Photo credit: Christina Marie photography
He’s finally here! Baby Asher, the latest member of this adventure family and while I can’t wait to be adjusting his diving mask for him. I have to remember that these moments go by too fast as it is.
After four years, I had nearly forgotten that newborns are sorcerers with time.
All at once, they make days feel endless – as you start to grow into the couch cushions from sitting there feeding for so long, and then you blink and they’re running around pretending they’re a PJ Mask.
Being in the ‘permanent couch fixture’ stage, I was feeling squirrely so we decided it was time for baby’s first adventure.
Photo credit: Christina Marie photography
I’m going to be real about this for a hot minute – traveling with a one year old around the world was amazing but traveling with a newborn two hours from home stresses me right out!
Every baby is different but both of mine came into this world knowing exactly what they wanted – to eat every hour on the hour and sleep the rest of the time. If they’re not getting to do those things, they make their unhappiness known to all. Loudly. Suffice it to say that it gives me a little anxiety to think about leaving the house. To get over my fear of having strangers give me and my hungry, screaming baby the stink-eye, we go out.
I lean in to the discomfort and go out and we continue having adventures.
This is our summer day-trip series of beautiful places to spend a morning, an afternoon, or a whole day enjoying the diversity of the Okanagan. If you’re not stuck on the couch feeding a ravenous baby, or even if you are, I hope you’ll take your family and get out there!
Photo credit: Juliana Loewen
Anyone who has been to Osoyoos in the off season wouldn’t recognize the swaths of people in the summer months.
With beautiful beaches, warm temperatures, and things to do for all ages, it’s no wonder the South Okanagan receives 350,000 visitors per year.
Photo credit: Juliana Loewen
If you enjoy wine, you might not even make it to Osoyoos, as the road from Kelowna is lined with world-renowned wineries.
See Yah Later Ranch, Blasted Church, Wild Goose, NK’Mip Cellars, and Burrowing Owl are among some of our favourites.
Don’t be shy just because you have littles in tow. Okanagan wineries are family-friendly and see many kids during the tourist season.
The kids will love the Okanagan’s many winery dogs, the sparkling apple juice, and colouring sheets so you can love some crisp Viognier.
Photo credit: Juliana Loewen
Once you’ve arrived in Osoyoos, here’s a list of reasons your family will make it an annual trip:
1. The Spotted Lake
This small lake has a high concentration of minerals that result in lily-pad shaped ‘spots’ when the lake’s water evaporates.
It’s best to visit later in the season when the water starts to go down rather than during early summer months when the water is high and the spots are less pronounced.
2. Rattlesnake Canyon
This small theme park has free admission so you can peruse the rides and scope out the best ones.
You’ll find bumper boats, go-karts, trampolines and more.
Photo credit: Juliana Loewen
3. Haynes Point
Osoyoos has many amazing resorts but if s’mores and bush pies are more your thing, you have to camp at Haynes Point.
This provincial campground’s 41 spaces line a narrow spit that sticks out into the warm waters of Osoyoos Lake. Almost every site is lakeside with a stunning view.
Keep in mind, reservations are required and very difficult to obtain so book early.
Photo credit: Juliana Loewen
Other fantastic places for your itinerary:
The Osoyoos Desert Society
Gyro Beach
Jack Shaw Splash Park
Pioneer Walkway Park
Join us on our BC adventures @loewenlifestyle and message us with your favourite day trips and activities around the Okanagan!
