Welcome To Salmon Arm – A Small City With Big Adventure!
Salmon Arm sits in a rolling, fertile valley at the southern end of Shuswap Lake, boasting impressive, thickly forested mountains rising in all directions; a splendorous natural setting for a city that retains a rich small-town charm despite being the Shuswap’s largest urban centre.
Salmon Arm is found on the identically named Salmon Arm of Shuswap Lake, one of four sections that make up this unique H-shaped water body. The lake not only gives the city its name but also serves as its focal point for outdoor recreation. Beach days are the best days in the Shuswap! The lakes sparkling waters beckon to swimmers, boaters, paddlers and anglers, creating an irresistible draw to the area for visitors from all over the world. From open beaches to more secluded, boat access only hideaways, whatever your preference, pack up & head out!
Canoe Beach is a favourite place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy Shuswap Lake’s pristine waters. The park sports an attractive beach, volleyball court, boat launch, concession, picnic & playground area.
Anglers will delight in casting a line into Shuswap Lake either from shore or boat, with many more surrounding lakes and rivers creating limitless opportunities for reeling in one of 20 resident fish species. With 1,000 km of shoreline, your biggest challenge will be choosing a spot to fish!
After getting acquainted with Shuswap Lake, why not experience a different perspective by taking one of the many local hiking trails to a panoramic viewpoint? The Shuswap Trail Alliance maintains an elaborate trail network that extends deep into the surrounding mountains, offering a unique challenge for every skill level. While you stroll along towering corridors of cedar, spruce and douglas fir, absorb the serenity of the forest and get a feel for being part of something bigger than yourself. Salmon Arm is situated in the traditional lands of the Southern Secwepemc First Nations, whose history and spirit permeate the breathtaking landscape.
Take a relaxing walk along North America’s longest curved inland wooden wharf, listen and watch for one of the 250 species of birds that live or pass through Salmon Arm as you stroll along the Salmon Arm Bay, the breeding ground for the famous and fascinating Western Grebe. If you are lucky, you can catch the elegant courting display of the Grebes, during which a couple will rise out of the water onto their feet and run across its surface in a perfectly choreographed ballet-like motion – it is nothing short of spectacular.
A trip to Salmon Arm is not complete until you visit one of the local Farmers Markets. With several ongoing during the week, it’s your chance to sample fresh local produce & view many of the local artisan crafts. Interested in a behind the scenes look at the cheese making process? Take a tour of one of Salmon Arm’s local dairies, sample some cheese or take a scenic drive to pick fresh summer blueberries, strawberries, apples, cherries or other mouthwatering locally grown produce.
Cheers to Beers… And wine & cider! Create some lasting memories on your next trip to Salmon Arm with a tour of one of the multi award winning wineries, breweries or craft cideries located within the city. With so many choices in & around Salmon Arm there is definitely something to celebrate! Pair them with one of the 35+ local restaurants and eateries & you will find the perfect accompaniment for a memorable meal.
Swing into an epic golf adventure. With five championship courses and several executive & par 3s within a 40 km radius, it’s no wonder they call the Shuswap a golfer’s paradise!
Travel back in time with a trip to RJ Haney Heritage Village & Museum. With over 30 exhibits to explore, nature trails, village tours, dinner theatre, restaurants and a children’s discovery centre this is sure to be a stop for the whole family to remember. Open from May – September & is well worth the trip!
Although it is true that the Salmon Arm area is spectacular during summertime, when the snow falls in winter a whole new range of outdoor recreation opportunities open up. Trails around Salmon Arm turn into premier snowshoeing and cross-country skiing destinations, and the beauty of the surrounding forests and mountains is only amplified by the generous dumps of white, feathery snow that make the area famous for winter recreation. While gliding along these trails, the absolute stillness of your surroundings transmits a powerful, lasting calmness.
For those looking for more of an adrenaline-charged outing, there is no shortage of snowmobiling terrain around Salmon Arm, while backcountry skiers and snowboarders can tackle steep and deep runs at several points along the Larch Hills traverse.
Alive with the arts, Salmon Arm is also a mecca for art, theatre & music. The Salmon Arm Art Gallery, Roots and Blues Festival (Mid-August), Wednesday on the Wharf (summer months) as well as a whole host of other events & activities are sure to entertain & engage.
For taste, culture, nature & adventure, you just can’t beat Salmon Arm!
Photos: Wharf – Salmon Arm Visitor Centre; Fishing – Todd Kelly (Todd Kelly Shuswap Outdoors); Larch Hills Winery – Shuswap Tourism; Farmer’s Market – Salmon Arm Visitor Centre; Salmon Arm Golf Club – Kristal Burgess; Gardom Lake – Viktoria Haack; Snowmobiling – 5 Star Media; R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum; Larch Hills – Viktoria Haack; Roots and Blues Festival – Viktoria Haack