Must Dos
If you do one thing when you visit the Shuswap, then we’d better ask that you put your feet up and enjoy yourself. If you can do two things during your time in the Shuswap, then here’s some great suggestions for signature Shuswap experiences.
Margaret Falls
The trail leading to Margaret Falls passes through a rock chasm that feels like an enchanted forest. The unique and sensitive ecosystem of flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park's natural heritage. The water from Reinecker Creek cascades down a sheer rock face creating a natural shower. If you look carefully you may be able to see the hidden cave in the rock directly behind the falls.
Getting to Margaret Falls is an experience in itself, whether you are driving from the Trans-Canada along the Sunnybrae-Canoe Point Road or arriving by boat at Herald Provincial Park, you will see amazing views of impressive Bastion Mountain and of course the ever-present Shuswap Lake.
Roots & Blues Festival
The Salmon Arm Folk Music Society has been an active member of the community for over two and half decades through the presentation of our yearly concert series and the Annual Roots and Blues Festival. The Festival has become a prominent link on the national festival circuit and is considered among the top roots festivals in Canada, while our concerts have offered the local region a diverse range of Canadian and international artists that educate, entertain and challenge audiences to expand their musical horizons.
RJ Haney Heritage Village
Open May 18 to Sept 24.
Explore the 40-acre historical showcase, featuring beautifully restored and replicated
buildings that date back to the early 1900s filled with authentic exhibits. Marjorie’s Tea
Room serves lunches and caters to weddings, luncheons, reunions or staff parties on site.
Dinner Theatre: Wednesday, Friday & Sunday evenings July-August. Reservations required.
Museum and Archives open all year Wednesday and Thursday 10 am to 4pm.
Houseboat from Sicamous to one of many marine park campgrounds
The Shuswap Region has some amazing Provincial Parks including:
The waterfront Herald Park and Shuswap Lake Park with hundreds of spacious tree covered camp.
Shuswap Lake Marine Parks features 26 campgrounds, some sites are road accessible, but most are water-access only. Why not rent a boat or take a water taxi for an unforgettable camping experience.
Meet locals at a coffee house musical jam session
Community Halls host many events where you can connect with locals. Whether it’s hearing local talent at an open mic night, or enjoying a pancake breakfast on Canada Day, local events are a genuine casual, down-to-earth experience that will enrich your visit.
Full Circle Farm Tour
How can you taste fine wine, great regional beers, the fairest fare of the fields and see the finest of the Shuswap all at once? Why, on a Full Circle Farm Tour, of course! Taste the adventure. Download the guides & maps here.
Sample local wines and microbrews
The Shuswap has 6 great wineries offering distinct northern climate wines. Each winery has its unique characteristics and offer tastings. Try an organic Irish Ale or one of the beers at a local brew pub. Drink in the beauty of the Shuswap.
Play Golf - Shuswap Style
The Shuswap has 5 exceptional golf courses as well as several fun & friendly 9-hole course. You can get a package that allows you to stay & play all the courses or another package that includes a houseboat rental. Imagine driving you luxury floating accommodation to the golf course, playing a round of golf, then going back to the boat for a BBQ and Hot Tub.
Walk downtown Salmon Arm’s waterfront nature trails
The shoreline in downtown Salmon Arm is a protected nature sanctuary featuring boardwalks, trails, a bird viewing tower and a Nature House where staff can show you a video of dancing grebes, a DVD of birds of the bay, a collection of stuffed and carved birds, a book collection and a computer program with which visitors may check out birds and their songs.
Wednesday on the Wharf (WOW)
WOW! is a series of summer Wednesday evening musical concerts at Salmon Arm's Marine Park. Musical styles ranging from jazz to rock, funk to folk are offered from June through to the end of August. Held in the Park's gazebo, listeners are invited to bring a deck chair or blanket and enjoy the music. Concerts begin at 7pm, and go until 8:30pm. Admission is by donation.
Experience one of Canada’s oldest Rodeos at the Falkland Stampede
It started in 1919, just after the war, as a picnic which has grown over the years to a three day rodeo. People from all over the world have come to our little town to take in this jam packed, fun filled stampede. Professional cowboys participate for prizes worth over $45,000.For over 90 years the volunteers have worked hard to make this May long weekend one you will never forget!
Albas Falls
Arrive by boat at Steamboat Bay where a loop trail follows Celesta Creek upstream to a series of 6 waterfalls, the largest of which are closest to the lake. Some interesting features from early logging days can be found in the park. Be prepared with awareness and cameras as bears can frequently be found in the area. If you prefer to drive, Albas Falls can be reached accessed by the scenic North Shuswap route offers great lake views and water access points. Note: The paved road turns into gravel at Saint Ives. Road access on the East side of the lake is limited.
Hike or Bike the epic Larch Hills traverse
An epic 38 kilometre highland cross-country romp through the forests, fens, and dramatic lake vistas of the Larch Hills linking the communities of Salmon Arm and Sicamous.
Seven distinct sections make up the full traverse. Each offers its own unique character to the journey. The trail connects forestry road and singletrack trails through a variety of ecosystems and terrain. Many amazing viewpoints overlooking Shuswap and Mara Lakes are your rewards. Best traveled from Salmon Arm to Sicamous for cyclists.
The route is a four season challenge, with variations in the winter where more obvious lines open up under snow cover. It is doable in a very long day by mountain bikers or nordic ski tourers, but also lends itself well to an overnight trip.
A series of shorter circuit trips can be linked along the extended route. Together they can be collected over time to build a complete traverse. Parties can also add overnight visits to the Larch Hills Nordic Society’s Main Chalet or Cec’s Cabin.
Swim and play at Canoe Beach
Canoe Beach has a beautiful pebbly-sand beach, big shady trees, roped off swimming area, beach volleyball courts, grassed area for picnics, boat launch washrooms and change facilities, group shelter and concession stand. The park is ideal for families, corporate picnics and large group gatherings. Within steps of the beach are baseball diamonds, the Park Hill Trail system and the community of Canoe.
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