More British Columbians are sticking near home for travel, and those looking for unique destinations this winter can find one just a few hours away.
National Geographic recently highlighted Osoyoos as B.C.’s “secret winter oasis,” with its arid ecosystem a selling point for visitors.
“Osoyoos draws snowbirds from across the country for winter wine, farm-to-table dining, and outdoor adventure,” proclaimed writer Vivian Chung for National Geographic.
Destination Osoyoos
Osoyoos in the Okanagan Valley is one part desert, one part lake life, and one part wine country, making it a travel destination that makes “must-visit” lists regularly.
“While summers are famously sun-soaked, it’s winter that has become Osoyoos’ most compelling season,” said Chung.
“When much of Canada is locked in heavy snow, temperatures in Osoyoos often hover just above freezing, snowfall is limited, and sunny days are common.”
National Geographic highlighted several facets of life in Osoyoos that are attractive to visitors, including its sense of community and outdoor activities like birdwatching and hiking.
rawmn/Shutterstock
Chung also spotlighted several local businesses — including Watermark Beach Resort, Nk’Mip Cellars, and Backyard Farm — that made the town special.
“The area’s landscape features vineyards, orchards, and farms that produce everything from stone fruit and apples to peppers, tomatoes, squash, and herbs,” said Chung. “For local chefs, seasonal cooking makes sense, and makes farm-to-table dining a defining part of Osoyoos’ food culture.”
This is the second time in less than a month that Osoyoos has been showcased to visitors from across Canada.
On a recent list of Airbnb’s surging under-the-radar domestic travel destinations this winter, three B.C. spots made the list, including the Okanagan Valley spot.
“This winter, Canadians are continuing to embrace the rise in domestic travel, rediscovering the beauty, variety, and charm waiting right in their own backyard,” said Airbnb in a release.
“From snow-dusted mountain towns to forested hideaways, travellers are choosing winter getaways that feel both familiar and fresh—and sometimes just a short drive away.”
The full National Geographic spotlight on Osoyoos can be found online.