The Shuswap

The estuary of the Salmon River is one of the most productive wetland environments in British Columbia. Since the late 1980’s this area has been carefully managed and restored to ensure the integrity of the habitat. A walk along the Raven (Foreshore) Trail and out to Christmas Island takes you through the heart of this incredible habitat. Sightings can include the Western and Clarke’s Grebe, nesting Osprey, colonies of gulls and during migration, thousands of shorebirds. Take your time exploring this special habitat and linger in the purpose built blinds to enhance your chance of an exciting sighting.

 It may take one to two hours to circle the forested perimeter trail in this popular community park. Lovely views of the park, the lake, and surrounding mountains are available from the summit viewpoint of LIttle Mountain. Look for forest birds like Warbling and Cassin’s Vireo, Swainson’s Thrush, Western Wood Pewee, and Pacific Wren. This is a popular dog-walking park, so be prepared to share the trail!

A shorter paved trail with total accessibility for all users. The trail circles the small lake adjacent to Shuswap General hospital and it is a very pleasant half hour stroll. Many species of ducks frequent the lake as well Red-winged blackbirds, Song Sparrows, and a few foraging warblers. An occasional Double-crested Cormorant will pop over from the main lake, as well as Great Blue Heron. Lots of Western Painted Turtles haul out and bask on the logs, and if one is particularly fortunate, an American Bittern may emerge from a secret hiding place in the reeds!

This is a highlight site from any perspective! The views of the lake, mountains and surrounding community are a milestone memory in any season! The birding is also top notch. The spring brings the arrival of the migrants, including all six of Canada’s nominal species of Swallows. (Purple Martin is also a Swallow, but its breeding range is restricted to the southern coast in BC and a small range in the Peace River area). Western Grebes, White Pelicans, several species of ducks and both Trumpeter and Tundra Swans highlight the huge variety of birds that breed or feed on the lake. In the fall, large flocks of shorebirds invade the mudflats of Salmon Arm Bay to take advantage of the fish, plants, invertebrates and micro-organisms that fuel their distant journey to southern wintering grounds. In winter, Short-eared Owls patrol the Reed Grass for rodent prey, and Northern Shrike take advantage of unwary winter finches such as House finch, or Dark-eyed Junco, and the occasional meadow vole that may stray from its burrow

Approximately a 25 minute drive from downtown Salmon Arm, the main parking lot at the Larch Hills Ski Trails is a good place to use as a base to explore the Larch Hills. At between 1000 and 1400 meters elevation, this coniferous-tree dominated area is very different habitat than the lower elevations of the community and lakeshore. Douglas fir, Western larch, Western red cedar, Engelmann Spruce, Lodgepole pine and western hemlock predominate. Red Crossbills, White-winged Crossbills, three species of chickadee (Black-capped, Mountain, Chestnut-backed), Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Steller’s Jays are regular inhabitants. Great Gray Owls, Barred Owls, and Northern Pygmy Owls are also seen on occasion by the more observant/persistent birder!

This locally owned business produces stunning floral arrangements for a variety of occasions. Drop by their beautifully designed general store to browse their curated collection of handmade gifts and enjoy a carefully crafted pour over coffee or tea in the delightful ambience of their floral studio.

Handcrafted espresso beverages and home made organic baking await visitors to Ecotreats cafe. Their menu features paninis, soups, salads and light breakfasts to fuel a day of exploration.

Community is at the heart of Anvil, a family run business serving up expertly crafted coffees alongside lunch sandwiches and baked goods.

Stillfood serves up expertly crafted vegan cuisine alongside artfully crafted beverages in a welcoming environment.

Focused on providing the best of local products to the community they love, Pink Cherry is a delightful cafe serving ever changing lunch specials, baked goods and locally roasted coffee.

A hip cafe that doubles as an art studio serving up flatbread pizzas, thoughtfully crafted sandwiches and carefully curated cocktails.

There’s nothing that compares to a fresh slice of pie! Visit the Shuswap Pie company for pies crafted in small batches with the best natural ingredients.

During the summer months, stop by the Cafe on the Bay to treat yourself to an ice cream cone or delicious milkshake.

If you visit during the summer months, then a visit to Jimmy’s Canoe Beach Cafe is in order. Stop by for a delicious east coast inspired treat or a towering Zombie burger and enjoy the views as you chow down.

The perfect spot to sip on a craft cider and get to know the community, a visit to Northyards Cider Co. is a great way to sample the bounty of the Shuswap. Drop by their taproom to try a flight of their carefully crafted ciders with fruit from the surrounding orchards.

Pop by Hidden Gems to discover a world of gently used books alongside locally made greeting cards, postcards and crafts.

A plethora of books and records greet visitors to the Book Nook. With an eclectic collection of used titles and a selection of new editions, take time to browse the stacks and find a rare title.

Embracing their connection to British royalty, Bookingham Palace features a few British icons on the walls and an extensive collection of new books and gifts.

