Beyond banking. Find community, local resources & more.
Beyond banking. Find community, local resources, & more.
Located in the Secwépemc Nation Traditional Territory in BC’s Southern Interior Region, halfway between Vancouver and Calgary off Highway #1, the Shuswap region comprises the area in and around Shuswap Lake – including Chase and Sorrento to the west, and Sicamous and Three Valley Gap to the east. The Shuswap Lake Region is known as the “meeting of the waters” with it’s four lake arms and hundreds of kilometres of shoreline, it has been known for being a place of gathering.
Shuswap area has been known for its beautiful beaches, warm water, pine forests, and all the countless outdoor activities around. Salmon Arm and the Shuswap is a wonderful place for families and anyone looking to be surrounded by natural scenery and endless outdoor adventures. The Shuswap is truly a four-seasons playground, with the Shuswap Trail Alliance being home to over 600kms of trails, the choice is yours – to walk, run, bike, hike, climb, skate, or swim.
The vibrant arts and culture scene also surprises many newcomers. Many local artists are supported by the annual Roots and Blues Festival, the Salmon Arm Arts Centre, Salmon Arm Folk Music Society, Meikle Studio, the Salmar Grand Classic Theatre, and the Caravan Farm Theatre.
The Shuswap is a hub for learners. The area offers many learning opportunities including pre-schools, a Montessori school, public schools, French Immersion, an outdoor school and a private school. Salmon Arm is also home to Okanagan College, offering a variety of university transfer programs, diploma programs, and continuing studies.
Downtown
Within walking distance from the Salmon Arm Wharf and Marine Peace Park, downtown Salmon Arm is our vibrant walkable commercial area home to many retail and hospitality businesses. It’s also the home of our year-round Downtown Farmer’s Market every Saturday!
Uptown
Just east of downtown off Highway #1, the Uptown neighbourhood is quaint residential and modern commercial area. Central to the area is Askew’s Foods, a grocery chain supporting local food supply and SASCU’s Uptown Branch. The Recreation Centre along with Okanagan College are also conveniently located in the area, surrounded by single and multi family residential developments. It’s also close to several elementary, middle, and high schools in the area.
Gleneden
Gleneden is a rural neighbourhood, west of Downtown Salmon Arm, that is largely agricultural and residential with large properties, active farms, and well connected to trail systems. The community hall and elementary school are central to the area. It's also easily accessible to the major grocers, farm supply stores, and Demille’s Farmer's Market in the west end!
Canoe
Canoe is a well-established neighbourhood just minutes from downtown Salmon Arm. While the area is primarily a mix of new and older single-family homes, it also includes a mix of parks, trails, and agricultural areas. South Canoe School is located here, home to Salmon Arm’s Outdoor Ed Program. Canoe Beach also hosts stunning lake views, a boat launch, and beach volleyball courts - it’s one of Salmon Arm’s most popular summer spots.
Broadview
Broadview is a quiet residential area just east of downtown Salmon Arm. This neighbourhood features amazing lake views, a variety of elementary and middle schools, as well as a number of trails connecting the residential areas. Broadview is a great family neighbourhood with it’s proximity to schools as well as trail systems that weave through. It’s also home to Little Mountain Fieldhouse and Park which is a popular summer sports field and dog park.
Tappen
The community of Tappen is just north of Salmon Arm off Highway #1 on the Shuswap. Tappen is known for it's breathtaking lake views, sunny beaches, and rural landscape. It's also a quick 15 minute commute outside of Salmon Arm!
Sicamous
Sicamous is known as the houseboating capital of the world! Located half an hour from downtown Salmon Arm and 45 minutes from Revelstoke, Sicamous is a popular summer destination for house boaters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It’s also home to many too, with a population of almost 3000 in the surrounding areas, Sicamous lies in the same North-Okanagan-Shuswap School District 83 as Salmon Arm and Sorrento. If you have a means to get around, and are looking for a community-oriented and nature-inspired lifestyle, you will love the Sicamous region.
Sorrento
Sorrento is a settlement of 1,300 located just off Highway #1, half an hour north of Salmon Arm. In the summer Sorrento becomes a hub for water sports – boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and everything in between. It’s also known for the colourful spectacle of the sockeye run every fall, with the Tsútswecw Park being home to one of the largest sockeye salmon runs in the world. Sorrento has an elementary school, stores, restaurants, and is commuting distance to Salmon Arm for additional necessities.
There are countless ways to get involved, whether you’re looking to find a hiking buddy, connect with other like-minded families, or get to know the arts scene here, there’s something for everyone. Salmon Arm hosts many groups and communities of welcoming individuals that are all here for the same reason – to preserve our adventurist way of being!
For up-to-date entertainment see Downtown Salmon Arm’s and Shuswap Tourism's events pages. Facebook community forums are also a great way to stay “in the know”.
The Shuswap Immigrant Services Society offers several different resources and free workshops and events for newcomers to get situated.
Looking to get your banking set up here? Open your first Canadian bank account and start building credit right away. To find out additional information on setting up banking as a newcomer, book an appointment with a SASCU Advisor here.
Looking to start up or relocate your business here? We’ve also got you covered.
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See what events we’re planning and what we’re doing that’s making news in the Shuswap.
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