Best Pacific Northwest Family Adventures Along Highway 97
Photo:
Ride in a vintage pick-up at Covert Farms in Oliver, B.C. Credit: Heather Larson
Osoyoos and Oliver, British Columbia
Osoyoos Lake, one of the warmest in the country, has “jump in” written all over its sky-blue waters. Besides the lure of the warm water, signs for wineries and produce stands come into view around every bend in this area, enticing you to stop.
At the Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad, visitors talked about their amazement at the size and detail of the display. Poul Pedersen, the chief engineer, told us he’d been working on this wonderment for 18 years. His wife, Ulla, paints the miniatures. While there, make sure the kiddos push the “Try Me” buttons.
At the Nk’Mip (pronounced in-ka-meep) Desert Cultural Centre, we listened to an interpreter tell one of his First Nation’s legends. The smell of wild sage and the view of a reconstructed village brought the story alive.
Oliver’s Covert Family Farms hosts tours twice a day through its organic fields and vineyards. Guests ride in a vintage 1952 Mercury Pickup Truck. You get a chance to pick what’s ripe — for us it was strawberries that tasted like pure sugar. Top off your visit with a charcuterie board and a wine tasting; or fresh apple juice for any minors in your party.
Eat: Wildfire Grill, Medici's Gelateria & Coffee House, Oliver Eats Ltd.
Retreat: Coast Oliver
For more ideas, visit: Destination Osoyoos, Oliver Tourism Association
