Lake Osoyoos State Park

About Lake Osoyoos State Park

The lake is a 14-mile lake that extends several miles north in British Columbia and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in North America. Surrounded by a hot, dry environment, the park offers a unique combination of natural beauty, scenic views and a variety of animal species.

The park has an extensive lawn that leads to the sandy shore of the lake, and in the park there is a war memorial.

The average annual rainfall is 13 inches, with 10 inches falling in cooler temperatures and no snowfall. In summer it is hot and dry with temperatures around 80 and 90 degrees, and in winter it is cold and rainy with a few centimetres of rain.

The park was named Lake Osos after the American Legion, which handed over part of the land to the state. In 1998, the veterans group donated plaques and memorials to veterans who served their country in war and peace.

The indigenous people originally called the lake Soyoos, which means narrowness, and the Indians historically used the area as a campground for horse racing. In the mid-19th century, the same area was used by miners and cattle drivers along the Caribbean Trail, as well as by hunters and trappers.

The park has a total area of 1.5 million square meters of water and is both motorized and non-motorized, as well as other water sports, permitted.

Day tickets are available for $5, and annual tickets can be purchased at the park office when staff is available. Annual permits can also be purchased online or in person at Lake OSOYOOS State Park, if available, or by calling 1-888-743-5555.

The park has a bathhouse for bathers in the lake, and there are nearby, as well as a swimming pool and a picnic area. In winter, you can go ice fishing, ice skating or fishing with a fishing license.

The park is located on the north side of Lake Oroville, south of the intersection of Interstate 5 and Highway 99. Drive south or north on this highway and look for the park just behind the Prince department store. The park was a great place to walk or cycle from the Oro district, or to go on foot or to walk in and out of OroVILLE.