Description: Interpretive trail, old growth trees, wildflowers, bird viewing, and painted turtles. There are trails on the two islands in the lake, along the shoreline, and across the road from the park.

Access: East of Salmon Arm on Hwy 1, turn south on Hwy 97B and drive approx. 15.8 km to Gardom Lake Rd, then turn right. Travel 3.5 km and turn left onto Park Rd. Proceed 0.7 km to the park entrance and parking area on the left.

Detailed Trail Information: There are trails on the two islands in the lake, along the shoreline, and across the road from the park. The trailhead across the road winds through forest past the ball diamond and back onto Park Rd.

Warning Notes: NOTE: No pets allowed.

Access: East of Salmon Arm on Hwy 1 turn South on Hwy 97B and drive 8.7km to Grandview Bench Rd. on the left. Leave your vehicle here. Alternate: ride from Salmon Arm.

Detailed Trail Information: From Hwy 97B, start riding east on Grandview Bench Rd. After approx. 5.4 km turn right (South) onto Edgar Rd. After 4.9 km join Hwy 97A just West of Grindrod. Turn right onto 97A, then right again onto Springbend Rd. at the service station. At Hwy 97B turn right (North) towards Salmon Arm and ride back to your starting point at the start of Grandview Bench Rd.

Duration: various

Trailhead GPS: 11 U 349238E 5619607N

Max Elevation: 1400 metres

Access: East of Salmon Arm on Hwy 1 turn south on Hwy 97B and drive 8.7 km, then turn left/east onto Grandview Bench Rd. (Watch for the Larch Hills Nordic sign.) After approx. 5.4 km turn left/north onto Edgar Rd. After another 3 km keep left at the junction and travel another 3 km to the Larch Hills ski area parking lot.

Detailed Trail Information: The region’s premier Nordic ski area provides year round opportunity for recreational trail use. Multiple trail options include visits to old growth forest, an interpretative nature loop surrounding one of the areas many wetland fens, spectacular views over the surrounding valleys on the higher trails, and visits to Tom’s Shelter, South Hub, and the tiny Cec’s Cabin just south of Larch Lake. Several long distance cross country options for cyclists and well prepared backcountry skiers can be linked from the Nordic center including connections with Salmon Arm on Metford Forestry Road, Highway 1 over Rubberhead and 110 Forestry Road, and the new Larch Hills Traverse route to Sicamous (see description).

Additional Information: The trail system is managed by the Larch Hills Nordic Society

Warning Notes: Watch for logging vehicles during non-winter months. Many of the Larch Hills Trails are multi-use. Watch for ATVs.

Trailhead GPS: Salmon Arm 11 U 344351E 5617966N; Sicamous 11 U 358586E 5632937N

Max Elevation: 1240 metres

Description: The region’s first epic cross country high route links Salmon Arm and Sicamous over the Larch Hills. The trail connects pieces of forestry road and singletrack trails through a variety of ecosystems and terrain. Many amazing viewpoints overlooking Shuswap and Mara Lakes are your rewards. Best traveled from Salmon Arm to Sicamous for cyclists.

Access: West Trailhead (Salmon Arm): From the Trans Canada Hwy and Haney Heritage Park in east Salmon Arm, travel 2 km south on Hwy 97B to the cross walk and turn east onto 10th Ave SE. Follow to the end where the road turns to gravel then park on the left. The traverse starts here following Metford Forestry Road at the locked gate.

East Trailhead (Sicamous): Park at the Visitors Information Centre or Wharf in Sicamous. Walk or cycle west along north side of Sicamous Narrows Bridge to the “Welcome to Sicamous” sign 1 kilometre from the Sicamous Narrows bridge. Turn south (left) off the highway at the sign. Follow the 2 wheel drive accessible Forest Service Road 400 meters to the obvious trailhead sign on the right 

Alternate: South Trailhead (Larch Hills) Park at the main Larch Hills Nordic Chalet parking lot just north of the Grandview Bench off Hwy 97B. Approx 8.7 km south of Salmon Arm on Hwy 97B turn east on Grandview Bench Rd at the Larch Hills Nordic sign. After approx 5.4 km turn left/north onto Edgar Rd. After another 3 km keep left at the junction and travel another 3 km to the Larch Hills ski area. Park at the main Larch Hills Nordic Chalet parking lot. (See Larch Hills description)

Detailed Trail Information: The Larch Hills Traverse is the first section of the Shuswap Trail to be completed. It’s an epic 38 kilometre highland cross-country romp through the forests, fens, and dramatic lake vistas of the Larch Hills linking the communities of Salmon Arm and Sicamous.

