Parks
Park in BC (JF Bergeron photo)
Within 15km/9.3mi of Sicamous, four provincial parks offer sandy beaches, boat launches, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and incredible access to the wilderness.
Plan a multi-day camping trip to Shuswap Lake Marine, Cinnemousun Narrows, or Yard Creek Provincial Parks, or spend an afternoon at Mara Provincial Park, a day-use park on Mara Lake (12km/7.5mi south of Sicamous) with great swimming and trout-fishing.
Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park
Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park is a unique collection of 26 small sites scattered along the four "arms" of Shuswap Lake. While the lake is a very busy boating area in summer, these sites are spread out, and the Shuswap Highland and Monashee Mountain terrain is steep and forested, making it possible to find beaches, camping, fishing, and hiking spots that feel like wilderness secrets.
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The park is also ideal for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, water-skiing, wake-boarding, windsurfing, and scuba-diving.
Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park has a few sites that are vehicle accessible, but most are boat-access only. Sites have been selected for their sand or gravel shorelines and shallow water approaches, perfect for beaching everything from a kayak to a houseboat. Camping areas here are basic.
Cinnemousun Narrows Provincial Park
Cinnemousun Narrows Provincial Park, is situated where the four arms of Shuswap Lake converge, and is a popular gathering place that hosts a floating convenience store and restaurant. The park encompasses the shoreline on both sides of the narrows. However, space is at a premium during the busy summer months as scores of houseboats tie up and beach here. This marine park has a reputation as a great party area because it is easily accessible from all parts of the lake.
Hiking trails lead to a viewpoint overlooking Shuswap Lake, and the park offers 28 forested campsites and three shelters on a first-come, first-served basis. Sanitation for campers runs to pit toilets while a marine sani-station is provided for boaters. Cinnemousun Narrows Provincial Park provides endless opportunities for an array of water activities. Note: The 640m/2,100ft sand and gravel beach is buoyed for swimming, but is not patrolled by lifeguards.
Yard Creek Provincial Park
Yard Creek Provincial Park straddles the Trans Canada Highway, 15km/9.3mi east of Sicamous where Yard Creek joins the Eagle River. The park's convenient location makes it a popular stopover for campers, with 65 tent and RV sites set in lush cedar and hemlock forest. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not required. The day-use area features a log picnic shelter and the Eagle River Nature Trails include 5.5km/3.4mi of walking paths. Look for giant cedars in the forest and watch for many species of birds, including American dippers that dive into Yard Creek and "fly" underwater hunting for insects.
Practical Points
- Bears and cougars make their home in the wilderness surrounding Shuswap Lake: Store food safely, dispose of garbage in provided containers, and never approach bears or other wildlife.
Pick up a Go Camping BC guide, available at the Sicamous Visitor Centre for detailed information on provincial parks.
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