Arrival/Check-In: On my first trip to Canada, the drive from Kelowna to Osoyoos, British Columbia, left me awed. The roughly two-hour ride flew by as I watched mountain ranges, lakes and vineyards unfold outside the window. The scenery provided a peaceful, restorative backdrop to the journey.
We passed Osoyoos Lake, riding trails and rolling vineyards before arriving at Spirit Ridge Resort. The concierge greeted us warmly, handed me my room key and a resort map. Check-in was efficient — under three minutes — and staff delivered my luggage to the room before guiding me to the on-site restaurant.
Guest Quarters: After a long travel day and a satisfying dinner at Mica, I was eager to get some rest. My suite in the Desert building felt more like a small apartment with lake views. The layout included a full kitchen to the left of the entry, a bathroom to the right, and a living area straight ahead with a TV, an electric fireplace and seating spacious enough for a family of four.
The balcony looked inviting, so I peeked outside and then returned to the bedroom, which also had its own fireplace and a separate bathroom entrance. I fell into a deep sleep on the plush king bed and woke with sunlight flooding the room — I had neglected to draw the blackout curtains. Stepping back onto the balcony I noticed it wrapped around from the living area to the bedroom. It had seating for five, a table, a grill and an outdoor bathtub tucked into a corner with a view of Osoyoos Lake.
Services/Amenities: Spirit Ridge Resort strikes a balance between encouraging exploration of the surrounding landscape and providing a wealth of on-site offerings. Framed by Anarchist Mountain and Mica Canyon on one side and Osoyoos Lake and vineyards on the other, the property invites guests to discover the outdoors, yet supplies plenty of activities so you can stay on site.
The Nk’Mip Cultural Centre presents the history and traditions of the First Nations people and highlights the region’s aboriginal heritage. Hiking trails, Nk’Mip Cellars — the first aboriginal-owned winery in Canada — horseback riding, a spa, a 24-hour fitness center and two pools (one family-friendly and one adults-only) round out the recreational options. Dining at Mica offers a memorable meal, and the resort’s easy beach access makes water activities convenient.
Top Takeaways:
◆ The resort allows guests to wander through vineyard growing areas, a feature I appreciated compared with properties that restrict access.
◆ Spirit Ridge is both pet-friendly and family-friendly, which suits a wine region while still offering activities for all ages.
◆ At the cultural centre we participated in a smudging ceremony after an Okanagan band member performed a song in the native language.
◆ The resort operates in partnership with local aboriginal bands and the First Nations community — sourcing local ingredients, hiring ranchers and staff, and collaborating on cultural programming.
SPIRIT RIDGE RESORT
1200 Rancher Creek Road
Osoyoos, British Columbia
Canada, V0H 1V6
tel 250 495 5445
spiritridge.hyatt.com