Salmon Arm is the largest community on Shuswap Lake - 400-km long, with 1000 kms of shoreline and 22 provincial parks as well as unlimited water related recreational activities.
Salmon Arm is the largest community on Shuswap Lake, which consists of 1000 kms of shoreline, 22 Provincial Parks and unlimited water related recreational activities.

Salmon Arm has a population of approximately 15,000 and a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. The community is rich in culture and arts and the economy includes forestry, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and commerce - centrally located on the TransCanada Highway, between Calgary and Vancouver.

Mountains providing trails for cross-country skiing surround salmon Arm, as well as opportunities for snowmobiling, mountain biking and hiking. You can take the Rotary Trail from the heart of Salmon Arm from McGuire Lake in downtown, past the school playfield, through a tunnel under the TransCanada Highway and up through a ravine beside Turner Creek. Follow the creek past ponds and Okanagan University College and end up by Shuswap Junior Secondary School. This will take between three-quarters of an hour to an hour, one way, at an easy pace.

One of Salmon Arm's favourite attractions is the McGuire Lake fountain, which can been seen as you descend the highway from the east into the city centre. There is a pathway around the lake and the fountain creates a cooling spray as you walk along the willow-lined path near Shuswap Lake General Hospital. Watch the diving ducks, turtles sunning on logs, or have lunch at the picnic tables. You will see the Japanese friendship gate, built by artisans from Azuma-Machi, Japan, Salmon Arm's twin city for the past 13 years. Inscribed on a plaque are the builders' names, in both Japanese and English.

Within the village of Salmon Arm you will find parks, playgrounds, tennis courts, a championship 18-hole golf course, two executive courses and a recreation complex featuring an indoor swimming pool, full size gym/auditorium - and numerous other sports and fitness options. The Skateboard Park is at Fletcher Park, open 24-hours a day and it's free.

On the first Saturday of every June, is the start for a family-oriented bike tour through the local surroundings that usually covers from 70 to 185 km. An engraved medal is given to each participant. Details at 250 832 8598 or www.bikeforyourlife.com

The Roots and Blues Festival draws artists from various cultures around the world. It is a huge event in August with music and dance from Brazil, Cuba and Chile, and with performers such as Great Big Sea, Fubuki Daiko, and Black Umfolosi. This event draws crowds from all over Western North America. The festival has an anticipated attendance of over 15,000 this year. For ticket and event information phone the festival office at 250 833 4096 or visit the website at www.rootsandblues.ca

The Grebe Festival is centred around the nesting of the Western Grebe; a small crane-like marshland dweller, which nests in only two locations in BC, one of which is Salmon Arm. The Grebes arrive in April to make their nests among the reeds and grasses in the marshy water of the Salmon Arm bay of Shuswap Lake. During the mating season, two adults pair up and skim across the water, as if in a dance. In spring and fall the lake is a haven for a wide variety of migratory birds and in early Summer it is a major nesting area. The mud flats and marshland sustain a bird population of over 150 species. Naturalists and animal lovers come from all over to witness these.

Music and activities provide much to do before and after the Grebe Festival. Tours can be arranged at the Interpretative Centre, next to Marine Park, across from the tourist information centre.

For several days the Salmon Arm Fall Fair has agricultural displays, art, livestock - mixed with games, rides and entertainment. The annual Salmon Arm Rodeo takes place July 19th and 20th at the Fairgrounds. Two shows [Saturday night at 6PM and Sunday at 1PM], with bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, and barrel racing events. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Later Saturday night is a rodeo dance with tickets on sale at Touch of Texas in Piccadilly Place Mall and at the Salmon Arm Husky station. $10 each, no minors - or call Andi at 250 833 4031 or email andi@sunwave.net

The Shuswap Farm and Craft Market is held every Tuesday and Friday from 8AM to 12:30PM at the Piccadilly Place Mall parking lot from April through October.

Salmon Arm's past is evident in the carefully restored heritage buildings at the RJ Haney Heritage Park. In 1997 the Salmon Arm Fall Fair celebrated it's 100th year and consists of 40 acres containing Salmon Arm's Museum, shady nature trails, and a turn-of-the-century village. The well-preserved farmhouse was built in 1910 and relocated buildings include the Mt. Ida church [built in 1911] surrounded by gardens, Broadview School [1918] and the A.D. Meek Filling Station [1927]. Replica buildings faithfully represent Newnes Blacksmith Shop, Salmon Arm's first fire hall complete with truck and the Lester & Thomson Garage. The museum and village are open from June to September. Marjorie's TeaRoom is open from June to September in the lower room of the schoolhouse, with full catering capabilities.

