Haynes
Point Provincial Park is
a 38 hectare park on Osoyoos Lake. The park was established
in 1962 in an effort to protect history, wildlife and five endangered
plant species including the awned cyperus,
western centaury, annual paintbrush, busy cinquefoil, peach
leaf willow and the false-pimpernel.
The Haynes Point Provincial Park
is situated on a spit surrounded by sandy beaches, a lake and
wetlands. During the sunshine months the sandy beaches and warm
waters become a popular destination for swimming, sun bathing,
boating, camping and fishing. While the wetlands become a popular
destination for birdwatching and hiking.
Within the park is a well maintained,
easy grade 1-2 kilometre walking trail exploring the wetlands.
The self guided trail, known as the Haynes Point Wetlands Trail,
has a series of interpretive signs located along the route explaining
the wildlife and habitat found within the park. The trail is
an education on the local eco system.
The trailhead
to the Haynes Point Wetlands Trail is located by the information
kiosk and amphitheatre found within the park. The
trail is mostly covered in gravel with some raised boardwalk
sections and footbridges so to protect the sensitive eco system
(and to keep your feet dry) while you explore.
The trail provides many wildlife
viewing opportunities. Birdwatchers, in particular, will enjoy
this park. Along the trail there are a few lookout towers and
viewing benches so one can observe the bird population clearly.
Some of the birds to look for include the
white-throated swifts, canyon wrens, barn owls, common loons,
yellow headed and red-winged blackbirds.
The park is also part of Okanagan
Valley history. The Haynes Point Provincial Park was once the
location of a Kekuli First Nations burial site, pits and caches.
During the early pioneer days of the Hudson Bay Company, the
Fur Brigade Trail explored the area which was once traveled
by trappers and miners.
Lots to
do and see here. There is a campground in the park providing
overnight accommodations. The campground includes a boat launch,
day use area with picnic tables, a sandy beach, a fountain,
change rooms, information kiosk, amphitheatre, fire pits, flush
and pit toilets.
How
to Get to Haynes Point Park:
Travel Hwy #97
south of the community of Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada
for 2.5 kilometres. Turn onto 32 Avenue and continue to the
entrance of the Haynes Point Provincial Park.
Provincial Park
Information Phone Number: 1-800-689-9025 . Please shout out
that you saw them here on Tourism EH!