Shuswap Winter Guide

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www.ShuswapTourism.ca


There’s nothing like skimming the peaceful, snow-covered countryside on cross-country skis! The Shuswap offers trails suitable for all levels. We’re home to one of the biggest Nordic centres in the country, and to the renowned Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet – one of the best long-distance Nordic races you’ll ever experience.

Come join us for a winter you’ll never forget, and find out why it’s one of our top four favourite seasons! You might know the Shuswap best for our lovely lakes and sultry summers, but there’s adventures here year-round – just take a step in our direction! Love snow? Discover the Shuswap’s cross-country ski, snowshoe, and snow-hiking trails. Head out into our beautiful backcountry for ski and snowmobile touring. Rest up in a cozy chalet or venture out to a lake for skating and ice fishing. Gather the whole family for a sleigh ride and festive cheer. Welcome to our enchanted winter!

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You don’t need to be a yeti to enjoy a great winter walk! Float along the Shuswap’s satisfying snowpack on snowshoes – no experience necessary. Our abundant trail network offers routes for all ages, abilities, and schedules, from fast and fun to more challenging. Take a look at the Shuswap Trail Guide and find your perfect outing.

The Larch Hills cross-country ski area boasts an incredible 125-kilometre trail network, along with a chalet and cabin. Skamana Lake Nordic Trails and Eagle River Nature Trails offer beautiful groomed loop trails.

Bring your own snowshoes or rent equipment here – our Visitor Centres can help you find what you need.

Need a lesson before you head out on your own? Looking to rent or buy skis, boots, or other winter gear? Our local winter sports experts have you covered! For club and retail information, look online at www.ShuswapTourism.ca, visit one of our Visitor Centres, and check out the Shuswap Trail Guide.

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the Shuswap lake system are an unlimited playground for experienced backcountry travelers. Find adventure along the 40-kilometre Larch Hills Traverse, or indulge in powder turns, glades, and bowls in The Gorge, below North Queest Mountain. And that’s just the start! Planning is essential to any safe, successful ski experience, so be sure to learn about the trails and conditions you’ll meet. Consult the Shuswap Trail Guide for route information and more. And of course visit www.Avalanche.ca for snow and avalanche updates. For front-country fans, our geographic situation provides great mid-point access and an excellent accommodation base for three world class ski resorts: Silverstar (Vernon), Revelstoke Mountain Resort (Revelstoke), and Sun Peaks (Kamloops).

Is the Shuswap’s legendary Monashee powder calling your name? We’ve got an endless variety of terrain – from gentle hills to rugged slopes – and easy driving access to countless trailheads. If winter wilderness is what you’re after, look no further. The alpine highlands surrounding

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Looking for the thrill of snowmobiling? Here in the Shuswap you’ll find great powder, challenging climbs and fun bowls to play in. Our playground really does have something for everyone: from new sledders to touring families, fun riders to thrill-seekers. The Shuswap is home to seven excellent sledding areas, including Blue Lake Mountain, Crowfoot Mountain, Eagle Pass, Fly Hills, Owlhead Mountain, Queest Mountain and Spa Hills. Many of the area’s mountains offer groomed access, providing a smooth ride

to the alpine. Six of the areas offer day-use chalets, and a typical sledding season runs from November to May. Local snowmobile clubs can help make your adventure memorable and safe. The Crowfoot Mountain Snowmobile Club, Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club, Hunters Range Snowmobile Club, Salmon Arm Snowblazers, and Spa Hills Snowmobile Club can all provide hints and advice for a great trip. For contact information and online resources, visit www.ShuswapTourism.ca

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The Shuswap’s renowned lakes aren’t just a summer treat – we’re willing to bait you’ll love them in the winter, too! Bundle up and try your hand at ice fishing. White Lake Provincial Park, located between Sorrento and Salmon Arm, is an ideal setting and a perfect place to reel in a rainbow trout. Gardom Lake, Hidden Lake, Pillar Lake, and the Shuswap River also boast great trout stocks – some fish weigh in at over two pounds. For a remote fishing experience, try Bolean Lake, located 5,000 feet up Spa Mountain and accessible only by snowmobile in the winter.

