Spring Break Trail Guide | Salmon Arm & Sicamous!

Spring is here, and excitement is in the air! Happy spring break, Shuswap! Eight extraordinary communities make up the Shuswap Region. Both Salmon Arm and Sicamous offer an exceptional variety of family, outdoor adventures to create the perfect spring holiday while staying local to your community!

 

Spring is here, and excitement is in the air! Happy spring break, Shuswap! Eight extraordinary communities make up the Shuswap Region. Both Salmon Arm and Sicamous offer an exceptional variety of family, outdoor adventures to create the perfect spring holiday while staying local to your community!

For those looking to explore safe and welcoming open spaces close to home, we invite you to enjoy the selection of established trails and natural pathways of these staycation destinations!

The beautiful Shuswap views from Mount Ida
The beautiful Shuswap views from Mount Ida

Salmon Arm


If you’re looking for a lively and vibrant scene that offers the perfect mix of fun urban and unforgettable outdoor recreation, then look no further than our beloved Salmon Arm! Known as the heart of the Shuswap, our lakeside community offers an abundance of soulful experiences and stunning natural surroundings in every direction! The sparkling waters of the lake entice us to live a life well-lived! The peaks of Mount Ida gracefully rising above reminds us that nature is always calling!|

Salmon Arm has many family-friendly hiking trails found within the city and nearby hills and mountains. There are several trusty ones near and dear for fantastic family fun! These trails are well-marked, easy to find, great for all levels, and are rich in adventure!

This spring break, love our own communities, love our local tourism, and play outside in Salmon Arm!

McGuire Lake

In the heart of Salmon Arm, a stroller and wheelchair-accessible paved path, looping a pretty little lake with the beloved water fountain in the middle. This is a great family stroll and a great place for very small children to explore! Springtime here offers an abundance of pond-type habitat, there is never a dull moment here if you are into wildlife viewing!

 

The South Canoe Trail System

This impressive system is made up of a large network of trails built and used for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, running, and horseback riding. A fun feature is the Troll Trail which has a great little winding bridge, which is adorned by a collection of little trolls, all peeking out at you! The kids absolutely love this! It is a great spot to enjoy the many different types of trees. It also provides access to the Larch Hills trail system above and the Larch Hills Traverse. Make this trail system as long or short, difficult or easy as you please. It would require an extensive amount of time to explore all of the trails here!

 

Little Mountain Park Trail System

This beautiful and forested system has a variety of short and easy intertwining trails through cedar, larch, and pine woodland and is good for all skill levels. Reach the minor summit of Little Mountain and views overlooking Salmon Arm and Bastion Mountain can be enjoyed from the benches provided. A great trail system to add to your day of shopping or errand running for some connection to nature.

 

Syphon Falls & Gayle Creek Loop

A short, scenic, and interesting walk to beautiful waterfalls tucked in the forest. This is a popular local rock climbing area, and if you are lucky, you will get to watch the rock climbers in action! This beautiful family-friendly trail follows along a creek with a few crossings over a bridge. There are some beautiful rock faces and in the springtime, watch for an array of wildflowers! Be prepared to help young children maneuver around boulders and near the waterfall.

Sicamous

Living on a lake is a spirited place to call home, alive with adventure and natural wonder! In all directions, you’re surrounded by strikingly beautiful mountains and waterscapes as far as the eye can see. It fills the soul! The colorful and proud village of Sicamous holds the very essence of this celebrated lifestyle. Here, there is a playfulness in nature, in the water, in the skies, and the mountains. Sicamous is a varied and fascinating meeting place that is full of sun and scenery! There is an abundant array of well-marked trails and attractions in the area that offer all walks of life an exceptional and impressive experience.

Live more in Sicamous and spend spring break exploring with this insightful stay local guide!

 

Eagle River Nature Trail

Eagle River Nature Trail is truly a Shuswap gem! This is an easy, super enjoyable, family-friendly, flat pathway with a series of well-marked loop trails. There are 6 kilometers of trails along the banks of the Eagle River. It is a beautiful and ancient old-growth stand of the cottonwoods, hemlock, and cedars. There are remnants of logging from the 1920s and 1930s here, where ginormous cedars were cut down, and now have become nurse stumps (feeding and giving life to the new growth). There are some charming boardwalks and bridges, and interpretive signage throughout. Visitors love the views and the opportunities to explore the colorful Eagle River and the little nature pond. Watch for the beautiful eagles fishing here! A great spectacle!

