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 this 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!
Attractions
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.
Osoyoos Desert Centre
The Interpretive Building and boardwalk trail are wheelchair accessible. One wheelchair is available at the Desert Centre. Please call ahead to book. For the safety of your pet we do not allow dogs on the boardwalk. We 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.
The entrance, pathways, and washrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Rattlesnake Canyon
Okanagan Art Gallery
The entrance is wheelchair accessible.
Osoyoos Art Gallery
The entrance is wheelchair accessible.
Anarchist Mountain Viewpoint
Wide paved scenic lookout at 4,045 feet gives visitors spectacular views of the town of Osoyoos, Osoyoos Lake, and the southern part of the Okanagan Valley.
Osoyoos Visitor Centre
Our amazing Visitor Centre Ambassadors are here to help you make the most of your time in Osoyoos and answer any questions you might have! At the Osoyoos Visitor Centre, you will be able to pick up local maps, learn town information, and browse through a gift shop as well as gather information on the rest of the province of BC. On-site, there are accessible washroom facilities and flat access from the parking lot.
Our address is located at 9912 BC-3, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V2
Or call us at (250) 495-5070
Public Spaces
Osoyoos Town Hall
Wheelchair-accessible ramp.
Main Street & Downtown Osoyoos
Wide paved sidewalks (with walk-downs to the streets at crossings) connecting the shops/restaurants downtown. Parking spaces for permit holders with limited mobility available along Main Street. Audible signals at traffic lights along Highway 3 / Main Street.
Public Beaches
Gyro Beach is the largest beach in Osoyoos and you’ll find plenty of shaded trees, warm shallow waters and closed-off swimming areas. There is a flat, paved walkway above the beach, a new wheelchair ramp and a Mobi-Mat (for wheelchair access to the water) available during the summer months.
Legion Beach is also equipped with a Mobi-Mat (for wheelchair access to the water) in summer as well as an accessible washroom.
Jack Shaw Splash Park
The Splash Park is accessible from the parking area at Legion Beach. The park can be used by all visitors and residents and includes use with strollers, walkers and wheelchairs. Pets are not allowed in the Splash Park except for service animals.
Playgrounds
Kinsmen Park and Lion’s Park have accessible swings with rubber fall protection.
Sonora Community Centre and Osoyoos Library
There is paved wheelchair access at the main entrance and parking spots for permit holders with limited mobility. There is an elevator to the second floor as well as fully accessible washrooms and an adult change table. 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.
Sunbowl Arena
The arena has a power lift to the second level and accessible seating in the arena. This is something
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 the 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.
Accommodations
• Avalon Inn (2 rooms)
• Best Western Sunrise Inn (2 rooms)
• Casa Del Mila Oro Resort (13 rooms)
• Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites (2 rooms)
• Spirit Ridge Lake Resort (3 rooms)
• Watermark Beach Resort (4 rooms)
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.
Below is a list of wineries that are currently accessible:
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery & Sonora Room Restaurant
Covert Farms Family Estate
Phantom Creek Estate Winery
Tinhorn Creek Vineyard & Miradoro Restaurant
Hester Creek Winery & Terrafina Restaurant
If you are looking for a full day of wine touring, Wine Tours Gone South has an accessible option.
Fruit Stands w/ Level Access
• Osoyoos Fruit Basket
• Fernandes Fruit Market
• Kailey Fruit Market
• Osoyoos Fruit Market
Read more about the Fruit Stands and their locations in this guide.
