What is an Eco tour?

Ecotourism can be defined as a type of tourism where the environment, local community and visitor all benefit. Eco tours promote ecological awareness and limit the damage done to the environment (for example “Leave no Trace”).

What is the status of the National Park?

In 2004, Parks Canada, launched a feasibility study to create a new national park for the South Okanagan Lower Similkameen. There are several threatened Ecosystems that if no action takes place may be lost to us forever. An initial round of public hearings has taken place, Parks Canda is dealing with isuues from several stakeholder groups.

Tell me about wildlife at risk?

Due to the rich biodiversity of the area, the South Okanagan has the greatest number of species at risk of anywhere in Canada. In total there are 23 Red Listed animals including Tiger Salamander, Night Snake, Burrowing Owl, Sage Thrasher and American Badger. On the Blue list there are 34 species including: Western Rattlesnake, Great Blue Heron, Lewis’s Woodpecker and Nuttall’s Cottontail Rabbit.

How hot does it get during the summer months?

The South Okanagan is noted for it’s warm temperatures, lack of rain and low humidity during the period of June to September. In June the average daily temperature is 26 Celsius (78 Fahrenheit), July and August 29 C (85 F) and in September 24 C (74 F).

Can you tell me about Canada’s only Desert?

The area of the Okanagan Valley from Osoyoos to just a lttle north of Oliver is in the Antelope Brush Ecosystem and is part of the Great Basin Desert. This is a large semi arid plateau which starts in the states of Nevada and Utah in the south and ends in the South Okanagan Valley. There is on average 330 millimters of annual percipatation, some refer to this as a “Cold Desert”.

When is the best time to view birds?

Migrating birds begin to arrive back in the South Okanagan during the months of March and April. From May to early August is the best time for seeing birds. During the peak season one can easily identify 75 to 100 species in a day’s outing.

Do you have any suggestions for accommodation in or near Osoyoos?

There are lots of great places to stay in the South Okanagan, ranging from cozy B&B’s to high-end resorts. Click on this link for a full list of accommodation in Osoyoos.