I’m Jody Shakespeare, resident Shuswap-ian (is that a word?!) entrepreneur and lover of lake life! My husband and I moved to this region just 2 years ago and we are so taken by the community we’re blessed to have become a part of. Living on the lake is pretty dreamy and we love exploring and supporting local. So when Shuswap Tourism asked if I could put something together on amazing Shuswap venues – obviously I said yes.
Let’s face it: the Shuswap is a beauty place to be all 4 seasons, which means finding a rad place to host some friends or hold a special event can be overwhelming: it’s so darned gorgeous! I set out to capture just a couple amazing venues that promise breathtaking views, cool hangouts and laid-back vibes. Know that this list is far from complete. My recommendation? Get out, be inspired and enjoy!
Situated on White Lake, White Lake Cabins not only boasts an incredible lakefront escape but they offer a digital detox! Encouraging their guests to get outside to soak in the backdrop, to play in the lake and to connect with your humans…this isn’t just proverbial here: you can’t help it when there’s no Netflix, no Insta and no reason to keep clutching your phone! WLC has 4 private cabins for extended stays, and frequently hosts weddings in their beautiful spot on the planet. https://www.whitelakecabins.com/
With a stunning post-and-beam barn and a lookout of the Salmon River Valley and Shuswap Lake unlike any other, Dolan Creek is the kind of place country singers sing about…but the good country songs…the ones about driving down dirt roads and swimming in rivers and sunsets you never forget. If you dream of dining under the stars with rolling hills around you, Dolan Creek is definitely the place you need to head to! https://www.dolancreekfarm.ca/
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cool sip of locally pressed cider in an eye-catching tasting room, or seeking out a unique spot to get hitched, Farmstrong in Armstrong offers a picturesque background that promises to leave you humbled by its beauty. Don’t forget to check out the original cider press they have showcased in their tasting room! These guys are also hosting an Artisan & Farmers Market every Sunday from July 7 – August 25, 2019 from 11 – 3 and we can’t wait to have another excuse to visit them! http://farmstrongcider.com/
Breathtaking. That’s what you need to know about the space at Rustic Wedding. A highly personal touch is what Karen, Laura & Candice bring to every single event they host here. Inspired by the mountains they call home, Rustic Wedding is known for their exquisite taste, stunning barn and unparalleled experience. Rustic is certainly in their name, but these events are nothing short of lavish! Keep an eye out for greenery workshops in the winter, as the property is also home to a tree farm. I got to do one of those this winter and it was so rad to cozy up next to the wood-burning oven and build some festive decorations! http://rusticwedding.ca/index.php/home-page/
If you haven’t caught on yet: the Shuswap offers an incredible natural backdrop for venues of all types to be inspired by. Quaaout is no exception. Recently having undergone a jaw-dropping renovation, playing host to BC Member’s Choice award winner Talking Rock Golf Resort, and a luxurious spa and let’s not forget an impressive dining experience with Chef Whittaker, you cannot go wrong spending a day or coordinating an event at Quaaout! Go for 18, book a massage, stay for dinner and then settle in for the night, you won’t regret it! http://www.quaaoutlodge.com/
If beautiful delicious food in a comfortable restaurant is your jam, The Rock Eatery in Falkland is a food-lovers destination! Situated on Hwy 97, you’ll wanna book reservations in advance of making the (well rewarded) trek: these guys are so good they only do resos no walk-ins (you’ve been warned). Chef LaRoche, a culinary genius, is constantly changing up the menu to showcase seasonal flavors. We LOVE their cute space with chalkboard art. Be sure to save room for desert: you can thank me later! https://www.facebook.com/therockeatery1/
Harpur Family Farm & Pumpkin Patch
Looking for a stunning spot to visit in the Fall? Harpur Farm & Pumpkin Patch will get you into the Autumn-spirit and can hook you up with all the pumpkins you need to get festive complete with hayride and resident goats! Frequently, they play host to farm to table dinners: I’m SO sad I missed these last year. We did visit Harpur this fall for our pumpkins and were completely taken by its charm! http://www.harpurfarm.ca/
Top Jimmy’s Canoe Beach Cafe & Water Sports
Sometimes, you just need a small, casual venue with a killer location! Top Jimmy’s is an adorable lil burger and ice-cream shack situated on Canoe Beach offering great home style eats ON the beach. I’m not pulling your leg or exaggerating: this small café with deck is actually sitting right on the beach! Jim & Joyce are the most welcoming hosts: so whether you’re visiting Canoe, driving through or coming by boat (yup, there’s a dock!), be sure to stop and say hello at Top Jimmy’s! https://www.facebook.com/canoebeachcafe.ca/
Whether you live in the Shuswap year round, or are visiting for the season sometimes you have the perfect venue in your own backyard! My husband and I created The Tapped Truck when we thought about all of the amazing venues and special events hosted in the Shuswap…and how much better they would be if we could be sipping on libations inspired by the very backdrop we love so much! The Tapped Truck can bring local beer, cider, kombucha…anything in a keg, on tap to the venue you chose (even if it literally is your backyard!). We know you wanna get #tappedintheshu! https://www.thetappedtruck.com/
With the lake, the mountains, running rivers, wildlife, spectacular sunrise & sunsets, rolling hills and picturesque farms it’s no wonder you found yourself in the Shuswap. I hope that no matter what venue you choose to spend your time or where you plan your special event you take a few moments to look up, soak it in and have some fun.
From Tourism Shuswap: Fresh off their “Public Choice: win at #Launchapreneur, Jody and her husband are the proud owners of The Tapped Truck. Look out for Jody and “Jewels” to be travelling the Shuswap this summer!
April 2, 2019
