Guide to Travel Sicamous
Sicamous, British Columbia, Canada
Sicamous Lookout, British Columbia, Canada
About Sicamous
Are you thinking of making your escape from the hustle and bustle of the busier parts of British Columbia? Consider visiting the paradise known as Sicamous and the Shuswap region. Located in the interior of the province, Sicamous is a place to unplug, a place where all you can hear is the wilderness whispering sweet nothings in your ear. Where the crystal clear lake waters lap you up in their lukewarm summer embrace. Sicamous can give you all that and more with a plethora of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy like boating, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. In Sicamous, the lakes are generally the main attraction, but the town offers so much more and is perfectly nestled into some incredibly scenic mountain ranges that offer a host of wilderness exploration activities.
Perhaps the most popular activity in Sicamous is renting a houseboat and setting sail on the seemingly endless waters of beautiful Shuswap Lake or its smaller neighbor Mara Lake. Other activities in the area include golfing, fishing, or heading over to the famous D Dutchmen Dairy for some real ice cream made right on the farm.
Sicamous has a population of only 3,166 and maintains a wonderful small-town charm. Summertime does see quite an influx of tourists as well as Canadians who own cabins and come out just for the summer.
Sicamous YouTube Video
Sicamous, British Columbia, Canada
History of Sicamous
Sicamous and the surrounding area have been inhabited for many millennia by the semi-nomadic First Nations people known as the Secwepemc or Shuswap. The particular tribe that lived in Sicamous went by the name "Schickamoos". The spot which is now the Sicamous Narrows was originally a meeting place where different tribes would converse and trade.
In 1864 European settlers discovered gold in nearby Seymour Arm and thus brought in more permanent settlers who were mainly from Finland. The area was at that time named Eagle Valley Landing. The town grew steadily in the coming years as more and more settlers arrived and brought with them economic value.
In 1885 Sicamous was formed but it wouldn’t be until 1989 that Sicamous would be officially incorporated.
How to Get to Sicamous
Map of Sicamous
Kay Falls, Sicamous, British Columbia
Attractions of Sicamous
Sicamous is small in size but features some of the best attractions in the Shuswap region. From stunning beaches to gorgeous waterfall scenes and incredible mountain-top lookouts with panoramic views, Sicamous is sure to pack a punch of excitement for almost anyone.
Kay Falls
Kay Falls is spectacular but underrated and is surprisingly easy to access being just a 2-minute hike from the highway. This waterfall is a must-see attraction during your trip to Sicamous or on your way to Revelstoke.Sicamous Lookout
The Sicamous Lookout sits high above the village and provides incredible sweeping views of the valley. The lookout allows visitors to see the entire town of Sicamous along with Mara Lake and Shuswap Lake. It got its origins as a platform for hang gliders, but nowadays it is enjoyed by all.Crazy Creek Suspension Bridge
Crazy Creek Waterfall and Suspension Bridge are located just off the highway between Sicamous and Revelstoke. This spectacular attraction features two main falls, one of them is around 100 feet, and has a beautiful natural pool. The 240ft suspension bridge, allows access to viewing platforms that surround the gorge. This popular spot also boasts hot pools, accommodations, and an RV Park.
Sicamous Creek Falls, British Columbia, Canada
Houseboating in Sicamous
Known as the ‘Houseboat Capital of Canada’, Sicamous has several rental businesses that make it possible for visitors to embark on an exhilarating houseboat adventure. Boaters will enjoy the peaceful waters of Shuswap Lake and Mara Lake while cruising up and down the two lakes’ exquisite shores. The lakes are abundant in pristine and secluded beaches where boats can pull up and stay for an afternoon picnic.
Sicamous River Walk Trail, British Columbia, Canada
Beaches in Sicamous
Being that Sicamous is situated on two large bodies of water, Mara Lake and Shuswap Lake means that Sicamous has no shortage of amazing beaches to choose from. The beaches surrounding the town are composed of pure white sand and are some of the best beaches in all of British Columbia.
