The charming town of Salmon Arm, British Columbia, transforms into a breathtaking mosaic of autumn colors during fall, making it the perfect destination for a family-friendly getaway. With a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and fantastic dining options, this itinerary promises an unforgettable trip that everyone in the family will cherish. Find more videos and information on this itinerary @loewenlifestyle local travel and lifestyle influencer.
Start your adventure by making your way to Salmon Arm and checking into the splendid Prestige Harbourfront Hotel. This recently renovated hotel gives off Kardashian luxury vibes, perched on the shores of Shuswap Lake, offers unparalleled views of the water and the surrounding mountains, setting the tone for a memorable stay.
Our two bedroom suite gave us the perfect amount of space that everyone in our family of five could have an excellent sleep. With a full kitchen, dining room, three flat screen TVs and beautiful balcony, we almost didn’t leave the room.
Explore the hotel's amenities, including a fantastic indoor-outdoor pool and a soothing hot tub. Let the kids splash around while you take in the mesmerizing lake views from poolside loungers. Let the kids explore the arcade while you enjoy some time at the spa or break a sweat in the full-size gym. I still have never made it to actually use a hotel’s gym facilities but I like knowing it’s there all the same.
Call for reservations at The Night Cafe and Meikles Studios follow your amazing dinner with a paint night! These often sell out so make sure to look for events in advance. Even if you’re not the artistic type, it’s fun to be surrounded by local art as you sip creative cocktails and feast on woodfired ingredients. Private parties and kids classes are also available for booking.
Morning: Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel's 1905 Kitchen and Raw Bar. The restaurant boasts both incredible lakefront views and a quality breakfast menu, setting the stage for a fantastic day of exploration.
Stroll over to the Salmon Arm Farmers Market, a vibrant gathering of local artisans and food producers. The kids will love the colorful array of products and the opportunity to interact with friendly locals. Find freeze dried candy, water buffalo, and other unique vendors here at the market.
Across the street from the market visit Anvil Coffee Collective for a caffeine pick-me-up or a delicious hot chocolate for the kids. This cozy coffee shop is known for its modern machinery-themed decor and my kids like to play “I spy with my little eye” here.
Afternoon: Explore Jungle Mania, a family-friendly indoor play space that will delight your children with its adventurous jungle-themed activities. The space provides the perfect place to burn off energy on a cold or rainy day. Find arcade games, treats, virtual reality eggs and a big indoor climbing frame.
Salmon Arm’s downtown shopping scene has several key boutiques you’ll want to hit up. Man Woman Home is an excellent stop for shopping. What began as a Kelowna boutique has grown to four amazing locations offering unique items that cater to all family members' tastes.
Find some of my favorite brands like Gentle Fawn, Vitruvi, Tofino Towels, Lack of Color, Free People, Emu and more. Have fun trying on outfits and picking out home decor you never knew you needed. The staff are amazing here and happy to help you nail that perfect look.
Don't forget to pop by On Alex for locally-made goods and stunning home decor. This mother-daughter run boutique has the most gorgeous curated collection of goods.
Here you’ll find trendy Shuswap swag, everlasting candles, apothecary, Turkish towels, pottery, art, and an adorable kid’s section. I already knocked off a few people from my Christmas shopping list here, the gift ideas are too good to pass up! If you want to shop right now, check out their online storefront here.
Lunch: Satisfy your hunger with a visit to the Shuswap Pie Company, where you can savor delicious, homemade pies and quiches.
The wide variety of sweet and savory options will please the entire family (including picky little eaters). The crust on these pies sent me into a happiness coma. I don’t know what sorcery is responsible for this goodness but I’m glad I live in a world with these pies in it. They are also licensed so enjoy a local beer or cider with your pie.
Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque wharf just by the hotel. The views are even more enchanting in the crisp fall air. The scenery and wildlife changes with the season. In summer we spotted turtles and this time we marveled at the majestic herons swapping around the wharf.
Embark on a journey into history at the RJ Haney Heritage Museum. The museum often hosts special events, like the "Spooktacular Halloween" event for kids and families, making it a perfect educational and entertaining stop for all ages.
Dinner: Head to Canooligans just outside of Salmon Arm in Canoe, BC. This lively establishment offers live music, games, an arcade, and fun food that kids will adore (they have candy straws!).
The great vibes make it a perfect spot to wind down after an exciting day or pump it up with dancing to a live DJ if you happen to be there on a Friday night. They also have “Paradise Hours” between 2-5 where you’ll find $4 beers, $6 glasses of wine and $8 appies. We enjoyed the weekend brunch, my breakfast came in a canoe shaped pretzel and now I can’t unfeel that amazingness.
Schedule a family photo session with Candace from @candacecphotography. The beautiful grounds around the Prestige Hotel provide the perfect backdrop for stunning fall photos, capturing your family's special moments.
Candace specializes in outdoor photos, families, couples, and special events from weddings to anniversaries. She edited the snotty noses off my kids like only a true photography wizard could. Candace’s saintly patience with my three energetic boys put me right at ease and I’m so happy with these newly captured memories.
Brunch: Treat your taste buds to a visit to Still Food Bistro, the Shuswap's only vegan restaurant, created by vegan chef Tyson Still. Explore the diverse and delicious menu that caters to various dietary preferences. My avocado toast looked like edible art on a plate and we practically rolled my children out the door after they indulged in the world’s best waffles.
You will love the vegan spin on some of these breakfast classics. If you’re in the Penticton area, Still Food Bistro just opened a new location on Front St. You can also pop in for coffee and treats to go.
Salmon Arm, BC, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, family-friendly activities, and culinary delights. This itinerary promises to create lasting memories for your family, making it a destination you'll want to return to year after year. Plan your family getaway and get ready to fall in love with Salmon Arm's autumn charm. Find my summer itinerary here!
