Shuswap: Salmon Arm, Tappen & Celista

The densely forested landscape and the vast connected lakes and channels of the Shuswap are sure to embody the sense of a magical place seemingly untouched by the modern world. 

This region is an ecological gem deeply rooted in a rich indigenous history. It is the heart of the traditional territories of the Secwepemic, the “meeting of the waters,” and is considered a place of gathering. You could easily lose yourself in its natural wonders, hiking its shorelines, gathering mushrooms or wondering its forested trails. 

Amid this natural habitat you’ll find smatterings of grass-roots communities with charming cafes and boutiques and an active and inspiring artist culture. Its overall population is small, but swells in the summer with tourists attracted to the region for camping, fishing and for the August music extravaganza known as the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival. And if you’ve ever been before, you’re well aware that its generous waterways make for a boater’s paradise. It’s known as the houseboat capital of Canada, as the Shuswap Lake system boasts more than 1,000 kilometres of pristine shoreline and is home to the largest houseboat fleet in the country.

The area is starting to make a name for itself in wine. The Shuswap may be further north than some wine producers would consider ideal, but it enjoys a unique micro-climate that results in fresh, fruit-forward wines with plenty of character. Today, there are more than 100 acres of grape vineyard supplying grapes to almost a dozen wineries stretching as far north as Calista.  

The Shuswap has a deeply rooted farming community and food enthusiasts are invited to do a farm tour that also includes the charming wineries of the area. It’s a terrific way to explore the regional food culture.