A visit to Demille’s Farm Market is an experience beyond just picking up some fresh local produce. Explore the corn maze, pick up a freshly made sandwich and soup for lunch or take a walk around the farm and meet the quirky residents.

Pedro’s Farm Markets provides the highest quality produce and plants in their farm market and garden centre. A visit to Pedro’s would not be complete without enjoying one of their handmade daily lunch specials and picking up a homemade pie to bring along on your adventures.

There are a number of great accommodation options in Salmon Arm for all types of traveller. If you prefer to camp under the stars or snuggle into a comfortable well-appointed hotel, visit the link to learn more about the options available.

Book Now: https://travelsalmonarm.ca/stay/

At the heart of Salmon Arm lies Ross St Plaza. Stop by to admire some of the bird photography throughout the plaza, explore the visitor information around the square, or catch one of the many events that take place here including the popular Salmon Arm Farmers Market on Saturdays during the summer.

Stop by the visitor centre at the Salmon Arm City Hall to speak with one of their friendly local experts to ensure you get the most of your visit to this charming community.

3.7 kilometers of pleasant trails near the mouth of the Eagle River await visitors to Riverfront Nature Park. You can expect wonderful river and Shuswap Lake views, giant cottonwood trees, and the potential for wildlife sightings. This trail does get wet in spring, but the trails are flat with many places to stop and rest. Travel slowly as the bird life is abundant to those who wait and watch – over 97 species have been observed in the area. Link your walk into the wider Sicamous Greenway Trail System to explore the town!

Located at the west end of Old Town Road, park in the public spaces at the marina before walking down the boat launch and heading east along the shoreline towards the mouth of the Eagle River. On hot days this area is a great place to have a picnic on the beach or take a dip in Shuswap Lake. This is also a perfect area to safely launch a canoe, kayak or SUP to see even more birds and waterfowl, as you paddle along the shoreline and towards the Eagle River. Over 58 species have been observed in the area.

Along the shoreline where the Eagle River empties into Shuswap Lake, you can observe over 46 species of bird and waterfowl. This area is only accessible by water, so pack your canoe, kayak, SUP or boat and binoculars to enjoy your time floating on the calm waters of the Shuswap. If you don’t have your own watercraft, there are local rental companies that can outfit you for all your floating needs.

Discover the ultimate coffee experience at Blondies Cafe, where they believe in simple pleasures; incredible sandwiches, homemade baking and seriously great coffee. Inspired by Australian coffee culture, come start your day or take a break from your routine and “Have a Blonde Moment.”

Right smack in the heart of Sicamous, BC, you’ll stumble upon Brothers Tavern & Liquor Store – an unmissable beacon for all things fun and flavorful. This local gathering spot serves up delicious pub classics, cold pints and guaranteed good times.

Located along the Sicamous Narrows Channel with waterfront views, Moose Mulligans serves up delightful comfort food, refreshing beverages and a family friendly atmosphere.

G&G Kitchen and Tap is a comforting and inviting restaurant offering delicious breakfast, lunch, and supper options alongside an extensive craft beer selection and hand crafted cocktails.

Aroy Maak serves up incredible authentic Thai cuisine with a focus on ‘farm to table’ dining. They source only the best local and seasonal ingredients to complement their carefully crafted meals and delight in serving up the finest Thai Cuisine in town.

The Alpiner Restaurant is a favorite in Sicamous for great food and friendly service. Their family friendly, fully licensed restaurant has fresh homemade meals, daily specials and a cozy atmosphere.

The Narrows Smokehouse is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves authentic, slow-smoked barbecue.  Whether you’re in the mood for succulent brisket, juicy pulled pork, or tender ribs, The Narrows Smokehouse has got you covered with all the necessary fixings!

Fruit World is the authority for local produce and specialty items and is conveniently situated for the best selection of products from the Shuswap/Okanagan.  Their wide variety of seasonal fruit and produce, including apples, peaches, cherries and berries, is complemented with a full selection of healthy snacks, preserves, juice, cider and drinks.

D Dutchmen Dairy offers old-fashioned, hand-made dairy products with a focus on top quality ingredients, made on location in Sicamous. We produce 62 different flavours of our artisan ice cream and over twenty flavours of artisan cheese, including Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese in a variety of flavours and their famous chocolate milk and cheese curds.  Stop in for unique gifts & baked goods from Fritz the Baker.

Linda’s gifts offers a great selection of gifts, including Shuswap and Sicamous branded items: mugs, coasters, hoodies, t-shirts, caps and more for every occasion.

Discover a range of chain and boutique hotels & motels as well as full-service campgrounds that will make your stay in Sicamous comfortable and enjoyable. 

Book Now: https://www.exploresicamous.ca/where-to-stay

The Sicamous & District Visitor Centre welcomes guests from across Canada and the world, highlighting all that the Shuswap has to offer. 
Our staff is all certified in the Destination BC Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor Training Program and able to help guests plan their ultimate vacation in Sicamous and beyond as they travel through B.C.