Top Five Spots in the Shuswap

One of the best things about living in the Okanagan is how close we are to the Shuswap. When you want a change of scenery that's still within easy reach, this region delivers. Just an hour or two from Kelowna, the Shuswap feels like a proper escape—slower, quieter, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful lake country in British Columbia. Whether you've got a full weekend or just a day to spare, here are five of my go-to Shuswap spots when I need to hit reset.

1. Salmon Arm Wharf

The longest wooden wharf in North America is worth the trip alone. Stretching out into Shuswap Lake, it's a peaceful walk with mountain views in every direction. I like to go early morning when the water is still and the crowds haven't arrived. Bring a coffee, take your time, and watch for the birdlife that makes this place their home. The nearby waterfront park is perfect for a picnic, and the town itself has enough cafes and shops to fill an afternoon without feeling rushed.

2. Sicamous (The Houseboat Capital)

You don't need to rent a houseboat to appreciate Sicamous—though it's tempting. This small town sits at the meeting point of Shuswap and Mara Lakes, and there's something endlessly relaxing about watching the boats come and go. The public beach is sandy and spacious, the ice cream shop is exactly what you want on a hot day, and the whole place moves at a pace that forces you to slow down. Even a few hours here feels like a proper vacation.

3. Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park

This park along the Adams River is famous for the sockeye salmon run in October, but I think it's just as impressive the rest of the year. The river trail is an easy walk through old-growth forest, and the water itself is that impossible turquoise that seems to glow from within. There's a quiet here that's hard to find elsewhere—no motors, no crowds, just the sound of water moving over rocks. Bring a book, find a spot on the riverbank, and stay longer than you planned.

4. Blind Bay & The Shuswap Lake Provincial Park Area

Blind Bay has become my secret weapon for when I want lake time without the hassle. The water is warm, the beaches are less crowded than you'd expect, and there's a calmness to this whole area that makes it perfect for recharging. Nearby Shuswap Lake Provincial Park has excellent camping if you want to make a weekend of it, but even a day trip here feels like you've gone much further than you have. The sunsets over the lake are reason enough to stay until evening.

5. Chase & The Little Shuswap Lake

Chase is often just a blink on the drive north, but stop here and you'll find one of the most underrated spots in the region. Little Shuswap Lake is quieter than its bigger neighbor, with a wilder feel and fewer people. The Quaaout Lodge nearby offers a glimpse into Secwepemc culture and history, and the talking circle there is worth experiencing. It's a reminder that "getting away" can also mean learning something new about where you are.

The Shuswap State of Mind

What I love about the Shuswap is that it doesn't try too hard. There's no need for elaborate planning or big budgets—just a willingness to drive a little further and slow down a lot more. In a region already known for taking it easy, the Shuswap somehow manages to be even more relaxed. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.

Have a favourite Shuswap spot I missed? Get in touch—I'm always looking for new places to explore.