Post Last Modified – May 17, 2022
Osoyoos Desert Centre – Osoyoos, British Columbia
If you love nature walks and are planning on visiting the South Okanagan in British Columbia Canada, then be sure to plan a visit to the – Osoyoos Desert Centre.
A 1.5 kilometer boarded nature walk, within 67 acres of semi-arid shrubland, complete with informative sheltered kiosks and a lovely Interpretive Centre.
Osoyoos Desert Centre – Location
The Centre is located off of Highway 97 and just 3 kilometers north of the Town of Osoyoos.
They are open from the month of May to early October and are open from 9 am to 4 pm most days.
Osoyoos Desert Centre – 67 Acre Nature Interpretive Facility
The Okanagan Desert is the common name for a {semi-arid shrubland} located in the southern region of the Okanagan Valley.
Osoyoos is home to Canadas only desert and with the only – semi-arid shrubland.
This semi-arid, antelope-brush ecosystem is one of Canadas most rare, fragile and endangered ecosystems. It is also home to one of the highest concentrations of rare and at-risk species in Canada.
Osoyoos Desert Centre – Interpretive Exhibits
Upon entering the facility, be sure to spend time viewing the lovely displays and exhibits in their interpretive building.
After checking in and viewing their exhibits, step outside and take a short stroll through their native plant garden.
You have a choice of a guided or self-guided very peaceful nature walk, on their newly constructed 1.5 kilometer wheelchair friendly boardwalk.
My wife and I had a superb morning taking their self-guided walking tour, among this 67 acre nature interpretive facility.
The self guided tour includes a wonderful { Self-Guided Tour Booklet}.
The booklet is loaded with marked points of interest stops and information on the local habitat and wildlife.
Their very informative guide book is included in your visit and if you prefer, can be downloaded from their website, which I have listed below.
Throughout your walk, there are colorful interpretive information signs, along with sheltered boardwalk trail kiosks, to sit and just enjoy nature surrounding you.
Staff will often offer interactive exhibits and a native plant demonstration garden, showcasing the local desert plants.
Theres a nice gift shop and outdoor picnic area as well to enjoy during your visit.
Osoyoos Desert Centre – Non Profit Charitable Organization
The Osoyoos Desert Centre is operated by the – Osoyoos Desert Society, a non-profit charitable organization, dedicated to conservation of the South Okanagans rich biodiversity.
Mission Statement
Their mission is to
Conserve and restore the antelope-brush ecosystem in the South Okanagan and through education increase knowledge, respect and active concern for ecosystems worldwide.
With ongoing;
Conservation .. Restoration .. Research Education .. School Programs .. Outreach Programs
The Osoyoos Desert Society hopes to preserve this vital ecosystem in this beautiful part of British Columbia, and also encourage the same for other threatened ecosystems around the world.
Osoyoos Desert Centre – Facilities
Theres free parking, including room for your recreational vehicle.
The interpretive building and boardwalk trail are wheelchair accessible. One wheelchair is also available at the Desert Centre upon request.
Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk trail, but are permitted to hang out on the shaded area of the deck, with plenty of water provided.
Your pet will be sure to receive lots of love and attention from on site volunteers and staff.
Washroom facilities are available on site.
My wife and I arrived at opening time and enjoyed a wonderful visit to the interpretive center and on the boardwalk.
Staff and volunteers have done an amazing job with the Centre and I highly recommend you visit at least once during your stay in the area.
It is well worth it and also for a great cause as well. You will not be disappointed!
I’ve included the Centre’s Official website link below for your convenience. You can access much more detailed information, included hours of operation, downloadable self-guided booklet and more.
As well, be sure to stop in at the Osoyoos Welcome Centre upon your arrival. They have an excellent tourism centre, filled with loads of information and helpful staff to assist in any way they can.
They also have a great gift shop to browse through when visiting.
Destination Osoyoos Visitor Centre
Safe and Healthy Travels!
Although our visit was provided and in collaboration with Destination Osoyoos Tourism along with Osoyoos Desert Centre, rest assured all content and opinions are that of the author and reflect my personal views only.
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