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Daytime
temperatures during the summer months average around 38C/100F and dropping
to 16C/60F at night.
Osoyoos elevation is approx. 910 feet above sea level.
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Osoyoos Maps |
Some Local History |
Spring greets
Osoyoos with orchards in full bloom. Blossoms of peach, apricot, cherry,
plum, pear and apple trees spill over the valley hillsides in drifts of
pink and white petals. The first orchards were planted in the early 1900's
and it was soon discovered that the area could produce excellent fruit.
Osoyoos harvests the earliest fruit and vegetables in all of British
Columbia and Canada. Crops grown in the Osoyoos area are harvested 10 to
14 days earlier than the more northern growing areas of the Okanagan
Valley. In a good year, ground crop farmers can get three excellent crops
of vegetables grown, harvested and sent to market.
Osoyoos
area fruit trees are in bloom from the end of March thru the 3rd week in
April
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Fruit and Vegetable Harvest Dates
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Wine
Industry: While History tells us that grapes have been grown in the
South Okanagan as far back as the late 1800's, it's only recently that the
100 miles of the Okanagan Valley have gained international attention, as a
world-class wine production area. More than 3000 acres are currently under
cultivation, producing premium grape varieties. More vineyards are being
added each season. The arid climate, with sunny days and cold nights, is
ideal for the wine industry, and today on Highway 97, south of Okanagan
Falls, more than 20 picturesque wineries produce a wide variety of wines,
and welcome you to their tasting rooms. The Annual Fall Okanagan Wine
Festival presents more than 100 events for you to enjoy, including winery
tours and sample tasting.
Osoyoos: (we pronounce it "oh-sue-use") is a native word meaning
the narrowing of the Lake. These 'narrows' are visible from the bridge on
Highway # 3 east, and from "The Spit" along East Lakeshore Drive
(Campground Row).
Osoyoos Lake is Canada's warmest fresh water lake, with summer water
temperatures reaching 75F (24C). In spring and fall, the lake provides
excellent fishing for bass and rainbow trout.
The population of Osoyoos according to the 2001 census is 4295.
Undoubtedly, it's grown since then. The area population probably accounts
for another 2500 - 3000 people.
Osoyoos is a full-service community, with Schools, Churches, and
Recreation Facilities. Medical and dental needs are met locally, and the
South Okanagan General Hospital is in Oliver, a short 12 miles / 20 km
away.
Osoyoos Residents and visitors enjoy skiing on Mt. Baldy or at Apex.
There's an international curling club, ice arena and bowling lanes.
Golfers enjoy superb facilities from early spring right through until
November. Osoyoos golf courses are among the first Valley courses to open
in March and the last to close in November.
Osoyoos has gained recognition as a retirement community thanks to short
winters and hot dry summers. The Senior Citizens have an energetic
organization and offer a wide variety of activities in the Senior's Centre
at the foot of Main Street.
Banks, Credit Unions, shops and services are all well represented in the
community, and a walk along Main Street provides a wide variety of
businesses to fill all your needs.
During the summer months, Osoyoos is a busy and very popular tourist
destination, however throughout the rest of the year, residents enjoy all
the benefits of small town life: slower pace, friendly neighborhoods, and
community events that invite your participation.
Osoyoos -
Sunshine and Fine Wine!
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