Are you thinking of moving to Salmon Arm?
If so, there’s a lot in store! Our small community is perfectly nestled in the beautiful outdoors on Shuswap Lake. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle balanced by modern convenience with seasonally mild temperatures. Discover the best-kept secret in British Columbia and its surrounding communities.
Introduction
Salmon Arm is one of eight regions in a larger area known as The Shuswap. Each offers its own unique appeal firmly rooted in natural abundance and Secwepemc culture. Whether you’re interested in staying local or exploring nearby communities, here are a few helpful links to get you off and running.
• Salmon Arm community resources
• Salmon Arm Economic Development Society
Moving
Getting all of your ducks in a row can simplify the moving process. Leave the heavy lifting to the professionals.
Storage
Are you in need of storage ahead of your move? If so, you’ve come to the right place. See what you think of these facilities for your own personal storage.
See my resources page for more local resources.
Education
Salmon Arm and the surrounding region is home to many young families. The city has a total of 13 schools including elementary, secondary, and independent facilities. What’s more, The Shuswap offers several educational enrichment opportunities such as international student exchange and a French immersion program. Browse the school websites or course curriculum below to familiarize yourself with the Salmon Arm system.
As you may have gathered, Salmon Arm along other regions in The Shuswap owe much to their native roots. First Nations students are well-represented in our student body, while the curriculum includes Indigenous perspectives. Learn more about the educational commitment to diversity and representation here.
Lastly, you might be interested to know that Salmon Arm does offer higher education. Okanagan College includes programs in arts, science, health, and trades in four regions. The city’s proximity to Calgary and Vancouver provides an added layer of access.
• The Shuswap district calendar
• British Columbia’s course curriculum
Easily find schools on my Salmon Arm map.
Recreation
A quick glimpse at our stunning landscape showcases the region’s natural beauty. The Shuswap is home to countless lakes, rivers, hills, and mountains with no end to outdoor recreation. Schedule a beach day with the family or cross-country skiing with your friends. One thing’s for sure: our region is second to none for outdoor enthusiasts!
• Camping
Neighbourhoods
With a population just of 17,000 inhabitants, finding the right neighbourhood is part of the hunt. Knowing where to begin and how to pinpoint your target is all part of the fun. Here’s how to go about choosing the right neighbourhood.
Decide What Matters
What you value in a neighbourhood is a matter of preference. Here are a few questions to help you determine your top priorities:
• How close are you to your (new) job?
• Are there schools in your area?
• Is there a grocery store nearby?
• Are you close to a park?
• Where is the hospital located?
• Would you like a view of the lake or local scenery?
• Are thier children in the neighbourhood?
• How large should your yard be?
• Do you prefer a busy street or a quiet area?
• Are there many restaurants or shops nearby?
• What does the home feel like inside?
• How safe do you feel?
You can also download this House Hunting guide to help you out.
Hunt for Houses
Now that you’ve decided what matters most, it’s time to start looking. Choose homes in your price point that tick most or all of your boxes. Remember to keep an open mind and a flexible schedule to find what works best for you.
Slow It Down
Have you narrowed your search to a couple of homes? Now’s the time to take a closer look. Try walking around the neighbourhood or stopping by at various times of day. Take note of who lives nearby, how you feel, and whether or not your front-runner has changed. This step does take some time, although it’s well worth the investment.
Events
Salmon Arm is a little place with a lot of heart. Our population of 17,100 people forms a tight-knit community with many group gatherings and celebrations. Get to know your neighbours and experience cultural traditions by checking out our regular events.
• Salty Dog Enduro & Street Festival
• The Shuswap cultural event calendar
Shopping
Living your best life in Salmon Arm or The Shuswap likely means spending quality time outdoors. Salmon Arm also offers a range of retail options, from homemade goods to mainstream clothing stores. Whether you’re interested in everyday basics or specialty items, we’ve got just the thing.
• Essential Edge Clothing (used)
• Hartty Clothing (clothing)
• Wearabouts (clothing)
Dining
Salmon Arm and The Shuswap offer a variety of casual and fine dining establishments to residents and tourists. (As a matter of fact, tourism is one of the top industries in the region.) Our community may be small, but our restaurants are extensive. Take your pick from a few of the most popular places in Salmon Arm and The Shuswap.
• Barley Station Brewpub (American)
• The Nom (Holistic Meal Prep)
• Anvil Coffee Collective (American)
• Cantina Vallarta (Mexican)
• Namaste (Indian)
• Hanoi 36 Restaurant (Vietnamese)
• Bay Side Marina & Grill (American)
• Sushi Kotan (Japanese)
• Ecotreats Café (American)
Local Meat and Dairy Delivery
Surrounding Areas
Salmon Arm may be home base, but there's more to explore in the area. Here are a few neighbouring communities to keep on your radar.
Blind Bay
With a population shy of 2,000 inhabitants, Blind Bay is located on Shuswap Lake approximately 29 kilometres away from Salmon Arm. The area is popular for kayaking and snowmobiling, among other outdoor activities. Whether you make a day of it or are simply curious, check out these resources for more information.
Eagle Bay
Located on the southern shore of Shuswap Lake, this designated place is home to over 400 inhabitants. The location is ideal for swimming, house-boating, and waterskiing as well as hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Come see for yourself!
Sorrento
Named after Sorrento, Italy, this community is situated 31 kilometres west of Salmon Arm. The area is popular for its cottages and recreational activities much like other scenic communities in and around Shuswap Lake. This town of 5,000 inhabitants nearly doubles in size in summer.
Tappen
This small settlement, sometimes referred to as “Rust Valley,” faces Salmon Arm on the southern end of Shuswap Lake. Boating, fishing, and swimming are popular pastimes on Tappen’s gorgeous shores. Sip local wine or explore Margaret Falls for a trip worth taking.
Sicamous
This small municipality in the region is otherwise known as “The Houseboat Capital of Canada.” The community of approximately 2,400 people sits between Mara Lake and Shuswap Lake for endless outdoor options. Don’t forget to sample unforgettable food and peaceful views on your next visit.
Enderby
Located 23 kilometres southeast of Salmon Arm, the city of Enderby is home to nearly 3,000 inhabitants. No wonder the community has a lot to offer! Whether you’re interested in attending the Arts Festival or learning about local heritage, there are plenty of ways to pass the time.
• Enderby & District Museum & Archives
Armstrong
With a population of nearly 5,000, this city 37 kilometres south of Salmon Arm is a business centre in its own right. The city offers a number of parks, trails, and fairgrounds for your enjoyment as well as an easily accessible calendar of events.
Why Salmon Arm?
This community and the surrounding area is one of the most iconic in British Columbia. Between the mild winter and summer weather, beautiful views, and endless recreation, there’s no reason not to fall in love with the area.
Salmon Arm in particular offers more shopping and urban comforts compared to nearby communities. The city is big enough to feel established and small enough to know your neighbours. Because this area is home to so many nearby communities, there’s never a dull moment in The Shuswap.
As your realtor, I love sharing the beauty of the region with my clients. Salmon Arm is also a desirable city based on a 2019 Maclean’s report citing its outdoor living and strong job market. As it turns out, this is more than just a vacation town: an indefinite stay is the way to go!
Now that you know the benefits, it’s time to start looking for houses. Got any questions for me? If so, feel free to reach out. Thanks so much for your time, and I look forward to finding you the perfect property.
