Snowbird s Guide to Wintering in

Transcription

1 Snowbird s Guide to Wintering in THE CANADIAN ALTERNATIVE TO GOING SOUTH Mild, dry winters, lots of activities for seniors & no need for additional U.S. health insurance - just a few reasons why snowbirds across Canada are choosing to spend their winters in this desert haven. 1

2 CONTACT US Destination Osoyoos Main St. Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada V0H 1V0 Toll Free: OSOYOOS Phone: ext TABLE OF CONTENTS About Osoyoos...3 Regional Map...3 Things to Do Osoyoos Map Community Services Health/Wellness Fitness/Recreation Clubs & Organizations...13 This guide was produced by Destination Osoyoos. All material is copyright to Destination Osoyoos and may not be used without written permission of Destination Osoyoos. Government Services...15 General Services...15 Call OSOYOOS or visit destinationosoyoos.com/snowbirds for a full listing of monthly winter rates. 2

3 An annual winter migration has been set in motion! There s an easterly flock of visitors heading to Osoyoos, B.C. Affectionately known as snowbirds, hundreds of Canadians from all points east of Osoyoos return every year, spending October to April at the charming lakeside town of Osoyoos in the southern Interior of BC. Distance to Kilometers Miles Vancouver, BC Calgary, AB Edmonton, AB 1, Seattle, WA Spokane, WA Kelowna Int l Airport Penticton Regional Airport Canada/U.S. Border 5 3 British Columbia Kamloops Located on the northernmost tip of the Sonoran Desert (the same desert that stretches to Arizona and beyond, Osoyoos has a mild, dry winter climate, with pleasing temperatures from October through April and a low average annual snowfall of only 5.4 cm (2.1 inches). Its ideal location on the United States border allows for quick and easy cross border travel for shopping, dining and activities. Positioned at the junction of Highways 97 and 3, the location also allows for easy travel to Vancouver, the Okanagan Valley, the Kootenays and the United States. Although many snowbirds drive to Osoyoos, the two nearby airports in Penticton and Kelowna offer an alternative for those who would prefer to fly. Getting to Osoyoos from either airport is made easy with a regular shuttle service from Penticton and Kelowna the same service you can hop on for a day of shopping in the city Edmonton 2 Alberta Calgary Vancouver Kelowna Osoyoos 3 3 Canada U.S. Seattle Spokane Montana Washington Idaho 3

4 There is so much to see and so much to do in Osoyoos. It is truly a unique destination in Canada and, as proud Canadians, we look forward to many more visits in the years to come. Doreen Megaffin of Boissevain, Manitoba 4

5 Dining options include deli cafés, bistros, fine dining establishments, brew pubs and wine bars offering a variety of cuisines including Chinese, Mexican, Portuguese, Greek, Italian, French, Indian and the increasingly popular local Native American Cuisine. A variety of aqua fitness classes are offered including gentle water aerobics, Aquafit and Aqua Zumba. Several hotels offer public access to their indoor swimming pools. Winter events include Winter in Wine Country, Osoyoos Concert Series, Nk Mip Festival of Trees and the Christmas Lite-Up. Cheer on the Osoyoos Coyotes, the local Junior B hockey team at their home games from the fall through the spring. DID YOU KNOW? Osoyoos has one of the lowest crime rates in Canada FAST FACTS Osoyoos and area boasts some pretty unique statistics that make the area distinct from any other: Population: 4,845 Elevation: 227m (909ft) Home to Canada s only desert environment Home to Canada s warmest freshwater lake - Osoyoos Lake Home to some of the warmest average temperatures in Canada summertime: 28C (82.4F) autumn: 16.4C (61.5F) winter: 1.3C (34.3F) spring: 17.9C (64.2F) Home to an average of 2,039 hours of sunshine annually, an average annual rainfall of less than 25 cm (9.8 inches) and an average annual snowfall of 5.4 cm (2.1 inches) Home to North America s first aboriginal owned and operated winery - Nk Mip Cellars Visits from the grandkids are no problem for snowbirds. The arena, community centre, library, BMX track, Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad, nearby ski hills and a skateboard park provide lots of activity options. 5

6 A short distance away from downtown leads to many pastoral hiking and biking trails. Combine breathtaking vistas on the Lakeshore Drive pathway with a rich historical narrative on the Osoyoos Canal Walkway all possible with easy riding from here to local wineries on the International Hike and Bike Trail. The more adventurous are thrilled to discover more challenging hikes and biking trails in the jaw-dropping beauty of the surrounding desert hills. Call OSOYOOS or visit destinationosoyoos.com/snowbirds for a full schedule of winter activities. 6