What could be better than warming up by a fire after a crisp winter day outside? For a complete Shuswap winter experience, pair your outdoor adventures with a stay in a cozy backwoods chalet. Rustic cabins are the perfect complement to our amazing network of trails, and chalet accommodations are a unique and affordable option for individuals and groups. Spend time visiting with friends, cooking a tasty meal together, and relaxing in a charming atmosphere. A great winter experience is right at the doorstep! Advance bookings are necessary, so plan ahead – and give yourself something to look forward to! Visit www.ShuswapTrails.com and www.SkiLarchHills.ca for more information on planning, booking, and visiting chalets.

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For more information and resources, visit www.ShuswapTourism.ca and www.ReelFishingAdventures.net. Remember: Ice fishing is a great sport, but tackle it cautiously. Always be aware of the ice thickness and temperature changes. Prepare to encounter conditions like wind chill factor, and know that when movement is limited, you’re likely to feel cold much more quickly.


family & Christmas

Glistening snow, star-studded skies, a nip in the air and wonders all around – winter has a special magic all of its own. In the Shuswap, we know how to celebrate this exquisite time, so spend the festive season with us. Share good, old-fashioned fun with family and friends in a horse-drawn open sleigh, and top it off with a steaming mug of hot cocoa and a warm cinnamon bun. Visit the CPR Holiday Train for a great lineup of musical talent on its box car stage. Marvel at the clear night skies at the Moonlight Lantern Ski, and trade Christmas baking afterward with friends old and new. Take in a Santa Claus parade or become one of Santa’s elves at an art-making workshop at the renowned SAGA Public Art Gallery. There are so many great ways to connect and celebrate throughout our Shuswap communities all season long!

Is there anything more quintessentially Canadian than gliding across a frozen lake on silvery blades? The Shuswap’s abundant still waters make perfect, scenic rinks in winter, so pack your skates and lace them up here! White Lake and Gardom Lake offer the authentic experience, and you’ll find great outdoor rinks at Putula Park in Mara and the Salmon Arm Wharf. Other locations may be accessible weather permitting, so contact our Visitor Centres for safe and fun options and locations. Please note that skate rentals are not easily available, so bring your own – whatever style you like!

