Attractions of the Shuswap Lake Region Tour operators of the Shuswap Lake Region Accommodations of the Shuswap Lake Region
Shuswap Lake Region British Columbia Canada
Shuswap Lake Region British Columbia Canada


Shuswap Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Welcomes you



Truly Canadian
The Shuswap region, located on beautiful Shuswap Lake, halfway between Calgary and Vancouver along the Trans-Canada-Highway, is a four season playground and is a popular destination for local and international tourists alike.

Explore the past in R.J Haney Park and Salmon Arm Museum, cruise scenic Shuswap Lake from Sicamous to Seymour Arm aboard the MV Poebe Ann, rent a houseboat and enjoy your vacation surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Shuswap Lake.

Shuswap Lake - © Kanada News
Discover the natural beauty of the Shuswap area by a snowmobile ride or a walk on snow shoes.


Salmon Arm
Salmon Arm is located at the head of the south-west arm of Shuswap Lake - also called Salmon Arm. Salmon Arm has a population of more than 15,000 and is mainly a resort town with a wide network of inns, hotels and bed & breakfasts along with a wide choice of restaurants, pubs, and family dining. The city was originally the home of Shuswap Natives before a gold rush brought in prospectors in the 1860s.

Today, Salmon Arm enjoys a fast growing tourism sector, driven by the wealth of recreational attractions it has to offer. In summer, the wharf-side gazebo offers free entertainment, the lake environment presents unlimited opportunities for all water-related sports, and golfers will find 18-hole golf courses. Winter visitors can experience top-rated cross-country ski trails, sleigh rides and snowmobiling surrounded by the outstanding scenic beauty.


Sicamous
Sicamous is located at the eastern end of Shuswap Lake and has a population of 2,827 people (1996). The city is named after an Indian word meaning "in the middle" and refers to the fact, that Sicamous is located on a narrow strip of land between Shuswap and Mara Lakes. Sicamous is often referred to as the "Houseboat Capital".

Scenic Shuswap Lake offers excellent opportunities for having fun and relaxation on a houseboat. Many rental stations for houseboats can be found here and models range from basic ones to deluxe houseboats with Jacuzzis, fireplaces, and waterslides. There are more than 1,000 kilometres of shoreline for you to discover. 26 provincial marine parks, with sandy beaches and waterfalls are waiting for you to explore. Along the shores, primitive rock paintings can be found. Fishing is excellent, hikers will enjoy the many hiking trails, leading to waterfalls and through the forests.

Hiking trails along Shuswap Lake - © Kanada News

Sorrento
Sorrento is located on the southern shores of Shuswap Lake and boasts magnificent vistas of Copper Island and a wide variety of recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, alpine and cross-country skiing, golfing and houseboating. Originally called Trapper' s Landing the town was renamed after Sorrento, Italy by James R. Kinghorn as Copper Island resembles the Isle of Capri. Sorrento includes the communities of Notch Hill, Blind Bay, Eagle Bay, Balmoral and White Lake.


North Shuswap
The North Shuswap is home of the picturesque communities of Lee Creek, Scotch Creek, Celista, Magna Bay, Anglemont, St. Ives and Seymour Arm. The scenic area boasts more than 100 kms of unspoiled shoreline, which offers itself for all kind of water-related recreational activities. The North Shuswap features many art studios, as the area is home of many artists, craftspeople and authors. Camping enthusiasts can choose from over 700 sites.


Eagle Valley
The Eagle Pass provides a natural corridor through the Gold Range in the Monashee Mountains, which made Canadian history, as it was chosen as the Canadian Pacific Railway's route between Shuswap Lake and the Columbia River. The pass was discovered and named in 1865, when Walter Moberly, British Columbia's assistant surveyor general, noted eagles flying through it. On November 7, 1885 the eastern and western rail crew met west of the pass at Craigellachie and completed the last stretch of the railway. Today, a monument marks the spot where the famous "Last Spike" was driven into place.


Adams River
Adams River connects Adams and Shuswap Lakes and is situated within the boundaries of Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park. Each year in fall, the largest Pacific Sockeye salmon run in the world takes place right here, when up to 2 million fish return to their spawning grounds.

Pacific Sockeye start their journey in fall, when they leave the ocean to enter the Fraser River.
Adams River - © Kanada News
At Hells Gate massive cataracts test the salmon's strength, before entering the Thompson River. Before reaching the Shuswap Lake they have to pass the South Thompson River. Finally they will reach their destination in the Adams River, that provides perfect spawning habitat. It takes them 3 weeks and 450 km to get there. It is a colourful spectacle, with salmons turning red with deep green heads. Every four years the number of salmons returning peaks. The next large run is due in 2001.

Parking lots are available at Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park, about 5 minutes drive from Sorrento downtown. Trails lead to the river and the spawning grounds.

Adams River is also popular with whitewater enthusiasts and kayakers, as the river rapids offer great fun.


Parks and Protected Areas

Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park
This park does not only protect the spawning grounds for Pacific Sockeye salmon, but also offers a trail system with a total length of 26 km.

The trails are used by hikers and mountain bikers in summer months and for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing in winter. However, in fall thousands of visitors witness the world's largest Sockeye Salmon run at Adams River.

For more information call (250) 851-3000.
Pacific Sockeye Salmon at Adams River - © Kanada News


Shuswap Lake Provincial Park
The 149 hectares park is located on the north shore of the main arm of Shuswap Lake and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, hiking and camping. Enjoy one kilometre of sandy, pebble beach or discover Copper Island by boat, which is located 2 km offshore. Boat and jet-ski rentals are available from businesses in the local area.

For more information call (250) 851-3000.


Other things to do

Beardale Castle Miniatureland
Beardale Castle Miniatureland shows a series of traditional international villages and towns. On display are four complete villages with over 130 authentic handcrafted buildings. Beardale Castle Miniatureland is located 29 km (18 mi) east of Sicamous on Hwy #1 (Craigellachie).

For more information call (250) 836-2268


R.J. Haney Heritage Park and Museum
R.J. Haney Heritage Park and Museum showcases the past of the Shuswap region. On 40 acres of meadows, woodlands and stream the site offers a heritage village, including schoolhouse, church, blacksmith shop, fire hall and the R.J. Haney Heritage House.

For more information call (250) 832-5243


Chase & District Museum and Archives
Chase & District Museum and Archives exhibits the development of Chase and area from pioneer days to the 1940s. On display are a large photo collection, some First Nations Artefacts and archival items about the area.  

For more information call (250) 679-8847


Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park
Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park, located in Kamloops, showcases the rich cultural history of the Shuswap People. The 12-acre Native Heritage Park displays the archaeological remains of a 2000-year old Shuswap winter village site. On display you will find a birch bark canoe and displays on hunting, fishing, clothing, food gathering and cooking.

For more information call (250) 828-9801

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