Is Osoyoos really a desert?

Yes, Osoyoos is Canada’s only desert. It extends from Osoyoos Lake to the southern shores of Skaha Lake and west towards the Similkameen and Keremeos. Actually, the “Osoyoos Arid Biotic Zone” is a continuation of the Sonoran Desert , which extends from Mexico right up to the Okanagan Valley . While irrigation has made Osoyoos a lush green oasis, it is interesting to note that the desert continues undisturbed where there is no water. Look for typical desert plants like sagebrush, greaseweed, rabbit and antelope bush and bunch-grass on the hillsides. A closer look will reveal numerous varieties of cactus that are native to the area. From a biological standpoint, it is the presence of these delicate species, rather than the temperature or specific amount of rainfall, that makes our valley a desert.

When can I get peaches?

Because of our extra warm climate Osoyoos produces the earliest fruit crops in Canada. Peaches are ready to eat in late July and available until mid August. Here is a list of the other fruit along with their harvest times.

What are the average temperatures in Osoyoos?

The average summertime temperature is around 28˚C (82.4˚F) and the average winter temperature is approximately 1.3˚C (34.3˚F).

How do you say ‘Osoyoos’?

Osoyoos, pronounced “O-sue-use”, is a version of the Okanagan word “Sooyoos” meaning “the narrows of the lake” or “the place where two lakes come together”.

Why is Spotted Lake spotted?

Spotted Lake, or "Klikuk," contains one of the world’s highest concentrations of minerals: magnesium sulfate, (Epsom Salts); calcium and sodium sulfates; plus 8 other minerals and traces of 4 more, including silver and titanium. In the hot sun of summer, the water of Spotted Lake evaporates and crystallizes the minerals, forming many white-rimmed circles: shallow pools that reflect the mineral content of the water in shades of blue and green. Spotted Lake is located 8.8 km west of Osoyoos and is privately owned. You may take pictures from the highway but please respect the property and do not trespass.

Source: Osoyoos Panorama

- The name ‘Okanagan’ has been spelled over 30 different ways. In 1811 David Thompson spelled it ‘Oachenawawaan’. Later the North West Company clarified it to ‘Okunaakan’. Even today, the spelling varies: in Canada: ‘Okanagan’; in the United States: ‘Okanogan’.

- Osoyoos receives an average annual rainfall of less than 318 mm (12 inches) and 2039 hours of sunshine.

- Osoyoos Lake is Canada ’s warmest fresh-water lake. In July and August, water temperatures average 24˚C (75˚F). The lake stretches over 19 kilometres (12 miles) of Canadian and United States territory; 14.7 kilometres (5.7 square miles) on the Canadian side.

- Nk’Mip Cellars is the first aboriginal winery in North America (second in the world). Nk’Mip Cellars opened in September 2002, but the Osoyoos Indian Band have been growing grapes on their land since 1968, and their harvests were very much in demand by well known wineries.

- Golf Courses in the South Okanagan are usually in use from February to late November and sometimes year-round, depending on the weather.

- Anarchist Mountain was named after Richard G. Sidley, an early settler and first postmaster at Sidley (1895), who, because he showed some brilliance, was appointed Justice of the Peace and Customs Officer (dates not cited). He held, for his time, somewhat advanced political views and was often called an anarchist. Before the anarchist came to the Okanagan, this mountain was known as Larch Tree Hill.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office, Akrigg, Helen B. and Akrigg, G.P.V; British Columbia Place Names; Sono Nis Press, Victoria 1986 /or University of British Columbia Press 1997

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