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Seymour Arm

Pukeashun Provincial Park

Albas Falls

Hunakwa Lake Anstey Hunakwa Provincial Park

NORTH Lichen Mtn

Seymour Arm

Adams Lake

Perry River

To Barriere Mt Mobley

Piper Lake Crowfoot Mtn

Anstey Arm

Mt Evans

Twin Lakes

Scotch Creek

Magna Bay Anglemont

Hlina Lookout

Skamana Lake

Squilax

Eagle Bay

Sorrento

Craigellachie Griffin Lake

Wild Rose Bay

Shuswap Lake

Lee Creek

Little Shuswap Lake

Queest Mtn

Celista

Scotch Creek

Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park

Eagle Pass Mtn

Cinnemousun Narrows Provincial Park

St. Ives

Griffin Mtn

Herman Lake Salmon Arm Tillis Landing

Malakwa Mount Griffin Provincial Park

White Lake Provincial Park

Blind Bay

Cummins Lake Carlin

Chum

Chase Lake

Phillips Lake

Chase Creek Falls

To Revelstoke, Golden & Calgary To Three Valley Gap & Joss Pass

White Lake

Notch Hill

Aylmer Lake To Sun Peaks Summer Road

Three Valley Lake

Mt Hilliam

Tappen

Skimikin Lake

Mt Bastion

Margaret Falls

Sunnybrae

Skimikin

Annis Mara Lake

South Thompson River

Swansea Point Mara Mtn

Canoe

Salmon Arm

Blue Lake

Sicamous

Kingfisher Creek Provincial Park

Larch Hills

Fly Hills

Rosemond Lake

To Kamloops & Vancouver

Airport

Wallensteen Lake Spa Hills

Kernaghan Lake Silver Creek

Pillar Lake

Grindrod

Mt Ida

Gardom Lake

Enderby Cliffs Provincial Park

Kingfisher Interpretive Centre

Travel Information Back-country Ski Cross-country Ski Trail

Spa Lake Arthur Lake Estekwalan Mtn

Hospital

Enderby

Bolean Lake

Hidden Lake Shuswap River

Falkland

Snowmobile Trail Snowshoeing Trail

Mable Lake

Ice Fishing Ski Resort

To Westwold & Kamloops

Armstrong

Tuktakamin Mtn

Salmon River Pinnaus Lake

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Major Highway To Vernon & Kelowna

Secondary Road Provincial Park


We’ve got great community events happening all winter – and you’re invited! Plan to join us for the festivities. Chase Country Christmas – November 30 and December 1 Christmas parade from 5.30 on the Friday. Craft fairs, Santa and more all-day Saturday. Call 250.679.3189 for info. CPR Holiday Train – Around the region throughout December For more information visit: www.cpr.ca/en/in-your-community/ holiday-train/Pages/default.aspx Elves’ Workshop at SAGA Public Art Gallery – December 1, 8 and 15 Christmas art-making stations, 11am to 4pm. For families with kids aged 2 to 12. www.sagapublicartgallery.ca Enderby Community Christmas & Parade – December 7 Food, entertainment, Santa, sleigh rides, light-up and Christmas parade Breakfast with Santa at SAGA Public Art Gallery – December 15 What does Santa east for breakfast? Find out between 8:30am and 11am. www.sagapublicartgallery.ca Santa Cruise Family Fun Race at Larch Hills Nordics – December 15 Enjoy a fun ski race and watch for Santa. www.skilarchhills.ca Moonlight Lantern Ski at Larch Hills Nordics – December 27 Ski on 5K of lantern lit trails. Christmas baking and a hot beverage at the chalet. www.skilarchhills.ca Polar Bear Plunge at Canoe Beach – 10:30am January 1 Brave the ice cold waters if you dare at this annual event! 29th Annual Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet at Larch Hills Nordics – January 19 Celebrating the joy of cross-country skiing in one of the largest loppets in Western Canada. www.skilarchhills.ca Sicamous Snow Days – February Snow lights and lantern walk-about with daytime and night time sculptures. Call 250.836.2737 for info. Valentine’s Day Skate at Little White Lake – February 14 Skate, ski, snowshoe or stroll with lantern lights and a warm fire. Call 250.835.8766 for info.

Enjoyed your stay? We’d love to have you back! Summer in the Shuswap is unparalleled. Warm, sparkling lakes perfect for swimming, canoeing, water skiing, and houseboating (to name just a few!). Friendly family farms waiting to welcome you back to the land. Trails for every taste, from shaded paths to rugged routes. Visit us this summer for a vacation you’ll never forget. Check out www.ShuswapTourism.ca and the 2013 Shuswap Vacation Planner for countless great ideas. See you again soon!


Our Visitor Centres are available to provide you with tourist information, assistance and advice. They can offer travel information and literature, make accommodation reservations, provide community information and provincial itinerary planning and their service is friendly and personalized. Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Centre 877.725.6667 Sicamous & District Visitor Information Centre 866.205.4055 South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Centre, Sorrento 250.675.3515 Chase Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Centre 250.679.8432 Enderby & District Visitor Information Centre 877.213.6509 North Shuswap Visitor Information Centre, Scotch Creek 250.955.2113 Sorrento Welcome Centre 250.515.2332

www.ShuswapTourism.ca


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