Osoyoos Desert Centre
Osoyoos Desert Centre
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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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See what other travellers are saying
- Leigh C153 contributionsGreat place to visit - and to supportWe had been meaning to check out the Desert Centre for a couple of years and finally did it - and are very glad we did. It's small (and not expensive to enter), with a little interpretive centre filled with taxidermy animals native to the area, and information about them. There's a small desert "garden" to walk through beside the interpretive centre, with names of the vegetation also native to the area. The highlight for sure is the 1.5 km boardwalk that loops through the conservation area. We took the booklet and did our own tour, but they also offer guided tours, at no extra cost. We happened on one in progress and learned a few things from the guide, and then went on our way. The Centre is working hard to conserve things that are very threatened by loss of habitat due to increased housing, and even the wineries that remove the vegetation that the birds and animals need to survive. We would recommend this visit very much.Visited July 2020Written July 28, 2020
- Laurel MCalgary, Canada829 contributionsWell worth your whileThere 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.Visited September 2021Travelled as a coupleWritten September 28, 2021
- PookyCakeVictoria, Canada13,759 contributionsExplore Canada’s Desert via Elevated BoardwalkFollowing 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!Visited June 2021Written October 20, 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.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
176 reviews
Excellent
96
Very good
54
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
1
tct1976
Toronto, Canada26 contributions
Jul. 2023
My family and I went to the Desert Centre in July 2023. We truly enjoyed our visit, our guide was friendly, and very knowledge about the local environment and fauna.
We were lucky enough to enjoy an hour presentation on the Antelope Brush.
We were lucky enough to enjoy an hour presentation on the Antelope Brush.
Written September 14, 2023
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.
Ady_JD
Welwyn Garden City, UK178 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Couples
We came as a couple. They clearly are putting in a lot of effort to make the place interesting, with exhibits at the start, and a guided walk with information leaflet and information at each point. Or you can join a guided walk. Its a simple relatively short walk , not a hike as such, on a wooden walk way over the desert. We saw a small snake, but not much else, but it was still interesting
Written June 21, 2023
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.
Dale H
Osoyoos, Canada488 contributions
Sep. 2022 • Family
There are a number of displays that show off the colorful and intricate handiwork of the local Indian bands. There is a short movie that helps you get into the culture of this area. The nature walk is full of just that, lots of nature, as well as some life size displays of local Indigenous history. During the summer months they had a snake display and an interesting presentation with and about the local snake species. Take a couple of hours and enjoy this under advertised attraction.
Written June 2, 2023
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.
CathyV63
Vernon, Canada226 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Couples
We had a great trip to the desert centre. The staff were welcoming, friendly and knowledgable. We learned so much. The tour given by Larissa was brilliant. She did a wonderful job of educating us about all the areas on the boardwalk trail. She brought the area to life and her enthusiasm for its ecology was infectious. The centre has great displays about the local flora and fauna and the boardwalk is truly marvellous. They even had umbrellas to borrow if you wanted shade from the sun on your walk. A great place to take anyone of any age. Highly recommend!
Written August 23, 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.
Angie_Cdn_Traveller
Calgary, Alberta67 contributions
Jun. 2022
This was an enjoyable way to spend a morning seeing a slice of Canada that you cannot see in any other place. Go early on a hot day - this is a desert! We did the self-guided tour and it was well marked so you could see what you were looking at/for and we learned lots about this rare ecosystem. Guides are available at two times for no charge, but we preferred to wander on our own.
Written June 28, 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.
chefonthetgo
Sudbury, Canada45 contributions
Jun. 2022
Went and no guides available, 1:30 in the afternoon. Was on the website and it would of helped if we could book online or it told us what time the guides were there. Looked nice . Did not choose todo the walk by ourselves since we had already walked in the desert unaccompanied.
Written June 11, 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.
Dawna K
St. Albert, Canada17 contributions
Apr. 2022
We visited to tour the new boardwalk. So easily accessible for everyone. The staff and volunteers were very friendly. Great place to bird watch.
Written April 25, 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.
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada13,759 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GroovyGrannyat47
Maple Ridge, Canada35 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brigitte L
Calgary, Canada254 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
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Claim your listingOSOYOOS DESERT CENTRE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Osoyoos Desert Centre
- Osoyoos Desert Centre is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Hotels near Osoyoos Desert Centre:
- (0.72 km) Countryside Bed & Breakfast
- (5.69 km) Sandy Beach Suites
- (1.89 km) Shiraz Villa
- (4.77 km) Watermark Beach Resort
- (6.47 km) Spirit Ridge
- Restaurants near Osoyoos Desert Centre:
- (4.64 km) Jojo's Cafe
- (5.35 km) The Sonora Room
- (4.68 km) Backyard Farm
- (4.67 km) Convivia Bistro Cuisine
- (6.51 km) Nk'Mip Cellars Patio Restaurant