In BC's southern interior, relaxing family vacations set to rugged mountains and fresh water await visitors to the Shuswap region.

The communities of Salmon Arm, Sorrento and Sicamous surround this warm H-shaped lake.

Unlike the muffled roar of power boats on nearby Okanagan Lake, Shuswap Lake is home to a more peaceful pace cultivated around houseboats.

"Shuswap Lake has approximately 1000km of shoreline and then we also have Mara Lake. The two are attached with a channel of water in Sicamous," says Janet Norris of the Sicamous & District Chamber of Commerce.

"We have hiking, beaches, golfing, attractions, houseboats, 6 sledding areas, wineries, all types of accommodation, excellent restaurants - the Shuswap just has everything!"

Best of the Region

Lakes
Although Shuswap Lake is most popular for houseboating, activities including fishing, rafting, swimming - even scuba diving - complete a well-rounded selection of things to do on the water.

• Sunbeach Rentals - Celista
• Boathouse Marine & Leisure - Salmon Arm
• Cruisin' The Shuswap - Salmon Arm
• Bluewater Houseboats - Sicamous
• Waterway Houseboats - Sicamous
• Captain's Village Marina - Scotch Creek

Land
Numerous provincial parks are easy to find and offer hiking, biking, horseback riding and rock climbing.

• Provincial Parks Map/List
• High Country Trail Rides - Salmon Arm
• Crazy Creek Falls - Sicamous

RCI around the Shuswap

Transportation to and around Shuswap Lake

The closest international airport is located in Kelowna (YLW), approximately 1 1/2 hour's driving time from the Shuswap area. There is also a small airport in Salmon Arm (YSN) to which charter service is available. Greyhound buses service Salmon Arm, Sicamous and Sorrento. The closest VIA Rail station is in Kamloops, roughly an hour north.

When to Visit

"The best season to visit depends on what you are looking for. I find older visitors enjoy the fall - there's not as much traffic and it's not as hot. If you want the beach, tanning, boating and more, summer is probably the best. If you ski and sled, then you would want to visit in the winter."

Janet suggests the best clothing for a summer visit would be shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, capris and light jacket for evenings. For snowy months, a winter coat and boots are recommended, while spring and fall bring all types of weather including rain and wind or warm sunny days.

So whenever you decide to explore the Shuswap region, plan ahead to help your family to make the most of the outdoor activities which enrich the area. For those in search of a rustic escape to the heart of BC, Shuswap Lake is a great choice.

*Information from shuswap.bc.ca and foundlocally.com.

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