Robert Reid Courtesy BC Parks
Shuswap Lake Provincial Park is just one of the scenic destinations for recreational boaters.
Words by Steve Fennell
Driving with a boat in tow to the Shuswap from the east or west on the Trans-Canada highway, the winding roads open to reveal the blue expanse of Shuswap and Little Shuswap lakes, some of BC’s most popular inland waterways and a haven for recreational boaters.
The region’s cottage-country appeal attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the western provinces and beyond. The variety of business centres and marinas serve boaters all season and many even book seasonal slips who call the Shuswap home from May to as late as October. This comes as no surprise, given the lakes’ natural attractions and opportunities for water-based recreation in the summer and fall.
Don Weixl Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations
It’s hard to pass up the ‘life’ on a houseboat in the Shu.
Shuswap Lake
Deciding what to do and experience in the ‘Shu’ - as it’s often called - starts on Shuswap or Little Shuswap lakes. Of the two, Shuswap Lake is the most recognizable. It has a unique geographical shape that resembles a backwards ‘K’ and spans 310 sq km (120 sq mi) with an impressive 400 km (249 mi) of shoreline.
What makes it so diverse for recreational boaters is its four arms, including Salmon Arm, Seymour Arm, the Shuswap Lake Main Arm, and Anstey Arm. Most have access points to the water. Whether it’s from a marina, public ramp or provincial park, you can easily experience a different part of the lake with every visit.
Photo Courtesy Daniels Store and Marina
Marinas and services are found throughout the lake, including Daniel’s Store and Marina in Seymour Arm.
For instance, if you want to escape the crowds of the Main Arm peak season, hitch up your boat trailer and drive to Seymour Arm in the north Shuswap. There are public launches and even a marina with all the services you need before you hit the water. In the event you want to visit this area under the power of your boat, the scenery is spectacular and another way to really experience the lake.
Although the north end of Anstey Arm and Anstey Hunakwa Park (to the east) is only accessible by boat, it’s worth the cruise. Only your pontoon or runabout will serve as your home base and you may even have to share the shores with local wildlife such as moose, black bears and mule deer, which wander along the towering old-growth forests.
The Communities of the Shu
Cinnemousun Narrows Provincial Park and Shuswap Lake Marine provincial parks could easily be considered the hub of the lake for recreational boaters. They are close to where the four arms meet and sheltered anchorages, beaches, and campgrounds serve boaters all summer.
Kolby Milton
An aerial view of Salmon Arm.
These - and several other destinations - are also a calling for houseboats. In fact, the community of Sicamous is considered the ‘houseboat capital of Canada’ with its number of rental options. Always be sure to give these large, luxurious ‘homes on the water’ a wide berth while they navigate to their next destination at their own pace.
The City of Salmon Arm, which is home to the largest wooden wharf in North America, is the most populated community in the Shuswap. Countless businesses cater to boaters throughout the season while Scotch Creek and Blind Bay are also accommodating with boat launches, fuel, marine supplies, and more.
Don Weixl Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations
The lake is full of activity all summer.
If you’re looking for some hospitality off the water, there are a variety of resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals. They are the perfect way to see everything the local communities have to offer. From browsing farmer’s markets and visiting a winery to hiking the local trails, all provide an authentic BC experience.
There are several resources to learn about these waterways, and our 2023 SunCruiser Shuswap edition is a great start. With references to destinations and attractions, the pages are feature detailed maps outlining services, water hazards, and even marked (and unmarked) water obstructions. All are devised to better plan and enjoy your adventure in the Shuswap to the fullest extent.
As you embark on your 2023 boating destination to some of BC’s most beloved lakes, always practice boating safety, adhere to federal and provincial regulations, and be courteous to others on the water for a trouble- and stress-free season.
SunCruiser Shuswap 2023 is available now, subscribe by clicking here.