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History
The first white settlers arrived in this valley in 1888. Salmon Arm first started as a railway camp during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), later developing into a logging, farming, and dairy centre.
The beautiful Shuswap Lake takes its name from the Shuswap Indians, northernmost of the Great Salishan Family, and one of the largest tribes in the interior of British Columbia. Once numbering over 5,000, these people were fishermen and hunters, roaming in bands through the vast land of lakes and forests, reaching 240 kilometres to the west, east and north. Salmon Arm takes its name from the southwest arm of the Shuswap Lake, due to the large runs of salmon that used to run up the creeks that empty into the lake.
The area has retained a unique rural quality that is reflected in the richness and diversity of the communities throughout the Shuswap. Residents have a keen sense of pride and satisfaction in protecting their quality of life. It is this balance that appeals to residents and visitors alike.
Salmon Arm's economy is a diverse mixture of forestry, agriculture, tourism commerce, and manufacturing. A growing industry in the Salmon Arm area is the ever-popular agri-tourism. These farms includes wineries, berry farms, orchards, cheese plants, dairy farms, corn fields, pumpkin and gourd patches, canning and cider pressing, petting zoos, and much more.
Location
Salmon Arm is located on Trans-Canada Highway 1, where the Salmon River empties into the southern portion of Shuswap Lake. To the west is Kamloops (108 kilometres), and to the south is Vernon (60 kilometres).
Places to See
- R. J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum
R. J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum is a 40-acre park owned by the City of Salmon Arm and operated by the Salmon Arm Museum and Heritage Association. The Museum was built with a generous grant from the B.C. Lotteries Corporation and houses the archives and artifact collections. The main presentation area is used for ongoing displays depicting aspects of Salmon Arm's history.
Other buildings within the village include a blacksmith shop, a bank, a fire hall, a print shop, and a school.
- Salmon Wharf
The Salmon Arm Wharf is the longest in America and offers a great view of the bird sanctuary and the ecological reserve. Enjoy a scenic, relaxing walk and view a glorious sunset during the evening.
- Piccadilly Mall
Come experience a unique variety of locally owned specialty boutiques and national chain stores. The fully enclosed, air-conditioned mall is the largest in the Shuswap area, and offers visitors other amenities such as a regional library, a post office, and RV friendly parking.
- Canoe Creek Golf Course
Canoe Creek Golf Course is a spectacular par 72 course designed by Canadian-born PGA star Dave Barr and the team at ICBI Golf Projects. At over 7000 yards, this contemporary course encompasses 125 acres of farm and treed land, blending the natural rolling hills and unique waterways into a "Championship course" capturing the lovely scenery of the region.
This first-rate setting boasts very distinct and different nines. The north nine is built on the gentle rolling slopes of the farmland, capturing the picturesque setting of the natural marshes and native grasses. The south nine takes in a more aggressive terrain at the toe of Mt. Ida. Canoe Creek winds its way across and around several of the holes and is the dominant feature of the course.
Canoe Creek provides four sets of tee boxes for the enjoyment of all skill levels, testing the most ardent golfer without overwhelming the average player. The course features four charming par 3's accenting Canoe Creek and the natural wetlands. The four par 5's are highlighted by the 610 yard 16th hole. The par 4's are all distinctively different and present the golfer with a variety of challenges.
- Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park
Shuswap Marine is comprised of 26 sites located around the perimeter of Shuswap Lake. All locations are popular for fishing and water sports; hiking and nature study are popular at some sites. Some sites are road accessible, but most are water-access only. Facilities at the sites vary from nothing to 3 or 4 wilderness tenting sites with a pit toilet. Anglers take note: Shuswap Lake contains 19 species of fish!
Shuswap Lake is shaped like an addled H, and is made up of four large arms: the Shuswap Lake Main Arm, Seymour Arm, Anstey Arm, and Salmon Arm. The product of the glacial scouring that also rounded the surrounding Shuswap Highlands, all four arms converge at Cinnemousun Narrows, northeast of Sicamous.
