Relax, Rejuvenate and Refresh | Experience the waterfalls without the hike!

By Sarah Tokarek

www.shuswapadventuregirl.ca

Instagram  

If hiking is not your interest, but waterfalls are, let us help get you there! This itinerary of easy-to-reach, accessible waterfalls will immerse you in nature while enjoying some of our best waterfalls and water-related trails.


Salmon Arm & South Shuswap
Waterfall

Margaret Falls is a short and stunning walk. It is a wide-flat pathway leading to a safe viewing platform. The trail is wheelchair accessible and is great for children and strollers.

Water Trail

McGuire Lake Park is a gem located in the center of Salmon Arm with a beautiful fountain and lush gardens. The park is a popular place to walk and have picnic lunches. There is a paved walkway around the perimeter of the park that is wheelchair accessible.

Sicamous & East Shuswap
Waterfall
Sicamous Creek Falls and Kay Falls offer very short and easy access to scenic waterfalls. These are not stroller or wheelchair friendly and may challenge those with mobility issues. They are child friendly and will take under 20 minutes each to enjoy!

Sicamous Lookout, Sicamous B.C. Photo credit: Shayla Coates

Lake Views
Sicamous Lookout is accessed by a vehicle on a Forest Service Road, requiring no hiking.
The expansive vistas of Shuswap Lake, Mara Lake, The Eagle River, Mara Mountain, and the colorful town of Sicamous are showcased from this iconic viewpoint.

 

Chase & The North Shuswap
Water Fall
Chase Creek Falls is an easy 10-minute out-and-back walk to an impressive waterfall. Kids and adults alike will love this easily accessible falls close to the bustling village of Chase. 


River Trail
From the main parking lot in Tsútswecw Provincial Park, a short, easy pathway leads to the Salmon viewing platform.
Tsútswecw Provincial Park is located on both sides of the Adams River, between Adams Lake and Shuswap Lake. This trail system is well marked, easily navigated, and provides light routes to wander around. It also boasts one of the best spots to view the world-renowned Adams River Sockeye Salmon annual run. The next Salute to the Sockeye event starts September 30th, 2022.

Map your trip: Experience the waterfalls without hiking

Know Before You Go
Shuswap Tourism strives to ensure Shuswap region visitors have the information and resources they need to make informed decisions while travelling in the Shuswap. 
We have compiled the list below to help ensure the utmost safety and information resources for our visitors and locals alike.

Please explore respectively. Plan ahead and prepare. 

Make a trip plan and tell someone responsible where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Visit Adventure Smart: Get Informed on how to Stay Safe Outdoors

The Shuswap Trail Alliance: Trail Saftey and Etiquette
Wildsafe BC: Keeping wildlife wild and communities safe
Wildsafe BC: WildSafeBC Bear Safety When Recreating
Shuswap Tourism: Know Before You Go
Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society: Trail User

A Four Falls Family Tour | Sicamous & East Shuswap

By Sarah Tokarek

www.shuswapadventuregirl.ca

Instagram  

 

This itinerary will surely fill your family’s adventure bucket! All four waterfalls can easily be ticked off in a day and are equally as beautiful in the wintertime.

Kay Falls

Start your day with a visit to Sicamous Creek Falls. Located a short drive off of Vernon-Sicamous Highway 97A just outside of Sicamous.

The short walking trails surrounding Sicamous Creek offer a refreshing scene to enjoy the mist of a waterfall, explore the diverse forest and have a picnic.

The village of Sicamous is lively and can provide you with all of the amenities you might need for your day of fun, out chasing waterfalls! Sicamous is also home to many well-marked, interesting, family-friendly nature trails. Marvel at the giant cedars along the Eagle River on the Eagle River Nature Trail, immerse yourself in an ecological reserve at North Fork Wild or walk into the Eagle River Estuary.

The popular attraction of Crazy Creek Falls & Suspension Bridge is a family favorite on the bucket list! Allow plenty of time here to explore.

Next on the list is the easy roadside stop of Kay Falls. Be careful when pulling on and off the highway here.  Kay Falls thunders with amazing force down 187 feet from the Monashee Mountains. This beautiful waterfall not only gets you completely soaked, but it will have you in awe of its sheer size!

