The Shuswap is a firm favourite for summer vacations in BC. It has it all – a huge lake, hot weather, endless water recreation opportunities, beautiful scenery, easy highway access and more.
But what about outside of summer? Well, not only does this region remain just as accessible, it still has plenty to offer in terms of things to do.
The fall, for example, is a great time to visit the Shuswap. The cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring family-friendly hiking trails, checking out viewpoint vistas and finding hidden waterfalls.
Seasonal activities (the salmon run, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and more) make the Shuswap even more fun to visit at this time of year. The icing on the top is the incredible local food and drink scene.
I would also argue that the Shuswap’s true nature shines even more brightly after the busy summer months have passed – down-to-earth and unpretentious. And did I say beautiful already?
The Shuswap is an ideal fall weekend destination. Driving between Vancouver and Calgary? Thanks to Highway 1, you can arrive quickly and do a lot in a day. An overnight trip is even better.
In this post, I’ll share all the best things to do in the Shuswap in the fall, based on our first-hand experience of visiting in mid-October.
Until recently, we had only spent time in this area during the summer months. Now I know how underrated (and quiet!) an autumn Shuswap trip is, we will be back sooner rather than later.
Published October 2024, in partnership with Shuswap Tourism.
Introducing the Shuswap
The Shuswap is a scenic south-central region of British Columbia, centred around Shuswap Lake and its nearby communities. Highway 1 runs through the heartland of the area, providing easy accessibility to a wealth of attractions.
Shuswap Lake is the main draw for many, with this huge waterbody hosting more than 400km of shoreline. Water recreation is a way of life here.
Agriculture is too, with more than 600 local farms across the Shuswap, ranging from dairy, vegetables and fruit to flowers, honey and wine grapes.
The Shuswap communities are small and approachable. Salmon Arm is the largest, with a population of around 20k people.
While a down-to-earth place at its core, Salmon Arm is also surprisingly dynamic, punching well above its size when it comes to culture, amenities and dining scene.
And plenty of people have noticed; the city is now one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada.
Located roughly halfway between Vancouver and Calgary, not only is the Shuswap gorgeous to look at, but it’s an exceptionally convenient destination too.
The Shuswap region is located on the traditional territories of the Secwepemc, Syilx Okanagan, Sinixt and Ktunaxa Nation.
Driving distances to Salmon Arm:
- Kamloops – 110km, 1 hour 20 minutes
- Vancouver – 462km, 4 hours 50 minutes
- Kelowna – 110km, 1 hour 35 minutes
- Banff – 390km, 4 hours 20 minutes
- Calgary – 510km, 5 hours 30 minutes
- Edmonton – 800km, 8 hours 20 minutes
Distances between Shuswap communities:
- Sicamous to Salmon Arm – 31km, 25 minutes
- Salmon Arm to Sunnybrae – 21km, 22 minutes
- Blind Bay to Salmon Arm – 29km, 30 minutes
- Salmon Arm to Scotch Creek – 60km, 50 minutes
The best things to do in the Shuswap in the fall
Let’s get into this Shuswap activities guide! Use the map below to locate the places mentioned.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in the Shuswap in the fall, based on our personal experience. We’ve personally tried each of these recommendations.
Check out the views from Sicamous Lookout
For the best introduction to the Shuswap, head directly to the Sicamous Lookout.
This hang glider take-off platform offers spectacular vistas of the town of Sicamous as well as Shuswap Lake and surrounding peaks.
It’s not often that you can enjoy views like this without hiking for hours.
For that reason, the Sicamous Lookout tops my list of things to do in the Shuswap region. And this is even more true in fall when the autumnal trees provide an extra pop of colour!
Access to the Sicamous Lookout is via an uphill unpaved Forest Service Road. The good news is that it seems to be well-maintained.
Driving it in October 2024, the road was in excellent shape and we had no issues in our 2WD Toyota Yaris.
Drive slowly and stay clear of the soft shoulders. Allow 20 minutes one-way for the 8km unpaved distance. Always give way to any industrial vehicles, such as logging trucks.
Chase waterfalls
There is no shortage of waterfalls in the Shuswap, especially easily accessible ones!
If you have time to visit only one waterfall, let it be Margaret Falls near Sunnybrae.
This incredible multi-level waterfall cascades down a steep rock face. The metal viewing platform sits right in front of the waterfall – what a rush!
The short trail to Margaret Falls is almost as impressive as the waterfall itself. The 500m long flat path follows the creek through an enchanting canyon with tall cedar trees and rugged limestone walls.
