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Story by Perry Mack
The Shuswap is referred to as the ‘Gateway to the North Okanagan’, which suggests that you should be moving on from here, and that’s just not right. With 1000 km (620 mi) of shoreline to explore, why would you go anywhere else?
The area is a mecca for houseboating, providing hundreds of perfect spots to beach, you can find peaceful solitude or the party of a lifetime. Sandy beaches and hidden coves pepper the shore of the four arms of Shuswap Lake. There’s always a sheltered stretch of water to be found for watersports, either power or paddle, and incredible fishing. The clear creeks and rushing rivers that fill the lake provide the perfect habitat for Lake Trout, Dolly Varden, Steelhead, Whitefish, Kokanee, and Burbot. In fact over 19 species of fish ply the waters waiting for you to enjoy an angling adventure.
The take a break from the water and immerse yourself in a little culture. Salmon Arm is WOW! – Wednesdays on the Wharf. Bring your deck chairs and beach blankets for an evening of live performances at Salmon Arm’s Marine Park. It’s a visual feast at the Shuswap Lake Festival of the Arts July 11 – 20. They celebrate art through sculpture, paintings and photography just to name a few mediums.
If that sounds a little too high-brow then step back in time for an entertaining historical experience at the RJ Haney Heritage Village and Museum. Period costumed characters inhabit the turn of the century buildings to create a spellbinding attraction. Take a walk on their 2.34 km nature-walking trails and identify the plants used by the First Nations and pioneer families with the handy field guide. Sit down for the dinner theatre Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 6pm for an interactive experience on the life and times of historical characters. Visit the web site for more special events including the Burger, Beer and a Bard Day.
But no doubt you, like many of us, are searching for more outdoor experiences. Load all your sports gear into the car, truck or RV because you’ll find biking, horseback riding, paddling, rafting, rock climbing, scuba diving and skydiving (if you are insane enough to jump from a perfectly good plane) readily available. Pack the binoculars as well, since when you’re exhausted and lying on your back you may as well engage in watching the indigenous and migratory birds (and people).
Use the interactive trail map from the Shuswap Trail Society (www.shuswaptrails.com) to hike or bike your way to waterfalls and along forested alpine trails. The trail map rates the trails from easy to most difficult, so you’ll have a handle on what’s in store. The web site also provides up current trail condition reports as well.
On the list of ‘can’t miss’ new experiences try an off-road Segway tour. Why bother with all that walking and peddling? Sounds crazy. With Unique Adventure Tours you can experience Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park on an eco-friendly electric-powered Segway (www.uniqueadventure.net).
You can find a farmers market almost every day of the week. Tuesdays and Fridays from April to October, let yourself be lured by the aroma of fresh baking to the Shuswap Farm & Craft Market. This small town market at Centenoka Mall in Salmon Arm is a colourful feast for the eyes as well as the palate with up to 70 vendors hawking their fresh fruit, vegetables and baking, along with local artisans displaying their crafts.
If you find yourself with an appetite on a Saturday morning in Sorrento visit the Sorrento Village Farmers Market at Sorrento Shoppers Plaza. Local musicians will entertain you as you meander among the stalls of fresh produce and crafts. And the Chase Village Market is open every Friday morning featuring arts & crafts as well as the compulsory local organic produce.
Do farmers markets sound too ordinary? Then take a short drive down the road from Mara Lake for the Grindrod Garlic Festival on August 18th. What happens at a Garlic Festival? Naturally they find the biggest and the best garlic, the best garlic bread and pickles, then have garlic eating, cleaning and costume contests!
And on a final maritime note, the 4th Annual Sicamous Antique & Classic Boat Show will run Friday July 25th to Sunday July 27th at the Main Street Landing Docks on the channel in Sicamous. If you are in the neighbourhood, and not too exhausted and sunburnt, check out the boats that are part machine, part history, part art and all beautiful.