The Allure of North Shuswap

Provincial Parks and great mooring options combine to provide the perfect getaway.

by

Words by Steve Fennell

Cruising to the north end of Shuswap Lake is a destination all its own. Planning a trip in a runabout, pontoon or houseboat to this part of the region provides an Interior BC boating experience unlike any other.

All of the arms of the Shuswap are scenic and worth exploring. However, there’s something special about its north end where you can cruise along its unpopulated shores, cast over active structures, paddle in peace, and moor your boat at the end of the day.

To begin your experience, these are some of the highlights of the North Shu that provide a great getaway, allow you to admire untouched scenery and even find other areas to discover along the way.

Seclusion in Seymour Arm

Once named Ogden City and a prosperous boomtown that served miners en route to the Columbia during the Big Bend Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, Seymour Arm today is a BC paradise for all kinds of recreational boaters.

While it does get busy in the summer, it’s a good distance from a lot of the crowds and worth the scenic cruise - whether you’re under the power of a runabout or taking your time on a houseboat rental. Trailering boaters will realize its seclusion, too. It’s a nice two-hour drive from Salmon Arm (at the south end of the Shu) and is a great way to experience the rural, local BC culture. Keep in mind that the road is paved up around until St. Ives, then a gravel road leads into the community of Seymour Arm.

There are a number of boat launches throughout Seymour Arm and some dock space in the community of the same name at the north end to moor your boat. Vacation rentals and campgrounds are available but be sure to book your reservations early. Although there are some services right in the community of Seymour Arm, it’s best to come prepared.

There are also several overnight anchorages at designated places to beach houseboats with some great options between St. Ives and Seymour Arm.

Silver Beach Provincial Park

This park is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. When you visit with a boat in tow, you’ll start feeling its isolation when you turn off Trans-Canada Hwy at Squilax, drive east on Squilax-Anglemont Hwy to St. Ives, and along a stretch of gravel road that leads to the park. Although boat ramps are not located in the park, there are some nearby to visit the park by boat.

If you’re an avid angler, you’ll appreciate the fishing here. One of the recommended spots is at the mouth of the Seymour River. However, when the lake is warmer in peak summer, try using a downrigger to land sizable Kokanee, dollies or trout.

Another popular pastime - that requires little effort - is anchoring off its expansive sand beach (or landing right on it) and spending the afternoon swimming and sunning.  There are also a few walking trails and 35 campsites.

Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park

Not to be confused with Shuswap Lake Provincial Park located at the delta of Scotch Creek, this park at the south end of Seymour Arm is very popular. Although a marine park, vehicles can be driven to select campsites however most are only accessible by boat. Launches are located at the nearby Anglemont Marina with another option on Whitehead Rd.

In all, the park has 23 sites to visit and the shores at Encounter Point,  Cottonwood Beach, Fowler Point, Nielsen Beach, and Beach Bay are just a few of the popular choices.  Keep in mind there are strong winds that blow across Beach Bay and it’s not advisable to moor overnight. Each location is only accessible by boat and while some have designated camping sites, services or facilities are not provided.

For even more adventure, visit the Albas site at the park’s northwest end. There are designated camping areas and to further explore the area, hike the trail near

Steamboat Bay. It leads to some scenic waterfalls and remains of the region’s early logging era. Like many parks in the Shu, bears and cougars frequent the area so be sure to follow best wildlife practices.

Anstey-Hunakwa Provincial Park

Anstey-Hunakwa is perhaps the most remote and located on the northeast side of the lake in Anstey Arm. If you’re looking to relax in pure nature, plan a trip here.

There are no roads in the park and only a trail leads to Hunakwa and Wright lakes. The shores are lined with towering dense trees and its 2,773 ha (6,852 ac) protects old-growth forests, various plant species and a variety of wildlife. Anstey-Hunakwa is also the spawning grounds for lake char, rainbow trout, as well as coho and sockeye salmon.

Accessible only by boat as well, this is the ideal area of the Shu to use your boat as a base to swim, paddleboard or fish its active waters. It may be difficult to beach your boat on the sandy north shore due to very shallow water, but dropping anchor and then wading in is an alternative to access the park’s natural attractions. A paddleboard will work just as well.

Some of the nice areas of the park can be discovered by hiking the 3 km (2 mi) Hunakwa Lake Trail on the arm’s west side but only smaller boats can land here due to the rocky conditions. Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping are also allowed. Be sure to bring plenty of food, water and other supplies as facilities or services are not available.

It’s certainly worth cruising - and driving with a boat in tow - to the North Shuswap. With many other parks, anchorages, beaches, even resorts and shoreside services to visit throughout the Shu, these destinations of its north end are great starting points to enjoy new adventures during the boating season.

For more information visit www.shuswaptourism.ca