3 Reasons Why The Shuswap Owns Social Distancing

While some places are known for their bustling streets and crazy nightlife, the Shuswap offers a quietly cool alternative that makes social distancing easy. The best part? You’re still guaranteed loads of fun. Surrounded by mountains, trails, lakes and beaches, you’ll find endless adventures and ample space around you to explore. Read on to find out why we’re the original masters of crowd management (since way before it was a thing). 

Shuswap Lake
Shuswap Lake

1. We’re the outdoor type.

Once you see our surroundings, you’ll understand why we prefer life outdoors. Trust us. You’re more likely to brush past a tree than a person when exploring the Shuswap. When visiting next, make sure to put these local outdoor pastimes on your to-list: 

  • Hiking or biking our nature trails. Winding over mountains and along lakes and rivers, we’ve got 700 kilometres of trails to explore. And because we’re all about bonding with friends, we’ve got trails to suit all kinds of abilities. Find out more here

  • Fishing on a quiet lake. We’ve got tons of waterways to explore by boat, if nothing else, you’re guaranteed to catch some classic memories. Try your luck at spots like Gardom Lake and White Lake.

  • Classic beach fun. Everything from good old-fashioned rock skipping to volleyball are enjoyed on our shores. At night, beach fires are a great way to bond with your bubble and stay toasty warm in the fall months. 

  • Movie night under the stars at Starlight Drive-In in Enderby (open May to September). 

  • Picnics in the park at spots like Sicamous Beach Park and Shuswap Lake Provincial Park. 

Gardom Lake
Gardom Lake

 

2. We don’t follow the crowd.

In the Shuswap, we’re not into the latest and greatest thing. The queues and crowds you tend to find at trendy bars, achingly cool boutiques and flashy restaurants don’t really interest us. Here’s how we’ve always had fun in our part of the world:

Larch Hills Winery
Larch Hills Winery

3. We keep it laid-back.  

Our idea of a good time is less about being seen, and more about being unseen. Less fanfare, more conversation and more connection is our motto. Here’s some of the ways we celebrate with our loved ones and make new memories in the Shuswap: 

 

Ready for your getaway away from the crowds? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to the Shuswap.

3 Easy Ways To Find The Space That’s Right For You In The Shuswap

Feeling ready to ease back into adventure? We’d like to show you how easy it is to find a space that’s right for you here in the Shuswap. Whether you’re exploring our network of nature trails or grabbing coffee or a bite to eat, you won’t have any problems finding a peaceful spot to call your own. So get ready to stretch out your arms, take a deep breath and enjoy the space.  

Tin Poppy Retreat
Tin Poppy Retreat
Tin Poppy Retreat
Tin Poppy Retreat

Organise a cabin stay with your crew.

Heading to the Shuswap is the perfect way to get back into the things you love. With a range of cabins to choose from, it’s easy to enjoy a much-needed break without the fuss and hassle. Here’s a few options to consider for your next group getaway. 

It’s easy to see why we’re the masters of space at Tin Poppy Retreat. Located in the Larch Hills between the Shuswap and the North Okanagan valley, this solar powered retreat sits on 160 acres of property and has four unique and beautiful rentals. From Lavender House perched high above the Shuswap River, to the cozy quiet forest dwellings Violet Cabin and Wild Rose Cabin, to the retro space of Tin Poppy, there is a time and a space for everyone.

For something small, simple and breathtakingly beautiful, look no further than White Lake Cabins. Located on a hidden lake in the heart of the Shuswap, this is the perfect setting to ease back into adventure with your pals. Choose from one of four cabins and get ready to take in the great outdoors. Whether you want action or prefer to relax and soak in the autumn sun, no one will judge you here. Even better, there’s no wifi to connect to, only nature. 

White Lake Cabins
White Lake Cabins
White Lake Cabins
White Lake Cabins

Savour your food with a side of space.  

While we might be a social bunch here in the Shuswap, we also appreciate our personal space! See what it’s like to sip your coffee or enjoy a bite to eat without the chaos and queues at these laid-back spots. First up, make a stop at Wild Oak Cafe. With its beautiful garden, patio space, comfy chairs and local artworks, it strikes the right balance between cozy, cool and airy. Plus, if you’re planning a day exploring our trails, there’s a bike rack outfront for your convenience. There’s plenty of options for lunch too. Check out Spinnaker Cafe in South Shuswap, Craig’s Bakery in Chase or keep it light at Smudge Whole Food Noshery. For a drink or two, enjoy the impressive space at Farmstrong Cider Company. Featuring long wooden tables and a pitched barn roof, it’s a great spot to unwind while maintaining social distance. 

Tip: To bond with your bubble at our many great restaurants, remember to call ahead to check with each establishment for operating times and new protocols.

Explore the big outdoors at your own pace.  

There’s more than enough space for everyone, so you can well and truly take your time exploring our natural wonders. With tons of lakes and rivers to explore, you’re never far from the water here in the Shuswap. Enjoy an early morning stand up paddle, a spot of fishing, some canoe camping or kayak across our peaceful waterways. Home to 1,000 km (600 mi) of shoreline, Lake Shuswap is also famous for beach adventures and spacious lakeside eateries like Finz Bar & Grill. If hiking and biking is more your style, our vast trail network is waiting for you. Connecting our 7 regions, there’s enough trails to suit all kinds of abilities. Pick a trail or two and make new memories with your crew. 

White Lake
White Lake
Salmon Arm Nature Trail
Salmon Arm Nature Trail

Made space to plan your Shuswap getaway yet? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip.