Thompson. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Visitor guidelines
Lock up your valuables
Theft is a recurring problem in Herald Park. Please lock up all valuables in your vehicle and keep them out of site.
Swim safely
Boat traffic is heavy on Shuswap Lake. To keep safe, only swim in designated areas. Always swim with others, never alone. Closely supervise young children near the water. Take extra care when the water is especially cold.
Get more detailed information on water safety in our marine visitor guide.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
Getting there
Herald Park is 14 km east of the Trans-Canada Highway at Tappen. It is on the west shore of the Salmon Arm of Shuswap Lake. The closest communities, towns, and cities are Tappen, Canoe, Sorrento, and Salmon Arm.
Things to do
Upper Canyon trail
The upland and flat delta offer great terrain for hiking. You can hike the trail to Upper Canyon to find beautiful views of the lake. The trail is 2.5 km and has some rough sections.
Margaret Falls trail
A self-guided nature trail takes you from the outlet of Reinecker Creek to Margaret Falls. Visit the Herald Park: Nature trail page for information on each stop.
Herald Park offers a large swimming area in Shuswap Lake. The area is roped off with buoys to protect swimmers from motorboats, which are common on the lake. To keep safe, only swim in designated areas.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Shuswap Lake is a destination for many watersports. Canoeing is a popular activity here.
Shuswap Lake is a destination for many watersports. Kayaking is a popular activity here.
Shuswap Lake offers year-round fishing. The lake is home to 19 different species of fish. These include lake trout, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, kokanee, burbot, and whitefish.
Trolling for deep lurkers is the most popular fishing technique in this lake. For more information on where to launch, see the boat launch section. For a map of boat launch locations, see maps and location.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Dogs and other pets are welcome in Herald Park, but they must be leashed. A pet-play area is available on the lake side of Reineker Campground, extending to part of the day-use area.
You are responsible for keeping your pets under control, and you must dispose of their waste appropriately. Dog waste bags are provided throughout the park for your convenience.
Pets are not allowed in park buildings or beach areas except for where signs clearly indicate they are allowed. Certified service dogs are the only exception. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to the potential for conflicts with bears and other wildlife.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Herald Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception is for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Waterskiing is allowed on Shuswap Lake. Your boat must have below water exhaust to operate on Shuswap lake. Check Transport Canada for information on boating regulations.
Windsurfing is allowed on Shuswap Lake.
Shuswap Lake is a popular spot with scuba divers. Private companies in the area provide equipment rentals and diving information.
About this park
Contact the gate office for a copy of the in-park handout, which provides information on the cultural heritage of Herald Park.
In the 1870s, the area that is now Herald Park became popular with visitors from Kamloops, who arrived by boat. The area took off as a recreation destination in the 1950s, when increased car ownership made access much easier. The park, which was previously part of a farm, was established in 1975.
The canyon leading to Margaret Falls protects a unique ecosystem. Flowers, trees, and shrubs are part of the park’s natural heritage. Please do not damage or remove them.
Herald Canyon is popular with birders as 70 bird species have been documented in the area. Cougars, bears, and other wildlife are occasionally seen. Keep children close by when hiking. For more information on staying safe, see the wildlife safety page.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
| Reservations, changes, and cancellations | Our call centre is open from 7 am to 7 pm Pacific Time. There is a $5 fee for reservations, changes, or cancellations made by phone.
|
|---|---|
| Park operator | This park is operated by Silvertip Park Services Ltd. |
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
