As September brings cooler temperatures to much of Canada, Osoyoos remains an oasis of warmth and adventure.
Visitors here can continue to enjoy golfing, hiking, sightseeing, and leisurely water activities. For those with a need for speed, a visit to Area 27 Motorsports Park in nearby Oliver offers thrilling high-octane experiences.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation or excitement, Osoyoos is the perfect destination for exploration and discovery.
Area 27 is a membership-based luxury motorsports club that allows you to experience the classic Grand Prix circuit with a gorgeous view of the South Okanagan Valley. Located just north of Osoyoos, the 4.83-kilometer circuit is designed and engineered by pro racecar drivers with sixteen turns flowing through the elevation changes.
Fret not about your skill level because Area 27 has an impressive team of experienced coaches including Chief Instructor Kees Nierop.
Hopping in the passenger seat with this legend, there’s an immediate sense of ease. He’s cool and calm as he cruises down the track—it makes sense given his extensive history as a professional driver.
“My experience in racing started back in 1975 so we’re talking about 49 years in the sport,” says Nierop. “Racing is a fantastic sport if you know what you’re doing, to be totally focused on it and forget everything else in life.”
The Dutch-Canadian is the winner of the legendary Sebring 12 Hours of Endurance Race and Canadian GT-1 Champion. He was also the Porsche factory driver at LeMans France and at Daytona Beach, driving the iconic Porsche Supercar.
For those who prefer a bit less speed without sacrificing power, the ZR2 Off-Road Academy is the perfect choice. Here, you can get behind the wheel of a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado or Colorado ZR2 and safely learn the art of off-road driving. It’s a thrilling way to experience the rugged terrain while mastering new skills.
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Drivers will be able to safely maneuver down a steep hill, cross uneven terrain, and even drive across narrow pathways using the ZR2’s built-in.
“You come out here and you play and it’s a different world. It’s totally out of your comfort box, but you go home with a big smile,” Nierop adds.
After a day of adventurous driving, head to Spirit Ridge Resort for some fine wine and gorgeous grub.
The Bear, The Fish, The Root, and The Berry is a dining experience that weaves together local ingredients with modern and traditional Indigenous-inspired dishes. The restaurant’s name comes from the chaptik story from the First Nations people of the Okanagan.
Chef Murray McDonald serves up a menu that bridges innovation and inspiration to create dishes like the Elk Osso, Husk Grilled West Coast Salmon Steak, and Bannock & Spreads.
“Our menu is inspired by First Nations from the land, but we are also representing the Okanagan and what they have to offer from the farmers and the fishermen,” says McDonald.
McDonald hails from Newfoundland and went to culinary school in Prince Edward Island. He honed his culinary talents abroad in Bermuda, China, New Zealand, and Mexico before returning to Vancouver to open the acclaimed Fairmont Pacific Rim and then helped open the Fogo Island Inn in his home province.
But what brought him to the Okanagan and specifically, Osoyoos? It’s simple.
“I wanted the nice weather and beautiful summers. I moved here five years ago and haven’t looked back.”
The dining experience is elevated with a bright and beautiful dining space full of airy textiles and wood finishes. Even though it’s cooler in the fall, don’t be afraid to sit outside on the patio, especially with a vast view of vineyards and mountains.
No trip to Osoyoos is complete without a visit to Nk’Mip Cellars, North America’s first Indigenous-owned and operated winery. Their VQA wines are a tribute to the Osoyoos Indian Band, celebrating their rich history, vibrant present, and promising future.
Under the expert guidance of Estate Winemaker Justin Hall, Nk’Mip offers an impressive selection of wines that beautifully capture the region’s exceptional grape-growing conditions. Whether you’re enjoying a glass on a hot summer day or a cool fall evening, Nk’Mip’s wines are sure to leave a lasting impression.
“The Osoyoos Indian Band has left 1,000 acres of the best pocket desert open, and we grow some of our red grapes just on the outskirts. It really gives you concentration and power in the red wines…fruit that you just can’t get anywhere else in the world,” says Hall. “It’s such a beautiful place.”
Whether you’re planning a local escape of a few days or longer, Osoyoos continues to deliver the warmest welcome well into the cooler months.