Swansea Point
Swansea Point is a small beachfront neighborhood that lies on the shores of Mara Lake. The community is known for its beach vibes and has a total of 6 public beach access points. The beaches are all named after famous historical places in England. The 6 beaches at Swansea are Winchester Beach
Oxford Road Community Park
Canterbury Road Community Park
Swanson Community Park
Westminister Community Park
Cambridge Road Community ParkTwo Mile Beach
Two Mile Beach is a large white sand public beach that is situated at the end of Tecumshe Avenue. It is not very well marked nor is it busy like some of the town’s more popular beaches such as Sicamous Beach Park. The beach doesn’t have any kind of amenities aside from a picnic table and a small parking lot. That being said Two Mile Beach is an excellent retreat from the busier areas of Sicamous.Mara Provincial Park
Mara Provincial Park is perhaps Sicamous’s most popular beach area. This 5.9-hectare day-use park is situated along the highway at Mara Lake. It features a large sandy beach with idyllic powdery white sand and is perfect for family picnics, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and launching a boat.Silver Sands (Sicamous Beach Park)
Sicamous Beach Park also known as Silver Sands is a popular park that is located in the downtown area of Sicamous. The park gets its nickname from its incredibly beautiful sand that is so white it borders on silver. The park also features a playground, a water park, picnic tables, a volleyball court, and washrooms. Within the park, there is a walking path that takes you around to numerous benches with scenic views of Shuswap Lake, as well as a footbridge that will connect you with the Sicamous River Front Nature Trail.
Sicamous, British Columbia, Canada
Lakes in Sicamous
Sicamous is a popular beach town destination that gets its popularity from the two lakes that straddle it on both sides. It is precisely these lakes that draw in many tourists each year, who come to enjoy the many activities that the lakes provide including houseboating, Kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or just plain relaxing.
Mara Lake
Mara Lake is the smaller of the two lakes in Sicamous, but it is still a fair-sized lake at around 20 sq km (7.2 sq mi). The lake stretches from the small farming village of Mara to Sicamous and then through a channel known as the Sicamous Narrows and out into its massive neighbor Shuswap Lake. Mara Lake features beautiful Mara Lake Provincial Park, which is a fantastic day-use area with a large white sand beach.Shuswap Lake
Shuswap Lake is the largest body of water in the Shuswap region and has been the heart of the area and its people for many thousands of years. This behemoth of a lake stretches for 89 km (55 mi) and occupies 310 sq km (120 sq mi). Aside from Sicamous, there are many towns and villages that occupy the banks of Shuswap Lake and rely on it economically for tourism dollars. Combine with Mara Lake the two have been called “The Houseboat Capital of Canada” due to multiple houseboat rental businesses, as well as locals who drive their boats around the lakes.
Sicamous, British Columbia, Canada
Hiking Trails in Sicamous
Sicamous is a place that is surrounded by large mountain ranges that are covered thick, dense wilderness and as such, there are many trails and backcountry to explore.
Sicamous Creek Falls
Sicamous Creek Falls is situated just off of the highway along Mara Lake. This attraction features several hiking trails with a series of waterfalls that can be explored during the summer months. There is also an excellent vantage point that overlooks the lake called the Canyon Lookout that can be reached by climbing up the mountain.Sicamous Riverfront Nature Park
Sicamous River Front Nature Park is a family-friendly path that meanders through a beautiful forest alongside the Eagle River. This trail is especially gorgeous in the autumn when the leaves turn orange and fall to the ground. In mid-summer, the waters of the river recede and leave behind beautiful sandy beaches and a nice gentle current that is ideal for swimming. The trail provides walkers with benches to rest and enjoy nature. From the trail, you can connect with the popular Sicamous Beach Park.
Sicamous Lookout, British Columbia, Canada
Where to Eat in Sicamous
D Dutchmen Dairy - Old Fashioned Ice Cream
Blondies Cafe - Cafe
Joe Schmucks Roadhouse - Canadian BBQ
Moose Mulligans - American, Bar
Licks and Splits - Dessert, Canadian
The Shark Shack - Canadian, Pub
Grandma’s and Grandpa’s - Pizza, Canadian
Brothers Tavern and Liquor Store - Bar, Pizza
Jin Yuan Resto - Chinese
Sicamous, British Columbia, Canada
Where to Stay in Sicamous
Best Western Sicamous Inn
Pines Motel
Super 8 by Wyndham Sicamous
Paradise Motel
Anchor Riverfront Motel
Monashee Motel
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