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Welcome to my blog! I document my adventures in all things outdoors. I am so happy to share my experiences with you!

Plan Your Spring Getaway in Salmon Arm B.C.

Plan Your Spring Getaway in Salmon Arm B.C.

Experience Shuswap culture, try new adventures, and sample some fantastic food. There are endless ways to enjoy Salmon Arm in all seasons and springtime here is lively and eventful! A vacation in Salmon Arm is as unique as you are, so let us inspire you with our top things to do this spring!

Spring Events: Your Gateway to Fun…

Salmon Arms' city scene flourishes year-round with street fests, markets, and theatre performances to world-class golf venues, good eats, and top-notch music line-ups. Who's excited! 

1. Annual Salty Street Festival and The Salty Dog 6-Hr Enduro mountain bike race. May 13-15, 2022 https://saltydogenduro.com/

 2. BC Backyard Ultra: trail race. April 29, 2022
Shuswap Ultra: trail race. September 24 & 25, 2022
https://www.lewistonultraevents.com

 3. Song Sparrow Hall. A historic concert hall with a diverse music line-up for spring. https://songsparrowhall.ca/

 4. Shuswap Golf Trail 2022: Five courses, one pass.
Get yours by April 15, 2022
https://shuswaptourism.ca/shuswapgolftrail

 5. 30th Annual ROOTSandBLUES Festival 
August 18 - 21, 2022, in Salmon Arm. Get your tickets now! 
https://rootsandblues.ca/

 6. Salmon Arm Arts Centre. A place to enjoy, experience, and exhibit the Arts. 
Exhibitions: “Achievement Unlocked”: March 5 to April 23, 2022
”The Pollinators”: April 30 to July 2, 2022
https://www.salmonarmartscentre.ca

 7. Shuswap Theatre.
”The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble”: April 29 to May 14, 2022
https://shuswaptheatre.com/2021-22-season/

 8. Downtown Farmers Market at Ross Street Plaza from 11-2:00 pm. April 2, April 16 & April 30. Regular weekly Summer Market will resume May 7 and takes place every Saturday. https://shuswapfood.ca/farmersmarket/

 9. ZestFest at the Zest Commercial Food Hub: March 25 & Zest Popup Markets Fridays 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
https://zestfoodhub.ca

 10. BC Ale Trail. Kamloops-Shuswap Tasting Pass this March 2022.
https://bcaletrail.ca/kamloops-shuswap-pass/

 11. Fishing, family, fundraising, and fun on Shuswap Lake, May 14, 2022. A springtime fishing derby!
https://teambrewedincanada.ca

Farmers Market in downtown Salmon Arm
Photo: Chelsea Keenan

Ride Salmon Arm: Cycling Adventures in our Backyard…

Salmon Arm features some of the Interior's best mountain bike trail systems. Two wheels are the perfect way to explore, whether enjoying the thrill of the single-track trails, traversing cross-country above spectacular views, or cruising the scenic lakeside. 

Epic routes include The South Canoe Trail System, Rubberhead Mountain Bike Trail System, and Larch Hills Traverse. In addition, the Salmon Arm Town and Greenway Trails connect quiet roads, trails, beach fronts, and green spaces.

Visitors can find full-service gear, accessories, bikes, E-bikes, kid's bikes, and apparel at Skookum Cycle & Ski in the heart of downtown.

Resources: Plan your Route
Shuswap Trail Alliance
Shuswap Tourism Planning Guide
Shuswap Cycling Club
The Salty Dog 6-Hr Enduro

Mountain Biking in Salmon Arm
Photo: J.Inglis Blind Bay Village Grocer

On The Water: Paddle Salmon Arm…

When in Salmon Arm, it’s essential to spend some time exploring the renowned waters of Shuswap Lake. Whether you decide to paddle a canoe or kayak, take a boat tour or watch the sunset from your SUP, you’ll find that unique past-time right here.
Boats and personal watercraft can be rented from Sea-Dog Rentals at the Main Wharf in Marine Peace Park downtown. Let the helpful staff get you out on the water or plan your waterway route with the new Shuswap Blueway Paddle Trails map. The best place to rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards is at Top Jimmys Canoe Beach Café.

Canoe Beach is a lively place. You’ll find a boat launch, a secluded dog park, a brand new playground, a volleyball court, a grassy picnic area, access to trails, and a sandy beach with iconic mountain views!
Boating and watersport vendors in Salmon Arm include Boat House Marine & Leisure, Gibbons Motor Toys, and Captains Cove Marina.

