Whether you prefer wilderness camping, or well-equipped provincial parks, Lumby has a campsite for you. You’ll find a lovely spot to set up camp at Monashee and Mabel Lake provincial parks, as well as forest recreation sites and hidden mountain retreats.
Beginner to experienced climbers will find great paths to explore amid the Monashee Mountains. Old growth forest and undeveloped wilderness distinguish the remote Monashee Provincial Park covering 7,513 hectares (18565 acres) with some 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) of well-maintained trails. Take a short hike to the park’s highest peak: Mount Fosthall.
North of Sugar Creek, the easy Rainbow Falls Trail leads 12 km (7.5 miles) to Spectrum Lake and the site of the Monashee’s first wilderness campsite. From Spectrum Lake, the trails become more challenging and some are recommended for experienced hikers only. Wind your way through mature second growth rainforest on the Changing Rainforest self-guided interpretive trail in Mabel Lake Provincial Park.
You can also horseback ride through Lumby’s beautiful alpine valleys. A local ranch outfitter provides lessons and guided (single or multi-day) tours. Or play a round at one of Lumby’s three nine-hole courses. Many 18-hole golf courses are found in the Thompson Okanogan region, within a short drive of Lumby.
For high altitude excitement, Lumby is a great launching point for hang gliding with plenty of grassy slopes for take-off and large fields for landing. You can also book a guided hang gliding lesson or get your certification in the neighbouring town of Vernon.
For an intense rush, visit the Shuswap Falls/Wilsey Dam where nature lovers can experience the force a nature (from the safety of viewing decks) as water cascades along the rock-lined spillway channel.
Constructed by the West Canadian Hydro Electric Corporation in 1929, the original Wilsey Dam and generating station was located at Shuswap Falls. In 1942, a second dam was constructed at the outlet of Sugar Lake to create storage and increase the dam’s generating potential. Today, you can enjoy a picnic lunch then stroll the area walking trails and portage routes.
Before Lumby got its name, the area was home to a small settlement of pioneer farmers and gold miners. Miners began flooding the area following the Cherry Creek gold strike in 1862. While some thrived, others floundered, but a few fortune-seekers saw great potential in the lush Okanagan Valley. These fortunate few became the area’s first settlers. Pioneer life in Lumby is depicted at the Lumby Museum featuring artifacts, pictures, and period newspapers.
Designed by local artists, some 30 murals adorn Lumby, giving the village a remarkable splash of colour. Designed to preserve and celebrate Lumby’s rich heritage, there are murals depicting cultural, logging and mining history, as well as wildlife and family history. Pick up a map at the Lumby Visitor Centre.
Shuswap Falls/Wilsey Dam offers vivid scenery as you witness rushing water travel through a rock-lined spillway channel. Families can enjoy a picnic lunch then stroll along the area trails and portage routes.
The Lumby Public Market runs every Saturday from April to October. Local vendors display homegrown produce, preserves, arts and crafts, furniture, and more.
Pioneer life is depicted at the Lumby Museum, where artifacts, pictures are on display. Outside the museum, inspect period agricultural and forestry machinery.
Venture to Mabel Lake Provincial Park, nestled in a beautiful mountain setting with lush forests. This 187 hectare (460 acre) park boasts campsites and picnic grounds hidden beneath a canopy of hemlock, red cedar and birch, as well as 2,100 m (6,890 feet) of sandy beach. Catch a glimpse of deer, Black Bear and a variety of waterfowl.
In the heart of the southeast central Monashee Mountains you’ll find the remote wilderness beauty of Monashee Provincial Park. Wildflowers adorn the high alpine meadows in spring. Fall transforms the landscape with rich hues of blue, gold, and crimson. A trail through old growth cedar, fir, and spruce trees lead to the park’s picturesque Rainbow Falls.
During the summer months keep an eye open for Swainson’s Thrush, Western Flycatchers, Osprey, and Bald Eagles. Hear the cry of the loons on the area’s smaller lakes. Spot thrushes and dippers on the roadside creeks.
Solitude-seekers are drawn to Echo Lake Provincial Park with its tree-fringed lake, ideal for swimmers and sunbathers. The emerald-green Echo Lake is set amid towering mountains that create an echo effect across the water.
Freshwater fishing enthusiasts can cast a line in Lumby area lakes and streams for Rainbow, Lake, Bull and Brook Trout, Kokanee, Burbot and Dolly Varden. Relax in a fully equipped fishing resort, or grab your gear and hike into some remote fishing spots.
Mabel, Sugar and Echo lakes all have sandy beaches and crystal clean waters for great swimming. Several lakes are accessible to paddlers who enjoy superb wildlife viewing and gain access to secluded beaches.
For white water lovers, B.C. Hydro operates a canoe launch on the Shuswap River.
Wintertime in Lumby means great sledding action. Try adventure snowmobiling in deep powder, across wide terrain into beautiful backcountry. Ride with an experienced club, book a tour, or cut your own trail.
Head north to
Silver Star Mountain Resort, just a 40-minute drive from Lumby.
Good Skiing and Snowboard Magazine named Silver Star
”North America's BEST Family Resort" in 2004. Experience wide-open spaces, champagne powder, uncrowded runs and great views. Snowboarders can try half-pipes and steep and deep chutes, as well as a boardercross track, an aerial training site, a race centre, and terrain park.
Silver Star’s Victorian inspired village offers ski-in, ski-out access from every door front.