Shuswap Country

Understand

The Shuswap Country (called Secwepemcúl̓ecw in Secwepemctsín) refers to the environs of Shuswap Lake. The upper reaches of the Shuswap basin, southeast of Shuswap Lake and northeast of the Okanagan, are generally considered to be part of Okanagan or of the Monashee Country rather than "the Shuswap". Roughly defined, the Shuswap Country begins on its west at the town of Chase, located on Little Shuswap Lake, west of which is the South Thompson area of the Thompson Country, and includes Adams Lake to the northwest of Shuswap Lake as well as communities in the Eagle River area as far as Craigellachie and/or Three Valley Gap, which is at the summit of Eagle Pass, beyond which eastwards is the Columbia Country. Scotch Creek, a community across the lake from Sorrento, was heavily damaged by the wildfires in late summer 2023.

See

The North Shuswap is home to many artists, craftspeople and authors. Their work can be found at markets and local festivals year-round, or at their studios, many of which display the artisan identification sign. Craigellachie (pro. cray-gull-ah-key), 25 km east of Sicamous on Hwy 1, is where the 'last spike' in the Canadian Pacific Railway's transcontinental line was driven. There is an information centre and a gift shop.

The Three Valley Lake Chateau and Heritage Ghost Town includes a 200-room hotel, a collection of heritage buildings, an antique car museum, enclosed railway roundhouse with antique rail car exhibit, and attached grounds with helicopter tours offered. It is closed during the winter months. Located west of Revelstoke. In October, the Adams River in Tsútswecw Provincial Park turns red with migrating Sockeye salmon. Located near Chase.

Do

Shuswap Lake is a popular recreational destination in BC. It offers 400 km (250 mi) of beautiful shoreline, provincial parks and endless water-related recreation opportunities. The surrounding mountains provide miles of trails for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, mountain-biking and hiking. There are more than 100 hiking or mountain biking routes covering over 700 km (435 mi) of trails of all levels. You can rent a houseboat at the Salmon Arm Wharf, or in Sicamous. Enjoy the many beaches around Sicamous. Salmon Arm hosts a roots blues festival every August that attracts 30,000 people.

Drink & nightlife

The Shuswap grows many varieties of grapes, and its wines reflect the terroir of the region. The wineries, found just north of the 50th parallel, grow cool-hardy and quick-ripening grapes for their varietals. See Salmon Arm If wine's not your thing, visit Canada’s first certified organic farmhouse microbrewery. See listing under Chase.

Go next

Visit the Okanagan to the south. Visit the Columbia-Rockies to the east.