Sicamous (population 3,057) is a resort town situated along the shores of the Eagle River, Mara Lake, and Shuswap Lake, midway between Vancouver and Calgary, Alberta, on the Trans-Canada Highway at its junction with Highway 97A.
Easily accessible by various modes of transportation and surrounded by the towering Monashee Mountains and several provincial parks, Sicamous is an incredible draw for outdoor activities, such as ziplining (at SkyTrek Adventure Park), wilderness and wildlife viewing, fishing, golfing, hiking, cycling and snowmobiling.
As well, Sicamous is known as the "houseboat capital of Canada," as there are hundreds of houseboats that hit the waters of Shuswap Lake each year readily available in its rental fleet.
Summer in Sicamous
No question that summer is the most happening season in Sicamous, as the population dramatically grows with visitors anxious to hit Eagle River, Shuswap Lake, and Mara Lake by houseboat, powerboat, kayak, canoe, and wakeboard. Swimming and sun-soaking are popular options at Mara Provincial Park, while Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park attracts anglers to fish for any or all of the 19 fish species that call Shuswap Lake home.
However, houseboating holds top-spot in Sicamous' seemingly endless list of summer activities. Throughout the season, row upon row of these floating cottages file along the narrow Sicamous Channel on route to Mara Lake or Shuswap Lake. Many of the area's attractions are still available in the spring and fall, when crowds are smaller, and rates, often lower.
Family Attractions
For a change of pace, check out Sicamous' various attractions, which are man-made but sustainably integrated into the surrounding environment. Walk among 800-year-old cedars at the Enchanted Forest, zip-line through the forest canopy at SkyTrek Adventure Park, sway high above Crazy Creek Waterfalls on the Crazy Creek Suspension Bridge, or take some time to learn more about the railway history at Craigellachie, the site of the Canadian Pacific Railway's completion.
Staying in Sicamous
Sicamous is conveniently located midway between Vancouver and Calgary, Alberta, along the Trans-Canada Highway in the Thompson Okanagan region. Accommodations in Sicamous range from chain motels found along the Trans-Canada Highway to unique bed and breakfasts in town. Of course, taking to the waterways via houseboat is always an option, or camping lakeside.
The village centre is compact and level for easy walking or cycling with not a stoplight in sight, though Sicamous does boast a traffic circle. A variety of restaurants are concentrated along the Trans-Canada, with local favourites, such as Moose Mulligans Marine Pub & Dining Room (1122 Riverside Ave) located in the village.
Winter in Sicamous
While winter is a slower-paced season in Sicamous, it is no slouch. Snowmobiling terrain and conditions are so good that SnoRiders West Magazine has voted Sicamous both "Favourite Power Riding" area, and "Favourite Overall Snowmobiling Area" in British Columbia. Snowmobilers have the option of sticking to numerous networks of groomed trails, suitable for all levels of skill and experience, or venturing off-trail into wilderness areas, suitable for advanced sledders.
Where to Get Started
Drop by the Sicamous Visitor Centre (#3-446 Main St), where friendly staff will provide more information about things to do, accommodations, and dining out options in Sicamous.
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