Father’s Day is fast approaching and Osoyoos is the perfect place to find exactly what you are looking for to celebrate dad.
From activities and experiences that can be shared with the whole family to unique, locally-made gifts that can be found around town, we’ve compiled an essential list to help make June 18th the ultimate day for the father in your life.
1. CAST A LINE FROM SHORE OR BY BOAT
With over 50 km of shoreline and a depth reaching over 200 feet, Osoyoos Lake is a paradise for dads that love to fish. Bring your boat or book a rental for a relaxing morning on the lake or cast off from shore.
The mouth of Solana Bay on the south side of Motel Row and the bridge on Highway 3 are two favourite local fishing spots. The lake is rich with Bass, Kokanee Salmon, Lake Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, and more for the avid fisher to seek out.
2. TEE OFF ON THE GOLF COURSES
Osoyoos is surrounded by some iconic golf courses so why not treat dad to a round of golf or two!
The long June days are a perfect time of year for teeing off or you can purchase a package to come back and golf during Osoyoos’ warm, sunny fall. Ideal conditions lie on both the 9-hole Sonora Dunes Golf Course and the 36-hole Osoyoos Golf Club. Dad can experience a variety of options that showcase the desert landscape, the lush vineyards and the orchards, complete with the stunning backdrop of Osoyoos Lake.
3. SPEND A DAY IN THE VINEYARDS
An Osoyoos list for Father’s Day wouldn’t be complete without mentioning wine tasting, of course.
With over 50 wineries within 20 minutes of downtown, head to the wine section on our website to start planning the perfect route around the vineyards with Dad.
You could also consider booking a shuttle bus, tour or E-Bike safari in order to experience the wineries in a more unique manner! Learn more about the various wine tours available by clicking here.
4. STOP BY THE DISTILLERY
Osoyoos is known for having 50+ wineries within 20 minutes of downtown, but why not give dad to something different?
Tumbleweed Spirits, Osoyoos’ first distillery, is a must-visit. Crafting quality spirits like vodka, gin, moonshine and other seasonal favourites using local ingredients (think cherries, raspberries, apricots, and more!) Tumbleweed offers a variety of samples at its tasting bar.
The Tumbleweed Distillery is also hosting a special BBQ brisket, tacos, and pulled pork extravaganza on Saturday, June 17th.
5. HAVE A BITE AT THE FLAME
Dad deserves nothing less than an extraordinary dining experience on Father’s Day, and that’s precisely what will be in store for him at The Flame.
From the warm and inviting ambiance to the mouthwatering aromas of Indian cuisine, treat Dad to a meal he won’t soon forget!
The Flame will be running Father’s Day specials all day, including discounts on food and beer!
6. RIDE THE DESERT DIRT
Get off the beaten path and take in some of the incredible views around Osoyoos via trail.
Either bring your own or rent mountain bikes from one of the stores in town and spend a day with Dad exploring one of the 32 different trails that can be found just a short ride from the heart of Osoyoos.
More information about tearing up the desert dirt on two wheels can be found online here.
7. ROAM THE AISLES FOR THE PERFECT GIFT
Whether dad’s a camper, a chef, a master griller or a handyman, the family-run Home Hardware in Osoyoos has everything you need for a creative, thoughtful gift.
From pizza ovens for your backyard to outdoor wood-burning fire pits to all the barbeque sauces and marinades you can handle, this store is bound to have a gift that suits every father’s needs.
8. FEEL THE HEAT
If barbeque sauces and marinades get you excited, take it up a notch by getting Dad a bottle of the locally-made hot sauce from Rooster Mafia.
Rooster Mafia Foods, a Portuguese market found in Osoyoos, offers made-to-order sandwiches, house-made soups, and of course their own hot sauce for any dad that might like a little extra spicy kick.
9. VISIT PHANTOM CREEK FOR A BBQ TAILGATE PARTY
Phantom Creek Estate Winery is inviting you to come “grill and chill” at their epic Father’s Day Tailgate BBQ.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing beverage to wet your whistle and get you in the mood for some serious BBQ action. They’ll have their chef — Chef Alessa — manning the grills, ensuring that every bite is perfectly seasoned and smoky. Dad will be in meat heaven!
But the festivities don’t end there – Phantom Creek is spicing things up with a whisky and ‘Big Reds’ tasting! Their local artisan distiller, Grant Stevely of Dubh Glas Distillery, will showcase his finest whiskies, while their head winemaker Luke MacKinnon, will pour some exceptional Phantom Creek Estates red wines. It’s a tantalizing opportunity to savor the flavors and have a spirited toast to all the incredible dads out there.
More details about the event can be found here.
Tickets can be purchased online here.
10. CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY ON THE FARM
Celebrate dad, grandpa and the father figures in your life with Father’s Day on the Farm, taking place at Covert Farms Family Estate this Sunday, June 18 from 11 am-5 pm. Soak in scenic views and the sweet summer breeze from the rustic open-air log barn. Enjoy locally-sourced charcuterie paired with a great glass of wine, or book a private tasting experience, picnic or campfire cookout. Dads and grandpas will receive a free wine tasting and an organic tomato plant. Cannery Beer and Partake alcohol-free beer will also be available for sale. And, to complete the festivities, enjoy live music from 1-4 pm by South Okanagan local, Stephen Charles Clarke, performing acoustic-electric rock classics!
For more information and to plan your visit, click HERE. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, ages 3 to 18.