7 Unique and fascinating local desert culture and history can be explored at the museum and art gallery as well as the NK MIP Desert Cultural Centre. Cross country skiers and snowshoers can head to the many trails located within a 45 minutes drive. The nearby South Okanagan Events Centre hosts many world-class entertainment acts year-round that appeal to all ages and tastes. Casinos in nearby Penticton and the USA offer vibrant and exhilarating gaming action within an hour s drive. A variety of arts groups and classes offer pottery, quilting, wood carving, photography and more. Unique and stylish boutiques line the streets of downtown Osoyoos offering one of kind clothing, shoes, accessories, innovative gifts, florists, jewelers, baked goods, grocery stores, pharmacies, hair stylists, spas, sweets and treats, health food shops, second-hand treasures, dollar stores and more. Home Hardware which was voted best Home Hardware store in Canada for a very good reason it is a shopping experience not to be missed. 7

8 N To Kelowna OKANAGAN HWY Legend 87TH ST. Elk's Lodge W S E Doctor s Office Pharmacy Grocery Store Walking Trail Park Valley Medical Labratory 92ND AVE. Osoyoos Medical Centre To Vancouver CROWSNEST HWY Kobau Lanes Buy-Low Foods MAIN ST. Legion Canada Post Desert Doctor s Clinic 6 Pharmasave Osoyoos Seniors Centre Shoppers Drug Mart Family Foods Curling Rink & Arena 89TH ST. Sonora Centre/ Library KINGFISHER DR. 2 1 MAIN ST. Cactus Centre Dog Park Tennis Courts 62ND AVE. 62ND AVE. 3 Osoyoos Lake O.S.S. Mini Theatre Osoyoos Health Centre Osoyoos Golf Club 8 Desert Park OKANAGAN HWY To U.S.A Border Crossing

9 Hot Tub 1 Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel Pool Kitchen info@coastosoyoosresort.com Main Street Restaurant Fitness Room Housekeeping Pets on approval Snowbird Activities Sonora Dunes Golf Course 4 2 Holiday Inn &Suites Osoyoos guestservices@pallasgroup.net Toll Free: Main Street Sauna/Steam Room 3 Lakeview Motel & Suites COTTONWOOD DR. 45TH ST. osoyooslakeview@persona.ca th Street Derrick and Sandra Davies (Owners) To Kootenays 4 Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa stay@spiritridge.ca Rancher Creek Road LAKESHORE DR Walnut Beach Resort reservations@walnutbeachresort.com walnutbeachresort.com Toll Free: Lakeshore Drive Watermark Beach Resort info@watermarkbeachresort.com watermarkbeachresort.com Toll Free: Park Place 9

10 COMMUNITY SERVICES HOSPITAL South Okanagan General Hospital Emergency Dept 911 McKinney Rd, Oliver No need for expensive medical insurance and prescription drugs. COMMUNITY HEALTH Osoyoos Health Centre th St Healthlink BC Speak with a nurse 24/7 about your Symptoms; at night, consult with a Pharmacist to answer your medication questions available 5pm-9am everyday. Dial CHIROPRACTORS Osoyoos Chiropractic th Avenue Osoyoos Family Chiropractic 8127 Main St Sunshine Valley Family Chiropractic th Avenue DENTAL OFFICES Dr K G Roberts 8714 Main St Gonzalez Denture Clinic 8522 Main St Osoyoos Dental Centre 8524 Main St Sun Valley Dental Centre 6511 Main St DOCTOR S OFFICES Desert Doctors Clinic th Avenue Osoyoos Medical Centre 7802 Spartan Drive GENERAL HEALTH/WELLNESS Ageless Body Wellness Centre 8205 Gravenstein Drive Bonnie Doon Health Supplies 8515A Main St Cactus Centre Drop-in Wellness Program First Choice Health Store 8511 Main St HEARING Expert Hearing Solutions # Main St HOMEOPATHY Classical Homeopathy th Avenue We really appreciate the at home feeling we get when we stay. Osoyoos is a small community, like the community where we come from, and that small town hospitality is what makes us feel comfortable and happy here. Doreen Megaffin of Boissevain, Manitoba

11 MASSAGE THERAPISTS Osoyoos Massage Therapy th Avenue MEDICAL LABORATORIES Valley Medical Laboratory # Main Street MENTAL HEALTH Desert Sun Counselling & Resource Centre (Better at Home, Women s Crisis Line, Counselling, Advocacy & Referrals, Community Kitchen, Computer Tutor for Seniors, Safe Home project) nd Avenue OPTOMETRISTS Waterfront Eyecare Centre # Main St PHARMACIES Pharmasave Health Centre 8301C 78th St Shopper s Drug Mart 8305 Main St PHYSIOTHERAPY Osoyoos Physiotherapy Clinic 8301A 78th Avenue WELLNESS GROUPS Cancer Support Group Alice Partridge Mood Disorders Association of BC Meets at Osoyoos Health Centre Parkinson s Support Group Maureen Olson Red Cross Medical Equipment Loan (Oliver) South Okanagan Chronic Disease Program Osoyoos Health Centre Victim Services Programs

