| Osoyoos Lake State Park is a 47-acre camping park on a 14-mile-long lake that stretches several miles north into British Columbia. Located in the midst of a hot and arid environment, the park provides welcome respite with its sandy shores, green lawns and shade trees. A war veteran's memorial is in the park. Known as "the warmest lake in Canada," Osoyoos Lake is a favorite for water sports. Shady trees and sandy shore combat the summer heat, while skating, snow playing and Ice fishing add spice to the winter. The park features a war veteran's memorial. Visitors with fishing licenses may fish for smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, kokanee and numerous other fish species. The park has a bathhouse near the lake for swimmers. A 9-hole golf course, a basketball court and baseball, softball and soccer fields are located nearby. Ice fishing and ice skating are available in the winter. The park has two boat ramps and 40 feet of dock. Motorized and non-motorized boating is allowed, along with other water sports. The park's full name is Osoyoos Lake State Veteran's Memorial Park because some of the land was given to the state by the American Legion. In 1998, veterans groups donated a plaque and memorial that dedicate the park to all veterans who served their country in war and peace. The lake originally was called "Soyoos," meaning "The Narrows," by Native Americans. The area was historically used by Native Americans as a campsite and for horse races. In the mid-19th century, the same area was used by miners and cattle drivers following the Caribou Trail north to the Fraser River gold fields in Canada. |
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