Resources: Explore our Waterways
Blueway Paddle Trails by Shuswap Trail Alliance
Canoe Beach and Canoe Beach Trails
Boating BC Association. Safe Boating
Shuswap Lake Water Map CSRD

Fishing on Shuswap Lake

Fishing Shuswap Style…

The Shuswap offers exceptional year-round fishing. Local hot spots like White Lake, Skimikin Lake, Hidden Lake, Gardom Lake (electric motor regulations), and Paul Lake are easily accessible and fun for the whole family.
For fishing, hunting, and camping gear, apparel and tackle, look no further than Westside Stores.
For Guided Fishing Tours and Sightseeing Tours on Shuswap Lake, contact Bucktail Adventures.

Resources: Fish the Waters
Don’t forget that you’ll need a BC Fishing Licence. 
Always check local Fishing Regulations
Fishing BC Presents: Fishing Shuswap Lake with Bucktail Adventures

Good Eats: Taste Guide…

Salmon Arm boasts top restaurants, bustling bistros, and a great selection of locally-owned cafes. Indulge your taste buds with the flavors of Nineteen05 Kitchen and Raw Bar, located in the Prestige Harbourfront Resort. Right on the water, this premier hotel has unparalleled views over the lake and access to wetland nature trails, bird watching, and the must-do wharf stroll.
For a fresh and hand-crafted food experience, stop in at The Nom. A beautiful and hugely popular new addition to our eat scene! Still Food Bistro is also new to the downtown core and features vegan, plant-based food.
Check out the premium Bubble Tea & Milkshake Cafe at Sanctuary Games new location, where you can shop, play games, or participate in organized activities. For a full list of all the amazing hot spots, see our Restaurant Guide.

Resources: Small City, Big Eats
Salmon Arm Economic Development: Restaurant Guide
Shuswap Tourism: Taste the Shuswap Guide
Taste of the Shuswap: Blog

The Nom in downtown Salmon Arm
Photo: The Nom

Tasting Tour: Savour Salmon Arm…

From local craft beer, award-winning wines, and local cider houses, Salmon Arm offers a taste tour that is sure to delight! Some of the best, offer memorable experiences, delicious food, and authentic beverages.
Enjoy great food and excellent craft beer at the Barley Station Brew Pub, where they brew all their beer. Northyards Cider Co. and Shuswap Cider Co. are craft cideries that are locally owned and celebrated. Marionette Winery is a unique and charming experience, with scenic vineyards and fun events! 

Resources: Tasting Tour
Salmon Arm Economic Development: Restuarant Guide
Shuswap Tourism: Taste the Shuswap Guide
Taste of the Shuswap: Blog
Wines of British Columbia: Shuswap Wine Country

Trails & Walking Routes: Get Your Hike On…

Salmon Arm has many family-friendly hiking trails, running routes, and challenging ascents found within the city and nearby mountains.
One of our favorite destinations is the Salmon Arm Foreshore Nature Trail, Raven Trail & Christmas Island. Located on the protected shores of Shuswap Lake, this incredible wetland sanctuary has viewing platforms and a wide variety of bird species to admire.

Popular trail systems include the new Shuswap Memorial Cemetery Trails, Coyote Park, and Park Hill. In addition, Little Mountain Park has a variety of short and easy intertwining trails with a summit that offers far-reaching views over the city of Salmon Arm.

Need outdoor gear? Find what you are looking for at our local shops, including Wearabouts Clothing, Kintec Footwear & Orthotics, Skookum Cycle & Ski, and Shuswap Clothing & Shoe Company.

Resources: Map Your Adventure
The Shuswap Trail Alliance is the best source for planning all of your trail experiences.
Shuswap Tourism: Trail Guide
Shuswap Adventure Girl: Blog

Rock Climbing: Shuswap’s Climbing Culture…

For those who love to rock climb, we have that too! Gym of Rock is a popular rock climbing gym and welcomes all levels, including the kids. This indoor facility in the Westgate Public Market features routes of varying difficulty. It offers courses and on-site gear rentals and purchases. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable.
The Shuswap Rock guidebook is available for in-house viewing at Gym of Rock. It features some of the best -and most scenic- outdoor climbing destinations and crags in the Shuswap. Test your limits in the vertical world at Haines Creek, Park & Ride Bluff, or Syphon Creek; all are close to Salmon Arm. 

Renew in the Shu…

Rejuvenate and renew with health, wellness, and self-care. Relax at one of our many serene and invigorating spas, pamper yourself at beauty boutiques, join a hot yoga class or experience the unique serenity of flotation therapy. Our wellness providers in Salmon Arm are ready to welcome you!
Read more here: Renew in the Shu

Shopping in Downtown…

Locally-owned shops line the charming and vibrant streets of downtown.
The heart of the shopping district is on Lakeshore Drive, Hudson Ave, Shuswap Street, and Alexander Street. You will find plenty of boutique shops specializing in outdoor apparel, fashion, home decor, souvenirs, and Shuswap swag! You will also find fantastic locally owned stores outside the downtown core, including the Westgate Public Market, The Mall at Piccadilly, and Centenoka Park Mall.

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