Find Your #MeTime in the Shuswap: 5 Ways to Start Your Year Off Right

There’s no denying our love for the holidays. Especially in the Shuswap, it’s a magical time of year when even the snowfall seems to make the season feel warmer, if only in our hearts. But for all their joy, the holidays can be equally exhausting.

With the new year comes an ideal time to unwind and recharge; to unplug and restore; to connect with nature, or the arts, and yourself. And, if you ask us, the Shuswap offers a spectacular winter wonderland where you can take some much-needed time to rejuvenate and get a head start on your new-found resolutions, whatever they may be.

 

 

Here, you can catch a break from the crowds and have a bit of nature all to yourself, taking all the time you need to recharge your spirit in peace. When it’s time to cozy up indoors, the cafes, restaurants, and wineries that shine bright in Shuswap’s soft winter light will be waiting for you, right among the comfy lakeside cabins and stretches of Nordic trails.

 

Here are 5 ways to enjoy some #MeTime in the Shuswap:

1. Stroll through the snowy trails of the Larch Hills Nordic Society

Few things revive the soul the way fresh air does. And the Shuswap has all you need to explore the great outdoors and reconnect with nature. At the Larch Hills Nordic Society, you’ll find more than 150 km of cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails.

With its first trails opened in 2005, all are mapped and maintained by volunteers who soften obstacles and post signs to keep you safe while you explore. The 16km of snowshoe trails can be connected to create unique loops that suit your preferred length, from short and easy to long and challenging.

2. Unwind with a glass of wine at an award-winning winery

Find a way to unwind among a snow-covered vineyard at one of seven wineries in the Shuswap region, which is considered one of the northernmost grape-growing areas in North America. Our unique microclimate above the 50th parallel brings sunny days and cool evenings that combine intense flavours with beautiful balance.

In the winter, you can make an appointment at tasting rooms throughout the Shuswap, where you can sample award-winning Gewürztraminers, Merlots, Ortegas, Rieslings, Siegerrebes made from locally sourced grapes. Visiting several of our family-run vineyards will set you out on a tasting tour that’s sure to delight all your senses. But be warned: picturesque views of snowy estates will make you want to stay and savour every moment in serenity.

3. Indulge all your senses at the Quaaout Lodge and Spa

If you’ve resolved to relax more this year, the Quaaout Lodge can help you hibernate while staying surrounded by wilderness. Owned and operated by the Little Shuswap First Nation, you’ll have a chance to experience cultural tours, local art, and events in and around the waterfront resort.

After surprising your tastebuds with a fresh, locally-inspired meal at Jack Sam’s lakefront restaurant, complete with breathtaking views of Shuswap Lake and snow-capped mountains, replenish your skin and your spirit at the Le7ke Spa. Set among First Nations-inspired design and décor, the luxurious beauty treatments, relaxation rituals, and infrared sauna will help you put your best foot forward when you head back outside.

You know what they say: new year, new you.

4. Stop for the pie and stay for the music at the Shuswap Pie Company

In order to recharge, you’ll need to refuel. And if #MeTime is about treating yourself, the Shuswap Pie Company is a foolproof place to start. They serve up small-batch, savoury and sweet pies, plus coffee and sandwiches, made from scratch using all-natural ingredients.

You can experiment with unique flavours like steak and stout or curried veggie, or stick with the classic chicken pot pie. And with a different lunch special every month, the menu is packed with the perfect comfort foods for warming up after your outdoor adventures.

And if you stay long enough to sample everything, you can dance it all off to live music.

5. Commune with your inner artist at a Salmon Arms Arts Centre exhibit

Keep your walking meditations going inside by getting in touch with your creative side. If you need a break from the cold, take some quiet time indoors to study the visual exhibits at the Salmon Arm Art Gallery, which houses works from local and touring artists in a heritage brick building in downtown Salmon Arm.

The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and its donation-based admission price means you can keep spreading the holiday cheer. At the main exhibit, In Dialogue with the Collection, you’ll discover a new perspective on historic works  from the Arts Council’s Community Art Collection, which will be paired with fifteen local artists.

Plus, intimate artist talks give you a unique opportunity to explore the arts up close.

However you choose to recharge this winter, one thing is certain: there is something in the Shuswap for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a place to play in the snow or somewhere to warm up afterward, you can always visit our activities and events calendar to find something that speaks to your longing for #MeTime.

Six Shuswap Cabins For A Romantic Winter Getaway

BC’s capital of cozy

The new year is already moving full steam ahead. Eager to slow it down and spend time with the people you love? Luckily, there’s no time like the present to hit the pause button and take your loved ones on a wintry weekend escape in the Shuswap.

Whether you enjoy exploring world-class trails together, reading books beside a fire, or savouring wintertime treats, winter in the Shuswap has everything you need to reconnect with the people who matter most. Here, you can take a moment to recenter yourself for the year ahead, make memories with your partner along the magical snowshoe trails, or reignite your romance in a cozy cabin as the snow falls.

