South Shuswap… Our Home… Our Paradise
The South Shuswap is a favourite destination for those who love sunshine, beaches and water activities but it has so much more to offer. Experience the casual lifestyle and warm welcome at a variety of beach resorts after epic days cruising the lake, sipping local libations, exploring the shops and touring the diverse mix of museums, attractions, arts and adventures.
The South Shuswap area is situated along the stunning southern shores of Shuswap Lake, just off the TransCanada Highway. The unique combination of communities within the South Shuswap includes Blind Bay, Notch Hill, Sorrento, Tappen, Eagle Bay, Skimikin Lake, Sunnybrae, and White Lake. Some are rich in history, some rich in recreational activities and amenities, but all are rich in natural beauty.
The world-renowned Salmon run is also nearby at Tsútswecw (Roderick Haig-Brown) Provincial Park and this natural cycle is a wonder that must be experienced. Millions of sockeye salmon return each year to spawn and continue the salmon life cycle. The Salute to the Sockeye, which takes place on the dominant year of the four-year cycle (2022, 2026, 2030) has been celebrated by the Indigenous Peoples for many years. To learn more about the Salute to the Sockeye or the Salmon’s journey home, visit The Adams River Salmon Society.
South Shuswap has two popular destination provincial parks. Herald Provincial Park covers 79 hectares of beautiful beach and forested uplands, and boasts a 128-site campground, boat launch and large day-use area. Swimming, fishing and bird-watching are popular activities, as is the self-guided nature walk to Margaret Falls. White Lake Provincial Park has a reputation for excellent recreational rainbow trout fly fishing and trolling in the summer, and ice fishing during the winter.
Margaret Falls at Herald Provincial Park.
(photo credit: Lexi Carmel)
Ice Fishing at White Lake (photo credit Gee Cleverley)
Top 10 Things to do in the South Shuswap
1. Water Adventures: Rent boats, kayaks, and other water toys at Shuswap Marina in Blind Bay or Little River Boatworld in Sorrento.
2. Snack & Explore: Pick up a super-sized ice cream cone at Tappen Co-op and take a short hike to Margaret Falls at Herald Provincial Park in Sunnybrae.
3. Music & Night Market: Dance on the grass at Music by the Bay, a summer-long celebration of music and food accompanied by Market by the Bay, featuring local artisans, in Blind Bay.
4. Historic Sites: Visit the Historic Notch Hill Town Hall and Schoolhouse for a glimpse into the past.
5. Farmers & Artists: Discover local art at the Shuswap Artisan Market in Sorrento and enjoy fresh produce at the Sorrento Village Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings.
6. Motorcycle Museum: Rev up your engine and ride over to the Dreamcycle Motorcycle Museum and Sprokkets Cafe on the Trans Canada Highway in Balmoral.
7. Live Music: Enjoy a live performance with a delicious meal at an Eagle Bay Music Café.
8. Retreat & Relax: Stay at the Sorrento Retreat and Conference Centre and experience a variety of workshops and activities.
9. Wine & Beer Tasting: Sip on a glass of local red or white at Sunnybrae Winery or Recline Ridge Winery in Tappen, or enjoy a cold brew at Sorrento’s Crannog Ales.
10. Swim & Paddle: Take a dip or a paddle in the beautiful, warmer waters of White Lake and you may spot Western painted turtles basking on logs
