Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
4.5
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
About
The Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre is a 9,000 square-foot interpretive centre that exhibits 2 films, the Inkameep Day School Art Collection, indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits, a 1.5 km walking trail, and reconstructed traditional Okanagan village, and (visitor favourite) interpreter hosted programs which boast a fun filled experience for all ages! The centre is also an architectural marvel, and was built from local, sustainable materials.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
523 reviews
Excellent
287
Very good
183
Average
35
Poor
10
Terrible
8
Sherri M
Stony Plain, Canada30 contributions
Aug 2020
We went with our 13 and 15 year old. The walking tour is excellent as the young lady has some family history to contribute and is exceptionally knowledgeable. You can tell she loves her cultural history and has a strong desire to learn more and pass it along to others. I have a huge phobia of snakes so the trail alone stressed me out but it was so interesting I'm glad I sucked it up. The Snakes Alive show was a no go for me though but my husband and 2 teen boys loved it! The history of the day school there left me wanting to research and learn more. We spent some time with the gift shop owner who shared a bit about the language as well. Such a rich heritage that I hope can be salvaged from the time/years that have been lost.
Written 14 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alissa P
Pitt Meadows, Canada78 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
We visited the desert cultural centre in the morning and it was lovely! There are 2 theatre/story rooms that share stories of the coyote. They are very cute, and the interpretive centre is informative. The outdoor area is great for all ages. If you do the loop walk, about 1.5km you come across some different signs and displays. It’s really great, and I would recommend to anyone to learn more about Okanagan First Nations and the desert ecosystem!
Written 30 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FarFlungStarling
Qualicum Beach, Canada967 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
It was exceptionally hot and smoky on the day we visited so we were unable to enjoy the outdoor exhibits and desert trails. Inside there are several “movies” one in a traditional “pit” viewing area and the other is theatre style. Both enjoyable and educational. The displays are interesting but somewhat limited. There are a few snake a insect displays but as always it’s like finding Waldo to spot them. There is a very nice gift shop and the building itself is really beautiful inside and out and is accessible by ramps. Two “senior” admissions was $27.30.
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter3801
Vancouver, Canada144 contributions
Aug 2020
I absolutely loved the Desert Cultural Centre. Our guide was informative and the history and story of the Syilx indigenous people who live in the Osoyoos area is fascinating. We spent a full half day at the Centre - the walking tour is a must to have the full experience and learn so much more about the people, the geography and culture of this area.
Written 17 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael Dadson
Langley, Canada108 contributions
Sept 2021
Great family learning experience,.
The NK'MIP Desert Cultural Center is filled with a history of the land and culture, of the Sylix people from the Okanagan First Nations. There are multiple indoors and outdoor interactive attractions. Walking trails help to create an understanding of the land, its uses, the benefits of various pants through history.
I highly recommend.
The NK'MIP Desert Cultural Center is filled with a history of the land and culture, of the Sylix people from the Okanagan First Nations. There are multiple indoors and outdoor interactive attractions. Walking trails help to create an understanding of the land, its uses, the benefits of various pants through history.
I highly recommend.
Written 30 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lespo
Brampton, Canada84 contributions
Jun 2022
Considering Canada's disgrace with the history of residential schools we thought it important to visit, and we are glad that we did. Before we even paid entry, the gentleman at the entry point challenged us as visitors to the plight of the indigenous community. It was eye opening, and I felt at loss. But my personal discomfort was good when considering the history. A must visit.
Written 8 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eline K
Deurne, Belgium13 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
What a cool and educative experience we had at the Centre! We did the tour in the morning with an awesome guide who gave us all the info we wanted and really loved her job. We came back the next day for the snake show and it was so much better to travel the area afterwards with the stuff that we learned. The people there are passionate and you see an other side of Canada. Must visit!!!
Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
With everything that has been going on in a global scale we appreciate the review you left about our Centre. We are very proud about our culture and environment here, which we hope is reflected in our staff and the lessons/stories they shared.
Written 5 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
imac2023
Vancouver, Canada12 contributions
Aug 2021
Really appreciated our host’s earnest dialogue with us - everyone has their own story so don’t make assumptions. Listen and learn.
Nice little local history and professional video presentations. Important to visit if in the area.
Nice little local history and professional video presentations. Important to visit if in the area.
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma S
Canmore, Canada23 contributions
Sept 2020
Beautiful building. Excellent interpretation, especially loved the pit house storytelling media installation. A great blend of cultural and natural history, including an outdoor trail. Even a few reptiles on site to view! Recommended.
Written 16 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ProGuard Tactic... T
Ontario, Canada1,223 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Took the motorcycle from Rock Creek to this gem as our first stop. Very classy and professional. Learned about the private schools that existed on top of residential schools. Learned about a positive teacher who was removed by the government because of his teaching methodology.
Interactive learning both inside and outside. Bring water for your small hikes outside and suitable footwear etc.
Friendly, very educational staff with the cultural centre itself being very professionally built in the decor of the area.
Interactive learning both inside and outside. Bring water for your small hikes outside and suitable footwear etc.
Friendly, very educational staff with the cultural centre itself being very professionally built in the decor of the area.
Written 18 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the centre open during mid October?
thanks
Written 15 April 2018
Good morning. Typically we are open in October, however admission would be by donation unless other wise specified.
Written 17 April 2018
How long do you recommend for a visit to the centre? We would be visiting mid September.
Thanks
Written 2 February 2018
Good morning.
The Centre (as well as Osoyoos in general) winds down slowly around this time. There wouldn't be any guided tours or extra programs like we would during the summer months but it does give the opportunity to explore things at a relaxed pace.
We will have our 2 theatres operational : a 17-minute feature film and a 10-minute pithouse experience. Indoor and outdoor galleries should roughly take an hour or just under to read the signage and the trails are a 1.5 km trail with a replicated village. That should take half an hour or longer.
Thank you for contacting us!
See you in September
Written 2 February 2018
Do you know the Hours of Operation for June & July 2017?
Written 27 February 2017
Marketing Manager Derek Bryson here, the Centre hasn't decided the summer schedule but typically we've been open starting at 9:30am until 5:00 or 6pm. We will be updating the website once we can nail down a more exact time. thank you.
Written 28 February 2017
Hi there...we haven't actually decided whether we will be open in the winter but usually we try to be open for a couple of weeks before Christmas. If you check back on our website after September we will have a definite answer for you. Thank you.
DB
Written 17 July 2016
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