Seven distinct sections make up the full traverse. Each offers it’s own unique character to the journey. The trail connects forestry road and singletrack trails through a variety of ecosystems and terrain. Many amazing viewpoints overlooking Shuswap and Mara Lakes are your rewards. Best traveled from Salmon Arm to Sicamous for cyclists.

But beware: this is not for the faint of heart. Careful preparation, adequate food, water, gear, and knowledge of backcountry travel and navigation are essential. Plan accordingly.

The route is a four season challenge, with variations in the winter where more obvious lines open up under snow cover. It’s doable in a very long day by mountain bikers or nordic ski tourers, but also lends itself well to an overnight.

A series of shorter circuit trips can be linked along the extended route. Together they can be collected over time to build a complete traverse. Parties can also add overnight visits to the Larch Hills Nordic Society’s Main Chalet or Cec’s Cabin.

New single track trail sections and overnight shelters are planned for the future to extend winter and summer touring options for the area. Watch for updates.

Travelling West to East

The western trailhead starts in the community of Salmon Arm in the parking area at the eastern end of 10th Ave. SE just off the Highway 97 B connector to Enderby. This is also the site of the South Canoe trail system frequented by cyclists, hikers and equestrians in the area.

From the South Canoe parking lot in Salmon Arm the traverse climbs Metford Forest Service Road to link into the Larch Hills Nordic ski trail system via Mushroom Fantasy, Ermine Frolic, and Reino’s Run to the South Hub. From there follow Larch Hills Road, Larch Lake Loop, Moonwalk, and Clearcut Connector ski trails. Then watch for the  Larch Hills Traverse sign post on your right at the top of Clearcut Connector.

From the northern point of the nordic trails sign posts mark new sections of flowing single track trail connecting the 110, 109 and 112 Forestry Roads with views of the surrounding highlands and lake.

The final descent to Sicamous follows a beautiful trail through mixed cedar and hemlock forest on a remarkable weave of swtich backs. For mountain bikers the descent comes as a fine reward.

Walk or ride down the highway and over the Sicamous Narrows bridge (use sidewalk on the north side) to the Sicamous wharf parking area – the official eastern trailhead.

Warning Notes: CAUTION: Wilderness Trail. This is not for the faint of heart. Careful preparation, adequate food, water, gear, and knowledge of backcountry travel and navigation are essential. Plan accordingly.

Trail Map: PDF KMZ GPX Profile

Access Maps: South Canoe (Metford Rd.)  110 FSR  109 FSR 112 FSR

Route Annotation: PDF

Trailhead GPS: West trailhead 11 U 341488E 5618843N; South trailhead 11 U 341853E 5618028N

Directions for West Peak trailhead at the "saddle" (and East Peak south trailhead): (Allow 0.5 hours from Salmon Arm). From downtown Salmon Arm go south on Shuswap Ave which becomes Foothills Rd. After 3.4km turn left onto the gravel road immediately prior to Mount Ida Cemetery. This becomes Forest Service Rd #825 in a few metres on the right, a deactivated road suitable for 4wd. Follow this road up approx. 7km, staying on the right at each junction. At approx. 7km an open landing offers views over the Salmon River valley. This makes a good parking spot for a longer walk, or go 3.5km further over rougher terrain to the "saddle" trailhead.

From the saddle, the East peak (on the left) is the longest distance and the most arduous climb. The west peak (trailhead on right by outhouse) is about 30 - 45 minutes to the first viewpoint. Watch for ATV use on this section of trail that was widened as a firebreak during the 1998 fire. A single-track foot trail continues west from the first viewpoint along the cliff edge to a second lookout offering views both north and south. CAUTION: EXPOSED, DANGEROUS EDGES. From the second viewpoint, return the way you came, or follow a rough trail southeast, staying right at the junction with an ATV track, and then meeting the Forest Service Road. From here, turn left and follow the road back up to the saddle and your starting point. (This alternate round route will take you up to 2 hours from the saddle.)

Duration: 0.5 – 1+ hours (various)

Description: The newest addition to Salmon Arm’s growing greenway network. Park Hill offers users a variety of trail experiences from wide double-track to skinny single-track trails, and fairly flat to steeper hills. A lovely place for a forest walk with glimpses over Canoe Beach. Connected to Canoe Beach for a great trail/swim/picnic outing.

