There are many activities available along the Shuswap River, around Mara Lake, and the Shuswap Lakes. Canoeing, kayaking, houseboating, waterskiing, world class golf courses, hiking and local wineries all invite you to spend your next vacation in the North Okanagan-Shuswap. Access to the Canadian Rockies is just 1 hour east along the Trans-Canada Highway at Revelstoke.
Agri-Tourism
Spend part of a day at a local farm, orchard or farmer’s market and find out what the Okanagan and Shuswap Valleys are all about! Local fruit and vegetable markets abound during the summer and fall months. Wildflight Organic Farm is only a short walk away in Mara for organic produce and open for farm-gate sales on Friday afternoons. [more info]
Arts & Theatre
If you are interested in local art and theatre production look no further than the local Shuswap area. Events and performances occur year-round. The Shuswap Film Society hosts films from around the world. Caravan Farm Theatre with its troupe of professional actors is held outdoors on a beautiful farm in Armstrong and well worth reserving tickets for! [more info]
Birdwatching
Enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife along the Shuswap River all year long. From Eagles, Kingfishers, and Hawks, to beavers, black bear and local white-tail deer. During the winter months swans make their home on the Shuswap River. [more info]
Boating
The Okanagan, Mara and Shuswap Lakes have long been a haven for boaters and water-skiers. A public boat launch is within close proximity at Mara Provincial Park (5min away) and for those who prefer to rent there are many boat rentals available both on Mara and Shuswap Lakes. [more info]
Canoeing & Kayaking
The Shuswap River, Mara and Shuswap Lakes provide opportunities for the beginner to experienced canoeists and kayakers. Spend a day meandering peacefully down the Shuswap River, or venture out into Mara Lake to explore ancient Indian Rock Paintings. The upper region of the Shuswap River near Mabel Lake has many rapids and is home to the annual Kayak Rodeo.[more info]
Cross-Country Skiing
If you enjoy cross-country skiing you can’t get much better than the Larch Hills Cross-country Ski Area. Only 15min away enjoy 50km of groomed and 100km of ungroomed trails. Huts are located along some trails. [more info]
Downhill Skiing
The Thompson-Okanagan is home to several world-class ski hills. Silver Star Mountain Resort is only a 45min drive south in Vernon. Sun Peaks Ski Resort is only 1 hour away near Kamloops. Big White Ski Resort outside of Kelowna is 2 1/4 hours south by car. [more info]
Fishing in the Shuswaps
The Shuswap River is home to several species of fish including lake trout, and the annual salmon run starts at the end of August each year. This is when you will see local fishermen and fishing boats crowding the Shuswap River at each of the local bridges. Within close proximity to Shuswap River Cottages are also many local fishing lakes. [more info]
Gold Panning & Opal Mining
The history of the B.C. Interior is rich with tales from the days of the Gold Rush. Many came to this province over the years hoping to strike it rich. You don’t have to go all the way to the Cariboo to experience the history of the Gold Rush. You can still experience the gold panning history of the B.C. Interior in our local region. [more info]
Golfing
The Okanagan and Shuswaps are home to many world-class golf courses, and several golf courses are within close proximity to Shuswap River Cottages. Hyde Mountain Golf Course on Mara Lake is only 20 minutes away. Predator Ridge Golf Course is 1 hour away, just south of Vernon. Birchdale Par 3 Golf Course is just 5 minutes away in Grindrod. [more info]
Hiking
There are many opportunities for hiking in our area. The Enderby Cliffs provide a spectacular view of the Shuswap River Valley. For those guests seeking a day hike in the Rocky Mountains, Revelstoke is the gateway to the Rockies and only 45min away. [more info]
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is available through trailriding companies in Salmon Arm. Spend a morning, afternoon or evening on the trails in Larch Hills or Fly Hills outside of Salmon Arm. Beautiful weather, beautiful views, who can ask for more! [more info]
Houseboating
Houseboating in the Shuswaps has been a long tradition. With over 1000km of shoreline on the Shuswap Lakes there is much to explore in the many provincial parks. The far end of Seymour Arm provided access to prospectors during the Gold Rush of the late 1800s, and there is still an old hotel located there. Now you can have your houseboat vacation fully catered on the water by the Shuswap Chefs. [more info]
Mountain Biking
During the summer months families and individuals can enjoy biking along the Shuswap River in Mara. For Mountain Bikers, Larch Hills X-country Ski Trails are accessible during the summer months, and just 15 minutes away, offering 150km of trails. [more info]
Okanagan Orchards & Wineries The Okanagan and Shuswap Valley regions are home to many orchards and world-class wineries. Fruit Growing is a long tradition, and fruit-picking is an essential experience in the area. Why not spend a day with the family at a local orchard hand-picking fruit for a truly Okanagan experience! [more info]
Skating
Enjoy Free skating at the local outdoor community skating rink in Mara. Local communities also offer public skating at local ice rinks. [more info]
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling Access to Hunter’s Range Snowmobile Area is only a few minutes from Shuswap River Cottages via Mara Mountain. Enjoy spectacular views and lots of snow in Canada’s most popular snowmobile area! Why not take advantage of our low off-season accommodation rates for an affordable family snowmobile holiday! [more info]
Swimming
It doesn’t get much better than a summer day swimming in the Shuswaps. The Shuswap River and Mara and Shuswap Lakes provide ample opportunity for swimming, whether you are seeking a lazy day in the river or the beautiful white sandy beaches of Mara Lake. There is something for everyone. [more info]
Whitewater Rafting
Experience the thrill of B.C. White Water Rafting! Adams River White Water Rafting offers white water rafting on the Adams River west of Salmon Arm, and Thompson River at Lytton. They have several white water rafting experiences available for rafters from beginner to experienced, and can accommodate individuals as well as large groups. [more info]
Travel Planning Information & Maps:
Shuswap Provincial Parks
The Shuswap and North Okanagan Regions have many exceptional provincial parks to choose from. Mara Lake to Adams Lake, each park offers a different experience for visitors and unique range of activities. [more info]
Festivals & Events Calendar The Okanagan-Shuswap Region plays host to an impressive list of annual events, including Dragon Boat Festivals, outdoor theatre, the famous Annual Roots and Blues Music Festival in Salmon Arm, and the Thompson-Okanagan Wine Festivals. [more info]
Shuswap Recreation map Our zoomable shaded relief North Okanagan-Shuswap Recreation Map will help you plan your visit, showing local communities, hiking trails, x-country ski trails, snowmobile trails, provincial parks and boat launches. [view map]
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