12 COMMUNITY SERVICES AQUA FITNESS CLASSES Aqua Zumba classes (At Coast Hotel) Aquafit classes (At Adriatic Motel) Gentle Water Aerobics (At Coast Hotel) Call Donna FITNESS CENTRES Breathe Studio Ltd #232, 15 Park Place Curves Fitness Three60 Fitness Studio 8313 Main St Vengeance Fitness Inc th St GOLF COURSES Osoyoos Golf Club Golf Course Drive Sonora Dunes Golf Course 1300 Rancher Creek Road INDOOR POOLS (ACCESSIBLE TO PUBLIC) Adriatic Motel 5505 Main St Best Western Plus 5506 Main St Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel 7702 Main St Holiday Inn 7906 Main St RECREATION CENTRES Desert Park Recreation Complex 3800 Golf Course Drive Kobau Lanes (bowling) th St Osoyoos Seniors Centre 17 Park Place Royal Canadian Legion th Avenue Sonora Community Centre th Avenue Sun Bowl Arena/Curling Rink 9301 Hummingbird Lane Boasting one of the longest golf seasons in Canada, Osoyoos is a golf-lover s paradise. Courses are open until the first snow fall and reopen mid-february. 12

13 A visit to the Osoyoos Seniors Centre, the Legion or the Sonora Community Centre is a great outlet for both social and physical activities. Snowbirds are welcome to join the locals for pickle ball, fitness classes, yoga, tai chi, dancing, bingo, lawn bowling, card games and potlucks. SKI HILLS Apex Mountain Resort Penticton (98 km from Osoyoos) apexresort.com Baldy Mountain Resort Oliver (46 km from Osoyoos) skibaldy.com McKinney Nordic Ski Club (Cross-Country Ski Trails) Amy Encina OTHER CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Artists on Main Ivanna Zita International Curling Club 9501 Hummingbird Lane Kiwanis Club of Osoyoos Donna Kelso O s Own Writing Group Sue Whittaker Okanagan Historical Club Larry Shannon Okanagan Regional Library th Avenue Oliver/Osoyoos Naturalists Club Carol Boan Osoyoos & District Arts Council Tina Begg Osoyoos Art Gallery 8714 Main St Osoyoos Concert Series Tina Begg Osoyoos Desert Bridge Club 17 Park Place Eileen Currier Osoyoos Museum Society 19 Park Place Osoyoos Photography Club Greg Reely Osoyoos Potters Darlene Fillion Osoyoos Wood Carvers Joe Trosky josephft@telus.net Osoyoos Quilt Guild Maureen Wood Rotary Club Judy Miller-Bennett Royal Purple #240 Bonnie Stevens Soroptimists International Kate Kryst siosoyoos@soroptomist.net South Okanagan Amateur Players Nathan Linders South Okanagan Concert Society Janet Marcotte Taoist Tai Chi Debra Holoboff Toastmasters Club Shauna Burbidge

14 Do Winter! Do Watermark Beach Resort! Experience your luxurious one or two bedroom suite with stainless steel gourmet kitchen, en suite laundry, complimentary internet access and local calls, private balcony and secured underground parking. Rejuvinate in the resort s hot tub, steam room and fitness centre. Stay active with the on site Breathe Yoga and Pilates Studio and soothe your senses at the full service Levia Spa. Long stay condo rentals in a full-service resort Daily snowbird activities Next door to Osoyoos Senior Centre Steps to all that downtown Osoyoos has to offer Bring Fido! We re pet-friendly. Planning a family gathering? We re booking family reunions all-year-long. Call us for more information on how we can help bring your family together for fun, sun, relaxation and plenty of things to see and do. 14 watermarkbeachresort.com

15 COMMUNITY SERVICES GOVERNMENT SERVICES Canada Post th Avenue Canada Post (At Pharmasave) 8301C 78th Avenue Canada Border Services Agency Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen 101 Martin St Penticton Town of Osoyoos 8707 Main St GROCERY STORES AG Foods 8130 Main Street Buy-Low Foods 9129 Main St PET SERVICES Desert Dog Agility Club Claudia Sauder Mutts on Maple (Dog grooming) 6216 Maple Dr Satary Stables (Dog & horse boarding) th Ave South Valley Veterinary Hospital Hwy TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION BC Highways Conditions Greyhound Canada Osoyoos Location Let s Go! Transportation (Express Shuttle) Osoyoos many pet friendly accommodations, a large offleash dog park, agility training, groomers, kennels and a veterinary hospital. Osoyoos Taxi South Okanagan Limousine Co South Okanagan Transit System VISITOR INFORMATION BC Visitor 9912 Highway 3 (Junction of Hwy 3 & Hwy 97) Discover Osoyoos 8701 Main Street Ext

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