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Closed until Apr. 25, 2023
Osoyoos Desert Centre
Osoyoos Desert Centre
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until Apr 25, 2023
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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
173 reviews
Excellent
94
Very good
53
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
1
CathyV63
Vernon, Canada223 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.
Angie_Cdn_Traveller
Calgary, Alberta59 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.
chefonthetgo
Sudbury, Canada44 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.
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.
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada13,576 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.
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.
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.
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laurel M
Calgary, Canada767 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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
OSOYOOS DESERT CENTRE - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go
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
- (6.47 km) Spirit Ridge
- (4.77 km) Watermark Beach Resort
- Restaurants near Osoyoos Desert Centre:
- (4.64 km) Jojo's Cafe
- (4.67 km) Convivia Bistro Cuisine
- (6.51 km) Nk'Mip Cellars Patio Restaurant
- (5.35 km) The Sonora Room
- (4.68 km) Backyard Farm