This lakeside community on Shuswap Lake has vineyards, apple orchards, and a long wooden wharf. In summer, locals gather at Wednesday markets to buy produce and handmade goods.
Salmon Arm stretches along Shuswap Lake in British Columbia, where you can swim at Canoe Beach, explore the 400-kilometer shoreline by houseboat, or spot ospreys from North America's longest wooden freshwater wharf. Each August, musicians from across the globe perform at the Roots and Blues festival, while the surrounding mountains turn into cross-country ski trails in winter. You'll find local wineries like Larch Hills and cheese makers such as Grass Root Dairies along the rural roads between Vancouver and Calgary.
Swimming and Boating at Shuswap Lake
Shuswap Lake branches into four arms: Shuswap, Seymour, Anstey, and Salmon, creating 400 kilometers of shoreline. You can swim at Sunnybrae and Canoe beaches, which include shaded picnic areas and volleyball courts. From June through September, rent houseboats to explore the lake's sheltered bays and more than 20 provincial parks. Anglers catch Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, and Kokanee throughout the year, with peak fishing seasons in spring and fall.
Walking the Wooden Wharf
The curved wooden wharf stretches into Salmon Arm Bay, with Mount Bastion rising across the water. From the boardwalk, you can spot herons, eagles, and ospreys in the adjacent nature sanctuary. Follow the connected trails through the Salmon Arm Bay Nature Enhancement Area, where signs identify local plants and wildlife species.
Year-Round Recreation
Play soccer on six full-size fields or baseball at three regulation diamonds. In winter, ski the marked trails in the surrounding mountains or join a game at the six-sheet curling rink. The Shaw Centre contains two NHL-sized ice rinks, while the SASCU Recreation Centre includes a 25-meter indoor pool and gymnasium. From April through October, you can play at several 18-hole golf courses.
Arts and Entertainment
Watch new releases at the Salmar Grand multiplex or catch independent films and live shows at the single-screen Salmar Classic. The three-day Roots and Blues festival in August fills multiple stages with international performers. Local artists sell their work in downtown galleries and shops throughout the year.
Local Food and Agriculture
Visit Grass Root Dairies to watch cheese-making and sample fresh products, or buy seasonal fruits and vegetables at Pedro Gonzales Market. The tasting rooms at Larch Hills and Marionette wineries pour wines made from British Columbia grapes, with views of the surrounding vineyards.
Getting There and Around
Find Salmon Arm halfway between Vancouver and Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway, with Highway 97B connecting to Vernon and Kelowna. While the regional airport serves private planes, you can use the public transit system's fixed routes or door-to-door service. Walk between shops and restaurants in the compact downtown area, which spans about six blocks.
