"Land of Lakes and Desert" Shuswap Lake by madamx

Shuswap Lake Travel Guide: 29 reviews and 42 photos

Shuswap Lake from the Trans Canada Highway

REST AND RELAXATION

The Shuswap (as it is referred to by Albertans) is a lovely area in Southern British Columbia, halfway between Calgary and Vancouver.

During the summer, this area is full of Albertans taking in as much heat and sun as possible, escaping from the fickle Alberta weather.

We had never really taken a vacation here before, and after spending a week here, decided it was the best vacation we had ever had. Why? Because The Shuswap offers nothing .... nothing except lazy summer days on the beach, or relaxing on your sun-dappled front porch overlooking the lake.

If you are looking for excitement and nightlife, then take a pass on The Shuswap. This is a place to soak up the sun, relax and do absolutely nothing other than drink in the beautiful surroundings and delight in the simple things of life. Guaranteed, the tranquility and easy country life will leave you relaxed and rejuvinated.

The Shuswap lakeshore covers approximately 260 miles, and only when you actually stay here does the enormity of the lake hit you. The lake is very clean, and you can swim here with no concerns.

There are also other beautiful, pristine lakes to enjoy, such as Adams Lake, Mara Lake, and Mabel Lake.

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Helmcken Falls, Wells Gray Park

Within two hours north or south of The Shuswap, the landscape varies incredibly from lush mountains with scenic waterfalls (Wells Gray Provincial Park) to lake country, to the Sonoran Desert (Osoyoos)

The Sonoran Desert, near Osoyoos, BC

This area of British Columbia is addicting, and you can literally spend weeks exploring the nooks and crannies of The Shuswap -- country roads and markets, plus areas north and south. Don't forget to indulge in the local produce, such as lush peaches and juicy apples and taste the local wines.

Relaxation, lakes, sun, plus the
scenic landscape -- this wonderful combination will keep you coming back time and time again.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Life becomes Sweet and Slow

Intro Updated Oct 8, 2004
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Reviews (17)

Turtle Valley Off The Beaten Path (1)

My hubby is a real nature nut and HAD to go to Turtle Valley. Turtle Valley is well-known in the area for being a large... more travel advice

Shoreline Favorites (1)

I didn't appreciate the sheer beauty of this area until we actually stayed here for more than one day. The shoreline... more travel advice

This poor cow ran into a guard dog - Shuswap Lake

Dogs Warnings and Dangers (3)

Most people in the more rural areas appear to have aggressive guard dogs due to the abundance of bears in the area. Some... more travel advice

Bears love the local fruit - Shuswap Lake

Bears Warnings and Dangers (3)

There are plenty of bears in the area, due to the abundance of fruit and berries in the area and fish in the lake.... more travel advice

Things to Do (7)
See All Salmon Run
Restaurants (4)
See All Mr Putt's Parlor

Hotels (1)
I Want To Be Alone
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Comments (22)

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GentleSpirit Mar 10, 2012 at 6:43 PM

You did a nice job with this page. I just passed through Shuswap Area on the way to Banff. They told us we had just barely missed the salmon run. regards from maryland
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nickandchris Sep 17, 2007 at 7:28 AM

Absolutely brilliant tips. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this, especially the restaurant tips!!!!!
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kzapanta Apr 20, 2007 at 12:44 AM

thats the hot weather huh? I will go there to cool off! Great picture of the falls and I love fishing for sockeye.
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keida84 Oct 30, 2006 at 5:55 PM

Wow I love the apple farm and the B & B well our tastes are pretty similar there too. Your pages are well written, are useful quality tips. Another job well done. Kat
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Manara Sep 15, 2006 at 9:01 AM

I am a big fan of lakes. I was happy to learn about this beautiful region.
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thedouglas Aug 15, 2006 at 1:53 AM

I couldn't resist! What a beautiful place - and what a great job you've done to build the "allure"!! Damn the tyranny of distance!
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filmstar May 26, 2006 at 8:25 AM

Wonderful page! definitely a worthwhile stop on our way to Regina.
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jojocan Nov 5, 2005 at 3:04 PM

you know, we went houseboating down here once, way way back. i should try to find the pictures...
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BerniShand Aug 11, 2005 at 2:37 PM

a wonderful read, another of the so many places I didnt know I wanted to visit ! I wouldnt have bet a penny on there being a desert in Canada, how amazing !
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DavidKeeling Mar 13, 2005 at 10:58 AM

You're absolutely correct about the life here...serene. Three separate weeks spent houseboating on the lakes are forever etched in my memory.