Because every romantic winter getaway needs an amazing home base, we’ve picked just a sample of some of the coziest and coolest home bases in the Shuswap this winter.

Six Shuswap Cabins For A Romantic Winter Getaway

1. Owlhead Creek B&B

Open year round, Owlhead Creek is surrounded by 30 acres of forest, mountains, and all the wonder the Shuswap has to offer. Along with a shared kitchen, three spacious rooms come with private entrances and a hearty, homemade breakfast that will prepare you for any adventure.

And you won’t have to venture far to find one: near to several popular sledding areas, Owlhead also boasts their own toboggan hill, skating pond, and snowshoe trails where you can marvel at winter’s magic.

Six Shuswap Cabins For A Romantic Winter Getaway
Six Shuswap Cabins For A Romantic Winter Getaway

2. Tin Poppy Retreat

Nestled between Salmon Arm and Enderby, the Tin Poppy Retreat is home to deluxe, remote cabins you have to see to believe. Powered by solar, four unique houses sit on 160-acres of pristine Shuswap nature.

With one perched above the river, two secluded in a sanctuary of forest, and another retro-contemporary trailer, each of these quirky cabins offers an unbeatable way to experience both the awe of the outdoors and the charm of the winter season .

3. Last Spike Lodging

Located in Malakwa, Last Spike Lodging houses three spacious cabins ideal for a weekend getaway in any season. Each one includes two bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, kitchen, and drying room to safely store your snow-packed gear.

Set among the Shuswap’s majestic mountains, sledding country, and picturesque lake, Last Spike offers a heated shop for wrenching or drying sleds onsite, so you can confidently explore trails full of wildlife, waterfalls, and wondrous views before unwinding in a rustic winter cabin.

Six Shuswap Cabins For A Romantic Winter Getaway
Six Shuswap Cabins For A Romantic Winter Getaway

4. White Lake Cabins

In Sorrento, White Lake Cabins has four small homes designed to strengthen your offline connections. Sandwiched between forest and lake, their private beach and large dock are perfect for sipping your morning coffee or warming up in the afternoon sun.

Plus, their small, frozen lake puts ice skating at your doorstep. And the serene nature surroundings are ideal for anyone who loves setting off on a snowshoeing, x-country skiing, or sledding adventure, far away from everyday stress.

5. Prestige Harbourfront Resort

Situated in Salmon Arm, the Prestige Harbourfront Resort has space for everyone you want to bring along. 121 rooms, an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness centre, and spa rest along the banks of an estuary with sweeping views of the lake and the Bastion Mountains.

Only a short walk to downtown and the Salmon Arm Wharf, the upscale resort also offers two dining options and complimentary sports equipment, so you can easily spend a full day snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or skiing before returning to complete relaxation.

Six Shuswap Cabins For A Romantic Winter Getaway
Six Shuswap Cabins For A Romantic Winter Getaway

6. Noble House B&B

The Noble House is a Cape-Cod style B&B situated on two-and-a-half acres in the Spallumcheen Valley. Built on a quiet road at the foot of Rose Swanson Mountain, the property is surrounded by agricultural land near the Interior Provincial fairgrounds.

Four private rooms, and the option for a full suite, provide a base from which you can discover nearby nature, museums, and community theatre. And beyond exploring the outdoors, here you can cherish the tranquility of the Shuswap along with your favourite people.

No matter where you stay in the Shuswap or when you choose to visit, one thing is certain: there is something here for everyone. Make sure to visit our activities and events calendar to find something that lets you reconnect with all that matters most.

Pride comes alive in Salmon Arm

Wednesday October 14 marks the beginning of @SalmonArmPridePoject inaugural Pride Arts & Awareness Festival.

In the planning for over a year, and vastly reconfigured to adhere to COVID health protocols, the organizing committee has been overwhelmed by the love, support and contribution of the LGBTQ2S+ community, their allies, and the community at large.

The festival is a combination of virtual and in person events beginning with an art exhibition at the @SalmonArmArtsCentre featuring the work of LGBTQ2S+ community members. The exhibition is on from from Wednesday until Saturday and gallery hours are 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is by donation.

There’s a fabulous Pride Pop Up Shop at 121 Shuswap Street (formerly the Blue Canoe) sponsored by Wild Craft Mercantile from 11 am to 5 pm daily (open until 7 pm on Friday) featuring the work of LGBTQS+ makers and allies. Be sure to stop in early so as not to miss your chance to own custom designed one of a kind pride swag.

Online, new content will be available daily including a special edition of Family Saturdays at Home with Drag Queen Freida Whales and a worship service on Sunday at 11 am with Reverend Jenny Carter of First United Salmon Arm and guests.

Judging by the outpouring of support from community organizations and local businesses, the festival is already a success. We’re delighted to share the offering of our partners at the @SalmarTheatre (daily films at the Salmar Classic), the Salmon Arm @RootsandBluesFestival (personal performance for the audience). Book your rainbow colour session at @IhvoryHair, get your pride tattoo from our friends at @PinzTattoo or check out the Pride SHU design from at @lakeandlifeapparel.