Finally, make your way along Highway to Three Valley Gap, the most Eastern reach of the Shuswap region. The historic Three Valley Lake Chateau and Heritage Ghost Town are located on the beautiful banks of Three Valley Lake. The waterfalls to

Crazy Creek Falls

explore here are located on the Wap Lake forest service road. Frog Falls plunge and chute with force down the cliff and through the canyon. 

Map your trip:  A Four Falls Family Waterfall Tour | Sicamous & East Shuswap

Know Before You Go
Shuswap Tourism strives to ensure Shuswap region visitors have the information and resources they need to make informed decisions while travelling in the Shuswap. 
We have compiled the list below to help ensure the utmost safety and information resources for our visitors and locals alike.

Please explore respectively. Plan ahead and prepare. 

Make a trip plan and tell someone responsible where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Visit Adventure Smart: Get Informed on how to Stay Safe Outdoors

The Shuswap Trail Alliance: Trail Saftey and Etiquette
Wildsafe BC: Keeping wildlife wild and communities safe
Wildsafe BC: WildSafeBC Bear Safety When Recreating
Shuswap Tourism: Know Before You Go
Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society: Trail Users

The North Shuswap Waterfall Tour | Shuswap Lake

By Sarah Tokarek

www.shuswapadventuregirl.ca

Instagram  

 

The North Shuswap is located on the north side of Shuswap Lake and is accessed by the Squilax-Anglemont Road, just off Highway 1. From Skwlax to Seymour Arm, the North Shuswap region includes Lee Creek, Scotch Creek, Celista, Magna Bay, Anglemont, St.Ives, and Seymour Arm.

This waterfall tour will guide you to five incredible waterfalls in the North Shuswap. Dive deep into the backcountry with Seymour River Falls, visit the popular Albas Falls, families love Evelyn Falls, and don’t miss the quick and easy roadside stops of Chase Creek Falls and St. Ives

Onyx Falls, located in the North Shuswap. This is a non-marked trail

Falls.

Start your day at Chase Creek Falls, an easy, family-friendly, 30-minute walk that leads to impressive falls.  From there, travel on the Squilax-Anglemont Road to the bustling community of Scotch Creek. Include a nourishing stop for coffee or lunch at our welcoming local shops along the way.

Toward Anglemont, you can enjoy a fun 3km (return) trail that leads to a stunning waterfall, scenic creek, and lush valley at Evelyn Falls. The perfect place to experience the beauty of the North Shuswap forest.

Travel onwards to Albas Falls in Seymour Arm. Be sure to make the quick stop at St.Ives Falls; it is marked with a small wooden sign.

Albas Falls is one of the best in the Shuswap region and is worth the adventure. To get to Albas Falls, visitors must travel 35km on a gravel and sometimes bumpy forest service road (FSR). Experience driving on FSR roads is recommended in British Columbia. 

 

Consider an overnight stay in Seymour Arm! There are accommodations to choose from, including  Silver Beach Provincial Park.  The impressive and rugged Seymour River Falls is located further along the forest service road.


A truly authentic waterfall experience in the North Shuswap!

Map your trip: The North Shuswap Waterfall Tour Map

St.Ives Falls, North Shuswap



Know Before You Go
Shuswap Tourism strives to ensure Shuswap region visitors have the information and resources they need to make informed decisions while travelling in the Shuswap. 
We have compiled the list below to help ensure the utmost safety and information resources for our visitors and locals alike.

Please explore respectively. Plan ahead and prepare. 


Make a trip plan and tell someone responsible where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Visit Adventure Smart:
Get Informed on how to Stay Safe Outdoors

The Shuswap Trail Alliance: Trail Saftey and Etiquette
Wildsafe BC: Keeping wildlife wild and communities safe
Wildsafe BC: WildSafeBC Bear Safety When Recreating
Shuswap Tourism: Know Before You Go
Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society: Trail Users

Shuswap Farmers Markets Guest Blog From Taste of the Shuswap

Margaret & Nigel explore and share their Shuswap culinary discoveries.