Closer to Salmon Arm is Syphon Falls, a smaller but pretty waterfall surrounded by forest. The uphill trail is only 600m one way. This waterfall can be very buggy in summer so fall is a great time to visit.
In the North Shuswap, Evelyn Falls is a lovely little hidden waterfall. The return distance is 3km, with a gradual uphill into the forest. Look for the trailhead close to the Anglemont Fire Station.
Beautiful Sicamous Creek Falls is so close to Highway 97 but it would be very easy to miss (we did for years!) Even better, the waterfall is less than five minutes walk from the parking lot. A wooden staircase leads down to the viewing area.
Watch the salmon run
The Adams River in the North Shuswap is one of BC’s premier locations for viewing the salmon run.
Starting at the exceptionally cold and deep Adams Lake, the entire length of the Adams River is protected by Tsútswecw Provincial Park (pronounced choo-chwek).
Four out of five species of BC salmon (coho, chinook, sockeye and pink) travel extraordinary lengths – around 4000km – to lay their eggs here. And all are wild. There are no hatcheries here.
Most notably, the Adams River is host to North America’s largest sockeye return.
During the dominant year (every four years), millions of sockeye travel here and turn the river bright red. The three week long Salute to the Salmon event celebrates the occasion.
Salmon can be spotted in the Adams River from late September (chinook and pinks) to early November (coho). The sockeye usually arrives around mid-October.
After the Bush Creek wildfire in August 2023, the park was closed for a year to recover. It has now partially reopened, with the mobility-friendly salmon viewing platform accessible again.
The forest surrounding the platform is a great example of post-fire regeneration, with a surprising amount of foliage growing between the burned trees.
Walking further along the river reveals untouched areas and additional viewing spots. We saw a dozen bright red sockeyes and some darker-coloured chinook while visiting in mid-October.
According to Salmon Society member and interpreter Connie, the best times for viewing are early morning and late afternoon.
Go for a short hike or stroll
There are many places to connect with nature while visiting the Shuswap. And, of course, in fall, the foliage lights up in shades of yellow, orange and red.
Besides the trails already mentioned, top hikes and walks include:
- Salmon Arm Wharf – The perfect destination for sunset! This 310m long wooden boardwalk (North America’s longest) features panoramic views of Shuswap Lake and surrounding mountains
- Foreshore/Raven Trail, Salmon Arm – Wide, flat path following Shuswap Lake shoreline. The full length of the trail is 4km one-way, but choose your own adventure and turn around when you like. Watch and listen carefully for birds!
- McGuire Lake, Salmon Arm – Very pretty 870m long loop close to downtown. Completely paved and wheelchair accessible.
- Little Mountain Park, Salmon Arm – Trail network with many short hike options and trailheads. We enjoyed the short, steep 1.6km return route from Okanagan Avenue East to the scenic summit
- Park Hill, Canoe – Expansive system of trails close to Shuswap Lake. The perimeter loop is 4km, mostly forest with some lake views.
- Sicamous Riverfront Nature Trail – 3.7km flat loop alongside the Eagle River with abundant birdlife.
- Larch Hills – Higher elevation network of hiking trails, some with golden larch trails in mid to late October. Multiple options, both long and short.
Always Leave No Trace while exploring the Shuswap’s excellent hiking trail system!
Hang out at the lake
Yep, fall time is still beach time! The Shuswap has a whole host of gorgeous beaches to enjoy.
There are so many beaches, in fact, that I would struggle to name them all here! Instead, I’ll list a few favourites.
Canoe Beach is a popular destination, especially for dog owners as there is a separate off-leash area. The views across to Bastion Mountain are wonderful.
Close to the base of Bastion Mountain is Sunnybrae Community Park, the shores of which lights up with gorgeous red trees in autumn.
Sicamous Public Beach has a beautiful stretch of sand and leads to the Sicamous Riverfront Nature Trail. Watch for passing trains!
Take a drive up Bastion Mountain
Bastion Mountain is an iconic 1347m peak looming above the north shore of Salmon Arm Bay.
From the top of the limestone bluffs, there are incredible views across the lake towards Canoe, Salmon Arm and Tappen. Most amazingly, it is possible to drive almost all of the way to this lookout from the community of Sunnybrae.
The road access to Bastion Mountain isn’t quite as good as the Sicamous Lookout but it’s still surprisingly decent overall. Expect some washboard (small ruts) on the tighter corners. Allow 20-25 minutes each way.
