Salmon Arm is a breathtaking city in the Shuswap region of British Columbia, Canada. It's named after its position along Shuswap Lake, which has four "arms" branching off the main body of water and flowing into the land. An area rich in culture and lore, such as the stories about its lake monster, Shuswaggi, Salmon Arm and the Shuswap region feature beautiful natural sites and an abundance of outdoor adventure. If you're traveling in or near Salmon Arm, you'll have no shortage of vibrant, fun, and engaging places to explore.
01 Explore Shuswap Lake
Shuswap Lake is a wonderful place for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. You can take a boat out onto its waters, go swimming, or simply bask in the gorgeous view of grand hills and towering trees reflecting off the water all around you. Alongside the lake are trails that will take you through the forests and mountains. There are several parks to explore, or kick back and relax on the beach. Whether floating on your back beneath the sprawling open sky or gazing from dry land, Shuswap Lake is a sight to behold and an experience to be cherished and remembered.
02 Hike to Margaret Falls
Within Herald Provincial Park, the trail to Margaret Falls is sure to satisfy hiking enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The trail's wide paths and multiple bridges ensure a fantastic adventure through some incredible scenery. Particularly striking is its view of Margaret Falls, which cascades powerfully down a patch of mountainous earth. A viewing platform provides an intimate view of nature right at your feet. It's a great chance to take some fantastic photographs.
03 Visit Larch Hills Winery
Tucked into Northern British Columbia is Larch Hills Winery. It's a remarkable experience for connoisseurs of wine and those eager to sample new options and learn about the industry. A family winery founded in 1997, it's renowned for its superb selection of grapes. Each variety, from the German Ortega to the Siegerrebe, was chosen for its suitability to the climate. From more typical options such as Merlot and Malbec to delicious dessert wines and distinct blends, Larch Hills offers several wines to be sampled or purchased in bottles. Larch Hills Winery is a perfect retreat after time spent exploring.
04 Relax at Canoe Beach
Canoe Beach is perfect for those who want to have a low-key vacation. With its beautiful sand and the stunning water before it, the beach offers striking views. Additional activities are available if you'd rather not spend the entire time with your feet in the sand. Options include swimming, boating, fishing, and even playing sports. There are also spots to picnic and playgrounds where children can hang out.
05 Discover local art and culture
Salmon Arm isn't a massive city, but it can sure pack a lot of art and culture into it. Multiple art galleries are worth visiting throughout its borders and a quick drive beyond. It's a great opportunity to support the hardworking artists.
The Salmon Arm Arts Centre resides in a charming historic building that's something of an architectural site on its own. It features unique exhibitions of sculptures, paintings, and mixed media pieces.
The Courtyard Gallery, which is a short drive from Salmon Arm, is a gallery with a wide range of pieces, including photography, jewelry, and even bone carvings. At every turn is a unique opportunity to absorb and digest the art culture of the area.
06 Enjoy the Salmon Arm Wharf
At 440 feet, the Salmon Arm Wharf is the longest wooden wharf in all of North America. It also dates back to the early 1900s. The vast wooden structure is an amazing place to stroll along and take in the magnificent sights of the lake. Since the wharf is still in use, you can also catch the sight of boats coming in to be moored. Take the time to relax for a while, enjoy the fresh air, and relish the beautiful moment.
07 Experience the R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum
Visitors truly wishing to immerse themselves in history will not want to miss out on a trip to the R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum. It offers seasonal exhibits ranging in theme from train art to the surrounding Indigenous culture and history.
This unique museum also consists of an entire village preserved for more than 100 years. The home of R.J. and Margaret Haney is an experience unto itself, made to be both cozy and elegant. The rest of the village is fleshed out either with preserved structures or detailed replicas, including a blacksmith's operating quarters, a dressmaker's shop, and even a Methodist church still used for weddings. Guided tours allow for a deeply enriching experience.
08 Indulge in culinary delights
Salmon Arms offers a rich and varied culinary scene for when you work up an appetite from adventuring. You won't be disappointed, whether you're seeking unique farm-to-table experiences or the coziness of old favorites. The Barley Station Brew Pub is a chill place to unwind and enjoy a frothy, cold beer. Another option, Canoe Beach Cafe & Water Sports, serves up tasty dishes right on the beach. Their burgers are an experience unlike any other.
09 Attend the ROOTSandBLUES Festival
Every year, the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society puts on the ROOTSandBLUES festival, showcasing major talents in the blues and folk music worlds. The festival features a variety of musical acts, a fun area for children, and a marketplace where you can purchase hand-crafted original pieces from local artisans. With camping available near enough to hear the tunes, ROOTSandBLUES is worth a weekend trip on its own.
10 Adventure at Little Mountain Park
Check out Little Mountain Park if you're looking for adventure. With several different trails totaling about five miles, the park is an excellent place to hike or go mountain biking. There are even climbing trails that ascend to stunning views of the city and the Salmon Arm Bay. Offering a variety of difficulty levels, Little Mountain Park is perfect both for serious hikers seeking a challenge and those after a more casual experience. Make sure to take plenty of pictures!
11 Explore Pedro Gonzales Fruit & Garden Market
To really get a taste of what local life is like in Salmon Arm, stock up on tasty treats at the Pedro Gonzales Farmers' Market. It features an impressive variety of fresh produce, with luscious apples, peaches, corn, pumpkins, and more, depending on the time of the year. It also features a lot of other fantastic items, including pies baked fresh in the store. It's open every day, all year long, from 8 am to 6 pm.
12 Go camping at the Salmon Arm Camping Resort
The Salmon Arm Camping Resort is perfect for those who wish to experience nature without sacrificing the amenities of modern living. This makes it the ideal spot for families who enjoy both the great outdoors and hanging out inside. With easy access to trails, RV sites, and tenting areas, the resort has everything for a lovely couple of nights out in the wild. With cabins, pools, playgrounds, and even pickleball courts, you have numerous ways to spend your time.
13 Ski at Larch Hills Ski Chalet
If you're vacationing during the winter months, make sure to hit the Larch Hills Nordic Trails. The area has more than 105 miles of ski trails to glide through. Prefer snowshoeing? There are dedicated snowshoe trails to enjoy. Whatever your activity, keep an eye out for other skiers or snowshoers you're sharing the slopes with.
14 Shop at Piccadilly Mall
After you've had your adventures amongst the lakes and mountains, stop by the Piccadilly Mall to do some shopping. It's the largest mall in Shuswap and features a vast array of shopping options. A few of the choices include Bookingham Palace Store, Shuswap Health Foods, and Ricki's. Shop for gifts, clothing, baked goods, and other items, then stop to grab a bite at Jane's Place Restaurant, a celebrated local establishment with charming decor. The Piccadilly Mall is extra special around the holidays, often hosting various events.
15 Visit Grass Root Dairies
Cheese fans rejoice! You're in for a special treat if you visit Salmon Arm. Grass Root Dairies is a wonderful place to taste some delicious artisan cheeses made from the milk of grass-fed cows. Stop by and pick up some of your favorite cheeses, and make sure to tour the farm.
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