- Herald Provincial Park
Herald Provincial Park is a popular destination campground and day-use area. The park covers 79 hectares of beautiful beach and forested uplands, and boasts a 119-site campground, boat launch and large day-use area. Swimming, fishing and bird-watching are popular activities, as is the self-guided nature walk to Margaret Falls. Just 14 kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway along the western shore of the Salmon Arm of Shuswap Lake, Herald is a great spot to use as a base camp for visiting the many attractions of the Shuswap area.
- Larch Hills Cross-Country Area
The Larch Hills cross-country ski area, 20 kilometres from Salmon Arm, is home to some of BC's finest ski trails. With 125 kilometres of trails, about 43 kilometres of which are track set, there is no shortage of variety for the cross-country ski enthusiast - classic, skating, and backcountry/unset.
The Larch Hills Nordic Society maintains a chalet next to the parking lot, Cec's Cabin about 6K up Larch Hills Road, and Tom's Shelter about 4K up Woodlot Ramble. It also maintains all the tracksetting equipment, including a Pisten Bully 200 and safety toboggans. There are no trail fees but donations are encouraged to help with these expenses.
Things to Do
- Fishing
The Shuswap Lake area supports an exciting diversity of fish species, including Kamloops, Rainbow, Bull, and Eastern Brook Trout, Kokanee, Whitefish, Lingcod, and Perch.
Other lakes nearby include White Lake, Arthur Lake, Bolcan Lake (Falkland area), Gardom Lake, Humamilt Lake, Joyce Lake, Mara Lake, Pinaus Lake, Skimikin Lake, and Spa Lake.
- Golf
A diverse landscape, and more sunshine per year than many regions in BC, provides the Shuswap with a variety of golf courses to meet the needs of all golfers. Easy access from Vancouve, Kelowna, and Calgary along the Shuswap Lakes makes this region one of BC's favorite vacation destinations.
You'll find many styles of golf courses in the region, including championship courses, pitch and putts, and nine-hole executive courses. The golf season starts in early April and lasts through October.
- Swimming
Try Canoe Beach, Salmon Arm's own public beach! It's just minutes northwest of the city. There are several other beaches available in the immediate area at the provincial parks or the many private campsites.
Salmon Arm also offers sea-doing, canoeing, water-skiing, tubing, and more.
- Snowmobiling
The Salmon Arm Blazers are a local club that provide excellent riding trails at their very own Fly Hills Area, to the Crowfoot Mountain Trails in North Shuswap, and Hunter's Range, Quest and Eagle's Pass east of Salmon Arm. Great trails are available for novices and the more advanced.
- Lake Tours
Cruise beautiful Shuswap Lake aboard the Phoebe Ann, which can hold 40 passengers (and canoes or kayaks). Take a tour to the Cinnemousun Narrows, one of the more popular cruises. Many of the sights can only be seen from the water, like the Indian pictographs, estimated to be hundreds of years old. The Phoebe Ann stops at numerous lakeside locations year-round, except when ice makes travel impossible.
Events
- Farmers' Market
The Salmon Arm Farmers' Market takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8am to 12pm, April through October at Piccadilly Place Mall. There's always lots of fresh local produce and handmade crafts.
- Annual Roots & Blues
Located at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds, this multicultural music festival is held every August and features 6 outdoor stages with over 45 performers.
- Wow! Wednesday on the Wharf
Features a free summer concert every Wednesday evening from June through August. Located at Marine Park by the wharf.
Contact Information
City of Salmon Arm
500 2 Avenue NE
Box 40
Salmon Arm, BC
Canada V1E 4N2
Telephone: 250-803-4000
Fax: 250-803-4041
Website: www.salmonarm.ca
Salmon Arm & District Chamber of Commerce
Visitor Info Centre
P.O. Box 999
#101, 20 Hudson Avenue NE
Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4P2
Telephone : 250-832-2230
Email: info@visitsalmonarm.com
Website: www.sachamber.bc.ca
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