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Hidden gems in Salmon Arm

While it's hardly more than an hour drive from Kamloops, a trip to Salmon Arm rarely hits the top of the list unless it involves Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival or house boating.

But there's heaps more to discover in this quaint little town, perched on the edge of Shuswap Lake.

In fact, the true charm of Salmon Arm is often missed during the busy tourist season.

If you're looking for a quick, overnight getaway, here are a few ways to explore the charms of Salmon Arm before the tourists arrive.

<who> Photo Credit: KelownaNow

The Bird Sanctuary

<who> Photo Credit: KelownaNow

<who> Photo Credit: KelownaNow

Fancy yourself a bit of a birder? Bring your binoculars or just enjoy the amazing boardwalk system put in by the Salmon Arm Bay Nature Enhancement Society (SABNES).

The Society has developed walkways and the Foreshore Trail system, which follows the waterfront and provides boardwalks for bird viewers, so the foot traffic doesn't disturb the marsh lands.

Book Nook

<who> Photo Credit: BookNook

If you like second-hand shopping, the Book Nook gives you a wide variety of literature, plus who can beat $3 books?

But the best part is that small-town charm you get from the staff. The staff are rarely too busy to help you find what you're looking for and often go above and beyond by providing tips on great places to eat.

Be sure to pop by the Book Nook, a shop which sells used books of almost any kind and vinyls that have played through the decades.

From there, you might be exhausted from browsing and need a little pick-me-up.

The Candy Vault

<who> Candy Vault Facebook Page

The Candy Vault is the perfect second stop to rejuvenate yourself.

There’s a slew of retro sodas and a variety of brands of root beer sodas alone.

Candies range from traditional Canadian to hard-to-find British and American sweets.

They also serve ice cream, fudge from Golden, and Rogers' Gourmet Chocolate, a 127-year-old company from Victoria, BC.

But there's one more sweet stop that's a must to hit before it closes shop for the day.

The Shuswap Pie Company

<who> Photo Credit: Shuswap Pie Company Facebook Page.

This place has everything you could ever want when it comes to baked goods. If you're a traditionalist, there's fresh pies ranging from fresh fruits to chocolate cream.

But this place also chooses to veer from pies and depending on the day, will whip up some fruit cream puffs or whatever works for that day.

After you’ve packed a couple of sodas into your bag from the Candy Vault and grabbed some sweet treats and baked goods from the Shuswap Pie Company, head on over to the wharf to sit and enjoy your bounty!

The Wharf

<who> Photo Credit: KelownaNow

The Salmon Arm Wharf has been named the longest curved pier in North America, but besides holding titles, it's just a great place to chill and sit out over the water.

Whether you cycle or walk, this is a great viewing spot for birds and boats, and the benches make it an ideal place to stop and have a bite.

Still hungry? Here's where you want to go next.

Barley Station Pub

<who> Photo Credit: Barley Station Brew Pub Facebook.

The Barley Station Brew Pub has quickly become a local favourite eatery and brewery. The unique flavour of the beer is due to the use of Grundles, or old English-style beer tanks where rain water is collected in the garden and used in the beer-making process.

If you don't fancy the Station burger, there's heaps of quality seafood dishes on the menu as well.

Top it off, this local eatery often has live music in the evening.

If you're wanting to get a bit more physical activity into the weekend, Silver Creek and Yankee Flats are popular road bike and motorcycle routes.

Silver Creek takes you away from traffic and onto nicely paved back roads that follow beautiful farmlands.

If you want to clock a few more miles, continue onto Yankee Flats.

Keep in mind that the name misleading as the route is far from flat and the hills last for several kilometres. However, near the top of the Flats, you'll be rewarded with an epic view of the valley and will have a chance to stop at the Art Farm Studio and Ovino Winery.

<who> Photo Credit: Ovino Winery Facebook page.

Whatever mode of transportation takes you around Salmon Arm, you can rest assure that some of its best kept secrets don't require a festival or a boat.



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