Shuswap Lake is nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s southern interior. Warm, clear water, beaches, lush forests, parks, vibrant communities and a laid-back vibe make it the perfect destination for a family holiday.
Shuswap Lake is in the traditional territories of the Secwepemc people. It is called “the meeting of the waters” and is made up of four arms: Shuswap Lake Main Arm, Salmon Arm, Seymour Arm, and Anstey Arm. There is a lot of lake to explore, which is why many choose to do so via motorboat or houseboat.
There are a range of accommodation options, from motels and hotels in one of the lakeside towns to vacation rentals and campgrounds. Whether you’re looking for adventure in the wild or relaxation near amenities, there is something for everyone here.
Here are some of our favourite things to do on a family vacation at Shuswap Lake, British Columbia.
Enjoy the Lake
The lake is the main attraction of this region. Shuswap Lake is massive, offering over 1,000 kilometres of shoreline with several access points. The lake is known for its crystal clear water, which is surprisingly warm, given its size. Visitors can enjoy swimming and boating well into September.
Your family can spend every day of your holiday on the water! You can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boating and watersports. Boat rentals, including paddle craft and motor boats, are available in several places along the lake.
Beaches: There are several public beaches, as well as municipal and provincial parks, around most of the lake. Most beaches on this lake offer pebbly sand but are still great for building sandcastles, beach combing and beach bumming. Find this list of family-friendly beaches in the Shuswap.
Boating: Lake life is boat life on this lake. Thankfully, the lake is so massive that boaters can spread way out, and you won’t get stuck in traffic. You can BYO-boat and head to one of the many boat launches on Shuswap Lake.
If you want to rent a motorboat (or any boat), you’ll find rentals at marinas around the lake, including Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Blind Bay, Anglemont and Scotch Creek. Marine-access gas stations are also available in Blind Bay, Anglemont and The Narrows.
Paddling: Explore the shoreline via kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Paddleboarding is the best way to get close to the lake and its beaches. We recommend an evening paddle to enjoy the sunset and calm waters.
Houseboating
Sicamous, the most eastern town on Shuswap Lake, is appropriately named the “Houseboating Capital of Canada.” The town’s visitor centre is a landlocked houseboat! Step inside and chat with their staff. They’ll point you toward boat rentals, watersports, and other lake activities.
For decades, houseboating has been the thing to do on family vacation at Shuswap Lake. Because the lake is so large, a multi-day houseboat rental makes exploring its secluded bays, beaches, provincial parks, and extensive shorelines possible. Houseboaters can anchor close to shore for the night and find everything they need, including cafes, by visiting floating service centres.
Plus, some of these houseboats are decked out! They can accommodate large groups and offer hot tubs, slides, barbeques and extras like paddle boards and beach chairs. Enjoy time on the water, come to a beach for a campfire, and enjoy sunsets and stargazing every night.
Great stop:
If you’re travelling via houseboat or any boat, visit Cinnemousun Narrows Provincial Park. This marine-access-only park is situated where the four arms of Shuswap Lake meet. It has a great swimming beach and docks for mooring your boat (no houseboats on the docks, but you can beach them along the park), picnic sites, an easy walking trail, and a great place to spend the afternoon.
Cinneousun Narrows also offers 29 boat-access campsites. Each one is tucked away under the shade of the towering trees with lake views and picnic tables. There are also shelters and huts in the park.
Explore Shuswap Lake Provincial Park
Located in Scotch Creek on the north shore, Shuswap Lake Provincial Park offers the full Shuswap experience for families who love spending time outside. The massive campground offers well-maintained campsites nestled in a mature forest with the beach just a short walk away. Powered and unserviced sites are available, as well as a generous group campsite.
Shuswap Lake Provincial Park boasts over a kilometre of pebbly sand beach, so there’s lots of space for campers to spread out and enjoy a day at the beach. You’ll also find a family-friendly nature trail, picnic areas, adventure playground, bike park, amphitheatre and large grassy areas for field games.
Climb Copper Island
Copper Island is located 1.3 km offshore and is part of Shuswap Lake Provincial Park. Though it is part of the park, it is worth having its own section in this guide! Getting there is an easy trip via canoe, kayak or paddleboard from the main beach or boat launch. You’ll find trailheads on the island’s west and northeast shores. Both connect with the 2.8 km hiking trail that circumnavigates the island while climbing to the top. Views from the top of the island are stunning, and the hike is easy enough for kids!
