Five Ways to Get Cozy in the Shuswap November Edition
Shuswap Adventure Girl
Fall and early winter in the Shuswap are a time for adventure and connection. The coziest season is here and is the perfect time to soak up the golden afternoon sun, ever-changing lake views, and our unforgettable landscapes.
Whether you love to snuggle up in the warm glow of a fire, embrace the great outdoors or find that special moment with friends and family, here in the Shuswap, we invite you to step into the beauty of the season.
Here are our top 5 ways to warm up, snuggle up and get cozy!
In the Shuswap, relaxation and a deep connection to the outdoors are among our specialties
1. Warm Up in a Cozy Coffee Shop
The Shuswap is bustling with fall delights; whether it's a signature hot cocoa or specialty coffee, our locally-owned cafes and eateries will keep you toasty! Stay awhile or bring a few cozy blankets, get it to-go and pick a scenic spot to have warm drinks and sweet treats.
Around Town
Salmon Arm has a vibrant downtown brimming with time-honored cafes offering an extensive array of wholesome good eats. Anvil Coffee Collective, Ecotreats, Forage General, Shuswap Pie Company, and The Pink Cherry are our favorite coffee shops for your perfect warm-up. The Salmon Arm hot chocolate trail is designed for kids and those who are kids at heart!
Take a quiet moment in nature. Bring a few cozy blankets, get it to go, and pick a scenic spot to have warm drinks and sweet treats.
When visiting the South Shuswap, Sprokkets Cafe is made-from-scratch goodness. And if vintage motorcycles spark your interest, the museum is a local favorite for adults and kids.
At Steamers Coffee Co in Sorrento, take your coffee to-go and browse the neighboring Shuswap Artisan Market. Or, for a quiet moment in nature, head to the North Shuswap and take a riverside stroll in the renowned Tsútswecw Provincial Park to savor your sips.
The village of Chase has a colorful downtown where you can find wholesome homespun bakeries. Craigs Bakery & Deli and Natty Cakes Confectionery & Bakeshop are local favorites. The waterfront Memorial park and iconic red wharf are great places to enjoy your sweet treats and good eats lake-side.
2. Relax and Unwind Fireside
In the Shuswap, relaxation and a deep connection to the outdoors are among our specialties. What better way to enjoy the casual and cozy feeling this season than gathering fire-side with your nearest and dearest in our great outdoors?
A few of our favorite places to have a responsible campfire this season include recreation sites, warming cabins and huts, and our own backyards!
Some of our best places to gather fireside are right in our backyard!
Photo courtesy of White Lake Cabins
Best Places to Have a Campfire
In the South Shuswap, Skimikin Lake is a family favorite. With designated firepits, over 100 km of hiking trails, and spectacular scenery, it is ideal for gathering fireside and spending the day.
The village of Falkland is surrounded by easily accessible recreation sites that offer an inviting place to beat the chill and bring the autumn glow with a crackling fire. Check out Bolean Lake, Pillar Lake, Joyce Lake, and Chase Creek Recreation Sites.
Travel to the North Shuswap and discover one of the hidden gems of the Shuswap! Skmana Lake offers a year-round lakeside spot for a fire and a welcoming hike-in cabin with a beautiful handcrafted, dedicated firepit area.
**Always use BC Recreation Sites and Trails Responsibly. Do not leave campfires unattended. Before leaving, extinguish fires and make sure the campfire bed is cool to the touch. Know the Rules
3. Shop and Stroll the Charming Streets
As the air becomes crisper and the days shorter, the lure of warm shops and festive window displays welcome us to discover fall indoors. Spend the day strolling through charming bookstores, artisan shops, unique mercantiles, specialty boutiques, and lively nosheries.
The communities of the Shuswap each offer their own unique downtown experience!
Around Town
The communities of the Shuswap each offer their own unique downtown experience. In Sicamous, Main Street Landing is in the heart of their downtown and offers a lovely waterfront stroll along with a selection of locally-owned shops and boutiques. Enjoy Enderby's downtown charm and quaint stores on Cliff Ave.
