Osoyoos Parks

Haynes Point Provincial Park

It may not look like it from the Anarchist Mountain Lookout, but Haynes Point Provincial Park is about 4.8 hectares of park that has 41 gravel campsites. This narrow piece of land served as a natural bridge for John Carmichael Haynes and other early settlers to cross Lake Osoyoos. Today, campers flock to set-up camp amongst the cottonwood trees, sage and wildlife to enjoy some recreation in the desert. The density of the campsites on such a narrow swath of land creates the impression of belonging to a close-knit community. Each campsite is situated right next to the water and allows easy access for swimmers, waders and Sun worshippers.

Cottonwood Park

Campers prefer Haynes Point Provincial Park, but swimmers, sunbathers and afternoon strollers should head for the shores of Cottonwood Park on Lake Osoyoos. The park’s sandy beach, benches and picnic tables make it a great place to munch and laze away the day and watch the boaters skim across the water off in the distance. Its well-maintained walkway and gardens offer walkers an alternative to the Pioneer Walkway Trail; wheelchair friendly pathways and viewing benches make Cottonwood Park an enjoyable destination for the handicapped and elderly. Cottonwood Park is also a great place to relax with the family after enjoying a thrilling time at the nearby Rattlesnake Canyon Amusement Park.

South Okanagan Grasslands

This South Okanagan Grasslands is one of the four most endangered ecosystems in Canada, and it is a great place for hiking, biking and nature admiring. Life isn’t so pleasant for rare and endangered birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that struggle to survive in this area. The Grasshopper Sparrow, Big Horn Sheep and Pygmy Short-Horned Lizard work to make a life in this territory of grasslands and open forest. Nature isn’t the only thing to be viewed while hiking or biking through the grasslands; Mount Kobau provides a perfect vantage point from which to gaze at stars on a cloudless night. The grasslands is located West of the Osoyoos Desert Centre and provides some great views of the Okanagan Valley and Spotted Lake.