Wine, golf, hiking, cycling, fruit picking and patio sitting still going strong in Osoyoos

The kids are about to go back to school, the temperatures are starting to dip, and the days are getting shorter. It may appear that summer is over. In Osoyoos, however, there is no such talk. There is still plenty of summer fun to be had in the South Okanagan, which is home to Canada's warmest climate. They may be starting to think about getting out the fall coats in other parts of Canada, but not in Osoyoos. In Osoyoos, September is the new August. Warm afternoons, cooler evenings, and bustling vineyards and orchards are calling, which means it's time to squeeze in one more getaway—or discover a different side of Osoyoos altogether. Whether your perfect trip involves wine tasting, golf, hiking, cycling, fresh-picked fruit or simply finding a patio and soaking up the sunshine, there's plenty to fill a September itinerary. Those looking to build a getaway can start with Destination Osoyoos' trip-planning tools , which provide information on getting around, weather and webcams, travel alerts, itineraries and what's open around town. An interactive map can also help visitors find accommodations, restaurants, wineries, shops and attractions. September is an especially exciting time in Osoyoos wine country, as vineyards move into harvest. Tasting rooms, patios and winery restaurants provide a front-row seat to one of the busiest times of the year, with rows of vines beginning to change colour while grapes make their way from the vineyard to the cellar. Visitors can revisit a longtime favourite or use Destination Osoyoos' guide to discover somewhere new. It's easy to make an afternoon—or an entire weekend—out of exploring wine country. September also offers golfers plenty of reasons to keep the clubs out of storage. Warm, dry days and the South Okanagan's extended golf season mean there is still plenty of time to get in a round surrounded by vineyards, orchards and desert hills. Golfers can choose from several courses in the Osoyoos-Oliver area , including Osoyoos Golf Club, Fairview Mountain Golf Club and Nk'Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course. Those looking to turn a round into an overnight escape can check out Osoyoos and Oliver golf packages to combine accommodation and golf while making it possible to play more than one course during a stay. The changing season is also a great excuse to explore the area on foot or two wheels. Hiking and cycling trails showcase Osoyoos' distinctive desert landscape and lake views, while September's milder temperatures can make spending a few hours outside particularly inviting. The harvest isn't limited to grapes. September is prime time at local fruit stands and farm markets , where visitors can stock up on locally grown produce, preserves and other South Okanagan products. The region's roadside stands make it easy to add a spontaneous stop while exploring the valley. Visitors can also spend time learning more about the land and its history through Indigenous experiences in the area. Osoyoos is within the traditional territory of the Syilx people, and opportunities include the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Indigenous food and wine experiences and other ways to connect with the living culture and stories of the region. Destination Osoyoos has assembled more information about Indigenous experiences for travellers interested in incorporating them into their visit. And it wouldn't be September in the South Okanagan without Wine Capital Weekend , which is taking place Sept. 18-20 in Oliver. There will be a kickoff party on Friday, the Cask and Keg Festival on Saturday, and Festival of the Grape on Sunday. Once you have rightly decided that Osoyoos will be a September destination, Osoyoos Visitor Centre is the ideal first stop. Staff can provide maps, recommendations and information on wineries, golf courses, restaurants, events and lesser-known places worth discovering. The visitor centre, at 9912 Highway 3, is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If shopping makes you happy, you can check out the visitor centre or its online store here , and be sure to visit the many shops that can be found throughout town. There are gems waiting to be found. If you are ready to squeeze a little more summer out of 2026, start planning your Osoyoos adventure now. This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.