Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Osoyoos

Meet one of the Desert's most rare residents, the Pacific Western Rattlesnake at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos, British Columbia. This beautiful snake is a permanent resident of the Centre as it was taken from its home and cannot be returned to an unfamiliar part of the desert. CREDIT: Venture Vancouver, SOURCE: www.venturevancouver.com

The Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre is home to George the Pacific Western Rattlesnake, the Centre's permanent serpentine resident.

STATS

HOURS

RATES

Type:

Activity

Season:

Chinese New Year

Weather:

All Weather

Time:

3 hours

Cost:

What to bring:

Camera, Binoculars, Questions, Sense of Curiosity, Drink, Hiking Boots, Bird Book, Wildlife Book, Plant Identification Book, Sun Glasses, Sunblock

British Columbia's Okanagan region is home to Canada's only pocket desert - learn about this unique ecosystem at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre which combines history, culture and nature to create a learning experience for all ages. Listen to a talk in the theatre, explore the indoor and outdoor displays, meet some of the centre's desert residents and walk the adjoining desert to explore its flora and fauna.

Located at the most southern edge of the Okanagan region and bordering Washington State, Osoyoos, British Columbia is a popular summer destination with long hot dry days which brings visitors from across the province. Osoyoos is also home to Canada's only arid pocket desert, a delicate and beautiful ecosystem which can be enjoyed year round. Learn about this rare and beautiful ecosystem at a one of two desert centres located in the region - the Osoyoos Desert Centre and the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre.

Pronounced 'in-ka-meep', the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre is a must-visit in the Okanagan region. Nestled into the hillside, this state-of-the-art interpretive centre blends seamlessly into the surrounding desert environment. Using materials found throughout the region such as clay, mud and sand, the award winning Desert Cultural Centre overlooks the southern end of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding desert.

Inside this beautiful building, visitors can explore many indoor exhibits such as the history, arts and culture of the Nk'Mip First Nations, two theatres, interactive displays and a range of aquariums which are temporary homes to several dwellers such as the Great Basin Desert Snake (and a permanent home to George the Pacific Western Rattlesnake). Outside, a wide range of outdoor exhibits ranging from cultural buildings and information board to information and displays about desert flora and fauna can be viewed before visitors embark on a short trail through the centre's adjoining desert which leads to the Nk'mip village. Along the trail, quiet visitors can spot snakes, bugs, mammals such as rabbits, deer and coyotes and enjoy the sweeping desert landscape and its unique flora and fauna.

Discover Canada's pocket desert, enjoy the unique landscape and the spectacular views of the Okanagan region. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the country's only desert and the people who have inhabited it for generations.