Where Is Salmon Arm, British Columbia? A Guide to This Stunning Region of BC

The beautiful city of Salmon Arm is in the middle of British Columbia, Canada. Salmon Arm is a nature lover’s dream, set between the Shuswap Lake and the Monashee Mountains. There are many outdoor activities, stunning views, and unique things to do in the area just waiting to be discovered.

An Overview of Salmon Arm, BC

Salmon Arm is located in the Thompson-Shuswap region of British Columbia about halfway between Vancouver and Calgary. This makes it easily accessible for road trips and perfect for a weekend getaway or extended vacation.

With a population of around 18,000 people, Salmon Arm has a small town charm while still offering plenty of fun things to see and do The city centers around the shores of the massive Shuswap Lake, which is a hub for water activities in the warmer months. Picturesque mountain views provide a beautiful backdrop from many vantage points around the city.

Salmon Arm enjoys a sunny and mild climate, with long sunny summers and moderate winters. This makes it ideal for year-round outdoor enthusiasts. The city has a lively arts and food scene, as well as many family-friendly attractions.

Some of the top industries and economic drivers in Salmon Arm include forestry, mining, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The region is known for its production of high quality fruits, vegetables, dairy products, eggs, grains, livestock, and wines.

Where Is Salmon Arm Located?

Salmon Arm is located at the north end of the Shuswap Lake in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. It sits about 39 miles (63 km) northeast of Kamloops and 59 miles (95 km) southwest of Revelstoke.

It is easy to get to the city by car because it is at the intersection of Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) and Highway 97B. Salmon Arm can be reached in about a 3. 5 hour drive northeast from Vancouver or 5. 5 hours west of Calgary.

At 50°42′N 119°11′W, Salmon Arm is in the Shuswap Highlands, which are part of the Monashee Mountains. It has an elevation of 1,132 feet (345 m) above sea level.

The Shuswap Lake dominates the landscape, stretching for 79 miles (127 km) through the Shuswap region. At over 16 miles (25 km) wide, this is one of the largest lakes in British Columbia. Salmon Arm’s location on the northeast shore provides gorgeous vistas over the massive lake.

The History and Origins of Salmon Arm

The Shuswap region has been home to the Secwepemc (Shuswap) people for thousands of years. They traditionally lived along the shores of the lake and rivers, where salmon was an important food source.

In the late 19th century, European settlers began arriving in the area. Ranchers settled lands around the lake and miners came in search of minerals. In 1892, the settlement of Salmon Arm was established. It was named after the arm-shaped bay off Shuswap Lake.

A few years later in 1895, the rail line reached Salmon Arm which helped it grow into a town. Logging, mining, agriculture, and fishing drove the local economy. Over the decades, forestry and tourism became increasingly important industries.

Today, Salmon Arm retains much of its agricultural roots but has grown into a diverse regional hub with a vibrant community.

Outdoor Activities in Salmon Arm

With the lake, rivers, and mountains right on its doorstep, Salmon Arm is a recreational paradise. Here are some of the top outdoor activities to enjoy during your visit:

• Boating and Watersports – Rent a boat, kayak, paddleboard or try waterskiing on Shuswap Lake. Enjoy the beaches along the shoreline.

• Fishing – Cast your line for trout and salmon in Shuswap Lake and the Salmon River.

• Hiking – Try hikes like Mount Ida, Raven Trail, or the Shuswap Lake waterfront trail.

• Golf – Play a round at Salmon Arm Golf Club or Shuswap National Golf Course.

• Mountain Biking – Ride the trails of Little Mountain Park or the Larch Hills trails.

• Nordic Skiing – Glide along the groomed cross-country ski trails of Larch Hills.

• Waterslides – Make a splash at the Salmon Arm waterslides.

Shuswap Lake Activities

As the star of the show, Shuswap Lake offers plenty of things to see and do during your visit to Salmon Arm:

• Relax or swim at Canoe Beach

• Stroll out on the historic Salmon Arm Wharf

• Rent a boat – motor boats, pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards

• Houseboating – Rent a floating home to explore the lake

• Visit marine Provincial Parks like Herald or Cinnemousun Narrows

• Scenic boat tours and charters

• Paddle Shuswap Lake’s tranquil bays and inlets

Annual Events in Salmon Arm

Salmon Arm has a lively events calendar filled with cultural festivals, sporting events, and seasonal attractions:

• Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival – This popular 3-day summer music festival draws big crowds for its lineup of roots, blues, folk, and world music.

• Shuswap Lake Festival – An annual summer celebration on the Salmon Arm wharf featuring live music, food trucks, vendors, and family fun.

• Salmon Arm Fair – One of BC’s oldest agricultural fairs takes place each September with rides, shows, exhibits, and entertainment.

• Hillcrest Farmers Market – Open from May to October, this lively farmers market offers fresh produce, baked goods, arts and crafts.

• Shuswap Granfondo – Cyclists test their endurance in this scenic bicycle tour around Shuswap Lake.

• Winter Carnival – A family friendly winter festival on the lake with skating, snow sculptures, fireworks and more.

Wineries and Breweries

The Salmon Arm area boasts several excellent wineries and breweries to visit:

• Larch Hills Winery – Salmon Arm’s most northern winery sits on a ridge overlooking Shuswap Lake. Enjoy tastings and vineyard views.

• Recline Ridge Vineyards – This boutique winery near Salmon Arm crafts small batch vintages and fruit wines.

• Shuswap Cider Co. – Taste delicious craft ciders at this woman-owned cidery’s tasting room.

• Shuswap Lake Brewing Co. – Try locally crafted beers and pub grub at Barley Station Brewpub.

• Crannog Ales – This certified organic microbrewery offers tours and tastings on their farm.

Museums and Historic Sites

Learn about Salmon Arm’s history and Indigenous culture at these museums and historic attractions:

• R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum – Step back in time at this recreated pioneer village and museum.

• Marine Peace Museum – Exhibits on local marine history including the World War II naval ships built in Salmon Arm.

• Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park – Learn about Shuswap First Nation history and culture.

• Salmon Arm Wharf – Walk out on the longest wooden wharf in North America with an interesting past.

• Cherryville Cat Ranch – Check out over 300 felines at this quirky private cat sanctuary.

Where to Stay in Salmon Arm

Salmon Arm offers a variety of comfortable and affordable accommodation options. Here are some top places to stay:

• Prestige Harbourfront Resort – Stylish waterfront hotel with full amenities and Shuswap Lake views.

• Hilltop Inn – Well reviewed hotel with clean, spacious rooms, pool and breakfast.

• SureStay Hotel – Budget friendly hotel near the lake with nice amenities like pool and continental breakfast.

• Ladybug RV Park – RV sites and camping right on Shuswap Lake.

• McGuire Lake Campground – Tent and RV camping on the shores of McGuire Lake.

Day Trips from Salmon Arm

Salmon Arm makes a great base to explore the surrounding Shuswap region. Popular day trips include:

• Vernon & Okanagan Lake – Wineries, beaches, hiking and dining around Vernon.

• Kelowna – Winery tours, dining, shopping, culture and nightlife.

• Kamloops – Family attractions like bowling, mini golf, waterslides and trails.

• Revelstoke – Hiking, mountain biking and glacier tours from this mountain town.

• Sicamous – Houseboat rentals, kayaking and more water fun.

• North Shuswap – Scenic forestry roads, fishing lakes and waterfalls.

So if you’re looking for outdoor adventures surrounded by incredible scenery, delicious local food and drink