Few destinations compare to Vernon when launching a road trip centered on British Columbia’s premier aquatic outdoor recreation. Positioned at the convergence of Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, and Swan Lake, this hub acts as an ideal gateway for every imaginable water sport.
From high-energy motorized water sports to tranquil paddling routes and mountain-backed waterfalls, this comprehensive circle tour maps out the ultimate regional itinerary.
Stage 1: The Tri-Lake Highlights of Vernon
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Aerial shot of Kalamalka Lake in Vernon
Before driving north, travelers can sample three completely distinct lake environments surrounding Vernon:
- Kalamalka Lake: Situated within Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park a mere 10 kilometres south of the city, this famous body of water earned the moniker “Lake of a Thousand Colours”. Back in the 1960s, National Geographic highlighted it as one of the world's top 10 most stunning lakes. Today, it remains a favourite spot for swimming alongside sandy shores, as well as a quiet retreat for shoreline fishing and family picnics.
- Okanagan Lake: Spanning 113 kilometres of coastline lined with dozens of public parks, Okanagan Lake functions as an energetic recreational playground. Visitors frequently take to the warm surface waters for windsurfing, parasailing, wakeboarding, and seadoo adventures. Off the water, the surrounding hills feature extensive trails for mountain biking and hiking.
- Swan Lake: Characterized by water that stays slightly cooler than the warm summer air, this broad and shallow basin offers a contrasting experience. The wetland conditions create a rich habitat where shorebirds and waterfowl gather to feed and nest. Bringing binoculars allows birdwatchers to spot Herons, Osprey, ducks, and various other native bird species along the banks.
Stage 2: Northward Through the Spallumcheen Valley to Sicamous
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View of Sicamous, Shuswap Lake and Mara Lake from Sicamous Lookout.
Leaving Vernon via Highway 97 North leads directly into the agricultural landscapes of the Spallumcheen Valley.
Artisanal Cheese & Gentle River Paddling
The route soon reaches Armstrong, a community widely recognized for its agricultural heritage and cheese production. Visitors can tour several local cheese-making operations, including the Village Dairy to sample handcrafted varieties.
A short drive further north brings travelers to Enderby, which serves as a central hub for river paddlers. The Shuswap River winds lazily alongside the highway here, offering gentle, slow-moving currents that attract canoeists and kayakers looking for a relaxing float.
The Houseboat Capital
Continuing along the highway leads to Sicamous, an iconic holiday destination known as the houseboat capital of Canada. Framed by steep mountain ridges and bright azure skies, its pristine setting draws boaters from across North America.
Stage 3: Following Shuswap Lake from Salmon Arm to Sorrento
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A person sitting on a dock with their face toward the sun at Canoe Beach on Shuswap Lake in Salmon Arm.
From Sicamous, turn west along Highway 1 as the road traces the southern shores of Shuswap Lake toward Salmon Arm.
Marine Parks & Cascading Waterfalls
Like its neighbouring towns, Salmon Arm is deeply integrated with Shuswap Lake.
- Shuswap Lake Marine Park: This network of park sites around the lake's perimeter provides ample space for camping, hiking, fishing, and boating.
- Salmon Arm Harbour: The city’s central harbour area is wrapped in walking paths and offers easy boat-launching facilities.
For a quick scenic detour, follow Sunnybrae Road east toward Herald Provincial Park. A short pathway leads deep into the forest to Margaret Falls, where Reinecker Creek tumbles over a sheer cliff face dropping more than 60 metres.
Beach Recreation & Whitewater Thrills
Rejoining Highway 1 leads into Sorrento, an active year-round community nestled between dense forests, deep valleys, and rugged mountain terrain rich in wildlife.
Just down the road in Squilax sits the primary entrance to Shuswap Lake Provincial Park. This expansive park features a full kilometre of clean shoreline paired with grassy picnic areas—ideal for beach volleyball or family barbeques. The park facility also caters to windsurfing, waterskiing, swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. For those seeking an extra adrenaline rush, local outfitters offer thrilling whitewater rafting excursions down the nearby Adams River.
Stage 4: The Countryside Loop Back to Vernon
Beginning the return leg toward Vernon, travelers can stop in Chase for a round of golf before passing the Monte Creek junction.
Highway 97 then cuts through roughly 100 kilometres of historic cattle ranching terrain. Along this scenic stretch lies the town of Falkland, recognizable by the massive Canadian flag displayed high above the community—a landmark considered by many to be the largest Canadian flag in existence. Visitors can stretch their legs at the local Heritage Park or take a brief hike near Pillar Lake to view "The Pillar," a remarkable natural rock pillar formation.
From Falkland, Highway 97 leads directly back into Vernon to finish the circle tour.
(To explore the full regional guide, view the complete Okanagan Lakes & Rivers Circle Tour.)