There’s nothing quite like a lake trip for relaxation and rejuvenation, especially when you need a break from your typical, busy life. Accordingly, the Shuswap Lake vacation rentals in southern British Columbia, Canada offer breathtaking scenery and family-friendly things to do and sights to see. According to local legends, the lake may even be home to a mysterious creature. Here are some of the most recommended activities to enjoy during your stay at Shuswap Lake.
1. Boating
If you brought your own boat, you won’t need to drive far from your vacation rental to get it in the water. Shuswap Lake has six boat ramps around the shores to get you and your family out on the water. You can always rent a boat for a day or afternoon from the local marina if you didn’t bring one.
2. Fishing
With 19 different species swimming in the waters of Shuswap Lake, including rainbow trout and salmon. You and your family can cast your lines from the banks, a dock from the backyard of your lakeside cabin, or out on a boat. Hire a local guide to take you to all the best fishing holes. In the winter months, try your hand at ice fishing. At the end of the day, return to your vacation rental for a fish fry.
3. Segway Tour
Leave your comfort zone and make the short drive from your vacation rental to Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park. Here, you and the family can take a segway tour with Off Road Segway Tours & Innovative Adventures. This tour shows off the best viewing sites for Adams Lake and the natural beauty of the area.
4. Scuba Diving
When you think of scuba diving, you probably think about the ocean. However, for this lake trip pack your scuba tanks and store them in the garage of your vacation rental. Shuswap and Adams Lakes provide several interesting wrecks to dive, including tugboat, houseboat, barge and an icebreaker ferry.
5. Skiing
Just a short drive from your vacation rental are three ski resorts so you and your family can hit the slopes if you visit in the winter months. Silverstar, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, and Sun Peaks offer slopes for all skill levels, lessons for beginners or someone who hasn’t skied in a while and welcomes snowboarding.
6. Sleigh Ride
While staying at your lakeside rental in the winter months, take the family for a sleigh ride. Walter’s Sleigh Rides has open sleighs that are drawn by horses. You and the family can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and sweet cinnamon bun while you ride through the stunning countryside.
7. Snowmobiling
Dress in your warmest clothes before leaving your vacation rental for a day of snowmobiling. There are several areas that offer great trails, such as Blue Lake Mountain, Eagle Pass, and Spa Hills. If you don’t bring your own snowmobiles with you, there are three companies in the area that rent snowmobiles.
8. Watch the Salmon Run
If you happen to visit the lake in October, then you have to visit Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park for the salmon run. Salmon fight their way upriver from the Pacific Ocean to reach their spawning grounds. Don’t forget your camera because you’re going to want to upload your photos to social media as soon as you get back to your vacation rental.
9. Rock Climbing
Take your climbing gear with you and store it in the garage at your vacation rental. When you’ve had your fill of the lake, hit one of the local areas for rock climbing. This includes Haines Creek in Silver Creek, Syphon Falls in Salmon Arm, Kault Hill in Tappen, and Mara Lake in Sicamous.
10. Bird Watching
Your vacation rental is a perfect base for bird watching with the lake and surrounding wetlands. This area is home to 300 bird species. With a pair of binoculars and a journal to keep track of the birds you see, you and your family can make a dent in spotting all 300.