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The Osoyoos Desert Centre                                                                                              

^{photo by Kevin Dunn}     

Osoyoos is positioned at the northernmost tip of the Upper Sonoran Desert system that starts in Mexico, and extends through the United States to the South Okanagan Valley. Osoyoos is in the heart of the “Osoyoos Semi-arid Biotic Zone”; meaning it is an antelope brush eco-system and home to a wide variety of plant and animal life that is unique. The Osoyoos Desert Society works hard to preserve and restore a piece of Canada’s only desert. A guided tour on a carefully placed 1.5 km boardwalk meanders through arid shrubs and grasses, a Native plant garden, around a spade-foot toad pond to four interpretive kiosks where visitors earn more about this unique and fragile eco-system Signs of abundant life and biodiversity can be seen here hiding close to the ground.  The South Okanagan has the greatest number of rare species, the greatest richness of species and the greatest number of species resilient to change, as well as the greatest number of species at risk in Canada. The Desert Centre is open seven days a week until Oct., 3km north of Osoyoos off Hwy 97. 5 minute drive from the del Ray. Phone 1-877-899-0897 for tour times.

Nk’Mip Desert & Heritage Centre

^{photo by Robyn Richter}

Nk'Mip Desert & Heritage Centre has a mission to promote respect and understanding of the living culture of the Okanagan People. The Nk’Mip lands are within an unique and fragile eco-system and home to numerous endangered plants and animal species. The desert and heritage Centre aim is to educate visitors with a variety of programs, self-guided trails, and fascinating displays. Visit the outdoor village, explore the desert on a self-guided interpretive trail through 50 acres of Sage grassland and Ponderosa Pine Forests, and check out the gift shop. 10 minutes away from the del Ray. Open daily, for more information call 495-7901.  

Spotted Lake

^{photo by Phyl Schepens} 

Spotted Lake is a rare natural phenomenon, covering 15 hectares. Spotted lake contains one of the world’s highest concentrations of magnesium sulphate, (Epsom salts), calcium and sodium sulphates; eight other minerals , and traces of four more including silver and titanium. In the hot summer sun, the water mostly evaporates, leaving 365 blue and green shallow pools surrounded by white crystallized mineral deposits. 

Legends of Spotted Lake or Kliluk are woven into the Okanagan Valley’s Native Indian heritage. The therapeutic value of the water of Spotted Lake has always proved interesting. The Indians soaked away their aches and ailments in the healing mud and waters. One story cites a truce in a battle so that both of the warring tribes could tend to their wounded in the lake. Spotted Lake  is 8 miles from the del Ray.  Spotted Lake is privately owned, please do not trespass.

Anarchist Mountain Lookout

^{photo by Kelvin Lloyd}

Located east of Osoyoos on Hwy.3.  A short trip by car takes you from 910 feet to 4045 feet above sea level. From here, you can see the South Okanagan Valley as well as part of Washington State. A very spectacular view.

Desert Model Railroad

^{photo used with permission of Ula Pedersen}

Come see the biggest little European Railroad in Canada. 2000 square feet of family fun with more than 500 houses and over 4000 hand painted little people. The Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad is Canada's largest Marklin lay-out, with more than a dozen computer controlled trains running through very detailed landscaping with European style towns and houses. Come step into a fantasy world! If you would like a unique, air-conditioned stopover on your trip through Osoyoos, drop by the railroad and have a look. Caution: Train Buffs have been known to become slightly mesmerized by the volume of exquisite detail available to be seen.  About 5 minutes from the del Ray.

Dominion Astrophysical Observatory

The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory is located northwest of Oliver on White Lake Road It is a world class radio observatory. It is open daylight hours each day for self – guided tours. Scientists conduct tours every Sunday between 2-5 pm free of charge in July and August Call 490-4355 for more information.  About 45 minutes from the del Ray. 

the del Ray

8949 122^nd Ave. Osoyoos, B.C. Canada   phone (250) 495-2565   fax (250) 495-2595   Email- delrayb-b@telus.net