Winter fun in the Shuswap

The Shuswap area of British Columbia becomes a veritable winter wonderland when the snow falls. Plenty of white fluffy fun, and relatively moderate temperatures make playtime in the outdoors spectacular during the winter months.

Winter is a fabulous time to come stay with us at Sorrento Centre. After a day of play out and about in the local winter wonderland, you’ll be able to rest up for another day in one of our comfortable lodge rooms. Bring your family, stay on your own or gather with your outdoors club.  We can accommodate you!

Keep scrolling to take a look at just a few nearby options
(with heartfelt gratitude to Shuswap Adventure Girl, as well as Shuswap Trail Alliance, and All Trails for descriptions and information)

Skmana Lake Trails | 30 minutes east
There is approximately 18 km of winter Nordic trails around the forest and lake, plus a cute little warming hut to cozy up in and take a break! The snowshoe and cross-country ski trails are well marked, user and family friendly.
See the Skmana website before you go for details! Ski Skmana

Larch Hills | 50 minutes west
With over 170 km of cross-country ski trails and 17 km of snowshoe tracks, Larch Hills is a Nordic dream and there is something for everyone here! Including warming huts on the trail, a heated chalet at the parking lot, and even a dedicated dog trail! 
See the Larch Hills website before you go for more details! Larch Hills Nordic Society

Blind Bay to White Lake Connector | 14 minutes to Balmoral Trailhead
The Blind Bay to White Lake Connector is an 8 km traverse trail and is an excellent snowshoe route for most levels! It provides a beautiful trek through the snow-laden cedar, hemlock, fir, and trembling aspen forest and follows the mountain ridgeline, connecting the two beloved communities. The viewpoint provides a breathtaking view of Salmon Arm, Mount Ida, and Notch Hill!

Using two vehicles – parking one at the Balmoral Trailhead in Blind Bay and another at the John Evdokimoff Bike Park in White Lake – makes for an 8 km one-way trek. Return is approximately 16 km.

The Balmoral Trail System welcomes all levels of snowshoers and provides many small loops and larger traverse style trails. It also provides some great lookout points that are easy to get to. This is a well-marked trail system and is wonderful for snowshoeing and to take the kids on!

The Lower Loop, The Balmoral Bluffs Lookout, and The Big Tree Loop are fantastic trails to do with children.

If you are looking for a longer trek try The Blind Bay Lookout Trail! This is a very enjoyable and challenging 13 km round trip. The lookout provides spectacular views of Shuswap Lake and Blind Bay. Ice cleats can be useful on this popular trail system in the winter months when the snow is icy and packed down and snowshoes are not required.
Explore more about the Balmoral Trail System here

Mount Baldy | 5 minutes
This popular all-season trail offers a great workout on snowshoes and the two spectacular viewpoints are worthy of the sweat! Enjoy all of the little wooden bridges and boardwalks with beautiful creek crossings.

On a clear day, northern views highlight the Adams Plateau which is part of the Shuswap Highlands, Crowfoot Mountain, and Pukeashun Mountain. Copper Island, Eagle Bay, and the almost hidden entrance into Blind Bay. You also get a great view of Scotch Creek on the North Shore.

This is a +/- 7.5 km return trek including the 1.7 km Aspen Ramble Loop at the top. I would consider this an intermediate snowshoe or ice cleat trek.
Explore more about beautiful Mount Baldy 

Skimikin Lake | 30 minutes
Explore the beauty of the Tappen Valley! Skimikin Lake offers many snowshoe or cross-country skiing trails, including short looped Nordic trails near the lake and longer, more backcountry style trails. There always seems to be more snow in the valley too, making it an excellent winter playground! Stick to a well-used trail or break your own trail on one of the many options! Skimikin Trails Map

Reinecker Creek | 30 minutes
The Reinecker Creek Trail is a multi-use trail through the pretty Reinecker Creek Valley. It provides a nice, somewhat flat, and long snowshoe through the beautiful winter forest. There is an initial, somewhat strenuous climb up to the Reinecker Creek connector trail. The trail connects to and is in the same area as the beautiful Herald Provincial Park and impressive Margaret Falls. Make a full day out exploring this incredible and magical area. Explore more about Reinecker Creek

Crowfoot Mountain | 45 minutes
Spectacular sledding – this trail provides great views of the Shuswap high country as it gains upwards of 1,300 m (4,265 ft) in elevation. The trailhead is accessed from the ‘Sheep Trail’ sign, about 3 km up the Scotch Creek-Lamberton Forest Service Road (760 Rd) at the end of Garland Road.