The summer sun may be Osoyoos’ claim to fame, but autumn is a beautiful time for a fall road trip to desert wine country. The weather’s still warm, the apples are ripening on the trees, and the rolling hills are alive with all the colours of autumn. It’s a more peaceful time to explore the area and the perfect place for a cozy fall getaway.
Tour the vineyards, and take the time to relax amid breathtaking valley views. Enjoy a scenic stroll on our many beautiful lakeshore walkways. Hike or bike in balmier weather on our widespread system of trails. Tee off at one of our picturesque golf courses. And surround yourself in the warm golds and crimsons of the many parks and orchards.
For the latest travel updates for the Osoyoos region visit our Travel Alerts page here: https://www.destinationosoyoos.com/travel-alerts/
HERE’S HOW TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE FALL ROAD TRIP TO OSOYOOS, BRITISH COLUMBIA:
1. CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE
All roads lead to Osoyoos. Well, almost. The little desert town of Osoyoos BC is conveniently located at the junctions of two major highways: Highway 3 and Highway 97. This makes for easy cruising to and from Osoyoos! Will you traverse through the rugged landscape of the Kootenays, or wind down Okanagan wine country?
No matter which direction you choose, and no matter what time of year, one thing is certain: Your next road trip will be memorable and spectacular. Here are some of the best routes to take to Osoyoos for your fall road trip:
HIGHWAY 3 FROM CRANBROOK (5.5 HOURS)
HIGHWAY 97 VERNON TO OSOYOOS (2.5 HOURS)
HIGHWAY 5A FROM KAMLOOPS (3 HOURS)
Road Trip Tip: On your drive, be sure to stop by some of the many roadside fruit stands to stock up on fresh local fruits and veggies
2. BOOK AHEAD
A helpful tip for your fall road trip to Osoyoos is to book your accommodations, activities, and dining experiences ahead of time where possible. Many of our wineries require reservations for tastings and tours, so be sure to plan accordingly! You can also book one of our current travel deals, and save on your stay and experiences.
While booking your accommodations, dining, and activities ahead of time is key to having a well-organized road trip, don’t forget to leave some room in your itinerary for spontaneity!
3. PACK THE ESSENTIALS
Here’s a quick list of some essentials for your fall road trip to Osoyoos:
- Sunscreen: Even in the fall, our desert climate can be warm and sunny, so sunscreen is still a must!
- Hiking boots: Enjoy a trek through the desert in the cool of the early morning, and discover unique plants, birds and wildlife. From Mount Kobau to the historic Irrigation Canal Walkway, the South Okanagan has no shortage of spectacular hiking and walking trails.
- A cooler: Not only will this be helpful to pack some on-the-go snacks or picnic lunch for your roadtrip, but we recommend bringing a cooler for any bottles of wine you want to take back home. This will ensure a proper storage temperature so your wine doesn’t get spoiled when travelling.
- Your dog: Did you know that Osoyoos has tons of dog-friendly options for accommodations, activities, and wineries? That means you can have an enjoyable getaway to Osoyoos with your furry friend!
Road Trip Tip: Leave some extra space for your finds: From shopping our nifty main street, to the many wineries, you’re bound to have more than just memories to bring home after your trip!
4. LEAVE NO TRACE
The natural landscape of Osoyoos and the Thompson-Okanagan includes mountains, valleys, deserts, and everything in between. This is a region that truly has something for everyone. As a Biosphere committed destination, communities like Osoyoos in the Thompson Okanagan region believe in respectful and sustainable tourism for locals and visitors alike. The intent of the Leave No Trace Principles are to be used as guidelines. Every time you go exploring, ask yourself: “Is my action impacting the land in a negative way? What can I do to minimize my impact and leave it unchanged?”. Here are some simple tips to help you leave no trace behind on your travels from Leave No Trace Canada:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Whether you’re visiting family, getting in that much-needed girls’ or guys’ getaway, enjoying a romantic vacation, or taking a solo trip, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime on your fall road trip to Osoyoos.
If you’re looking for more ideas to explore Osoyoos, check out our weekend itinerary ideas for your future trip.
Don’t forget to share your favourite #OsoyoosBC moments and memories with us on Instagram to be featured on our socials and website.
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