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

Sponsored Content - Sep 7, 2026 / 12:01 pm | Story: 630492 Photo: Pink Palm Media There is lots of summer fun still to be had in Osoyoos, including hitting the links. 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. Photo: Wine Growers British Columbia 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. Photo: Destination Osoyoos 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. Photo: Destination Osoyoos This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Back to Homepage Typos News Tips Forums Sponsored Content - Sep 7, 2026 / 12:01 am | Story: 630463 Photo: Contributed The views from Mojave's rooftop patios will be stunning. A new Osoyoos townhome development is banking on something the community has in abundance: sunshine and outdoor living. Mojave, a master-planned development that will eventually include 50 townhomes, is launching its second phase in September, with three-bedroom homes starting at $589,900. Twelve homes have already been built, with five Phase 1 units still available. One of the features that helps Mojave stand apart is found above the homes. Each unit includes a private rooftop patio measuring more than 640 square feet, offering enough room to function as an extension of the home rather than simply a deck. The rooftop spaces offer lake or mountain views, covered areas for shade and hookups for gas, electricity and water. Every rooftop is also engineered to support a hot tub. Phase 1 homes take outdoor living one step further with full outdoor kitchens, while Phase 2 buyers will have the option of adding one as an upgrade. Photo: Contributed The resort-style feel is also expected to expand at ground level. Plans call for a 18-by-36-foot swimming pool, separate hot tub, lounge area and relaxation cabanas, with the amenity area targeted for completion in summer 2027. Eight Phase 2 homes are also expected to be finished by next summer. The new homes will offer about 1,459 square feet of conditioned living space, with three bedrooms and double garages. Two of the homes will also feature elevators. Phase 1 homes are larger, at roughly 1,900 square feet, and include three- and four-bedroom layouts. For buyers looking for more flexibility, some homes also include self-contained ground-floor suites that can accommodate extended family, guests or tenants. Four Mojave homes were constructed with suites, and one suite-equipped unit remains available. Beyond the rooftop patios and planned pool, developer Kaiya Construction has also put an emphasis on energy efficiency and soundproofing. The homes are being constructed to Step Code 4 standards, which makes them about 40% more energy efficient than a conventional code-built home. Each home receives an EnerGuide rating, and includes high-efficiency windows and doors along with a tightly sealed building envelope. Photo: Contributed Extra attention has also been paid to the walls separating neighbouring units. Shared walls are designed to achieve a sound transmission class rating of 61, compared with the building code standard of STC 50. The assemblies include multiple layers of drywall, acoustic insulation, staggered framing and an air gap intended to keep neighbouring noise to a minimum. Modern conveniences are built in as well. Each home comes with a technology package that includes a video doorbell, alarm system and automatic water shutoff valves with leak detection, while garages are wired to accommodate a 240-volt Level 2 EV charger. Phase 1 homes also include a European-inspired appliance package featuring a Blomberg, counter-depth, French-door refrigerator, pro-style gas range and dishwasher, along with an LG washer and dryer. Homes with suites include a second appliance package. Every home is covered by B.C.'s 2-5-10 new home warranty, which means two years of coverage for materials and labour, five years for the building envelope and 10 years for major structural components. Another attractive feature of Mojave is location. Legion Beach Park is about an eight-minute walk, while schools, playgrounds, a splash park and public transit are also nearby, giving the development appeal for both full-time residents and families looking to make Osoyoos home. If that weren't enough, owners are also permitted to rent their Mojave homes. In fact, one unit is currently tenanted and is generating a 5% capitalization rate. More information about Mojave can be found on its website here. Photo: Contributed This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Back to Homepage Typos News Tips Forums Sponsored Content - Sep 5, 2026 / 12:01 pm | Story: 630389 Contributed Welcome to 'Farm Life, Okanagan Lifestyle,' a rare opportunity to own 361 acres in one of British Columbia's most desirable rural regions. Located just four miles east of Lumby, the gateway to the Monashee, in the heart of the North Okanagan, this remarkable ranch offers far more than land. It offers a lifestyle built around agriculture, recreation, family and the enduring value of agricultural property. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Monashee Mountains, this impressive holding features approximately 90 acres of productive hay land, extensive pasture, mature timber and infrastructure designed to support a thriving livestock operation. With strong cattle markets and continued demand for locally raised food products, the opportunity to participate in B.C.'s thriving farm-to-table economy has never been stronger, connecting people to the land, the food and fostering a passion for sustainable dining. The property will be sold on Thursday, Oct. 1. 'Farm Life, Okanagan Lifestyle' is fully equipped for cattle production, featuring quality fencing and cross-fencing, corrals, hay storage, multiple water sources and a heated 35-by-40-foot shop. Whether you are expanding an existing ranching operation, establishing a family farm or pursuing an equine venture, this property provides the foundation for growth in support of future generations. Photo: Contributed The Pan-Abode home has vaulted ceilings, and an open-concept kitchen and living area. At the centre of the ranch sits a beautifully maintained, 1,500 square-foot, Pan-Abode home with vaulted ceilings, an open-concept kitchen and living area, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. A second four-bedroom residence provides additional accommodation for family, ranch staff or guests. Together, they create flexibility rarely found on properties of this scale. The serenity of rural North Okanagan living cannot be matched. The ranch is supported by a drilled well, a shallow well and a pond, providing ample water supply throughout the property. Both homes are equipped with generator transfer switches, offering additional security and peace of mind. The heated shop is serviced by an outdoor wood boiler that also heats the main residence. The hay fields typically produce between 1.2 and 1.5 tons per acre on a single cut, while two large hay sheds provide storage capacity. The balance of the land consists of productive pasture and timber, creating a well-rounded agricultural property capable of supporting a variety of operations. The location is what truly sets this property apart. The North Okanagan is renowned for its moderate climate, long growing season and exceptional quality of life. