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Shuswap Lake
photo Kyle Pearce
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Albas Falls
photo Benjamin Vander Steen
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Margaret Falls in Herald Provincial Park
photo Hobvias Sudoneighm
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Neilson Beach
photo Ben Vander Steen
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Reinecker Creek on the way to Margaret Falls in Harold Provincial Park
photo Hobvias Sudoneighm
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RJ Haney Heritage Village
photo courtesy RJ Haney Village
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Swinging rail Bridge
photo Ryan Van Veen
By Perry Mack
From the shores of Vancouver to the office towers of Edmonton and Calgary, just the mention of the word Shuswap will bring smiles to hundreds of thousands of faces. Memories of warm days, calm waters and sunny beaches come to mind along with the sights and sounds of food, fun and laughter. This is Shuswap living.
The houseboat capital of Canada provides a thousand kilometres of shoreline from which to build these memories, where there is always a sheltered stretch of water for watersports, either power or paddle, and incredible fishing. Gather family and friends together in a houseboat or try boat camping to find that secluded spot where not even a cell tower can find you. Check out the waterfront provincial parks Herald Park and Shuswap Lake Park, with hundreds of tree-covered campsites to pitch a tent and experience nature in the Shuswap.
When you are ready for shore leave just pick your passion and indulge yourself. You are on vacation and anything goes. This is a mecca for outdoor sports. Load all your gear because you’ll find biking, horseback riding, paddling, rafting, rock climbing, scuba diving and skydiving. Pack the binoculars as well, since when you’re exhausted and lying on your back you may as well engage in watching the indigenous wildlife – either the two or four legged variety.
Arts and culture are just a Wednesday away in Salmon Arm’s Marine Park with WOW! – Wednesdays on the Wharf. Bring your deck chairs and beach blankets for an evening of live performances with musical styles ranging from jazz to rock and funk to folk from mid-June through to the end of August.
Also in Marine Park in Salmon Arm, is the Shuswap Dragon Boat Festival Saturday June 25, 2016. The 13th annual event will feature original wooden dragon boats from China in a special ceremony. All this plus live music, working artisans, information kiosks and healthy food vendors serving up a taste of the Shuswap.
Theatre on the Edge is Shuswap Theatre’s summer festival of bold and brave theatre, running July 21-24. Pick your show, pick your time - performances run from noon to night.
Try time travel at the RJ Haney Heritage Village and Museum. Costumed characters inhabit turn of the century buildings for an immerse experience. Hike their nature-walking trails then starting July 1st, 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 website for more special events including the Burger, Beer and a Bard Day.
Hike or bike your way to waterfalls and along forested alpine trails. Trails are rated from easy to most difficult, so you’ll have a handle on what’s in store. Use the interactive trail map from the Shuswap Trail Society (www.shuswaptrails.com) and make sure you visit the must-do Albas Falls.
You can find a farmers market almost every day of the week to load up on fresh fruits, veggies, baking, artisanal arts and craft, often with live music and more. Shop where the locals shop! The Scotch Creek Farm & Craft Market is open Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm in the Home Hardware parking lot in Scotch Creek, Tuesdays and Fridays fill your cupboards at the Shuswap Farm & Craft Market at Centenoka Mall in Salmon Arm, every Wednesday from 9:00am-1:00pm it’s the Celista Hall Farmers’ Market on the grounds of the North Shuswap Community Hall and lastly the Blind Bay Farmers Market is Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm.
And on a final maritime note, the 6th Annual Sicamous Antique & Classic Boat Show will run Friday Aug 5th to 7th 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 and events that make up the show.
This is just a sampling of what and when you can do, so visit shuswaptourism.ca for more events and attractions. Pick your dates, plan your activities and get ready to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime with the welcoming folks in the Shuswap.