fun Halloween events and experiences. Whether it’s a spooky-filled trip to the London Zoo or a step into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, here are the three can’t-miss experiences:
Slideshow
Sep 28, 20238 Medellín, Colombia, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Medellín, Colombia, with us.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations
Sep 27, 2023Family Vacation Bundles in Orlando Now Include Luxury Boating Experiences
Make your family trip to Orlando so much more than just visiting the theme parks. Thanks to new vacation bundles from luxury hotels in Orlando, available as of Sept. 1, you can enjoy exclusive boating experiences during your trip.
ShareThis