 

One of the first things we did when we moved to the Shuswap was visit one of the many local Shuswap Farmers Markets.  It was July and the market was full of seasonal bounty, local artisan crafts and delicious tastes.  It was hard to decide so we simply didn’t and just bought everything!  We came away with a bulging basket of goodness.  So many great flavours and smells and colours.  We were hooked.

What also made a huge impression on us was the market ambiance.  There is a distinct feeling of friendly as the farmers can be seen trading their own wares with other vendors. Any one will also willingly tell you which other vendor might have what you are looking for.  Shoppers are happy to stop and chat and the merchants are delighted to share stories and suggestions.  No rush, no fuss, just casual, down to earth pleasure.  Just like the Shuswap.

Over the past six years we have seen the Shuswap Farmers Markets grow tremendously in popularity.  It is certainly acknowledged that encouragement to shop local has heightened awareness, but it is that same amazing atmosphere of friends meeting friends that makes Shuswap Farmers Markets stand out.  The pride each farmer has in telling the story of their harvest, the impact of the weather on the growing season or something new they are excited to have you try is special indeed.

It is also evident that the Shuswap is enticing new families.  Every week we meet new farmers or foragers, bakers or beverage makers.  They tell us how much they appreciate the opportunity to grow and make beautiful food and how incredible local support is.  We have welcomed so many new vendors that each market is literally spilling out into the streets.   The addition of food trucks to many markets means that you can spend the entire morning or afternoon purchasing specialty items only found in the Shuswap and then enjoy a freshly made breakfast sandwich or hot lunch delight.  Along with that tasty treat, you’ll experience the background sound of guitars and ukuleles, sax and keyboards accompanied by some pretty cool voices.  Many Shuswap Markets feature local entertainment, and you know within the first few strains you’ll find yourself tapping or singing along with a new friend you just met!

Virtually every community in the Shuswap is home to at least one Farmers Market many of which are lengthening their season and some now operate year round.   The friendly Market Coordinators are social folk and for the most part you will find up to date details on their Facebook pages.  Seasonal market days range from Wednesday to Sunday so depending where you are in the Shuswap, there is likely a market happening near you!  The range of products is extensive and the quality is outstanding.

 

Itinerary

A visit to a Shuswap Farmers Market is not to be missed and Shuswap Tourism has a fun and easy itinerary builder that makes visiting them so easy.  If you are feeling that summer chill vibe and don’t want to do the work, we’ve built a sample itinerary for you or, explore on your own and build one yourself.  Either way you’ll come away with hearts and bellies full as you experience all the senses.  We hope you get out and enjoy a Taste of the Shuswap at a Farmers Market soon!

Taste of the Shuswap Farmers Market Itinerary – Four Days Full of Market Tastes

Wednesday – All Organics Farmers Market Salmon Arm – Uptown at Askews

So many things to love about this market but what makes it special is that all the products have been certified organic and we think this might be the only one in BC.  Vendors have to be approved and we 100% approve of all the amazing options including two favourites – Crannóg Ales Canada’s first certified organic farmhouse microbrewery and Pure Armstrong, a husband and wife team of Dutch bakers who fell in love, then fell in love with BC and now bake delicious Dutch treats!

Friday – Enderby Farmers Market – Downtown Enderby

It’s time to top up for the weekend and what better place to do that then at the Enderby Farmers Market.  Located right on Cliff Avenue the “main street”, you’ll find a wonderful assortment of farmers and artisans.  We love picking up in season fresh haskap berries from Belle Meadow Farms.  If you haven’t tried haskaps you’re missing out.  So good and so good for you they have three times the antioxidants of a blueberry and more vitamin C than an orange.  While you can pick them up frozen all year round, we love getting fresh!

Saturday – Double Duty – Sorrento Village Farmers’ Market & Downtown Salmon Arm Market

Impossible for us to choose, we often find ourselves visiting both markets – just a 20 minute drive apart, between the two you can stock up on everything the Shuswap has to offer and spend hours bantering with the vendors and choosing special delights for your weekend boating excursion.  First stop for us in Sorrento is Forest & Food Fixation where Amanda always has fresh from the oven artisan breads and pastries.  A master forager, in season she will offer you a selection of morels and is happy to tell you how to prepare them!

