Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre

I loved my experience here. Since I showed up at the end of the day, I wasnt charged a fee as I wasnt able to get very far but its a very spiritual place. I loved the trails, I love the facility, I loved the power you can feel of the people whose land it is. Im Cree from northern Saskatchewan and the young lady at the gift shop was from North Battleford Saskatchewan, that was a nice little laugh for us. I enjoyed my time and bought a Kokum scarf and some earrings.

The Centre was really good! I recommend visiting in the early morning or afternoon for a better chance to see wildlife. We only spotted some birds, unfortunately. The customer service was amazing. We had our little dog with us, which is usually not allowed in the park. Since it was hot outside and we couldn’t leave her in the car, the reception kindly let us bring her in and prepared a room with AC where she could stay comfortably in her box. Overall, it was a great experience, and I highly recommend visiting—especially for those who want to escape the dry, hot weather! 😬

Worth every penny going for a learning experience indoor and outdoor. It takes you on a desert hike with some interactive displays. Sent a leisurely good 2 hours here. Very safe for a single person to explore on their own as well. Buy tickets at the front door in the building.

An absolute gem and must visit! The girl at front desk was so welcoming and helpful. Their new interactive exhibit ‘Tricksters’ was great as well but my favorite was the outdoor trails among the sagebrush and the village. Oh and the architecture of the building is just as brilliant!

Our visit to the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre was an absolute highlight of our trip. The admissions fee for our family of three was very reasonable, and the ticket agent was exceptionally kind, friendly, and helpful. Since it was a Sunday, she even gave us a 15% discount, which was a pleasant surprise. She took the time to explain the loop trail and informed us about the day’s events, which made our experience smooth and enjoyable. The museum itself offers rich and thoughtful displays about the history and culture of the Okanagan people—both engaging and educational. The 1.5 km loop trail was easy to walk and full of interesting sights, including opportunities to learn more about desert ecology. Along the way, we found plenty of great spots to take memorable photos. One of the highlights was the snake presentation in the theatre, led by a biology researcher. She was knowledgeable and engaging, offering fascinating insights into local wildlife. Parking was plentiful, the hiking experience was excellent, and the entire atmosphere of the centre was peaceful, informative, and family-friendly. We highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area—it’s well worth it.

Wonderful cultural and geographical interpretation centre. I suggest going early in the morning at the heat is oppressive in the afternoon and the trails have little to no shade. Even in our short visit as we showed up just before closing time I learned a lot and enjoyed the experience. We will return another time and walk the full trail.

A Truly Special Place – Worth Visiting More Than Once! We loved our visit so much that we came back the very next day! The area is rich with natural beauty—plenty of wildlife to observe and listen to, peaceful pine trees to rest under, and well-maintained shared spaces that make it easy to relax and connect with nature. One of the highlights was exploring the village and learning about the history and culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band. It added so much depth and meaning to our experience. This place is a perfect blend of serenity, nature, and heritage. Highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind and connect with something deeper.

Visiting the Desert Centre in Osoyoos was an incredible experience that I highly recommend to anyone exploring the area. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty and uniqueness of the desert environment while learning so much along the way. Walking along the boardwalk, we got an up-close look at fascinating desert wildlife, from rare plants to birds and small animals, all thriving in this unique ecosystem. It’s amazing to see how life adapts to the harsh desert conditions. The guided tour was very informative and engaging, offering deep insights into the region’s history, environment, and the traditional ways of life of the Indigenous peoples who have lived here for generations. What really stood out to me was how family-friendly the Desert Centre is. Kids will absolutely love it — between the interactive exhibits, the chance to spot wildlife, and the opportunity to learn about desert survival and culture, there’s so much to keep young visitors interested and excited. The staff and volunteers were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, answering questions and sharing stories that made the whole experience even more memorable. If you're looking for an unforgettable desert adventure that's both educational and fun, especially for families, Desert Centre Osoyoos is the perfect place. It’s a must-visit destination that offers a rare glimpse into a beautiful and often overlooked part of Canada’s natural heritage.

Give yourself a couple of hours to fully appreciate this gem within the south Okanagan. There are indoor and outdoor components, including two short movies that tell stories from the Syilx people, a gift shop of Indigenous-made products (art, shampoo, blankets, etc), and hiking up to 45 minutes on the reserve - a serene desert trek with unparalleled views and additional educational installations. Europeans stole this land from its original inhabitants - it is our responsibility to educate ourselves, and to support descendants of those people in all ways we can, including in the fight for #LandBack.

So good. Loved the native village and dug out houses on the walk. Went in the winter. No one there besides us. Still very cool.

Unfortunately, we arrived at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre at 3:30 and they were closing at 4pm so we didn't get the full experience. The Cultural Centre charges $12 for admission. They advertise interactive hands on exhibits. I'm sorry that I missed out. The building itself deserves a mention. It's environmentally sustainable with it's traditional rammed-earth walls and won an award for the architecture.

I can't say enough about Charlotte and her professional staff. Our group was well taken care of and they were a delight.