 

Sicamous Beach Nature Trails & RiverFront Nature Park

One of the best and all-encompassing waterfront community beach parks in the Shuswap! The adorable community garden beds, soon-to-be brand new washrooms, the little playground, splash park, picnic tables, and expansive waterfront access along the incredible Silver Sands beach treats families to an endless day in the sun beachcombing and playing! Sicamous RiverFront Nature Park is a family-friendly walking trail that pleasantly leads you through a beautiful forest of giant cottonwoods alongside the Eagle River.Or for a new view, follow the footpath under the bridge to The Main Street Landing, which is located at the traffic circle and offers a great paved waterfront path to stroll along and take in the shimmering water and lively marine views.

 

Sicamous Creek Falls

This short but sweet waterfall adventure is good for all levels, and surely the kids will love it! It is a well-maintained, recently upgraded, easy hike through a lush and dense forest. The canopy above is rich and diverse and provides welcoming shade on those hot Shuswap days! Sicamous Creek is a tributary to Mara Lake. Wonderful views of Mara Lake, the creek canyon, and beyond can be seen on the Lizard Trail, which is the same trailhead as the falls, and a large sign with a detailed map can be found here. Great amenities, scenic hiking, and easy roadside access make this a perfect spot to explore!

 

North Fork Wild

North Fork Wild is a beautiful family-friendly, well-planned trail network nestled within an incredible interior rainforest! It is a wondrous place to explore! The kids will enjoy the various wooden stairs, bridges, and boardwalks. The woodland is thick and lush of hemlock, yew, and cedar stands. Mosses and lichens cover the ground and mass boulders along this ecologically rich valley and ridge trail. Great views and easy access to the crystal clear Perry River are seen along the River Side Trail. North Fork Wild boasts sandy beaches, creeks, light marshlands, and the enchanting Lower Perry River Canyon. A springtime, local favorite!

 

These are only a small glimpse into the extensive trail system around Salmon Arm and Sicamous. Find your favorite or try them all!  Savor the beauty of the Shuswap and embrace the spirit of spring while engaging with your own community, connecting with nature, and exploring as a family!

By Sarah Tokarek
www.shuswapadventuregirl.ca

Please follow all health protocols and check for weather conditions. Tell someone where you’re planning to go and when you’ll be back and bring the basic outdoor safety equipment.


For complete directions and distances of all trails please review Shuswap Trail Alliance website.

Stay tuned for more on the Spring Break Trail Guide – Next week will be featuring the South and North Shuswap along with the Falkland, Enderby, Chase and Armstrong Areas. 

 

Spring Break Trail Guide | The North & South Shuswap & Chase!

Spring is one of the best reasons for creating a new adventure bucket! At the dawn of the new season, we sit down and dream up our Shuswap to-do list as a family. We are so fortunate to enjoy such an array of hidden gems, spectacular scenery, terrific trails, and local secrets right at our fingertips.

Spring is one of the best reasons for creating a new adventure bucket! At the dawn of the new season, we sit down and dream up our Shuswap to-do list as a family. We are so fortunate to enjoy such an array of hidden gems, spectacular scenery, terrific trails, and local secrets right at our fingertips. You do not have to travel past the ridgelines of your community to be delighted by all of the wilderness offerings! With its diverse ecosystem, vast ranges of mountains, pristine waters, and endless forest lands, the Shuswap is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the natural world!

These three areas of the Shuswap offer something for everyone! The vibrant village and surroundings of Chase, the awe-inspiring South Shuswap, and the incredible North Shuswap are made to overflow that adventure bucket!

Happy Spring Break, everyone!

Spring Break Trail Guide | The North & South Shuswap & Chase!

Spring is one of the best reasons for creating a new adventure bucket! At the dawn of the new season, we sit down and dream up our Shuswap to-do list as a family. We are so fortunate to enjoy such an array of hidden gems, spectacular scenery, terrific trails, and local secrets right at our fingertips. You do not have to travel past the ridgelines of your community to be delighted by all of the wilderness offerings! With its diverse ecosystem, vast ranges of mountains, pristine waters, and endless forest lands, the Shuswap is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the natural world!

