As you continue farther west, watch the landscapes transition from the craggy peaks of the Kootenay Rockies to the rolling benchlands of the Thompson Okanagan, where vineyards and lakes beckon. The sunshine comes early to this part of British Columbia and you’ll want to linger to bask in the warmth and sip a vintage or two.
Your first stop is Shuswap, a network of eight communities connected by the tentacles of Shuswap Lake. Located within the traditional territories of the Secwepemc people, Shuswap is a place for gathering, exploring, and relaxing.
The Shuswap area has its very own Taste Trails, featuring farm-to-table meals and craft beverage tastings. Pay a visit to DeMille’s Farm Market to see what’s in season. Grab lunch to-go from one of the restaurants in town and enjoy it in the open air at Salmon Arm Wharf. There are also plenty of year-round activities, including biking, golf, paddling, and hiking (check out the Sicamous Lookout for sweeping views of the lake). Shuswap is home to many historians, performers, and artisans. Visit local museums, live theatre, and art galleries to experience their work.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, book a room at Indigenous-owned Quaaout Lodge and Spa on the territory known as Skwlax, located at the south shore of Shuswap Lake. The resort boasts lakeside views, a golf course, and plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in rich living culture of the Little Shuswap Lake Band.