At the 9km mark, there is a washout that may be difficult for most 2WD vehicles to cross. We managed it in our Yaris but I would recommend others to bring an AWD vehicle with some extra clearance, like an SUV or truck.
After 10km, the road splits – continue beyond the red gate if you have a 4X4, otherwise, stay right and park 250m further. There are short trails from both parking areas to the viewpoint.
Browse the stores in downtown Salmon Arm
For a small city, Salmon Arm has such an impressive downtown area! Spending some time here is a must when visiting the Shuswap in the fall.
With a blend of innovative new retailers and long-established favourites, the core area has something for everyone. And true to the down-to-earth nature of the Shuswap, almost all of the businesses are independent and locally owned.
Salmon Arm’s downtown core consists of multiple street blocks, rather than just one long street. This helps it to feel significantly bigger and also somehow cosier.
Visiting on the weekend? There are extended hours (and live music!) at many downtown stores on the first Friday of every month.
Reflecting the rich local food culture, Salmon Arm’s Saturday Farmers Market runs all year round on Ross Plaza – 9am to 1pm until mid-October, 10am to 1pm otherwise.
Be sure to take some time to wander Salmon Arm’s downtown streets. I’d suggest checking out:
- Salmon Arm Arts Centre – Gallery with big city style and unconventionality. Entry is by donation. ‘Fantastic Fungi,’ a wonderfully seasonal exhibit was being displayed on our visit
- The Candy Vault – Retro sweet shop located in an old bank building (yes, there’s a real vault at the back of the store!)
- Sanctuary Games – Super friendly board game shop/cafe also specialising in toys and collectables. Open until late!
- Curiosity Shop & Retro Haus Design – Funky yet whimsical boutique with a curated collection of retro and vintage decor, housewares and clothing
Visit local wineries, cideries and breweries
With so much fresh produce in the area, it is no surprise that the Shuswap region is a hot spot for wineries, cideries and breweries.
There are five wineries to choose from, each hosting vineyards with unique microclimates.
The Shuswap is one of the most northern grape-growing areas in BC, so expect cooler climate varietals with crisp and fruity profiles (Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Marechal Foch).
We really enjoyed our relaxed tasting at Larch Hills Winery, which had more than 15 different types of wine open to try. The strawberries and cream-style Tamarack Rosé was my favourite ($20).
The husband/wife team at Ricochet Brewing recently opened a taproom in downtown Salmon Arm, serving their own beers as well as other local craft brews. Don’t sleep on the Pumpkin Spice Ale.
The family-owned Barley Station Brewpub in Salmon Arm produces a varied range of craft beers. Small but mighty Crannog Ales is located near Sorrento.
Salmon Arm is host to two excellent cideries with tasting rooms – Northyards Cider Co and Shuswap Cider Company. Northyard’s Pumpkin Spice Cider is perfectly seasonal and so more-ish!
Shuswap Cider Company closes annually in October for production, but Ricochet Taphouse usually has at least one or two varieties on tap if you still want to try.
Not into wine, cider or beer? Situated in Sicamous, After Dark Distillery specialises in ‘old school’ moonshine.
Attend a fall event
There is a lot going on in the Shuswap during the fall season!
Consider planning a trip around the following events:
- Sicamous Fungi Festival, late September – Mushroom displays, presentations, gourmet food, live music and demonstrations
- Salmon Arm Apple Festival, mid-October – Pie contest, shrunken head apple carving, vendors and live music
- R.J. Haney Heritage Village Spooktacular, late October – Spooky tales and trails, games, haunted house, pumpkin storybook path and a fortune teller (costumes encouraged)
- Loud and Proud Celebration, mid/late October – Art-based events, workshops, drag shows, live music
As well as these annual events, there are other seasonal activities to enjoy in the region.
The Harpur Family Farm Pumpkin Patch usually opens Thanksgiving weekend, with 2 acres of pumpkins plus hot apple cider and hayrides.
Local institution DeMille’s Farm Market is always worth a visit in the fall! By October, they usually have almost a dozen different types of pumpkins and squash for sale.
Kids will love the petting zoo with the friendliest goat herd around! Even better, there is a corn maze during early fall.
Just down the street from DeMille’s is Pedro Gonzales Farm Market, which also has impressive displays of pumpkins.
DeMille’s also operates the “Appley Ever After” Pumpkin Patch on weekends in mid-October at what eventually be their primary location (3181 11 Ave NE, Salmon Arm).