The fair runs September 12, 13,and 14, 2003 at the fairgrounds next to Blackburn Park, behind Centenoka Park Mall. There is a Saturday morning parade through Salmon Arm and the fair is a showcase for local arts and crafts, farm animal competitions, and commercial exhibits.

In July and August is the Villains and Vittles Dinner Theatre for R.J. Haney Heritage Park. This runs Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evenings. The

The rose garden, the rustic cabins, the picturesque church make an unforgettable background for a wedding ceremony or reception or unforgettable wedding pictures. The park is located next to the KOA Kampground on Highway 97B and is five minutes from downtown Salmon Arm. The park is open from May to September from 10AM to 5PM. Admission is free except for guided house tours and special events. For information or to book a wedding or make a dinner theatre reservation, call the museum at 832 5243.

The Salmon Arm Flying Club/Flt. 80 holds an Air Affair at the airport every Father's Day. Events include flybys, demos and displays of aircraft, helicopters, home-built planes, ultra lights, para gliders and para drops. Take a ride in a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft and enjoy a pancake breakfast, flea market and trade show. The Vintage Car Club will also be attending. Admission is by donation. For more information phone Gunter at 250 675 4895.

At Copper Island Dive 'n Tan you can sign up for snorkelling or scuba lessons and get everything you need for that first dive.

At the Salmon Arm Visitor Information Centre you can pick up a trail guide with details on over 25 hiking, biking, equestrian, and rock-climbing trails around the area. This is located at 1-751 Marine Park Dr. NE - phone 832 2230.

The Salmon Arm Bay Nature Enhancement Area provides a wonderful opportunity for wildlife viewing. Throughout the year there are live theatre presentations, art shows, and music performances from symphony to folk, much of which is provided by very talented residents of Salmon Arm.

BC's most northerly vineyards are located at Salmon Arm. The Larch Hills Winery is located at 110 Timms Road just south of Salmon Arm, open daily in the summer from noon to 5PM or by appointment. It is located at 110 Timms Road, just south of Salmon Arm. Phone Larch Hills Winery at 250 832 0115. Recline Ridge Vineyards & Winery is open from noon to 5PM April, May, June and October, from 10AM to 5PM in July and August or by appointment. It is located at 2640 Skimikin Road, Tappen. Phone 250 835 2212 for more information.

Canoe Beach is a large public sandy beach on the shores of Shuswap Lake - ideal for corporate picnics and large gatherings.

At the Shuswap Multiplex hockey is just one of the winter activities. The two NHL regulations size arenas have double available ice time for public skating, figure skating and hockey and will be available for skating year round, with seating for 1,500 spectators.

August 5th there will be one show at 7:30 of the world famous Lipizzaner Stallions. This is an art form dating back to the 16th century, with acrobatic manoeuvres that no other breed of horse can equal. Tickets on sale at the Sunwave Centre Box Office Information and by phone 250 832 3856 ext. 102

Local and regional artwork is on view at the Salmon Arm Art Gallery - or you can stop by the Haney Heritage Park to browse through a piece of Salmon Arm history.

Old logging roads in the Larch Hills between Salmon Arm and Mara make ideal cross-country trails. In January, the Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet, a classic European ski event, attracts hundreds of competitors. Barbecued beef-on-a bun is served, following the competition, and later the award presentation is held at the community centre along with a wine and cheese reception. For details on the Loppet and the ski area check the Larch Hills Ski Club website: www.larchhillsskiclub.bc.ca

Contacts: Phone [250] Agricultural Association Fall Fair - Leane Mohley. 832-0442 Grebe Festival Society - Tourism Shuswap 832 5200 [Oct to May] - Salmon Arm Nature Bay 833 0917 [May to Sept] Children's Festival - Jan Naylor 832 7544 Okanagan Historical Society - Rosemary Wilson 835 4359 Okanagan Symphony Society - Robin Suddaby 832 5011 RJ Haney Heritage House 832 5243 Salmon Arm Folk Music Society - Linda Tanaka 836 3129 or 832 2773[24-hr info] Shuswap District Arts Council - Marg Shand 832 6807 Shuswap Art Gallery Association 832 1170 Salmon Arm Community Band 832 7992 Shuswap Film Society - Lisa Figeuro 832 6148 or 832 2773[24-hr info] Shuswap Association of Musicians - Trevor McPherson 833 0480 Shuswap Rodeo Committee - Maureen Hucal 832 3101 Shuswap Theatre Society - James Bowlby 832 8383

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