Shoe the Shu | Must-Do Nordic Adventures in the Shuswap
When life gives you snow, go snowshoeing!
The crisp white snow is falling and we are welcoming a wonderful and promising New Year! While most gyms and sweat sessions have been canceled, snowshoeing is on the rise! Snowshoeing is a great beginner’s sport because it takes very little experience and is easy to learn! Pick a gentle trail for the little ones and beginners or a more challenging trail to get an excellent workout!
What better way to enjoy the stillness of the winter landscape…the frozen lakes, the dusted mountains, the evergreen canopies, or the soft sound of the snow crunching underfoot. There is nothing more pretty than a winter’s trail and the Shuswap has so many to offer us!
Bundle up, grab those shoes and head out on one of the Shuswap’s spectacular winter and Nordic trails!
Read my Know Before You Go list below.
Happy Winter Adventuring!
Magical Winter Landscape | Photo by Cam C.
Shuswap Adventure Girl
Shoe the South Shu…..
Blind Bay | Sorrento
Blind Bay to White Lake Connector | The Blind Bay to White Lake Connector is an 8 km traverse trail and is an excellent snowshoe route for most levels! It provides a beautiful trek through the snow-laden cedar, hemlock, fir, and trembling aspen forest and follows the mountain ridgeline, connecting the two beloved communities. The viewpoint provides a breathtaking view of Salmon Arm, Mount Ida, and Notch Hill!
We prefer to do a two-car system, parking one at the Balmoral Trailhead in Blind Bay and another at the John Evdokimoff Bike Park in White Lake. This makes for an 8 km one-way trek. Return is approximately 16 km.
Balmoral to Blind Bay Bluffs & Beyond | The Balmoral Trail System welcomes all levels of snowshoers and provides many small loops and larger traverse style trails. It also provides some great lookout points that are easy to get to. This is a well-marked trail system and is wonderful for snowshoeing and to take the kids on!
The Lower Loop, The Balmoral Bluffs Lookout, and The Big Tree Loop are fantastic trails to do with children.
If you are looking for a longer trek try The Blind Bay Lookout Trail! This is a very enjoyable and challenging 13 km round trip. The lookout provides spectacular views of Shuswap Lake and Blind Bay. We have hiked this at nighttime and the lights of Blind Bay and Salmon Arm in the distance are incredible!
Ice cleats can be useful on this popular trail system in the winter months when the snow is icy and packed down and snowshoes are not required.
Explore more about the Balmoral Trail System here
Mount Baldy | I have yet to snowshoe on Mt. Baldy but I have hiked it more times than I know and it remains one of my favorite trails in the Shuswap. It is also on my must-do in the coming weeks!
I do know that the locals love it in the wintertime! This loved trail offers a great workout on snowshoes and the two spectacular viewpoints are worthy of the sweat! Enjoy all of the little wooden bridges and boardwalks with beautiful creek crossings. A charming and interesting sculptural art piece made of old bike parks welcomes you. On a clear day, northern views highlight the Adams Plateau which is part of the Shuswap Highlands, Crowfoot Mountain, and Pukeashun Mountain. Copper Island, Eagle Bay, and the almost hidden entrance into Blind Bay. You also get a great view of Scotch Creek on the North Shore.
This is a +/- 7.5 km return trek including the 1.7 km Aspen Ramble Loop at the top. I would consider this an intermediate snowshoe or ice cleat trek.
Explore more about beautiful Mount Baldy
This is me! Snowshoeing Skimikin Lake, B.C.
Shuswap Adventure Girl
Tappen Valley | Sunnybrae
Skimikin Lake | Explore the beauty of the Tappen Valley! Skimikin Lake offers many snowshoe or cross-country skiing trails, including short looped Nordic trails near the lake and longer, more backcountry-style trails. There always seems to be more snow in the valley too, making it an excellent winter playground! Stick to a well-used trail or break your own trail on one of the many options!
Here is an excellent map of the trails! Recently, we have snowshoed trails #1, 2, 8, and 10 and they were very well marked, full of snow, and fantastic! A perfect place for beginners and children as well as more advanced snowshoers.
Skimikin Trails Map
Reinecker Creek | The Reinecker Creek Trail is a multi-use trail through the pretty Reinecker Creek Valley. It provides a nice, somewhat flat, and long snowshoe through the beautiful winter forest. There is an initial, somewhat strenuous climb up to the Reinecker Creek connector trail. The trail connects to and is in the same area as the beautiful Herald Provincial Park and impressive Margaret Falls. Make a full day out exploring this incredible and magical area.
Explore more about Reinecker Creek
Eagle Bay
Wild Rose Bay | This forested path leads you through a rich and lush canopy of evergreen trees, dusted in snow. The Moss Walk is an additional lakeside loop trail, as its name implies, it is an abundance of incredible mosses draping the rocky outcrops and rock faces and is not to be missed! On the beach, cozy up, breathe in the crisp lake air and enjoy the quietness and spectacular scenery. A perfect winters trail for children!
Shannon Beach Park Trails | This is a relatively new, 2 km trail within the Shuswap Trail System. It provides an easy lower loop which is great for a quick and scenic snowshoe. This loop features a beautiful forest rock wall and a winter trek through a lush and rich diverse forest.