Be sure to take in the amazing window displays while enjoying a @Visit_Downtown_Salmon_Arm and stop in to browse, shop and dine. If you’re joining us from  out of town, the Salmon Arm Prestige Inn and Harbourfront Resort is in walking distance of all the events and features beautiful views of the Salmon Arm Bay and Shuswap Lake, which as it happens, is also known for incredible rainbow displays when Mother Nature permits.

Happy Pride from ShuswapTourism and congratulations to the organizing committee, participants, artists, sponsors and supporting business and organizations. We’re very proud of you indeed.

For more information, please visit the Pride Project page at salmonarmartscentre.ca or follow the festival on instagram @SalmonArmPrideProject.

5 Family-Friendly Activities To Enjoy In The Shuswap This Winter

5 Family-Friendly Activities To Enjoy In The Shuswap This Winter

 

Winter in the Shuswap offers winter adventure at a calmer pace than you might find at a busy ski hill and there’s no shortage of adventures here. You can take your youngest on his or her first sled ride, your grandparents for a walk on their favourite Nordic trail or try fat biking all together for the first time. In this relaxed environment, there are plenty of ways for families of all ages and sizes to make memories in the fresh snowfall. So even as time flies, you can look back fondly on your time together.

5 ways to make memories with your family in the Shuswap this winter:

1. Sled Sicamous

On the more adventurous side, and if your kids are a little older, sledding is one of the best ways to take in long stretches of the Shuswap’s winter wonderland—and it’s fun for the whole family. Nestled in Eagle Valley, Sicamous is home to some of the best-known alpine trails and breathtaking lake views.

Here, four carefully groomed areas cover a broad range of terrain to accommodate beginners and experts alike. And when you’re ready for a break, all four have a cozy cabin where you can warm up after a day out on the trails.

5 Family-Friendly Activities To Enjoy In The Shuswap This Winter

2. Larch Hills Nordic Society

Whether you prefer to move on wheels or on foot, the Larch Hills Nordic Society has something for everyone. With more than 170km of multi-purpose trails, you can walk, snowshoe, ski, or bike through the heart of the Shuswap wilderness.

If you don’t have the equipment, don’t worry. Skookum Cycle and Ski has everything you need, including fat bikes—bikes with wider, oversized tires designed to handle snowy trails with ease. Every activity is an opportunity to fill the fresh mountain air with love and laughter. Surely the hardest part of your family vacation will be deciding where to go first.

3. Winter Festivals

Savour every extra moment of the long family weekend with an exciting Winter Festival. The North Shuswap Family Weekend Winter Festival offers exciting activities for the whole family, starting on Saturday with an all-ages curling tournament, snow sculpting, and a family skate. And don’t forget the Sunday Funday events like bed races, storytelling, archery, and a family dance party.

Meanwhile, the Sicamous Winter Carnival boasts its own list of family-friendly attractions. Here you’ll find everything from a Polar Bear Dip at Beach Park to Hot Air Balloon Rides, Snow Golf, and a Family Winter Triathlon at Finlayson Park. This weekend was made for taking your family out, either to try something new or just to spend time together. Join us in the Shuswap to see how the snow brings out the fun in everyone.

5 Family-Friendly Activities To Enjoy In The Shuswap This Winter
5 Family-Friendly Activities To Enjoy In The Shuswap This Winter

4. Coffeehouses

When the day winds down and you want to take your family time inside, look no further than the Shuswap Coffeehouse Open Mic Circuit. All across the region, our family-friendly community centres take turns hosting feel-good, community-focused events that bring people together. Treat yourself to any one of the spectacular shows, starting between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m., all the way from Enderby Drill Hall and Celista Community Hall to Eagle Bay Community Hall and Revelstoke. Check the calendar of events to see when one is happening near you!

A treat for all your senses, most venues sell affordable coffee and snacks alongside a lineup of local musicians and artists in a unique setting where you can get to know the people who call the Shuswap home. Come out to enjoy an evening of entertainment and socialize with a vibrant, artistic community at one of many historic Shuswap sites. Every coffeehouse is an experience for your whole family to remember!

If you ask us, no outdoor experience is complete without a warm soak. After a fun-filled adventure, treat your family to a relaxed spa experience at the Crazy Creek Resort. Next to the Crazy Creek waterfalls in Revelstoke, their hot, mineral-rich pools are filled from a well at the base of Eagle Pass Mountain.

Whether you stay just an hour or several days, you and your family can splash around in glacial blue water while revelling in the majesty of the surrounding mountains and the peace that comes with nature in the Shuswap. By the time you leave, your whole family will be rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever comes next.

No matter what your family enjoys, one thing is certain: spending a winter weekend in the Shuswap will leave you with memories for a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for a place to play in the snow or somewhere to warm up afterwards, you can always visit our activities and events calendar to find something that speaks to your sense of adventure.