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, including warm summers and temperate winters, along with access to some of B.C.'s most celebrated outdoor recreation. Back country enthusiasts will rejoice, whether looking at sledding, skiing, hiking or biking, as there is no limit to what can be enjoyed in the area. 'Farm Life, Okanagan Lifestyle' is situated southwest of Monashee Park, known for substantial stands of old growth cedar, spruce and hemlock, and lush green forests that grace the valley, while alpine meadows blossom with colourful wildflowers throughout the spring and summer months. Photo: Contributed Within a short drive, you'll find championship golf courses, pristine lakes, world-class fishing, boating, hiking, snowmobiling and endless backcountry exploration. 'Farm Life, Okanagan Lifestyle' is perfectly situated for winery hopping; explore the high-elevation boutique vineyards of the North Okanagan and Shuswap or venture just south into the famous Lake Country wine region for larger estate views. The communities of Vernon and Kelowna provide convenient access to services, shopping, health care and international travel, while Lumby continues to maintain the charm and character of a close-knit agricultural community. Adding even greater value, much of the property is bordered by Crown land, creating a sense of privacy and open space that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in today's market. As construction costs continue to rise across Western Canada, opportunities like 'Farm Life, Okanagan Lifestyle' become increasingly attractive. The opening bid represents only a fraction of what it would cost to acquire the land, develop the infrastructure, and build a comparable abode with the significant improvements in place today. Whether your vision is cattle production, hay farming, equestrian pursuits, recreation or simply securing a legacy property for your family, 'Farm Life, Okanagan Lifestyle' delivers an exceptional combination of productivity, beauty and long-term value. Set a reminder for sale day, Oct. 1, and discover what life can look like when agriculture, recreation and the Okanagan lifestyle come together on one extraordinary property—361 acres. One parcel. One opportunity. ''Farm Life, Okanagan Lifestyle'' is being offered for sale via online escalating tender by CLHbid.com. Farm Life, Okanagan Lifestyle for updates from time to time. Photo: Contributed This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Back to Homepage Typos News Tips Forums Sponsored Content - Sep 5, 2026 / 12:01 am | Story: 630371 Photo: Contributed Ben Thompson is one of the world's top Elvis tribute artists, and he's coming to the Interior. Elvis would have been celebrating his 92nd birthday on Jan. 8, 2027. The great news is those in the Okanagan can celebrate the King of Rock 'n' Roll on that very date—and others around it—when one of the world's leading Elvis tribute artists comes to the Interior in January. British performer Ben Thompson, the 2018 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest champion, will bring his Elvis Birthday Tour to Kelowna, Vernon, Trail and Kamloops, backed by the Cadillac Kings & Queens Show Band. The tour, which is being presented by LMS Entertainment, will begin at Kelowna Community Theatre on Jan. 6 before heading to Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre on the King's actual birthdate of Jan. 8. The tour will continue at Trail's Charles Bailey Theatre on Jan. 9 and conclude at Sagebrush Theatre in Kamloops on Jan. 10. Each performance begins at 7:30 p.m. For audiences who never had the opportunity to see Presley perform, the production is designed to offer a taste of what an Elvis concert might have been like while taking fans through the different stages of his career. Thompson begins with the young Elvis who helped transform popular music in the 1950s, before moving into the Hollywood years and Presley's celebrated 1968 television comeback special. The show concludes with the jumpsuits, spectacle and music of Elvis' arena and Las Vegas performances of the 1970s. It is a role Thompson has spent much of his life perfecting. He discovered Elvis at the age of five and, by 15, had begun performing as his musical idol, studying Presley's vocals, movements and stage presence. His dedication eventually took him far beyond his native United Kingdom, with performances across Europe, Australia and North America. Photo: Contributed Along the way, Thompson has earned several major Elvis tribute titles. In 2013, he became the inaugural winner of Europe's Tribute to Elvis competition and later became the first international performer to win the Tupelo Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition in Presley's Mississippi birthplace. His biggest competitive honour came in 2018, when Elvis Presley Enterprises crowned him the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner at Graceland. His resemblance to the King has even taken him to Hollywood, as Thompson portrayed Elvis in the 2017 science-fiction film Blade Runner 2049, starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford. Despite the awards and international attention, Thompson says the focus of his performances remains on respectfully recreating Presley rather than reinventing him. That attention to detail extends beyond the vocals. Costumes and staging change throughout the production as Thompson moves from the slick-haired rock 'n' roll star of the 1950s to the black leather of the '68 Comeback Special and finally the elaborate concert looks associated with Presley's later years. Everyone who loved Elvis and those who didn't get a chance to witness his greatness will come away impressed with Thompson's representation of the King. Tickets and additional information for the Kelowna, Vernon, Trail and Kamloops performances—as well as many other shows—are available on the LMS Entertainment website here. This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Back to Homepage Typos News Tips Forums More Think Local articles