Next we travel to the Shuswap’s largest Farmers Market and the Keenan Family Farms booth where Chelsea greets us with a big smile and fresh farm eggs and pork products.  Their pasture raised animals are Certified Animal Welfare approved and this young family is making a big contribution to the community through their support of local food security programs.   You’ve never had better bacon I swear!  Say hi to Chelsea and all the other amazing local vendors.

Sunday Fun Day – Scotch Creek Farm & Craft Market

The only Sunday market in the Shuswap, a visit to North Shuswap must include a stop at Scotch Creek Farm & Craft Market.  Here you will find some familiar faces and some that only sell at this market which makes them extra special.  If you haven’t met Chris from Spotted Moose Farm yet, here is your chance!  Spotted Moose (and don’t you love the name!) is an organic farm producing a wide range of the most flavourful vegetables you can imagine.  Practising organic and regenerative farming, this young family brings so much goodness to every market they sell at and a conversation with Chris is pure delight.

Well that’s our tour.  We’ve only scratched the surface and we are now hungry and thirsty thinking about all the market options so its time to get out our market basket and go tasting!

Beat the Heat

We welcome you to Explore Shuswap again.  Book your getaway now and plan to travel safely and responsibly this summer.

The heart of the traditional territories of the Secwepemc, the “meeting of the waters”, the Shuswap is a place of gathering. We celebrate the pairing of meaningful experiences. Cycle to a vineyard or paint at the pub, paddle to the park, or hike to the hot spring. We live to explore. And every day with us means you’ll find a little more.

Our hosts and our guides, our chefs, brewmasters and vintners, our farmers, producers and shop owners look forward to welcoming you back. Immerse yourself in the stories told by our musicians, artists and actors, artisans and crafters. Meander our maps, our rivers and valleys, our mountains and meadows, our beaches, belvederes, parks and trails in a smart, safe and respectful way.

 

BEAT THE HEAT

Summer in the Shuswap is all about sunny days and starry nights and it comes with its fair share of heat. With above average temperatures in these early days of summer, here are ten outings to keep cool and have fun.

Pack up some water and snacks, hats and swim suits, sunscreen and towels, and enjoy everything under the Shuswap sun.

Wander to the waterfalls. Both Margaret Falls at Herald’s Provincial Park  and Syphon Falls  offer a refreshing reward for a short hike. 

Put it on ice. With over a dozen patios in Salmon Arm’s downtown, order your favourite iced coffee and enjoy the small city’s hustle and bustle.

Grab some grub at the Hub. Across from Shuswap Lake Provincial Park, this Scotch Creek institution is known for great food, local beer and live entertainment.

Walk the red wharf. At Memorial Park  a family friendly beach with playground and plenty of shade on beautiful Little Shuswap Lake.

Early birds hit the trails. A morning hike or bike will set the day on the right path.

Get fresh at the market. Many markets are held weekly across the Shuswap. Stock up on fresh fruit and veggies. New this year is the night market in Blind Bay on Thursdays at Centennial Field.

See it on the big (and bigger) screens. The Salmar Grand Theatre in Salmon Arm is a five screen cinema showing the latest block busters and the Starlight Drive-In in Enderby (North America’s biggest screen) has daily shows after dark.

A bridge over cool waters. Cross the 74 metre suspension bridge across Crazy Creek in the Eagle Valley just east of Sicamous.

Paddles up for lobster. You’ll have earned a legendary lobster roll from Top Jimmy’s Canoe Beach Cafe after a paddle up and down the beach.

Reach for new heights. The Gym of Rock at the Westgate Market in Salmon Arm is an all ages all ability indoor climbing facility with boulder inn and top rope areas.

Have a ‘little’ fun! Kid friendly outings in the Shuswap

The Shuswap is chock full of fun for kids of all ages. There’s old fashioned family fun to brand new adventures all within an hour’s drive.