Five Family-Friendly Hiking Trails in the Shuswap

Sarah Tokarek

www.shuswapadventuregirl.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shuswap_adventure_girl/

Here in the Shuswap, we are so fortunate to enjoy such an array of hidden gems, spectacular scenery, and terrific trails. With its diverse ecosystem, vast mountain ranges, pristine water ways, and endless forest lands, the Shuswap is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the natural world.

The vibrant village and surroundings of Chase, the awe-inspiring South Shuswap, and the incredible North Shuswap offer something for everyone.

These family-friendly hikes are sure to fill your adventure bucket!

1. Wild Rose Bay and Shannon Beach Park Trails | Eagle Bay, South Shuswap

Spend a fun-filled day on the unique and rich, moss-laden trails of Eagle Bay in the South Shuswap.

Shannon Beach Park Trails and The Moss Walk at Wildrose Bay Community Park are family-friendly and well-established. The moss-covered boulders and rock faces are reminiscent of an enchanted forest, and the family will love the opportunities here for exploration! Pack a beach picnic and breathe in the crisp lake air while enjoying the quietness and spectacular scenery.

Stop by Eagle Bay Mercantile for lunch to-go and end the day with a dip in Shuswap Lake at Shannon Beach Park. 

2. Margaret Falls and Herald Provincial Park | Sunnybrae, South Shuswap

Margaret Falls is one of South Shuswap’s favorite family destinations. It is a beautiful and enchanting canyon walk along Reinecker Creek through a fairytale-like old-growth forest. The gorge boasts high vertical walls, fascinating rocks, and charming wooden bridges. The impressive waterfall at the end is incredible in all seasons.

Park in the Herald Provincial Park day-use area, spend time playing on the nature-inspired playground and stroll along the creek to reach the  Margaret Falls trailhead. There is an abundance to see along this trail, and it is one of the best family spots in the South Shuswap!

3. Evelyn Falls | Anglemont, North Shuswap

A hidden gem in the North Shuswap! Evelyn Falls is a 3 km return, easy, out-and-back trail that leads to a stunning waterfall, scenic creek, and lush valley.  The canopy above is rich and diverse and provides welcoming shade on those hot Shuswap days.

Located near the fire hall in Anglemont, the journey to this destination is part of its magic. Cruising the lakeside amongst the forest-laden mountains of the rugged North Shuswap, you’ll be transported to the allure of lake life.

An authentic waterfall experience in the heart of the Shuswap!

4. Tsútswecw Provincial Park | Upper & Lower Bear Creek Flume Trail | North Shuswap

Take a walk with history! The Upper and Lower Bear Creek FlumeTrails follow a historic route once used by the Adams River Lumber Company to transport logs to the Adams River.

A family adventure through the Bear Creek Flume Trails within the Tsútswecw Provincial Park will entertain even the littlest adventurer. This B.C.Park boasts interpretive signage, a picturesque creek, Bear Creek waterfalls, and seven unique bridges to cross. The Upper Flume Trail is a family favorite, combine this with the Lower Flume Trail, and you have 8.5 km of diverse Shuswap forest to explore!

You can enjoy these trails together or at separate times. Be sure to take in other interesting and historic  trails while visiting here. The Tsútswecw Provincial Park is home to The Salute to the Sockeye, an event hosted by The Adams River Salmon Society.

5. Chase Creek Falls | Chase B.C.

Who doesn’t love waterfalls? Visit one of the area’s hidden gems – Chase Creek Falls.
A journey through ponderosa pines and sprawling ferns, this is one of our favorite family-friendly nature walks.

 A short and easy pathway leads you to an impressive waterfall. During the spring and early summer, these falls span the entire 80-foot ledge and plunge 10 meters into the inviting pool below. Be sure to look up! The canyon walls tower above, and Bighorn sheep can often be spotted here.

After your hike, take the kids to the beautiful Chase Memorial Park, a waterfront park on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake featuring the iconic 300-meter red wharf. This park offers users a playground, waterpark, multi-use, accessible walking path, a fantastic beach, excellent swimming, and volleyball sand courts.

Please explore responsibly, adventure smart, and always practice ‘Leave No Trace’ Principals.

Plan your outdoor excursions through the Shuswap Trail Alliance.
https://shuswaptrails.com/