Shuswap Lake Park

There are numerous walking and biking trails, and one self interpretation trail in the park. Copper Island has a 2.8km hiking trail for viewing surrounding areas. Access to Copper Island is by boat only. 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.

There is 1 km of sand and pebble beach, and a swimming area marked by buoys. Shuswap Lake is very busy. Swimmer’s Itch is present at times. It can best be avoided by towelling off as soon as you leave the water, or by applying baby oil to your skin before you enter the water. In the summer months the water temperature is very inviting for swimmers. Snorkeling is popular.

Canoeing is popular on the lake. Please note that lake conditions can change quickly. Pay close attention to changing weather and wind conditions. Large waves can develop quickly. Boat, canoe, and jet-ski rentals are available from businesses in the local area.

Kayaking is popular on the lake. Please note that lake conditions can change quickly. Pay close attention to changing weather and wind conditions. Large waves can develop quickly.

Shuswap Lake offers excellent recreational fishing opportunities for species such as lake trout and rainbow, bull trout, kokanee, burbot, and whitefish. Licences and bait can be purchased locally. Refer to the British Columbia Fishing regulations for limits, closures, and restrictions. There are special regulations for Shuswap Lake.

Regularly scheduled interpretive programs may be available during July and August.

The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has a fun, hands on, Learn to Fish program that teaches basic angling skills to youth under 16 years old. Check back to this page or ask the park operator for more information.

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas, beach trail or park buildings. While the day-use area and beach are off-limits to dogs and other domestic animals, a stretch of beach is available adjacent to the boat launch where visitors may swim with their dogs. Please remember 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.

Only specific trails are open to bike use. Ensure all bikes stay on trails. With heavy vehicle use on park roads, ensure youngsters are supervised. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

To protect the park vegetation, cyclists are not permitted on the nature trails, grassy areas, or on the shoulders and banks of park roads. Cyclists are permitted on the park perimeter trail and the beach trail but must give way to pedestrians and hikers. All bike paths are gravel.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Shuswap Lake Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.

Accessibility information is available for this park.

There are two children’s bike parks available for the use and enjoyment of visitors staying in the campground. 

A paved double boat launch, no limit to size (vehicle towed) located within the day-use area. Hours are 7am to 9:30pm. There is a no fee large parking lot (no overnight storage).

During times of low lake water levels, usually September to April, please check the section of boat launch underwater to ensure launching can be completed successfully with your unit.

The launch is not steep. Boats are prohibited from staying overnight on the park beach. There is a marina to the parks immediate west and there are several other marinas located around the lake. Water skiing and windsurfing are allowed on the lake. Safe boating procedures should be practiced at all times. Be aware of swimming areas. Get a weather forecast, and be alert to changing weather. Personal watercraft must obey all boating regulations.

Fires are prohibited in the day-use areas.

Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. 

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

You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking. 

Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season. There are hose hook-ups for campers and trailers located at the sani-station.

• Shuswap Lake drinking water system report [PDF] 

Sites #1 to 19 and #23 to 37 offer electrical hookups. An additional service charge of $8.00 per night, applies to these sites regardless of whether electrical service is used.

This park has a day-use and picnic area. The day-use area has tables, a change house, and flush toilets. This area also offers a grassy play area, an adventure playground, an amphitheatre, a self-guided nature trail, and a boat launch. The day use area offers no covered shelters, BBQs, fire pits, or water taps. There are no horseshoe pits. This park has a large sandy beach in the day-use area. The day-use area is open between 7am and 10pm. The gates will be closed and access will be prohibited outside of these hours. Fires are prohibited in the day-use areas.

The sani-station is located is along the entrance road near the service yard. There are hose hook-ups for campers and trailers located at the sani-station.