W Canada Travel

I attended the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival in and around Osoyoos a couple of weeks ago. Apart from all the wine drinking, the highlight was learning about the aboriginal culture in the area.

I was lucky enough to stay at the Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, located within the 200-acre Nk’Mip Resort (pronounced in-ka-meep). It shares the land with the Sonora Dunes Golf Course, Mt. Baldy Ski Resort, Nk’Mip Cellars, a lakefront RV park and campground, and the fantastic Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (1-888-495-8555).

Inside is the Pithouse Theatre with a multi-media performance, another theatre that plays the impressive “Coyote Spirit” film, a gallery featuring local artists and Mk’Mip children’s artwork, and the interesting gift shop. Outside are more interactive stations, rattlesnake “hotels,” a tule mat tepee, and 50 acres of walking trails. Overall, there is 20,000 square feet of space to roam.

The staff are passionate and knowledgeable. I was absolutely thrilled with the experience there and recommend it as a MUST if you’re visiting the Okanagan. It’s open daily from 9:30am – 4:30pm (slightly reduced hours in the winter) and has a variety of tours and special interpretive programs. Definitely good for all ages.