Visit Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos

Samantha Sito

6 years ago

View of the okanagan mountains in osoyoos BC wine country

Visiting the Watermark Resort with my family was something special! Being in Vancouver for the last 6 years, it’s surprising that I haven’t made the trip down to Osoyoos in the Okanagan. For those of you who are unfamiliar, the Okanagan is famous for spectacular views, and being a hub for vineyards. It is located on the south end of the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia.

Disclaimer: Accommodations during our stay was by compliments from Watermark Beach Resort. Tastings at all wineries were also provided by each vineyard. That said, all thought and opinions are my own.

Getting to Osoyoos:

By car, it takes you approximately 5 hours from Vancouver, depending on traffic.

By plane, it takes you about an hour to fly in to Kelowna International Airport. Followed by an approximate 90 minutes drive to Watermark Beach Resort.

I do recommend taking the drive as it is so beautiful. You get stunning views of the mountains and lakes during the drive.

The only caution is to ensure you start the drive early as there are very little to no street lights, and the roads get pretty windy. Go slow, and be cautious of wildlife (we saw a deer in the middle of the highway).

Oh, and pack food & water! More tips on packing HERE!

Where I stayed: The Watermark Beach Resort

The Watermark Beach Resort is located right by the Okanagan Lake, serving a stunning view of the mountains, water and is in the heart of the town. As you drive into the town, you will see a huge Boston Pizza sign. The restaurant is connected to the resort and is very convenient if you plan to grab a quick bite arriving late.

Who called for an 11 pm, Medium Pizza delivery? We sure did.

We were staying in the 2 bedroom, lakeside view suite in Watermark Beach Resort and it is divine.

The 2- bedroom suite comes with a kitchen, living room, a master bedroom, second room, outdoor patio facing the mountains and pool. Both bedrooms have a queen-sized bed, as well as a queen pull out sofa bed. Oh, plus 2 bathrooms, which is PERFECT for bigger families. I have a family of 5, and we need our space.

I share about my experience staying at the hotels in Japan, Vegas and Hawaii as well- all of which I think is great for families too!

The Watermark Beach Resort is a very family friendly resort. Kids and families are seen rather frequently throughout the resort. There is a pool + slide, hot tub, BBQ areas that you can book in advance, a game & movie room. In addition to that, you can rent Stand Up Paddle Boards, Kayaks, and relax with Beach Yoga that’s available to guests.

My favourite part about staying at Watermark Beach Resort is the beyond stunning views. I take for granted how beautiful BC is, but it’s nice to sit down, have breakfast and stare at a view that literally looks like a Bob Ross painting.

I also love how close everything is to the resort. Mind you, stores and most restaurants are closed by 7 pm. In the day though, it’s easy to walk around town and drive to the vineyards that are 10-20 minutes away.

Things to do in Osoyoos: Winery Hopping, Fruit Stands and U-Picks

I sure love wine

I paid a visit to three wineries during my stay. These wineries are family-friendly and my brother who is still a minor, still had fun taking in the views and food.

Here are the wineries that I love:

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards + Miradoro Restaurant (15-20 minutes via car from Watermark Beach Resort)

I am blown away by how beautiful the Tinhorn Creek Vineyard in Osoyoos is! The drive uphill is a spectacular sight and when you reach the top, you catch the beautiful skyline of the mountains.

My family went on the guided tour through the winery. There is so much to learn about the process behind creating high quality wine. Our lovely tour, Zola took us through the learning about the grapes, and the various flavour notes within each wine.

Bring your family as there are several activities that you can do! There is the Golden Mile Trail that you can hike as well.

Grab a bite to eat, while indulging in wine that isn’t available for sale at Miradoro Restaurant while you’re at it!

*My favourites from the tasting are the Pinot Noirs (Reds), Old 2Bench whites and Chardonnay!

NK’MIP Cellars and the Sunset Lounge (8 minutes via car from Watermark Beach Resort)

The NK’MIP Cellars (pronounce it as In-ka-meep) is one that tops the list! NK’MIP Cellars is conveniently a mere 8 minute drive from Watermark Beach Resort. NK’MIP is the first Aboriginal-owned winery in North America. This inspires the names of the wines and on the cap of the wine bottle, you will see an illustration of a turtle. This turtle illustration plays an important role, as it is a symbol of mother nature and giving back to the Earth.

A good story only makes the wine taste even better.

I don’t know if I have a favourite because we brought home with us a whole lot of wine 😉

The views at the Sunset Lounge/Patio Restaurant feels just like I was dining in Italy. You get a fantastic view of the mountains and water with their alfresco dining concept.