Unplug in Paradise: Grassland Oasis of Oliver, BC
Just outside of Oliver, the celebrated “Wine Capital of Canada,” lies a unique high-desert landscape of shrub-steppe where the wild sagebrush and ponderosa pine stretch across the valley of the South Okanagan.
For those looking to escape the hustle of the city, a stay at the Grasslands Oasis offers guests an ideal blend of rustic meets luxury with their cozy rental units, Butterfly Cottage, Runaway Express Coach, and Sagebrush Caboose.
Dinner at the Runaway Express Coach
A Sanctuary in the South Okanagan Shrub-Steppe
Oliver, with its desert landscapes, is a biodiversity hotspot, and a visit to the region feels less like Canada and more akin to parts of the southern US. Here, mornings are splendid as the dry mountain air carries the wonderful scent of sagebrush and the song of birds down the valley right to your nose and ears.
Staying in one of the property’s replica train car tiny homes, the Runaway Express Coach and the Sagebrush Caboose, or the glampsite, the Butterfly Cottage, all of which allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural desert habitat. Each rental is completely secluded, where the only sounds to hear are those that nature provides. A stay at the Butterfly Cottage is a great way to completely disconnect from the modern digital world.
While staying, guests can freely explore the property and wander the private hiking trail called the “Buckboard Trail”, all while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The interior of the Runaway Express Coach
World-Class Amenities Meet Off-Grid Serenity
A stay at an agri-tourism getaway like Grasslands Oasis doesn’t require that you sacrifice comfort, but instead perfectly blends nature with modern amenities:
Glamping Huts & Train Car Tiny Homes: Every room at Grasslands Oasis is cozy and features comfortable queen-sized beds, and on the outside, there is plenty of space to sip your morning cup of coffee or indulge in outdoor dining.
Pool & Spa Relaxations: After a long day exploring the South Okanagan, guests can enjoy a much-needed dip in the heated pool or stargaze in the hot tub and take in the clear desert skies.
Farm-to-Table Magic: Guests can experience farm life by picking their own produce from the farm’s garden or visiting the Farm Market, which is the property’s very own store. The Farm Market doubles as a coffee shop selling local Kobau brand coffee, and also sells local meat products, eggs, coffee, and delicious baked goods made right on the farm.
The farm animals at Grasslands Oasis
Days Filled with Wine, Trails, and Stargazing
A stay at Grasslands Oasis means that plenty of fun activities will be right at your doorstep:
Wine Tasting: Your accommodation will be mere minutes from many world-class wineries like Nighthawk Vineyards, See Ya Later Ranch, or the unique District Wine Village.
Hiking & Bird Watching: There are plenty of nearby hiking trails to explore, like the famous McIntyre Bluff or the White Lake Grasslands Protected Area. For bird watchers, Vaseux Lake Park is a sanctuary for many of the region’s bird species.
Unmatched Stargazing: The farm is situated far enough from town that there is no light pollution whatsoever, and the night skies can be enjoyed to the fullest.
E-Biking Adventure: Ask your hosts about their e-bike rentals. This is a fantastic way to explore the desert hills and do some winery hopping. You can even ride to the river or lake and enjoy a dip in the water, and on the way back, why not stop at the famous ice cream shop Tickleberry’s.
The heated pool at Grasslands Oasis
Our Experience
We stayed for a total of 3 nights at Grasslands Oasis in the Runaway Express Coach and had a truly relaxing time. Our hosts were very nice and made sure we had a great experience. We really enjoyed interacting with and feeding the farm animals corn and food scraps. The coffee shop was so cozy, and they had delicious lattes and sourdough cinnamon buns that we haven’t been able to stop thinking about. On one of our days, we took the e-bikes out and rode through the beautiful countryside to the District Wine Village, and after that, took a refreshing dip in the Okanagan River. On one evening, we had a romantic dinner up the hill at the secluded Butterfly Cottage and really adored the solar light setup, which was very fairytale-esque. Overall, we had a wonderful time and highly recommend a stay at the Graslands Oasis.
Coffee shop at the Farm Market
