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Darren Robinson Photography
The Shuswap: Land of Plenty
View of Sicamous, Shuswap Lake and Mara Lake from Sicamous Lookout.
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Darren Robinson Photography
The Shuswap: Land of Plenty
Houseboating offers many opportunities for new adventures.
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Darren Robinson Photography
The Shuswap: Land of Plenty
Discover the natural wonder by walking the many nature trails.
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Darren Robinson Photography
The Shuswap: Land of Plenty
The Shuswap is a boating mecca no matter your preferred speed.
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Murray Foubister
The Shuswap: Land of Plenty
An overview of the houseboating lifestyle.
By Steve Fennell, SunCruiser Boating
Living it up in the outdoors is all part of The Shuswap experience. Boating. Fishing. Hiking. Kayaking. You name it - it’s all here and ready when you are – naturally-made to meet the needs of your outdoor activities.
Many communities make up the Shuswap. From the commercial centre of Salmon Arm in the south end to the more rural Scotch Creek to the north, this is a vacation destination where boating is king, the fishing exciting, and marine services are never more than a push-on-the-throttle away. A south central B.C. gem, The Shuswap is located between Calgary and Vancouver and access is via the tree-laden, Trans Canada Highway and Highway 97.
The scenery is divine and yes, it’s well worth the drive.
Numerous lakes are in this region and Lake Shuswap is one of the most popular – and the largest – as it boasts 400 km (250 mi) of shoreline and flows into Little Shuswap Lake through the Little River. While not quite as large, it matches its larger counterpart when it comes scenery. To the south is Mara Lake and the community of Mara, which is known for its white sand beaches at Mara Provincial Park. Boating and watersports are very much enjoyed here, and the fishing is active with rainbow and lake trout, Dolly Varden and Kokanee salmon.
The nice thing about the Shuswap is you can enjoy new areas with every visit. With a boat in tow, adventure and activity in the North and South Shuswap are endless. Simply launch your craft and be on your way. For example, on the north shore is Shuswap Lake Provincial Park with a large boat launch, in addition to a pebble beach and hiking trails. Or, visit any number the water-accessible community parks such as Beswick, Magna Bay, Ross Creek, and Lakeview.
Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park is where you can put your hiking boots to the test with its 26 km (16 mi) of meandering trails, then escape for a few days on the water, cruising to Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park. Popular and accessible only by boat, the park has a beach and 25-plus camp sites. A hiking trail also leads from the campground to a lookout offering great views of the lake.
One of the most unique aspects of the Shuswap (compared to few places anywhere) is that its known as the “houseboat capital of the world,” and the many houseboats cruising or beached along the lake attest to this. Whether you decide to rent a houseboat or use your own boat craft, The Shuswap experience is enjoyable all the same. Just imagine meandering through a maze of blue water passing lush provincial parks and tiny shore side communities.
While moorage can be hard to find on Shuswap Lake – especially at the series of local marinas in peak season - it’s best to book well in advance if you plan to spend some time off the water.
Salmon Arm, the largest community in The Shuswap, has plenty of attractions as well as dining, golfing, and many events through the boating season, with many more in its surrounding communities. Perhaps check out the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival August 16-19, The Enderby Arts Festival July 28, or celebrate Canada Day in Blind Bay June 30-July 1. Whatever your pleasure, on land or water, The Shuswap will provide enjoyment and new discoveries all season.
For more information and all the details in The Shuswap visit www.shuswaptourism.ca
Safe Boating!
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