These three areas of the Shuswap offer something for everyone! The vibrant village and surroundings of Chase, the awe-inspiring South Shuswap, and the incredible North Shuswap are made to overflow that adventure bucket!

The South Shuswap


The South Shuswap lovingly encompasses Sorrento, Blind Bay, Eagle Bay, Notch Hill, Tappen, and White Lake. Each is a place of breathtaking beauty! There are many different hiking trails to discover the stunning views, outstanding landscapes, and varying biogeoclimatic forests of this incredible area! These family-friendly hikes are sure to bring joy and a sense of adventure.
Lace-up those hiking boots and find your passion here in the South Shuswap!

Wild Rose Bay

A short, forested walk down to the water, which features an excellent waterfront spot for exploring and spending the day! The trailhead is easy to find, and the trail is well established. The Moss Walk is an additional lakeside loop trail; it has an abundance of incredible mosses draping the rocky outcrops and rock faces and is not to be missed! This is an excellent four-season trail, great for all levels of hikers, and is incredibly beautiful. Have a beach picnic and breathe in the crisp lake air while enjoying the quietness and spectacular scenery.

Margaret Falls

Margaret Falls is one of South Shuswap’s favorite family destinations! It is a beautiful and enchanting canyon walk along Reinecker Creek through a fairytale-like old-growth forest. The gorge boasts high vertical walls, moss-covered rocks, and charming wooden bridges. The impressive waterfall at the end is incredible! (Especially during peak spring run-off). Park in the Herald Provincial Park day-use area, spend time playing on the nature-inspired playground and stroll along the creek to the Margaret Falls trailhead. There is an abundance to see along this trail, and it is one of the best little family spots in the South Shuswap!

White Lake Lookout

White lake Lookout Trail provides a few great options for exploration. A popular, family-friendly route is to climb to the first lookout on the rocky bluffs, overlooking White Lake, Little White Lake, Tappen Valley, and Mt. Ida in the distance. The trail climbs through a picturesque forest, passing by a creek, and offers a great series of switchbacks. To add a more difficult hike and reap all of the rewards, the trail continues upwards through a beautiful open grassy forest before popping out at the radio tower. Continue from the towers, and a short narrow trail leads to spectacular open panoramic views of the Shuswap region! Not to be missed!

Mount Baldy

Mount Baldy is a local favorite, and for good reasons! It’s close to home, provides a gorgeous trek through a diverse forest; it is not too difficult but can challenge even a fit hiker. It has little wooden bridges and boardwalks with beautiful creek crossings. A charming and interesting sculptural art piece made of old bike parts welcomes you. The first peek-a-boo viewpoint is about halfway up; it is a perfect family destination and provides a great spot to take in Shuswap Lake and Copper Island’s majestic views before heading back down or continuing up to the top to really reap the rewards of this local favorite!

The North Shuswap

Rugged and authentic, inspiring and intriguing, the idyllic North Shuswap is a true prize in the region. The dreamy and vast shoreline, the winding and scenic lakeside road, colorful communities, and forest-laden mountains as far as the eye can see make up this incredible part of the Shuswap! The hiking trails and adventure opportunities here are like none other. Backroads, mountain lakes, beaches, and waterfalls are plentiful! Grab your map book, grab your trail guide, and head to the sunny-side, the North Shuswap!

Evelyn Falls

Evelyn Falls is a 3 km beautiful, easy, out-and-back trail that leads to a gorgeous waterfall, scenic creek, and lush valley. Located near the fire hall in Anglemont on the North Shore, you will find a small parking lot at the well-defined trailhead. The drive to this destination is certainly worth it! Here, you will be transported to a fairy-tale-like mosaic of forest cover. Rich hues, mosses and lichens, natural trail art, and a gentle, family-friendly, park-like trail. The falls are beautiful, the sights are interesting and pretty, the hike is fun, and the sounds are mesmerizing, a true waterfall experience in the heart of the Shuswap!

