Osoyoos Desert Centre: Hours, Address, Osoyoos Desert Centre Reviews: 4.5/5
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Closed until Apr. 25, 2022
Osoyoos Desert Centre
Osoyoos Desert Centre
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until Apr 25, 2022
About
The Osoyoos Desert Centre is a 67 acre nature interpretive facility where visitors can learn about desert ecology, habitat restoration and conservation of endangered ecosystems in the South Okanagan. Guests are invited to explore Canada’s desert by taking a guided or self-guided tour along a 1.5 km elevated wooden boardwalk. In addition, the Centre features an interpretive facility with hands-on exhibits and a native plant demonstration garden. Visitors can also browse through our Gift Shop, enjoy a snack in the outdoor picnic area, or relax at one of the kiosks and take in the spectacular views.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
168 reviews
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PookyCake
Victoria, Canada12,354 contributions
Jun. 2021
Following a visit to the Nk’Mip Cultural Centre, we made our way to the Osoyoos Desert Centre to experience the beautiful boardwalk we’d seen in many a propaganda photo. We arrived just after 4PM, with the Centre closing at 4:30PM; however, the host was gracious enough to not only permit us entry, but he also encouraged us to take out time on the boardwalk. That, right there, is customer service at its absolute finest!
In any event, we paid the small admission (I think it was about $7 each), were given an interpretive booklet, and started our trek on the 1.5km long boardwalk. Because we were conscious of the time, we didn’t doddle too much and moved at a slightly accelerated pace. Still, we did take time to ponder some of the brief write-ups; in particular, those that detailed the unique desert ecosystem we were privileged to see. By the end of our walk – just under 30 minutes – we left with a solid appreciation for the work being done to restore and conserve Canada’s fragile “pocket desert.”
Outside of a bunny at the trailhead, we did not encounter any wildlife; however, our host – I forget his name – did advise that some had spotted a bear just a few days prior. He also advised us that they were quite elated because funding had recently been obtained to replace the aging boardwalk, which had been built in 1999. Bravo!
I’d say the Desert Centre was my favourite stop in Osoyoos. While the actual Centre is nothing more than a trailer, the boardwalk and its surrounding scenery makes the small admission price more than worth it. As such, this attraction is highly recommended!
In any event, we paid the small admission (I think it was about $7 each), were given an interpretive booklet, and started our trek on the 1.5km long boardwalk. Because we were conscious of the time, we didn’t doddle too much and moved at a slightly accelerated pace. Still, we did take time to ponder some of the brief write-ups; in particular, those that detailed the unique desert ecosystem we were privileged to see. By the end of our walk – just under 30 minutes – we left with a solid appreciation for the work being done to restore and conserve Canada’s fragile “pocket desert.”
Outside of a bunny at the trailhead, we did not encounter any wildlife; however, our host – I forget his name – did advise that some had spotted a bear just a few days prior. He also advised us that they were quite elated because funding had recently been obtained to replace the aging boardwalk, which had been built in 1999. Bravo!
I’d say the Desert Centre was my favourite stop in Osoyoos. While the actual Centre is nothing more than a trailer, the boardwalk and its surrounding scenery makes the small admission price more than worth it. As such, this attraction is highly recommended!
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GroovyGrannyat47
Maple Ridge, Canada31 contributions
Sep. 2021
we visited in September and a lot of the shrubs and bushes were going to seed. We could see animal trails. The gift shop/gallery was very interesting.
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brigitte L
Calgary, Canada246 contributions
Oct. 2021 • Couples
A great experience. The 1.7 km board walk is accessible to all and it protects the environment. Self guided with a great booklet. Take time to read about this very fragile and endangered ecosystem.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alissa P
Pitt Meadows, Canada74 contributions
Sep. 2021 • Couples
Wonderful place! Admission gets you into their small/quaint interpretive centre, and the 1.5km board walk. Great views, lovely staff and a really good self-guided tour booklet. If you love nature and are curious about ecosystems I would recommend! The admission goes to a good cause. Go in the morning if it’s looking hot outside, as there isn’t much/any shade.
Written September 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Laurel M
Calgary, Canada736 contributions
Sep. 2021 • Couples
There are currently only self guided tours available. Using the booklet you’re given at the Centre building, you start your tour here to see the species of animals that live in the desert. Outside, follow the boardwalk through the desert and stop at the numbered rocks and read the description in the guidebook. If we hadn’t done so, we would have missed the burrowing owl hole! There’s so much to look for if you read the guide, several covered stands and benches to get out of the hot sun, a washroom at the Centre building, plenty of parking. It took us about an hour to walk and stop. Bring water if it’s hot and it does get hot here. Check their hours as they close early. For $8 a person it’s certainly a good change of pace from the wineries, water and orchards.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dianne B
35 contributions
Jul. 2021
What a wonderful and very informative visit. Our guide was Andres and he really shared so much information about the desert area and a lot of history on the area. When talking of the animals of the area and the ones that are now permanently gone it made us realize how important this area is and the education that one can lean to share with others. Our guide made sure we had hats and water for the walk that was about an hour or so.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ivan Y
1 contribution
Jun. 2021
We took a guided trip. We be so lucky that Leor gave us a tour. He has a broad knowledge. Thanks Leor. It was a pleasure to walk with you. Take a tour to learn about that beautiful land.
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kim J
Ladysmith, Canada226 contributions
Oct. 2020
Nice place and well worth the admission fee. Did the self quieted tour.
Very interesting that there is a desert in Canada.
Very interesting that there is a desert in Canada.
Written November 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Helen V
Coaldale42 contributions
Sep. 2020
I learned a lot about the desert animals and plants. A very special area with lots of information. The displays in the interpretive centre were well done and very interesting.
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SRR101
Victoria31 contributions
Aug. 2020
Happy to support them with our entrance fee as I imagine staff are volunteers, but not much going on at this place. A nice boardwalk meander through desert land...a couple things to look at along the way...cactus, different plants, moss. Not much else. Was there less than an hour.
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
C M
Richmond, Canada10 contributions
Can you bring your dog here?
Michelle S
Osoyoos, Canada12 contributions
Hi There.
Although we cannot let dogs out on the boardwalk due to risks to the dog such as cactus, scat and heat. Dogs are more than welcome into the interpretive centre. The staff are animal lovers and would be happy to keep your pooch company while you take your tour. We have a water dish and treats (if permitted).
leslori1
Cold Lake, Canada2 contributions
What is the price of admission for adults?
Michelle S
Osoyoos, Canada12 contributions
Hi thanks for the questions.
Adults are $7.00 per person. If over the age of 65 the price is $6.00 and Families (Maximum 2 adults & all children under 18) are $ 18.00.
Our Hours are currently 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. we have guided tours at 10 am, noon and 2 pm.
Other Hours:
Late April - May 15 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
May 16 - Sept 15 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Sept 16 - Early October 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
