OKANAGAN VALLEY - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 360

As in the rest of British Columbia, July-August is by far the busiest time of year in the
Okanagan. This is when temperatures are at their highest and the waterways at their busiest.
If you're planning on camping, reserve a spot as far in advance as possible, especially at
commercial lakeside campgrounds. As a general rule, the summer weather will be hot and
windy along the valley floor, with temperatures cooling off as you climb into the surround-
ing mountains. Take this into consideration if you don't like the heat, and plan on staying
somewhere like Beaver Lake Resort, in the hills east of Kelowna, or Silver Star Mountain
Resort, near Vernon.
Osoyoos and Vicinity
This town of 4,900 is nestled on the west shore of Osoyoos Lake, Canada's warmest fresh-
water lake (up to 24°C, 75°F in summer). The town itself also boasts Canada's highest
year-round average temperature, so locals and visitors alike flock to the lakefront and Gyro
Community Park, where a floating swimming pool provides the perfect spot for cooling
off.
The town is in a desertlike setting, which is a feature of the two attractions detailed be-
low, or you can take to the sagebrush-lined fairways of Osoyoos Golf and Country Club
(Golf Course Rd., 250/495-3355, greens fees $82) for a very un-Canadian-like golfing ex-
perience.
SIGHTS
MM Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The Okanagan Indian Band, whose land spreads along the east side of the lake, are one of
the most progressive in North America. They own and operate a number of very success-
ful enterprises; among those most visible to visitors will be the winery, golf course, resort,
and campground. Their culture is showcased at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre (1000
Rancher Creek Rd., 250/495-7901, 9:30am-4:30pm daily April-June, 9:30am-8pm daily
July-Aug., 9:30am-6pm daily Sept.-mid-Oct., adult $12, senior $11, child $8), pronounced
“in-ka-meep.” Integrated with the surrounding desert, the main building is filled with dis-
plays telling the story of the First Nations people and their close relationship with the land.
The documentary Coyote Spirit, shown regularly in a larger theater, is particularly endear-
ing. There's also a display of desert critters. Outside, interpreters present various programs,