Attractions
Below is a list of attractions around Osoyoos that are able to accommodate all travellers!
Accessible Osoyoos
One of the biggest challenges travellers with disabilities face is finding accessible destinations that offer a complete and immersive visitor experience, whatever their interests and disabilities might be, however, here in Osoyoos, we are equipped for all travellers to maximize their time here!
Destination Osoyoos, along with the Town of Osoyoos, welcomes visitors of all abilities to come and experience our one-of-a-kind resort destination, located on the warmest lake in Canada! We have pulled together a guide to help travellers discover some of our destination’s top accessible dining, accommodation and attractions that offer an unforgettable and safe experience for your next visit.
We encourage people of all ages with visual, hearing, mobility impairments and other special needs to check out these featured amenities and experiences to help you make the most of your visit!
Accommodations
Below you will find the hotels and accommodations in Osoyoos that have accessible rooms.
Public Spaces
The Town of Osoyoos has been working on expanding the accessible offerings at various public spaces in the area to create a more seamless and enjoyable experience for all! It should be noted that a Mobi-Chair (floating mobility aid) and a TrailRider (all-terrain mobility aid) are available on loan. Call the Sonora Centre (250-495-6562) to arrange. Below is a list of the public spaces that are currently accessible:
- Osoyoos Town Hall
- Main Street / Downtown Osoyoos
- Gyro Park
- Legion Beach
- Jack Shaw Splash Park
- Sonora Community Centre
- Osoyoos Library
- Sunbowl Arena
- Kinsmen Park
- Lion’s Park
Winery Experiences
The award-winning wineries and vineyards are one of the biggest reasons people visit the area on a year-round basis. Several of these wineries are equipped with the infrastructure and capabilities to provide accessible tours, tastings and experiences on their properties.
Please contact the individual Wineries to confirm options.
If you are looking for a full day of wine touring, Wine Tours Gone South has an accessible option.
Trails & Pathways
Sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point)
The park has 80 metres of boardwalk and a viewing platform overlooking a natural marsh. There is a day-use area which is partially paved.
Pioneer Walkway
Located in the centre of town, one can start on this pathway by parking on the east side of Osoyoos Bridge. This scenic path continues down the east side of Main St. showcasing several benches, arbours, a gazebo to catch some shade and planters brimming full of seasonal flowers.
Lakeshore Drive
Starting from Goodman Park the path is fully paved right beside the lake. This path is approximately 3 km one way.
Irrigation Canal Walkway
This is a walking trail that showcases our incredible desert ecosystem, as well as views of the town and Osoyoos Lake. This 4.3 km fully paved loop starts on the corner of 62nd Avenue and 115th Street and overlooks Osoyoos agricultural landscape, before turning into a tunnel, and looping around the Osoyoos Airport for a close look at the unique desert biome the area is known for.
Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The Cultural Centre has a drop-off area for people with limited mobility near the front doors, accessed via the adjacent Spirit Ridge building. There is also a ramp from the parking lot. The building is fully wheelchair accessible. Outdoor “Living Land” exhibits have accessible gravel crush pathways as does 1 km of nature trail going to the village displays. Some areas of rock crush trails may be difficult for motorized wheelchairs or scooters such as the steeper upper trail. Wheelchair-accessible and non-accessible trails are clearly marked on the outdoor trail map. Seniors or special needs guests can ask if staff are available to conduct a tour by golf cart.
Rattlesnake Canyon
The entrance of Rattlesnake Canyon, the washrooms on site and the attractions pathways are wheelchair accessible.
Osoyoos Desert Centre
The Interpretive Building and boardwalk trail are wheelchair accessible. One wheelchair is available at the Desert Centre for public use. The centre asks that you call ahead to book. The washrooms at the Centre are also wheelchair accessible.
For the safety of your pets, the Osoyoos Desert Centre does not allow dogs on the boardwalk (with the exception of service animals). They are happy to have your dog hang out on our doggy deck – a lovely shaded area with plenty of water provided, as well as lots of love and attention from our ODC volunteers and staff while you are out on tour.
Osoyoos Museum
The Osoyoos Museum has an elevator and both levels are fully accessible. The entrance is also wheelchair accessible, with dedicated accessible parking available on Main Street and in the parking lot located behind the museum.
Town of Osoyoos Accessibility Plan and Survey
Town of Osoyoos 2023 Accessibility Plan
The Town of Osoyoos has been proactive in making the community accessible. The Town is a designated Age Friendly and Accessible community with an Accessibility Committee in place since 2013.
The Accessibility and Age Friendly Advisory Committee (AAFAC) is established by council resolution to provide recommendations on matters pertaining to accessibility and to report these matters to Council in order to improve accessibility in the Town. The establishment of this policy will aid in removing physical and social barriers that prevent Town citizens from leading a full and productive life.
View the 2023 Town of Osoyoos Accessibility Plan here.
Town of Osoyoos Accessibility Survey
The Town of Osoyoos needs your help to make Osoyoos a more accessible place for people with disabilities! The purpose of this survey is to record your experiences using Town facilities.
The results of this survey will be incorporated into the Accessibility Plan that the Town of Osoyoos is completing. This information will help ensure that Town programs and services are accessible to people with disabilities and will assist in implementing physical Town improvements that need to be made in the future.
Complete the Survey here.