The patch offers U-pick pumpkins, hayrides, warm cider, food trucks and a bonfire.
More great things to do in the Shuswap in the fall
- Follow the Shuswap Farm Trail, a self-guided tour that showcases and supports local farmers. Sample local honey, buy fresh vegetables and pick up some free-range eggs.
- Play a round or two of golf – there are more than half a dozen courses to choose from, including the well-regarded Talking Rock championship course in Squilax. The golf season ends in mid-October.
- Go mountain biking. The South Canoe Trail System is particularly popular with local mountain bikers, offering more than 60 trails with a range of difficulty levels.
- Try geocaching. There are as many as 25 caches in Sicamous to discover, all on the newly created Explore Sicamous GeoTour. We were excited to locate one close to Sicamous Creek Falls.
Where to stay in the Shuswap
I would highly recommend using Salmon Arm as a base for your fall Shuswap trip.
Salmon Arm has a great choice of accommodation, restaurants and shops, and is also conveniently located to access all of the fall activities mentioned here.
My top pick for accommodation in the Shuswap region is the Prestige Harbourfront Resort in Salmon Arm. Situated on Salmon Arm’s waterfront, this is a true destination hotel.
Many of the upscale rooms have lake views, with a few offering incredible private balconies. Expect clean lines, modern furnishings and thoughtful touches, like separate tubs and showers in the bathrooms.
The Prestige is an easy five minute walk from downtown Salmon Arm. I don’t know about you, but I love being able to park up in the evening and then not have to use my vehicle again!
Of course, if you don’t feel like walking, there are two restaurants (and a cafe) situated within the resort itself.
On warmer fall days, guests can take advantage of complimentary e-bike, SUP and kayak rentals. On the first floor, there is a day spa, a large well-equipped gym and an indoor/outdoor pool with open-air hot tub.
Where to eat in the Shuswap
With so many local producers, the food scene in the Shuswap has an emphasis on fresh and seasonal.
Coffee, breakfast and lunch
The Sweet Magnolia is a new cafe and creperie in downtown Salmon Arm. The interior is beautiful, with a nature-themed tea room vibe. Both sweet and savoury crepes are available, with gluten-free and vegan options.
There definitely isn’t a shortage of great places for coffee in Salmon Arm, with Anvil Coffee Collective, Ecotreats and Stillfood Bistro all offering delicious brews and inviting atmospheres.
Stillfood is also a completely plant-based restaurant, JR and I live very close to the second branch of Stillfood and adore the brunch dishes, especially those with an ‘egg’ and ‘hollandaise’ (I don’t know how they do it!)
If you’re heading out onto the trails for the day, pick up a wholesome bowl of goodness at the Nom (vegan/vegetarian available). So many people raved to us about their grab-and-go meals and I can confirm the praise is totally deserved!
Over in Sicamous, be sure to make a stop at Blondies. This super cute local cafe has all the caffeine you need and the sweet treats you want! They serve breakfast and lunch (sandwiches, wraps) too.
Warm fall day? You must get an ice cream at D Dutchmen Dairy in Sicamous! 60+ flavours of artisan ice cream, made from dairy cows right on-site.
Dinner
My first choice for dinner in Salmon Arm is definitely the Night Café.
This unique spot is a funky cocktail bar, cafe and art gallery all in one. The food is simple in style but big on flavour, with plenty of slow-roasted, wood-fired flavours.
For pub classics, look no further than the Barley Station Brewpub. They have more innovative dishes too (like prawns, feta and watermelon), some local twists (haskap berries!) and a varied range of craft beers made on-site.
Wanting some warmth on a colder fall night? The Hanoi 36 Restaurant has you covered with some tasty phở. The ambience is comforting too.
Expect the unexpected in the Shuswap – one of the region’s best restaurants is found in a strip mall in Blind Bay, just off Highway 1.
Farm-to-table focused Timber Shuswap is helmed by Chris Whittaker, the chef behind uber-sustainable Vancouver restaurant Forage. While the menu is upscale, it is still remarkably approachable and so tasty.
Read these related posts next:
BC in Fall: Our Top 10 Travel Destinations
2 Week BC Coast and Rockies Road Trip: Detailed Itinerary + Map
The Best Okanagan Valley Waterfalls, British Columbia
Vancouver to the Okanagan Valley Road Trip Guide: Best Places to Stop
50+ Best Things to Do in Vernon: Ultimate Guide
British Columbia Trip Planning: Essential Travel Tips to Know
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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!