The historic downtown of Chase is pleasing to walk and has a variety of specialty stores and restaurants. Blind Bay and Sorrento in the South Shuswap is a lively scene with pop-up markets, artisan shops, wellness boutiques, and a fantastic array of restaurants.
In Salmon Arm, vibrant shops line the streets of downtown where the perfect textured blanket, warm sweater, artisan mugs, locally made gifts, and more can be discovered.
In Salmon Arm, vibrant shops line the streets of downtown .
4. Take the Scenic Route
November often brings grey days in the Shuswap, and what better way to stay warm while enjoying the scenery than a road trip?
No matter which direction you choose, the Shuswap is bursting with notable routes filled with picture-perfect views, historical stops, epic lookouts, numerous trailheads, and some tasty lunch options!
New sights and experiences are around each bend, and these are some of our favorites.
Sunnybrae Canoe-Point Road- A scenic lakeside drive to Margaret Falls. A family-favorite fairytale-like destination, and the journey there is nothing short of spectacular.
The North Shuswap is located on the north side of Shuswap Lake and is accessed by the Squilax-Anglemont Road, just off Highway 1. Our curated Waterfall Tour will guide you on an epic day of exploring waterfalls in the North Shuswap!
Notch Hill. Who doesn't love a good story? Take a delightful autumn drive along the countryside in historic Notch Hill. The rustic farms, charming old homes, and landmarks tell a beautiful story of a once-bustling railway town's fascinating past.
The journey along Eagle Bay Road to Wildrose Bay is stunning. Panoramic views of Shuswap lake and Copper Island adorn most of this route. A quick, forested hike to Wildrose Bay at the Community Park is well worth the drive.
For anyone chasing iconic Shuswap views without the hike, Sicamous Lookout, Fly Hills Rotary Skyview Lookout or Bastion Mountain are among our most accessible.
No matter which direction you choose, the Shuswap is bursting with notable routes filled with picture-perfect views, historical stops, epic lookouts, and numerous trailheads.
5. Plan Heart-Warming Experiences
November is the ultimate time to start planning for the busy holiday season ahead. Here in the Shuswap, we love all things winter! From dashing through the snow to idyllic cabin getaways, ice-skating on a frozen lake, or finding the joys of simplicity. We welcome you to find your new traditions or recreate your favored ones.
Around Town
Walters Sleigh Rides in Notch Hill is a delightful way to spend the afternoon for all ages, and freshly baked cinnamon buns are just one of the holiday highlights! Caravan Farm Theatre is a sleigh ride show is a beloved winter holiday tradition. Book your spots now to avoid disappointment!
Walters Sleigh Rides in Notch Hill is a delightful way to spend the afternoon. It is a family-run farm full of nostalgia and festive spirit!
Locals love the annual CP Holiday Train that merrily rolls through the Sicamous, Salmon Arm, and Notch Hill on December 15th.
If a holiday workshop sparks your interest, Rustic Wedding and High Country Tree Farm offers fun and festive Christmas greenery-making workshops!
Community halls are often historic and offer joyful events in the months of November and December. Find nostalgia in craft fairs, artisan markets, bake sales, and kid's holiday parties.
White Lake Cabins in the South Shuswap is located on White Lake. One of our many idyllic Shuswap retreats. Here is a great list of Shuswap cottages and cabins for your winter stay.
Photo Courtesy of White Lake Cabins
Is an idyllic cabin retreat on your wish list? Tin Poppy Retreat, Bluebird Chalets, or White Lake Cabins are just few of our favorite Shuswap abodes. For a unique backcountry stay, Grizzly Lodge in the North Shuswap offers an exceptional snowmobiling experience. If you are looking for big mountains and big snow in the backcountry, Sicamous hosts some of the best alpine snowmobiling in Western Canada.
Here is a great list of Shuswap cottages and cabins for your winter stay.