Tsútswecw Provincial Park | Upper & Lower Bear Creek Flume Trail

The Bear Creek Flume Trails is a historic trail with informational signage and several fascinating points of interest along the way! The Adams River Lumber Company built the flumes to transport logs. It consists of two trails that are connected by a pedestrian underpass under the main road. You can enjoy these trails together or at separate times.

The Upper Flume Trail runs through a vibrant and lush old-growth forest and follows the creek. This is where you really see the history as there is a replica flume, original remnants, and a beautiful timber stair set, and there are seven unique and newly constructed bridges! There is also the impressive Bear Creek Falls, seen from a viewpoint high above!

The Lower Flume Trail: This is an easy and beautiful forest walk through large old-growth cedar and cottonwood stands. The trail weaves alongside the mighty Adams River with some interesting natural obstacles. Before you loop back, at the end of the trail is a “secret beach” on the Adams River’s shore. Bring a picnic and enjoy this setting!

Adams Gorge Trail | Tsútswecw Provincial Park

The Adams River Gorge Trail is a spectacular journey that starts on an old road, becomes an easy trail in the canyon, and ends up at the spectacular gorge. You can continue on the trail, which runs alongside the river and eventually comes to Gold Creek. Climbing the rocks and taking in the white water rapids’ views rushing and churning through the narrow gorge below is a sight to see. Below the canyon is a large pool with a sandy beach, a perfect spot for a picnic! The springtime is really wild, with the mountain run-off; take extra caution on the rocks!

Chase

The village and surrounding area of Chase is a special place in the Shuswap. Its geographic location alone is something to marvel at. Chase is located at the only water outlet of Shuswap Lake and is the South Thompson River’s headwater. The South Thompson joins the North Thompson River near Kamloops, and together they form the beautiful turquoise-colored Thompson River. The Thompson River is the largest tributary to the Mighty Fraser near Lytton B.C.

The opportunities for exploration in and around Chase are boundless, and for families, this spring break, adventure awaits!

Chase Creek Falls

Chase Creek falls an easy, half-hour return walk to an impressive and beautiful waterfall! The canyon walls towering above are also something to see, and bighorn can often be spotted here! The short walk boasts loud, thundering water and interesting rock faces. The falls can be viewed from the safe structural platform. This is an excellent trail for even the littlest of hikers.

Scatchard Mountain Switchbacks

This is a family-friendly 7 km historic trail climbing up high above the Chase Creek Canyon and overlooks Chase and Little Shuswap Lake. The trail is an old road; it is wide and free of natural obstacles, making it great for the kids to run and play along the way! The first viewpoint overlooking Chase and the Canyon is only 1 km up the trail. The rock walls, wide-open pathways, and amazing views make this a local favorite! This trail system’s base has a great map and pamphlets to take to help guide you along.

Chase River Walk

What spring break would be complete without a riverbed exploration walk? The headwaters of the South Thompson River start in Chase at Little Shuswap Lake. Park in the designated sites near the boat launch on Mill Rd. and take a stroll, marveling in the riverside wonder. In the spring, the rocky shores are nature’s treasure hunt, and families can walk for miles, enjoying the sights and sounds, rock finding, and watching the Eagles.

 

Want to explore more? You can visit the Chase Museum or Chamber Visitor Centre for an interpretive pamphlet written by local historian David Lepsoe. There is a self-guided heritage walking tour, exploring the village of Chase and all of the charming, historical buildings that are still standing.

Afterward, head to Memorial Park and the playground to complete this fun-filled, outdoor family day!

Celebrate Spring in your own backyard this year! Take the time to discover a new local destination or trail and enjoy all of the wonders that the Shuswap Region communities have to offer!


By Sarah Tokarek
www.shuswapadventuregirl.ca


Please follow all health protocols and check for weather conditions. Tell someone where you’re planning to go and when you’ll be back and bring the basic outdoor safety equipment.”


For complete directions and distances of all trails please review Shuswap Trail Alliance website: www.shuswaptailalliance.com

 

Spring Break Trail Guide | Enderby, Armstrong, Falkland!

School is out, and spring is here! How do you plan to spend the warmer days? Here in the Shuswap, there is a wealth of outdoor springtime activities to enjoy, some exhilarating, some leisurely, and all of them simply incredible!  Immerse yourself in the excitement of the songful season, the delightful connection to nature, and have fun in our very own backyard playgrounds!