Rocky Martinson Park | This is an easy, family-friendly loop trail on an old road that takes you past an old historic root cellar. It is a great snowshoeing addition to your day at Wild Rose Bay.
Shoe the North Shu…
Quaaout Lodge | Little Shuswap Lake
Nestled along the shores of Little Shuswap Lake sits, with beautiful pride, the awe-inspiring Quaaout lodge. Its architectural beauty and sprawling forested land have you falling in love at first sight! This year they are offering “ Snowshoe and Chill”. Which should start at the beginning of January. (please call ahead to double-check availability!) They will have groomed snowshoe trails around their golf course to explore, and afterward, cozy up and warm up in the beautiful lodge for homemade Bannock and a hot bevy!
They have snowshoes available for rent, including junior sizes.
A wonderful and enchanting family day in the North Shuswap!
Explore more about walking the Quaaout Lodge Grounds
Farrell's Field | Celista
Enjoy a cheerful family day of outdoor skating and snowshoeing! There is a short but sweet series of easy nature trail loops in the forest in and around the outdoor skating rink. And there is an abundance of snow!
Please note that there are appropriate covid restrictions in place in relation to the skating rink. Check the CSRD website for openings and closures and rules.
Skmana Lake Trails | Loakin-Bear Creek Road
There is approximately 18 km of winter Nordic trails around the forest and lake, plus a cute little warming hut to cozy up in and take a break! The snowshoe and cross country ski trails are well marked, user and family friendly.
See the Skmana website before you go for details! Ski Skmana
*There is a user fee with a designated drop box on site.
Evelyn Falls | Anglemont
This is a backcountry trail and only experienced snowshoers should play here. The approximately 3 km (return trip) trail starts out steep with several switchbacks, making this an excellent and challenging wintertime workout! The falls are a hidden gem and the adorable handmade swing really set this trek apart from the rest!
The Scotch Creek Lookout | Leopold Road | High above Scotch Creek!
This is an impressive 3.5 km (return trip) hike in the right season, the viewpoint soars high, high above Scotch Creek with panoramic views as far as the eye can see! It knocked our hiking socks right off! This trail is marked as a snowshoe trail on the Shuswap Trail Alliance. Personally, after a drive up and short exploration in the wintertime, I feel that this is an intermediate trail, and snowshoers should be well prepared for the higher elevation. But if you are up for the challenge it will not disappoint!
Shoe Beyond | Salmon Arm & Area ….
Larch Hills | Near Salmon Arm
The winter wonderland of Larch Hills! With over 170 km of cross-country ski trails and 17 km of snowshoe tracks, Larch Hills is a Nordic dream and there is something for everyone here! Including warming huts on the trail, a heated chalet at the parking lot, and even a dedicated dog trail! A longer day trek up to Cecs Cabin makes for an unforgettable backcountry trip!
(please note that due to Covid, the Chalet is not open for use yet).
See the Larch Hills website before you go for more details! Larch Hills Nordic Society
Parkhill Way | Salmon Arm An easy to moderate, family-friendly loop trail system which wanders through a thick and rich forest of Hemlock and Cedar. Also, enjoy views of Shuswap Lake and Bastion Mountain from its viewpoints! This is an excellent, close-to-town spot for a nice and scenic snowshoe!
Eagle River Nature Trail | Sicamous
Eagle River Nature Trail is truly a Shuswap gem!
This is an easy, super enjoyable, family-friendly, flat pathway with a series of well-marked loop trails. There are 6 kilometers of trails along the banks of the Eagle River. This is a beautiful and ancient old-growth stand of the Cottonwoods, Hemlock, and Cedars. There are some charming boardwalks and bridges and interpretive signage throughout.
You can also make this a doubleheader winter trek and do the trails of Yard Creek Park on the same day.
Explore more about the Eagle River Nature Trail
These are only a few of the snowshoe trails that can be enjoyed in the Shuswap area. There are so many more to explore! Find your favorite or try them all!
Skimikin Lake | Tappen Valley B.C.
Know Before You Go:
The right gear
Snowshoeing can be a little more strenuous than regular hiking, especially on uphill ascents. Dress in layers. I like to wear a base layer of thin, sweat-wicking material, then a mid-layer of light fleece and/or a vest, and the outer layer is water/windproof. Remember that coming down, after a sweaty hike up will feel much colder! Bring extra layers and it is a good idea to have your outer layer with some reflective elements. Snowshoes, crampon ice cleats, or microspikes are a must in the wintertime. Trekking poles are also extremely helpful. And bring lots of water, relying on eating snow as I do is not a smart idea.Leave a trip plan
The logic behind this is simple and should always be practiced in all seasons, day or night. Let someone know where you plan to go and when you plan to be back. Touch base with that person once you are back and make sure it is someone who would notice if you did not return! Adventure Smart has a great trip plan App for your phone.Safety first
Hikers and backpackers should always carry the 10 essentials. For the detailed list please click here: https://www.adventuresmart.ca/land/survive-essentials.htmKnow your snow
As well as having basic snowshoeing techniques, you must always be mindful of weather conditions, natural obstacles that may lie beneath the snow, and the risk of moving water under the ice. Only you know your limits, adventure smart.Know your Trail
Find directions to trailheads and specific details about your chosen trail on the Shuswap Trail Alliance website.
