Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
4.4
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
About
The Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre is a 9,000 square-foot interpretive centre that exhibits 2 films, the Inkameep Day School Art Collection, indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits, a 1.5 km walking trail, and reconstructed traditional Okanagan village, and (visitor favourite) interpreter hosted programs which boast a fun filled experience for all ages! The centre is also an architectural marvel, and was built from local, sustainable materials.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.4
523 reviews
Excellent
287
Very good
183
Average
35
Poor
10
Terrible
8
BC-Westcoaster
Vancouver, Canada308 contributions
Sept 2020
The cultural centre provides both historical and current information about the Osoyoos people, and is well worth a stop. Inside there are two short films and some interesting static displays. Outside there are also static displays, and an easy walk to a re-created village and metal sculptures. There is also a 1.5 km walking trail, which I wish we had time to do. Note that your very reasonable entrance fee gives you access for the day (during opening hours), so you can keep your receipt and come back if you want to break up the walks to the village and the longer trail. The gift shop is small but has some beautiful items.
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zack F
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Friends
The staff at the cultural center were amazing to talk to. Derek at the front desk was very passionate about his community and was keen to share and discuss his experiences. Every question we asked was met with a very thoughtful and articulated response. If you are passing through the area I highly recommend stopping at the cultural center and striking up a conversation with these folks!
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Derek here. First, I remember you two. You had great questions and I was more than happy to respond with the answers I felt were accurate. I want to say 'thank you' for a couple of reasons, first and foremost, because you walked through those doors and secondly, because you took the time to ask questions and listen. In our world over ever-evolving education, its easy to get things lost in translation. So thank you (lim limt) for your visitation on that day.
Written May 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lvmom
North Vancouver, Canada9 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
A really lovely and peaceful spot to visit in the summer. My children, age 7 and 10, and I arrived at 9:35am and just missed the first guided tour. The friendly receptionist (Derek) led us to the theatre and we had a private viewing of a 20 min film about the Okanagan band. It is meant for a younger audience (age 7-12) so a perfect introduction for my kids. The walking tour, which began indoors with a focus on art, was excellent and my children and I were engaged the entire time (about 90 min, a bit longer because we stopped in the middle to watch one of the researchers try to capture a transmitter rattlesnake - very exciting). The reconstructed village and metal sculptures are lovely and our guide (Jenna) provided a plethora of stories and information about Okanagan Indigenous history and culture. After the walk, we watched the Snakes Alive show (30 min), which was also engaging and informative. At this point, my kids were starving so we ate our lunch at a beautiful picnic spot with a gorgeous view of the lake, right outside the facility. After lunch, my kids wanted to go back on the walk and check out the village again. We also spent more time examining the desert animals display (mostly snakes) and a nice gift shop. We spent about 4.5 hours at the centre. A highlight of our trip to the Okanagan.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alissa P
Pitt Meadows, Canada77 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
We visited the desert cultural centre in the morning and it was lovely! There are 2 theatre/story rooms that share stories of the coyote. They are very cute, and the interpretive centre is informative. The outdoor area is great for all ages. If you do the loop walk, about 1.5km you come across some different signs and displays. It’s really great, and I would recommend to anyone to learn more about Okanagan First Nations and the desert ecosystem!
Written September 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael Dadson
Langley, Canada108 contributions
Sept 2021
Great family learning experience,.
The NK'MIP Desert Cultural Center is filled with a history of the land and culture, of the Sylix people from the Okanagan First Nations. There are multiple indoors and outdoor interactive attractions. Walking trails help to create an understanding of the land, its uses, the benefits of various pants through history.
I highly recommend.
The NK'MIP Desert Cultural Center is filled with a history of the land and culture, of the Sylix people from the Okanagan First Nations. There are multiple indoors and outdoor interactive attractions. Walking trails help to create an understanding of the land, its uses, the benefits of various pants through history.
I highly recommend.
Written March 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lespo
Brampton, Canada83 contributions
Jun 2022
Considering Canada's disgrace with the history of residential schools we thought it important to visit, and we are glad that we did. Before we even paid entry, the gentleman at the entry point challenged us as visitors to the plight of the indigenous community. It was eye opening, and I felt at loss. But my personal discomfort was good when considering the history. A must visit.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherri M
Stony Plain, Canada30 contributions
Aug 2020
We went with our 13 and 15 year old. The walking tour is excellent as the young lady has some family history to contribute and is exceptionally knowledgeable. You can tell she loves her cultural history and has a strong desire to learn more and pass it along to others. I have a huge phobia of snakes so the trail alone stressed me out but it was so interesting I'm glad I sucked it up. The Snakes Alive show was a no go for me though but my husband and 2 teen boys loved it! The history of the day school there left me wanting to research and learn more. We spent some time with the gift shop owner who shared a bit about the language as well. Such a rich heritage that I hope can be salvaged from the time/years that have been lost.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FarFlungStarling
Qualicum Beach, Canada959 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
It was exceptionally hot and smoky on the day we visited so we were unable to enjoy the outdoor exhibits and desert trails. Inside there are several “movies” one in a traditional “pit” viewing area and the other is theatre style. Both enjoyable and educational. The displays are interesting but somewhat limited. There are a few snake a insect displays but as always it’s like finding Waldo to spot them. There is a very nice gift shop and the building itself is really beautiful inside and out and is accessible by ramps. Two “senior” admissions was $27.30.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OldIrishCurmudgeon
Yarmouth, ME1,063 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
This was a beautiful place to visit, It was informative, educational, and hot as blazes in July. Honestly, learning more about the local indigenous people really helps you appreciate the entire area. would definitely recommend anyone who hasn’t been there yet. Also, it doesn’t hurt having a winery right next-door once you’re done visiting.
Written July 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter C
Vancouver, Canada147 contributions
Aug 2020
I absolutely loved the Desert Cultural Centre. Our guide was informative and the history and story of the Syilx indigenous people who live in the Osoyoos area is fascinating. We spent a full half day at the Centre - the walking tour is a must to have the full experience and learn so much more about the people, the geography and culture of this area.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the centre open during mid October?
thanks
Written April 15, 2018
Good morning. Typically we are open in October, however admission would be by donation unless other wise specified.
Written April 17, 2018
How long do you recommend for a visit to the centre? We would be visiting mid September.
Thanks
Written February 2, 2018
Good morning.
The Centre (as well as Osoyoos in general) winds down slowly around this time. There wouldn't be any guided tours or extra programs like we would during the summer months but it does give the opportunity to explore things at a relaxed pace.
We will have our 2 theatres operational : a 17-minute feature film and a 10-minute pithouse experience. Indoor and outdoor galleries should roughly take an hour or just under to read the signage and the trails are a 1.5 km trail with a replicated village. That should take half an hour or longer.
Thank you for contacting us!
See you in September
Written February 2, 2018
Do you know the Hours of Operation for June & July 2017?
Written February 27, 2017
Marketing Manager Derek Bryson here, the Centre hasn't decided the summer schedule but typically we've been open starting at 9:30am until 5:00 or 6pm. We will be updating the website once we can nail down a more exact time. thank you.
Written February 28, 2017
Hi there...we haven't actually decided whether we will be open in the winter but usually we try to be open for a couple of weeks before Christmas. If you check back on our website after September we will have a definite answer for you. Thank you.
DB
Written July 17, 2016
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