School is out, and spring is here! How do you plan to spend the warmer days? Here in the Shuswap, there is a wealth of outdoor springtime activities to enjoy, some exhilarating, some leisurely, and all of them simply incredible!  Immerse yourself in the excitement of the songful season, the delightful connection to nature, and have fun in our very own backyard playgrounds!

For those of us lucky enough to call the charming communities of Enderby, Armstrong, and Falkland home, where community, character, and connection collide, springtime offers an array of amazing and unforgettable experiences for the whole family!

Spring break exploration!
Spring break exploration!

Enderby


Enderby is a charming and welcoming little city that sits alongside the cherished, clean and clear, Shuswap River. Life riverside flourishes and offers an abundance of lively outdoor experiences. The Shuswap River is a vital force within the entire Shuswap region and is affectionately respected as the community’s heart! The awe-inspiring Enderby cliffs, which are considered a must-do by most, gracefully stand large in the staggering backdrop of the Southern Shuswap landscape. From birdwatching and fishing, rafting, and floating to rainforest-like trails and interpretive centers, the Shuswap River, Enderby, and surrounding areas have something for everyone!

Where the Shuswap meets the Okanagan, explore more in Enderby!

 

Hidden Lake Recreation Site

What better way to spend a spring day than exploring the shores and wetlands of a beautiful, clear mountain lake? The sun is shining, and the promise of summer is in the air! On days like these, as a family, we love to pack a picnic, load the kids, and head to one of the many Provincial Recreational sites in the area.
Hidden Lake is tucked in the mountains, approximately 25 km from Enderby, and boasts a wonderful family day outside. An easy and meandering forested trail system connects the two recreation sites and shows Hidden Lake’s beautiful views. If weather permits, pack the kayaks and PFDs and explore the small bays and crystal clear waters!

Enderby Cliffs Tplaqin Trail 

Adventure seekers will rejoice in the incredible and awe-inspiring Enderby Cliffs. The cliffs offer a well-established trail and unforgettable journey, suitable for families with older children. This 13 km return hike has great rewards and is worth every bit of rigorous effort! It is known in the BC hikers circle as one of the best viewpoints in the region and is truly a special gem of the entire Shuswap! At nearly 1,200 meters high, this incredible ridge is perfectly positioned for the Shuswap’s panoramic views, North Okanagan, and the Salmon River Valley.

Hikers are kindly asked to tread lightly as this is a delicate ecosystem. The snowpack lasts longer up here; spring break hiking will require boot grips such as trax or spikes and suitable outerwear. Keep children and pets back from the cliff edges!

Jim Watt Heritage River Walk

A pleasant and relaxing stroll along the Eagle River, a perfect place for families with small children to enjoy the Shuswap scenery. From the Visitor center in Enderby, the  Heritage River Walk runs between Belvidere and Riverside Park and continues to the downtown core. Watch for wildlife, including turtles, ducks, birds, and beavers!

Armstrong & Spallumcheen

Armstrong’s picturesque village is often known for its pastoral valley beauty, lush green hills, and golden fields, a scene rich in hometown heritage and agriculture. Rooted within the Spallumcheen Valley at the southernmost point of the Shuswap, Armstrong has a farm-first passion. Celebration and closeness of the community are the vitality. Armstrong offers outdoor enthusiasts and adventure families enjoyable experiences, all within proximity to town.

Pack your bag and experience these fantastic spring break adventures in Armstrong’s own backyard!

View of the North Okanagan from the radio tower at Mount Rose-Swanson

View of the North Okanagan from the radio tower at Mount Rose-Swanson

View of the North Okanagan from the radio tower at Mount Rose-Swanson

Mount Rose-Swanson

A local and visitor favorite, Mount Rose-Swanson is sure to please all levels of hikers, including the littlest! It is a great family setting to connect with nature and experience the spectacular scenery of the Spallumcheen Valley high above Armstrong! The patchwork pastures below, the blue and green variegated lakes and forests, springtime wildflowers, and the endless Shuswap skies make this panoramic vista a true treasure of the area! This trail offers great variety; hikers can choose their route and make this a 4-8 km round trip loop trail. There are several small summits along the way, but making it to the rock bluffs’ radio tower is the ultimate reward. The views of the valley will knock your hiking socks right off! The snowpack lasts longer up here; spring break hiking will require boot grips such as trax or spikes and suitable outerwear.

