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!
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!
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!
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!
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
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!
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.
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
