Hikes and Trails
HIKES AND TRAILS
Nature in the Shuswap provide adventures for all types of travelers throughout the four seasons.
FIND YOUR PATH
A selection of local trails and hikes around the Shuswap. For even more adventures, check out the list of websites in the "External Links" section.
WHITE LAKE LOOKOUT
This 3 km round-trip trail offers a moderate hike with an estimated time of 1.5 hours. It's best for teens and adults due to its slight elevation gain and rocky sections. The lookout provides stunning views of White Lake, particularly in summer when the water is at its clearest. The trail is accessible in spring and summer, offering a great option for a scenic summer hike.
MCARTHUR HEIGHTS TRAIL
This steep trail takes about 2 hours and offers a moderate to difficult hike. The path climbs through forested terrain, rewarding hikers with a beautiful view of Blind Bay and Shuswap Lake at the summit. It's suitable for teens and adults. The trail is accessible year-round, but the best views are often in the fall when the surrounding foliage is ablaze with color.
BALMORAL TRAIL SYSTEM
This trail network offers diverse trails for all skill levels, weaving through forested terrain with stunning viewpoints. Trails range from short loops to longer traverses and are accessible year-round. In summer, hikers enjoy vibrant wildflowers and lake views; in winter, the area is popular for snowshoeing. The system is ideal for families, casual walkers, and seasoned hikers seeking a scenic outdoor escape. Notable highlights include the panoramic vistas from the Balmoral Bluffs and Blind Bay Lookout.
EAGLE RIVER NATURE TRAIL
A family-friendly trail in Yard Creek Provincial Park, this 6 km loop takes about 1.5 hours to complete. It's easy and perfect for all ages. The trail is great year-round, with different highlights in each season: lush greenery in spring, vibrant summer wildlife, fall colors, and snowy landscapes in winter. It's particularly known for its birdwatching opportunities.
LARCH HILLS NORDIC TRAILS
Larch Hills offers a variety of trails, ranging from 1 km to 30+ km loops. These trails are groomed for cross-country skiing in winter and transformed into hiking routes spring through fall. With options for all levels, from easy to challenging, it's an excellent choice for year-round outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, snowshoeing and skiing are popular, while summer brings peaceful hiking with great views.
SHUSWAP LAKE PARK TRAILS
Shuswap Lake Provincial Park offers various trails ranging from 1 km to 5 km, taking between 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete. The trail system is easy, family-friendly, and suitable for all ages. The park is a great spot year-round: enjoy swimming and picnicking in summer or snowshoeing in winter, with beautiful lake views throughout the year.
SYPHON CREEK TRAILS
A moderate trail network offering varied loops through forest and creekside terrain, typically taking 1–2 hours depending on the chosen route. Great for adults and experienced youth hikers, it's accessible in all seasons, with snowshoeing and winter hiking becoming popular in colder months. Autumn is a favorite for the colorful foliage and tranquil ambiance. The paths to Syphon Falls are known for peaceful seclusion and glimpses of wildlife.
MARGARET FALLS
This short, easy 500 m (one-way) trail is ideal for families and young children, leading to a spectacular waterfall nestled in a lush canyon. The trail is accessible in all seasons, though spring offers the most impressive waterfall views due to snowmelt. The path is flat and shaded, perfect for year-round visits including winter strolls.
GARDOM LAKE TRAIL
This 2 km loop around a serene lake takes approximately 45 minutes and suits all ages. Year-round accessible, it’s especially lovely in spring and summer, when wildflowers bloom and the area teems with birdlife. The trail is flat and well-marked, making it ideal for families, casual walkers, and nature enthusiasts. Winter brings opportunities for quiet snow-covered walks or cross-country skiing.
ROCKY MARTINSON PARK
This 1.6 km loop near Eagle Bay is moderately challenging and takes around 30 minutes to complete. Best suited for adults and older children, it winds through mixed forest and offers a quiet, scenic escape. Snowshoeing in winter is popular, while spring and fall draw hikers for mild weather and wildlife activity.
ONYX FALLS TRAIL HEAD
This is a 2.9 km out-and-back hike with a moderate difficulty rating near Magna Bay, typically taking about 52 minutes to complete. The trail meanders through a lush interior cedar-hemlock rainforest, featuring ferns, wild ginger, and mosses, culminating in a stunning waterfall. While suitable for families, the trail includes creek crossings and uneven terrain, so younger children may require assistance. In spring, the forest bursts with new growth and the waterfall is at its peak flow; summer offers a refreshing dip beneath the falls; autumn showcases vibrant foliage; and winter presents a serene, snow-dusted landscape.
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Source: Do the Shu