Access: From Salmon Arm, follow Hwy 1 East to 30th St NE, and turn left. Follow 30th St. to 60th Ave and turn right. 60th St turns into Park Hill Rd. Follow Park Hill Rd down to the parking lot on the left side just before the bottom of the hill, or turn left/west at the bottom of the hill onto Canoe Beach Road and start at the Canoe Beach parking lot on your right.

Detailed Trail Information: There are three access points. One is located in the overflow parking lot for Canoe Beach, at the bottom of Park Hill Rd. The other is halfway up Park Hill Rd, across from the Blue Concrete shack. The third is to start right at the Canoe Beach parking lot. A trail leading up to the overflow parking lot starts on the south side of Canoe Beach Road. From the overflow parking lot, the access trail at the northeast links into a series of stacked loop trails. Take the outer perimeter trail for a full tour of the forest, or mix it up by combining smaller loops using the connecting trails. Viewpoints can be found along the ridgeline on the far northwest outer loop. In the summer, combine your trip with a stop in at Canoe Beach for a swim and picnic, a visit to the concession, or a visit to the Shuswap Paddle Centre.

Additional Information: Shuswap Paddlers

Description: A short walk to pretty falls nestled in the forest. A popular local climbing area.

Access: Traveling west of Salmon Arm on Hwy 1, turn left/west just past the Welcome Sign onto 1st Ave. SW. Wind up the hill where the road becomes 50th St. NW and continue north to the Gleneden Firehall on 40th Ave. NW. Turn left/west onto 40th Ave NW and continue to the parking area. The trail starts here and follows the creek west up to the falls.

Duration: 20 minutes to 1 hour + (various)

Description: Charming rustic nature paths with wonderful interpretative signs hidden in Salmon Arm.

Access: From the Visitor Centre in Salmon Arm, travel south along Shuswap Street SE. Turn left/east on 10th Ave. SE and watch for the park entrances on the left just past 6th St SE and at the left bend where 10th turns into Auto Road. Other entrances can be found on the south side of Old Auto Road.

Detailed Trail Information: The Pileated Woods trails are maintained by local residents who live around the park. Hand made interpretative signs have been created by one of the region’s noted biologists and provide a fascinating glimpse into the natural wonder of the forest ecology.

Description: Rubberhead started off as a single trail that has now expanded to include 18 trail sections, 10 of which were added in the fall of 2009. The expanded area offers a variety of downhill mountain bike options for intermedite to advanced riders. From steep and rooty to open and flowy, this system has something for everyone. 

The best approach is to shuttle from the 2.5km area of the 110 FSR. Here you will find parking and maps of the trail system. Trailheads range from 5km to 11kms up the mountain. Riding up is an option, but the road is on the steep side.

Access: Travel east of Salmon Arm on Hwy 1 approx 4 km past the Federated Co-op mill. Turn right onto Forest Service Road (FSR) #110 just after a right corner on the highway and an info pullout on the left side of the highway. Follow the 110 Rd. up approx. 2.5 km where there is an old narrow skid road that goes up to the left. Park here. To continue to the trailhead, follow the 110 Rd. up to 8.2 km, and turn right, up the steep hill, and follow this road up to 10.5 km. Look for trail on left through the top of the cut block.

Duration: Various

Trailhead GPS: 11 U 338968E 5619550N

Max Elevation: 356 metres

Elevation Gain: 0 metres

Access: Park at the Salmon Arm Marine Park on Marine Park Drive in downtown Salmon Arm, on the north side of the railroad tracks (east of the Prestige Resort.)

Detailed Trail Information: The Bird Blind and Osprey Nest viewing trail is found on the west side of the boat launch in front of the Prestige Harbourfront Resort, and links into the west walkway.

Peter Janyk Park: Your walk can be extended by adding a visit to the Peter Janyk Park. Where the walkway reconnects with Beatty Ave west of the Prestige Hotel, turn right/west and continue along the sidewalk all the way to the Thrift Store. Turn right/north onto Narcisse St. (3rd Ave. NW) and walk toward the water and the lovely short loop through Peter Janyk Park with further views of the estuary.

The east walkway from the Wharf parking lot will connect you to the Raven Trail, viewing platforms, and Christmas Island (see description). Be sure to stop by the SABNES Nature Centre during the summer months, and check the bulletin boards year round for local bird counts and sighting updates.

