Shuswap Bodies of Water

The South Thompson River is the southern arm of the Thompson River and originates at Little Shuswap Lake between the towns of Revelstoke and Salmon Arm. A relatively slow-moving body of water, the South Thompson River is popular for fishing and floating and joins the northern arm in Kamloops to form the main Thompson River.

This deep, large lake is home several provincial parks and campgrounds, 26 marine parks and numerous houseboats and water sport vehicles. Visitors can access full facilities on the more accessible sections of the lake.

Enjoy swimming, boating and fishing at this provincial park and lake. Located 8 km (5 mi) northwest of Highway 1 at Chase by gravel road, the park features campsites but facilities are very limited.

A Western Grebe breeding colony has been established at Salmon Arm Nature Bay, which is 11,000 feet of protected foreshore. Many migrating birds stop here because of the extensive mudflats and marshland. Over 250 species of birds frequent the area. Birdwatchers will enjoy the 4-km (2.5 mi) trail with bird-view blinds for watching from.

Located east of Enderby, this large lake is offers a provincial park (located on the south end of the lake), several forest service recreation sites, numerous boat launches and a full service resort. Visitors can enjoy such water sports as fishing, swimming and paddling.

Located at the south end of Mara Lake, via a shallow stream under a railroad trestle, Rosemond Lake is accessible to rowboats, canoes and kayaks only. Home to eagles, osprey, geese, swans, ducks and loons, this tiny, serene lake offers excellent birdwatching. Paddlers wishing to enjoy camping or picnicking on the lake have access to a beautiful beach with picnic tables, toilet facilities and fresh water.

Entirely encompassed by the Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park, Chase River is famous for being the home of a massive sockeye salmon spawn that occurs every four years. An interpretive area on the salmon run can be found in the park. Salmon fishing in the river is prohibited at all times. The river is also a popular spot for whitewater rafting.

This city landmark has been spouting out of McGuire Lake since 1967. The high-flying fountain can be seen from far and wide but is best viewed from McGuire Lake park.

Located east of Enderby off Mabel Lake Road, this small lake is excellent for swimming, paddling and fishing for Rainbow trout. There are three medium sized, user maintained, treed BCFS campsites (BC Ministry of Forests recreation sites) located along the lake accessible by boat. There is a hiking trail that circles around the lake.

This quiet little lake is an excellent location for families, paddling and fishing. The Gardom Lake Regional Park provides day use facilities including several floating docks, diving board, picnic tables, playground and outhouses. Pets and fires are not permitted in the park. A small island on the lake offer paddlers an excellent opportunity to view the Painted Turtles as well as enjoy interpretive trails. The lake is heavily stocked with both Rainbow and Eastern Brook trout. Motorboats are restricted to ten horse power motors.

This small park's visitors can enjoy the boat launch (for small car-top type boats only), swimming and fishing. Camping area with pit toliets. 10 km NW from Balmoral exit off Highway 1. Last 2km of access is on logging road.

Mara Lake offers anglers a variety of species of fish. Rainbow, Kokanee, Dolly Varden and Lake Trout have all been found here, and waterskiing, boating, swimming, and houseboating are all also permitted. Campsites are also located near the lake.

This small lake is located just east of Hidden Lake and is ideal for canoes and kayaks. There are two small, user maintained BCFS campsites (BC Ministry of Forests recreation sites) located along the lake.