Columbia-Shuswap: Beaches, Trails and Nature Experiences

The sandy and gravel beach at Shuswap Lake Park is one kilometre long; buoys mark the swimming area. Canoeing is popular in the park. Copper Island in Shuswap Lake Park also offers a specific option for active outings: a hiking trail runs for 2.8 kilometres across the island.

Waterfront and lakeside trails

Shannon Beach is a park owned by the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and includes more than 400 metres of shoreline on Shuswap Lake. The Shannon Beach Trail Network complements time by the water with four kilometres of hiking and cycling trails, with two loop options. That means there are not only individual trails here, but also different options for a loop.

Other lake access points offer different features: Cambridge Road Lake Access is one of seven access points to Mara Lake in Swansea Point. At Hugh Road Community Park, a very steep trail leads to White Lake. So when comparing lakeside destinations, it is worth considering the described type of access as well as the lake itself.

Hiking and cycling in different seasons

At Sicamous Creek Trails, an easy 0.5-kilometre hike winds through western hemlocks alongside Sicamous Creek. Facilities for a short outing are also specified: there is parking for 15 to 20 vehicles, a picnic table and a pit toilet. The trails are developed and maintained by the Columbia Shuswap Regional District in partnership with the Shuswap Trail Alliance and the District of Sicamous.

Tsútswecw Park offers a longer trail network: its 26 kilometres of trails are used for hiking and mountain biking in summer, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. The types of activities available therefore change with the season. In October, visitors can experience the Adams River sockeye salmon run in the park; the Adams River has one of the largest sockeye salmon runs in North America.

At Scotch Creek / Hlina Recreation Trail, the route passes through forest to impressive views over Shuswap Lake above Scotch Creek. The first section to Scotch Creek Lookout is complete; the trail is currently closed due to fire damage. The Hlina Loop is a secondary wilderness route and requires experience in off-trail wilderness hiking and route-finding. These details distinguish the marked trail from the challenging wilderness character that is important when choosing a route.

The Salmon River Parallel Trail was completed in 2019. This non-motorized walking and cycling trail is 3.65 kilometres long and runs between Haines Road and Silver Creek Community Park. The Columbia Shuswap Regional District has approximately 60 developed parks and 86 kilometres of trails. The individual trail options range from the short hike at Sicamous Creek to longer networks and designated walking and cycling connections.

Culture and visitor experiences

Tsútswecw Park preserves Shuswap cultural sites, including Kekulis (pit houses), artefacts and pictographs. These sites are strictly protected. Nature experiences and cultural heritage meet here, but the protected sites should not be treated as ordinary visitor attractions.

In Salmon Arm, the R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum includes a Children's Discovery Centre. For the 2026 visitor season, lunch is being offered at the museum's Sprig of Heather Restaurant; the menu has also been updated. This specific cultural offering complements the region's nature and trail destinations.

Choose the right focus for your trip

The routes and access points mentioned provide different points of reference, as not all locations offer the same experience. Then compare a hotel's location with the destinations you actually want to visit.

Discover more destinations: Squilax, Golden, Revelstoke, Field, Salmon Arm, Parson, Scotch Creek, Celista, Malakwa, Tappen, Sicamous, Beaverfoot, Sorrento, Anglemont.

For the broader travel overview: British Columbia.