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.
