Osoyoos Desert Society
Osoyoos Desert Centre Tours
The Osoyoos Desert is a 67-acre nature interpretive facility showcasing one of Canada’s rarest and most endangered habitats. You are invited to explore this unique desert environment by taking a tour along the Centre’s 1.5 km boardwalk trail. Admission includes your choice of a guided or self-guided tour, entrance to the interpretive centre and access to the native plant demonstration garden.
Important Information
Admission to the Desert Centre is the same whether you take a guided or self-guided tour – choose the option that works best for you. Guided tours last approximately one hour. Self-guided tours vary depending upon your pace; most visitors take about 40 to 45 minutes.
Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. Also – since tours are outdoors – hats, sunscreen and water bottles are recommended during warmer weather; jackets and sweaters on cooler days.
The Desert Centre and boardwalk are wheelchair and stroller accessible. One wheelchair is available at the Desert Centre. Please call ahead to have it ready for guest use.
Washroom facilities are available on-site, but there are no food service facilities at the Desert Centre. You are, however, welcome to bring a lunch or snack to enjoy at the picnic tables located in our Main Plaza.
There are a variety of interactive displays inside the interpretive centre for you to check out either before, or after, your tour. A Gift Shop and resource library are also available.
For the safety of your pet we do not allow dogs on the boardwalk. We are happy to watch your dog inside the Desert Centre for you while you are out on tour.
If you have any questions or need assistance during your visit, please let us know. One of our staff or volunteers will be happy to assist you!
Public Tours (Self-guided)
Available late April to early October
Self-guided tours are available daily from late April to mid-October. A tour booklet is provided to guide you to marked stops along the boardwalk and highlight interesting facts about the habitat and wildlife. The booklet is available in several languages including English, French, Dutch, German and Japanese. Desert Centre admission includes your choice of tour (self-guided or guided), entrance to the interpretive centre and access to the native plant demonstration garden.
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Public Tours (Guided)
May 16 through September 15
Starting in mid-May, guided tours are offered daily at 10:00 am, noon and 2:00 pm. Tours accommodate all ages and are led by a trained, interpretive guide. Themes vary depending on the ages and interests of the tour participants. Desert Centre admission includes your choice of tour (guided or self-guided), entrance to the interpretive centre and access to the native plant demonstration garden.
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School Tours
Available year-round
Private, guided tours for school groups (elementary through post-secondary) are available upon request. Each tour is led by a trained, interpretive guide and topics can be tailored to meet the educational learning outcomes and/or curriculum objectives of your group. The education group rate is $5 per person and advance booking is required. Entrance to the interpretive centre and native plant demonstration garden is included.
Click here to Book a School Tour
Group Tours
Available year-round
Private, guided tours for groups of 10 or more are available upon request. Each tour is led by a trained, interpretive guide and can be themed to suit the particular interests of your group. The fee is $6 per person and advance booking is required. Entrance to the interpretive centre and native plant demonstration garden is included.
Click here to Book a Group Tour
Feature Tours
As scheduled
The Desert Centre offers Feature Tours on select dates during the summer. The tours focus on a specific topic and are typically scheduled outside regular operating hours to provide an exclusive group tour experience. Fees are $10 per person and advance registration is required. Featured tours during the 2013 season include Early Bird Tours and Night Owl Tours.
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