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.
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.
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!
5. Crazy Creek Resort
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.