Duration: 0.5 – 2.5 hours (round trip)

Trailhead GPS: 11 U 344351E 5617966N

Max Elevation: various up to 940 metres

Starting Elevation:  561 metres

Description: A large network of trails built and used by mountain bikers, hikers, and local equestrian riders. South Canoe is the main mountain biking trail system in Salmon Arm. It houses such trails as Prudential, Paranoia, Malibu, Upper and Lower Schizo, The Cut, Lumpy, K/C, Mo Buttah, Dirty Gerbil, and the Salty Dog race circuit. The trails range in difficulty, with the easier trails below the radio tower, and the more difficult ones above. South Canoe is the home of the very popular Salty Dog 6 Hour Enduro mountain bike race. It is also the west trailhead to the new Larch Hills Traverse epic cross-country trail.

Access: East of Salmon Arm on Hwy 1, turn south at the Hwy 97B intersection and travel 2km, then turn left/east onto 10th Ave SE. Follow to the end where it turns to gravel and park on the left. Access the Malibu trails at the Northeast corner of the parking area. Access the upper trails (Prudential, Paranoia, Katie Colin Memorial, Schizo, You May be Right, the Cut, Lumpy, Mo’Butta, Lee’s Trail, and the full Salty Dog circuit) via the Malibu trails or the Forest Service Road from the yellow gate (Metford FSRoad). Walk/ride up road and watch for signs.

Warning Notes: CAUTION: Active logging and multi-use forestry road. Watch for motorized vehicles and logging trucks when using or crossing roads. Stay away from forestry equipment and active logging areas. Watch for bears and respect other users on trails. Make noise and control speed.

Distance: 2.6 km (one way)

Duration: 1.5+ hours (return trip)

Trailhead GPS: 11 U 339168E 5619234N

Max Elevation: 510 metres

Elevation Gain: 147 metres

Description: Forest, creek, ponds, birds on a signature trail connecting McGuire Lake with Little Mountain Park in Salmon Arm.

Access: Begin at McGuire Lake, at the east end of Hudson Ave NE in downtown Salmon Arm, just north of Hwy 1.

Detailed Trail Information: Begin at McGuire Lake, walk or ride the path around the right/east side of the lake, and then up alongside the School. Staying right go through the highway underpass, then turn left onto the trail crossing in front of the Podollan Inn. The trail climbs winding back and forth along Turner Creek through dry terrain plants at the bottom gradually giving way to deciduous, fir and cedar at the top. About 1.3 km up the path it crosses 21st St NE to 6th Ave NE. Follow 6th Ave up a short way until it ends and the trail begins again on the left in the forest along the creek. Cross the next street (24th Ave NE) to reach Okanagan College and the Recreation Centre. Circle left/north past the front entrance of the College, around to the east side and find the trail entering the line of trees near a large pond. Travel through to the southeast corner of this little forest and cross 5th Ave NE finding the trail a little further up on the other side of the road. Carry on through the forest following the creek between houses on either side. (Stay on the trail and respect private property.) The trail circles around another pond before climbing through a small cedar forest to 30th St SE where Okanagan St intersects. The west trailhead of Little Mountain Park can be reached from here by crossing 30th St and travelling another block and a half to the end of Okanagan St. Option: Extend your trip with an additional loop on the Little Mountain trails.

Warning Notes: CAUTION: watch for cyclists riding downhill on the lower sections.

Description: An easy ride on paved road through the Salmon River countryside.

Access: Start from Blackburn Park in Salmon Arm, 3 blocks south of Hwy 1 on 5 St SW. From Blackburn Park ride south to 10th Ave. SW, west to 10 St. SW, and south to Foothills Road. Turn right/southwest on Foothills Road and follow to 50 Ave. SW (past Mt Ida Hall), 70 St SW, 70 Ave SW, 80 St SW and out the Salmon River Road to Silver Creek Store. Longer cycle tours can be built from this route including the classic Century Ride around Mt. Ida.

Additional Information: See the Shuswap-North Okanagan Cycle Touring Map available at local visitors centers

Description: A gentle meandering trail that connects 5th Ave NE and Okanagan Ave NE, near the College in Salmon Arm.

Access: Start from the junction of 5th Ave NE and 24th St NE, or west of the junction between Okanagan Ave and 25th St. NE.