A perfect springtime adventure for the whole family and an Armstrong must-do attraction!

Thomas Hayes Ecological Park

A popular family destination, this short, meandering trail leads you through beautiful wetlands, a pleasant forested area, and along a pretty ridge with a creek below. Kids will love the birdhouses perched in the trees throughout! Just over 4 km, the coyote loop is great for observing nature and birdwatching. There is also a shorter loop for the smaller hikers!

Kindly stay on the trail, and gumboots are a must in the spring!

Falkland Area

Nestled within an extraordinary outdoor adventure playground, full of endless opportunities to explore, Falkland is a treasure of the Shuswap! From the beautiful surrounding mountains to the endless selection of pretty lakes and recreation sites to the interesting geological formations and rocky outcroppings. Falkland is a unique and special community. It sits pleasantly in the rural setting of the lush and diverse Falkland Valley. The town offers a step back to a simpler type feeling with its colorful shops and an array of general store style facades while boasting a modern approach to some new and interesting eateries and specialty stores. A quick route around this charming town leaves you with a sense of admiration and longing to stay a little longer!  Head out of town on any given route or backroad, with the map in hand, and within minutes, find yourself in nature’s impressive playground!

Bolean Lake recreation site near Falkland B.C.
Bolean Lake recreation site near Falkland B.C.

Recreational Lakes

Days at the lake, in all seasons, are so memorable and are time well spent! As a young family, we always look to the weekend for just this, time with the kids, family presence, and connection with our outdoors. We also love to find new places to enjoy and to share with friends. Grabbing the back road map book and picking a new destination ranks high on our list of things to do, especially come springtime! The sense of excitement in the air, the melt of the mountains creating beautiful waterfalls and creeks, the shores lines coming to life! Rock hunting is one of our favorite pastimes of this geologically rich area; try your luck at finding agates and more!

Falkland area is the absolute perfect place to do this as there are so many small and interesting upland lakes so close to home, there are a staggering 10 lakes within 10 miles of town! Your job is to pick one! Pack the gear, pack the picnic and head up to the hills for an unforgettable day!  A perfect way to sit back, relax and enjoy nature at her finest this spring break!

Here is a great family-friendly collection of nearby local lakes and recreation sites to explore!

Bolean Lake Recreation Site
This a long-time favorite of ours to frequent. The road up is nothing short of spectacular; the scenery is stunning and will surely leave you with a sense of adventure!

Joyce Lake Recreation Site
This pretty little site offers super easy highway access and is perfect for a quick afternoon trip! The lake offers wonderful fishing and paddling opportunities.

Charcoal Creek Recreation Site
This is a great family site to visit! Enjoy the sounds of the creek, and in the spring, the beautiful daisies and wildflowers abound!

Chase Creek Recreation Site
The rock wall above the creek is something to be admired at this charming, small and open site. The beautiful little creek journeys over three waterfalls in the Chase Creek Canyon before flowing through the village of Chase and into Shuswap Lake.

Making springtime memories in the Shuswap has never been so idyllic and peacefully picturesque! Enjoy the abundance of family-friendly fun wherever you get to call home in the beautiful Shuswap!

By Sarah Tokarek
www.shuswapadventuregirl.ca


*Please follow all health protocols and check for weather conditions. Tell someone where you’re planning to go and when you’ll be back and bring the basic outdoor safety equipment.


For complete directions and distances of all trails please review Shuswap Trail Alliance website: www.shuswaptrailalliance.com

 

Shuswap Golf Trail 2023

Shuswap Golf Trail Pass

$279.99

On sale until April 15, 2023.

Play one round at each of these courses

  • Salmon Arm Golf Club
  • Shuswap Lake Golf Course at Blind Bay
  • Talking Rock Golf Course
  • Mara Hills Golf Resort
  • Shuswap National

Terms & Info Valid 7 days a week • Only one round per course • Fully transferable with family and friends • Only one passes is issued and pass is required at check in • Power cart and driving range not included • Pass expires October 1, 2024

 

BUY HERE

golfad23