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Advisories

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Reservations

Camping permits must be purchased in advance, except for campers staying at Cinnemousun Narrows or Silver Beach.

Marine-accessible camping

There are walk-in campsites available but no facilities are provided. The park is open year-round when accessible. For location specific information please see the Shuswap Lake Marine Park sites page. 

Marine-accessible camping fee$20 per party or vessel, per night
Marine-accessible annual camping fee$600 per party or vessel, per year
Vehicle-accessible camping

This park offers vehicle-accessible campsites on a first come, first served basis. Campsite reservations are not accepted. 

Not all sites have camping facilities. Where campsites exist, expect rustic wilderness tenting facilities only. For location specific information please go to the 23 Locations web page.

Vehicle-accessible and walk-in camping fee: $20 per party per night
Wilderness camping

There are walk-in campsites available but no facilities are provided. The park is open year-round when accessible. For location specific information please see the Shuswap Lake Marine Park sites page. 

Wilderness camping fee$20 per party or vessel, per night
Marine-accessible annual camping fee$600 per party or vessel, per year
Winter camping

Winter vehicle-accessible camping fee: $11 per party per night

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Boat launch

Launch facilities are located throughout the Shuswap including at Shuswap Lake, Herald, and Mara Parks. Also, privately-owned marinas and the towns of Sicamous, Chase, Salmon Arm and Canoe all have boat launches. 

Transport Canada restricts all power-driven vessels to 10km per hour while operating within 30m of shore on all inland waters of British Columbia. There is an exception which permits vessels to travel perpendicularly away from the shoreline where a higher speed may be required to tow a skier, wakeboard, etc.

Campfires

Campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased at Cinnemousun Narrows Park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. 

To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.

Picnic areas

This park has day-use and picnic areas. Beaches vary from sandy to rocky depending upon location. For location specific information please go to the 23 Locations web page.

Pit or flush toilets

This park has pit toilets, but no flush toilets. For location specific information please go to the 23 Locations web page.

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Hiking
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Swimming
There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. Please be careful when swimming, as most locations do not have designated swimming areas
Canoeing
All water sports are popular at Shuswap Lake.
Fishing

Shuswap Lake offers excellent recreational fishing opportunities for species such as rainbow, lake and bull trout, as well as kokanee, burbot and whitefish. Lake and rainbow trout can be up to 10kg. Trolling for deep lurkers is the most popular technique. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Waterskiing

Waterskiing does occur on Shuswap Lake. Please check with the Canadian Coast Guard for the current regulations and restrictions.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing does occur on Shuswap Lake. Please check with the Canadian Coast Guard for the current regulations and restrictions.

Scuba diving

Scuba diving and snorkeling occur in Shuswap Lake. Please check with local dive operators for more information.