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Family Outing: Say hello to BC's scenic Shuswap

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Simple and stunning—in the best possible way—Shuswap is a scenic gem comprised of eight unique communities and a lake of the same name that offers endless exploration and outdoor adventure. Salmon Arm is the urban center of the region and the birthplace of the annual Roots and Blues Festival, which attracts top talent such as Sarah McLachlan and Amanda Marshall to the 2024 stage.

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Most of the Shuswap's family attractions are open from mid-May through Thanksgiving, and while summer is the clear winner for peak season, the months around July and August are the best time to play. I practically had the place to myself during my visit in May, and if you can make it to September – after Labor Day – locals say it's the best time to visit. The lake is warm, the crowds have thinned out, and the fall colors begin their dramatic display.

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Until recently, my knowledge of the area was limited to blink-and-you'll-miss-it moments traveling Highway 1 between Calgary and Vancouver, and memories of boating in my twenties. Fortunately, returning for family fun offers a whole new world of possibilities.

Stroll down historic Front Street at the RJ Haney Heritage Village and Museum.
Stroll down historic Front Street at the RJ Haney Heritage Village and Museum. Cal

Turn-of-the-century salmon hands

Set on a beautiful, 40-acre stretch of rolling farmland, the RJ Haney Heritage Village and Museum is a testament to the region's rich history. The fascinating attraction tells the story of Salmon Arm with interactive exhibits in both the replica and turn-of-the-century buildings such as the one-room Broadview School, Mount Ida Church, AD Meek Gas Station, and the Salmon Valley Homestead. and the beautiful Haney House, built in 1910. Each building reflects the unique and colorful characters that helped shape the municipality, including Mrs. Puff the seamstress, Mah Yik the laundress, Wm the master blacksmith. Newnes and wealthy pioneer RJ Haney. In addition to interactive exhibits, there is a wonderful Children's Museum and Discovery Center, complete with character guides, an outdoor playground and a 2.3 km nature walk. Visitors can pack a picnic or drop in for made-from-scratch soups, sandwiches and desserts at Spring of Heather, a licensed, affordable restaurant. Family admission is $30 for two adults and all dependent children or grandchildren. Admission is $12 per adult, and if you visit in July or August, the Rotary Club of Salmon Arm will cover the cost of one child's admission per paying adult.

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Explore the current salmon arm

After learning about the community's past, I headed downtown for some sightseeing. Using the On This Spot app, I embarked on a self-guided tour of local landmarks, including some of the original buildings I saw at Heritage Village. The app provides a glimpse into the past, comparing historical photos with what's there now, and allows visitors to take a photo of themselves in front of the original scene. Sea Peace Park and Wharf is an important part of the tour, offering lake and mountain views and the best birding opportunities. Working up an appetite, I stopped for lunch at a night cafe. Serving up signature pork bao buns and wood-fired pizzas, this local hot spot is a hit on most nights from spring through summer thanks to its eclectic decor, cozy seating, and creative craft cocktails. It's also a great place for lunch with the kids, thanks to their personal-sized pizzas and strawberries and cream crepes. To further satisfy your sweet tooth, swing by the old-fashioned candy store and treat the kids to a nostalgic selection of chocolates and sweets.

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Family-friendly Sunnybrae Vineyard & Winery is a scenic spot for picnics and tastings. Photo by Mhairi Woodhall Cal

Waterfall hike and wine at Sannibra

I spent a lovely afternoon in Sannibra, a quiet lakeside village about 25 minutes outside of Salmon Arm. My first stop was Margaret Falls in Herald Provincial Park. Once you arrive at the roadside parking lot, it's a short, 10-minute stroller-friendly hike through tall old-growth forest to the base of a 90-foot waterfall. Spring water sprays a cool mist on the viewing platform, creating a powerful rush. Families with older children can tackle the five-kilometer upper loop to see the falls from above. April refreshments are best at Sunnybrae Vineyards and Winery's patio overlooking the lake. Picnic foods, wine, local cider and beer and soft drinks are available for purchase, and the pastoral estate offers a self-guided tour of the vineyards and meadows, allowing children to walk, explore and learn about the owner's sustainable farming practices. .

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Chris and Marianne Whittaker at Timber Restaurant in Blind Bay. Files Cal

Enjoy the season at Blind Bay

Blind Bay, on the south shore of Shuswap Lake, is home to two of the area's most popular eateries. Finz Bar & Grill's waterfront location offers a great setting for happy hour, especially if you can grab a fireside table like we did. In May, it's primarily the locals who bask in the calm sunshine; however, when the weather heats up, reservations will be your best friend. Shuswap's signature dining experience is the patronage of multi-award-winning chef Chris Whittaker, his wife Marianne, and their talented team at Timber along the Trans-Canada Highway. Talk about simple and surprising things. The ever-changing menu captures the essence of the Shuswap, sourced from local bounty harvested from the fields and forests. Each dish and drink tells a personal story or something about the region. The restaurant pays homage to Vancouver's now-shuttered Timber restaurant, a sister restaurant to Forage, Chris' popular culinary concept that helped earn him a spot on Canada's OpenTable 100 restaurants. Timber Shuswap welcomes diners of all ages and promises to satisfy every palate – from burgers and fries to oyster eaters and everyone in between.

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Dance and party while watching a beautiful sunset aboard houseboats on British Columbia's Shuswap Lake. Files Photo by Ryan Cox /Getty Images/iStockphoto

Play a round in Sicamous

Home of Twin Anchors Houseboats, the Shuswap's on-the-water vacation adventure, Sicamous on Mara Lake is another family-friendly retreat. Twin Anchors' first bookings for the season began in late April, with bookings continuing through early October. The boats can sleep a family of six, up to 22, making them ideal for multi-generational vacations and family reunions. The level of luxury on the new models will satisfy your most discerning traveler, myself included, with on-board washers and dryers, hot tubs and waterslides that enhance the experience. Golfing families can play a round on the Les Furber-designed 18-hole course on Mara Hills Golf Resort's sheltered sandy beach. The resort also has boat slips for small watercraft and a restaurant area with out-of-this-world lake views.

For more information, visit shuswaptourism.ca.

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