If you plan on visiting Copper Island, please obey the posted signs and stay on the designated trails. Doing so helps preserve this special place so everyone can enjoy it! Also, fires are prohibited on the island.
Visit Farmers Markets
The communities around Shuswap Lake have a lively farmers’ market scene. Local producers, makers, bakers and artists showcase their goods, offering everything from handmade jewelry and homemade jams to garden vegetables, baked goods and wine from local vineyards. Here are some farmers markets worth checking out:
- Salmon Arm Downtown Farmers Market
- Sorrento Village Farmers Market
- Scotch Creek Craft and Farm Market
- Celista Hall Farmer’s Market
- Market by the Bay (Blind Bay)
One of our favourite markets is Music by the Bay, a summer music event and night market held weekly at Centennial Filed in Blind Bay. It features a robust art and food market that includes woodworkers, delis, local clothing designers, farmers, crafters, wineries, brewers, and more. You can shop the market tents while listening to live music coming from the main stage, have dinner from a food truck, and take in the warm community vibes. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair so you can sit down and enjoy the music after shopping. Dancing is encouraged.
Find family fun in Salmon Arm.
Salmon Arm is the largest town on Shuswap Lake and has plenty to offer for your family vacation at Shuswap Lake. Here are some fan favourites:
Salmon Arm Wharf: The wooden wharf in Salmon Arm is North America’s longest curved inland wharf! It’s a great place to go for a walk, watch local bird life, and enjoy beautiful lake views. There are picnic spots in the area and a snack shop at the end of the wharf.
Salmon Arm Waterslides: Need we say more? Once your kids see these slides from the main road, you know they’re going to ask to go! The park features seven water slides, a hot tub, and a toddler pool with a fountain. There’s also a spot to buy lunch, candy and treats. Learn more about Salmon Arm Water Slides.
DeMille’s Farm Market: Make some memories down on the farm! The DeMille’s Farm Market is a third-generation family farm that offers fresh produce from the region and around the world. Pick up fruit and veggies for your afternoon picnic, and while you’re there, take a selfie with a goat! Visitors are welcome to walk around the farm and see miniature goats, funny llamas, friendly horses, moo-cows, and a giant pig! You’ll also find ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys and peacocks. See who else you might meet at Demille’s Farm Market.
Salmon Arm Go-Karts & Mini Golf: Kids will have a blast racing on this well-maintained track in a performance go-kart! Then, head to the Wonder of the World Mini Golf course and have a go at 18 holes of fun for all ages. Note that kids under 4’6” must ride in a double cart with an accompanying adult.
See the salmon spawn.
If you’re visiting in the late summer or early fall, visiting the Adams River Salmon Run is a must. The run is located in Tsútswecw Provincial Park and is one of North America’s largest sockeye salmon migrations in North America. Families can walk along the trails to the viewing platform to see the salmon and learn about this natural phenomenon at the interpretive centre. The park has been going through renovations after the 2023 wildfires, and some areas are closed. Please check the Adams River Salmon Society webpage for updates before you go.
Take a hike!
The Shuswap region is lush with forests, mountain ranges, gushing waterfalls and breathtaking scenery. It’s the perfect place for families to connect with nature and explore. Given the size of the area, there are too many family-friendly hikes to mention. Here are our favourite three:
Margaret Falls: Located in Herald Provincial Park, the Margaret Falls Trail is a short and easy hike with big rewards. Hike 500 metres over bridges and through a magical old-growth forest in the Reinecker Creek canyon to Margaret Falls’ viewing platform. Bonus: there is an adventure playground nearby!
Evelyn Falls: This is another easy out-and-back trail that ends at a pretty waterfall. It’s about a 3km round trip, and the trail follows a scenic creek under a lush canopy of trees. Bonus: combine your hike to the falls with a picnic and swim at Lakeview Park.
Sicamous River Front Nature Park: This nature area features a 2 km family-friendly hiking trail beside the bustling Sicamous Beach Park. You’ll walk through a pleasant cottonwood forest and along Eagle River. Start your walk on the beach to experience lake, forest, river and mountain views along the same stroll. Bonus: After your hike, spend the afternoon on the beach swimming and playing at the splash park and playground.
Plan your family vacation at Shuswap Lake!
Shuswap Lake offers exceptional natural beauty, outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions and welcoming tight-knit communities. You’re going to love your trip to the Shuswap. For more information on activities, events, accommodations, dining, shopping and itineraries for a family vacation at Shuswap Lake, visit the Official Shuswap Tourism website.
