breadcrumb trail link
canada travel travel
Published date May 18, 2024 • Last updated 17 minutes ago • Reading time 5 minutes
Register for free here to save this article. Or sign in if you have an account.
Scenic Shuswap offers unparalleled beauty and adventure from Bastion Mountain Lookout.Provided by: Shuswap Tourism Bureau
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn affiliate commissions from purchases made through links on this page.
Article content
Unpretentious and surprising in the best sense of the word, the Shuswap is a scenic gem made up of eight unique communities and its eponymous lake, offering seemingly endless opportunities for exploration and outdoor adventure. Salmon Arm is the region's urban centre and home to the annual Roots and Blues Festival, attracting top talent like Sarah McLachlan and Amanda Marshall to its 2024 stage.
Advertisement 2
This ad has not yet loaded, but article continues below.
This content is only for subscribers
Subscribe today to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
One account gives you unlimited access to articles from across Canada, online. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition, that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from award results. -Award-winning journalist. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles such as the New York Times crossword.
Subscribe to unlock more articles
Subscribe today to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
One account gives you unlimited access to articles from across Canada, online. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition, that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from award results. -Award-winning journalist. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles such as the New York Times crossword.
Register/Sign in to unlock more articles
Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.
One account gives you access to articles across Canada. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles every month. Receive email updates from your favorite authors.
Sign in or create an account
or
Article content
Most of Shuswap's family attractions are open from mid-May until Thanksgiving. Summer is the clear winner as a peak season, but the adjoining months of July and August are prime times for play. During my visit in May, I had the place almost to myself. Locals say September is the best time to visit, preferably after Labor Day. The lakes are warmer, the crowds are gone, and the autumn leaves begin to change their dramatic colors.
Article content
Until recently, my knowledge in this area stemmed from blink-and-you'll-miss-it moments traveling between Calgary and Vancouver on Highway 1, and vague memories of riding on a houseboat in my 20s. It was limited. Thankfully, coming back for family fun opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
Stroll along historic Front Street at the RJ Haney Heritage Village & Museum.calorie
Discover Salmon Arm from the end of the century
The RJ Haney Heritage Village and Museum is tucked away on 40 acres of picturesque rolling farmland and is a testament to the area's rich history. This charming attraction tells the story of Salmon Arm, including the one-room Broadview School, Mount Ida Church, A.D. Meek Gas Station, and the Salmon Valley Homestead. Unique and colorful figures who contributed to the formation of the municipality are on display, including the owner Ma Ik and master blacksmith Mr Weak. RJ Haney, a wealthy Newnes pioneer. In addition to interactive exhibits with character costumed guides, there's also an excellent children's museum and discovery center, an outdoor playground, and 1.4 miles of nature trails. Visitors can prepare a picnic or enjoy made-from-source soups, sandwiches, and desserts at his affordable, licensed Spring of Heather restaurant. Family admission is $30 for two adults and all dependent children or grandchildren. Admission for one adult is $12, and if you visit in July or August, the Salmon Arm Rotary Club will cover the cost of one child's admission for each paying adult.
Travel time
Thank you for registering!
Article content
Advertisement 3
This ad has not yet loaded, but article continues below.
Article content
Explore modern-day Salmon Arm
After digging into the history of the community, I headed downtown to check out the city's attractions. Using the On This Spot app, I embarked on a self-guided tour of local landmarks, including some of the original buildings I saw at the Heritage Village. The app offers a glimpse into the past, comparing historical and current photos, and allows visitors to take photos of themselves in front of original landscapes. Marine Peace Park & ​​Wharf is a highlight of the tour, offering lake and mountain views and first-class birding opportunities. I was hungry, so I stopped by a night cafe for lunch. Serving up exquisite pork bao buns and wood-fired pizza, this local favorite is buzzing nearly every night of the spring and summer thanks to its eclectic décor, cozy seating, and creative craft cocktails. Individual-sized pizzas and strawberry cream crepes are perfect for lunch with kids. To further satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by the classic Candy Vault and treat the kids to a selection of nostalgic chocolates and sweets.
Advertisement 4
This ad has not yet loaded, but article continues below.
Article content
The family-friendly Sunnybrae Vineyard & Winery offers a beautiful setting for picnics and tastings.Photo, Mhairri Woodhall California
Sunnybrae waterfall walk and wine
I spent a lovely afternoon in Sunnybrae, a sleepy lakeside village about 25 minutes from Salmon Arm. My first stop was Margaret Falls in Herald Provincial Park. Once we arrived at the trailhead parking lot, it was a quick 10-minute stroll with the stroller through towering native forest to the base of the 90-foot-tall waterfall. Spring runoff creates a ferocious force that sprays a cool mist on the observation deck. Families with older kids can tackle the three-mile upper loop to view the falls from above. A post-hike snack is best on the lakeview patio at Sunnybrae Vineyards and Winery. Picnic foods, wine, local cider and beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. This idyllic property offers self-guided tours of the vineyards and pastures, allowing kids to roam, explore, and learn about the owners' sustainable farming practices.
Chris and Marianne Whittaker at Timber restaurant in Blind Bay.file proofreading
Savor the Seasons of Blind Bay
Blind Bay, on the south shore of Shuswap Lake, is home to two of the area's most iconic restaurants. Finz Bar & Grill's waterfront boat location provides a great setting for happy hour, especially if you have access to a fire table like we did. In May, mostly locals bask in the quiet sunshine. However, once the weather warms up, reservations are your best friend. Shuswap's most notable dining experience is award-winning chef Chris Whittaker, his wife Marianne, and their talented team at Timber, just off the Trans-Canada Highway. Hospitality provided by Talk about being unpretentious and pleasantly surprised. The ever-changing menu embodies the essence of Shuswap, incorporating local bounty harvested from the fields and forests. Each dish and drink tells a personal story or something about the region. The restaurant is a sister restaurant to Vancouver's now-closed Timber, a renowned culinary concept that Chris created and helped make OpenTable's list of his 100 restaurants in Canada. pays homage to. Timber Shuswap welcomes guests of all ages and is committed to satisfying every palate, from burger and fries eaters to whole oyster eaters.
Advertisement 5
This ad has not yet loaded, but article continues below.
Article content
Dancing and partying while enjoying the beautiful sunset sky on a houseboat on Shuswap Lake in British Columbia. File photo Photo by Ryan Cox /Getty Images/iStockphoto
Play a round with Siccamoth
Home to Shuswap's signature water vacation adventure, the Twin Anchors Houseboat, Sicamous on Lake Mara is also a family-friendly destination. Twin Anchors' first bookings for this season will open at the end of April, with bookings continuing through early October. The boat sleeps up to 22 people from his family of six, making it perfect for multi-generational vacations and family gatherings. The new model's level of luxury will satisfy even the most discerning traveler, myself included. An onboard washer/dryer, hot tub, and waterslide further enhance the experience. Families of golfers can anchor on Mara Hills Golf Resort's protected sandy beaches and play a round on the Le Faber-designed 18-hole course. The resort also has a boat launch for small watercraft and a restaurant patio with out-of-this-world lake views.
For more information about the destination, visit shuswaptourism.ca.
Article content
Share this article on your social networks
