Road map Nakusp and Columbia River Valley surrounding area (BC, Canada)

Long parallel chains of rivers, lakes, and snow-. mantled  mountain ranges-this is the wildly magnificent region between the  Interior Plateau and the Rocky Mountains. From Sicamous, boaters have  access to some 1,000 km of shoreline dotted with friendly marinas. The  Columbia River wetlands support many large mammals over the winter, and  in spring 250 species of birds return to rest or nest. In contrast are  the stunning jagged granite towers of the Purcell Mountains and  glacier-chipped Mount Revelstoke to the north.

Bugaboo Provincial Park [A8] Experienced hikers from all over  the world are drawn to this stunning alpine wilderness park,  characterized by solid granite spires-some reaching 3,000 m-in the  Purcell Mountains. There are few trails past the parking lot, which is  accessible by car in late spring until late fall. The best way to take  in the scenery is with Canadian Mountain Holidays heli-skiing or  heli-hiking tours. You'll see awe-inspiring glaciers, icefields,  mountain peaks, and alpine meadows during the day. Then prepare yourself  for a pampered night of comfort at the lodge.

Enderby [B1] Known as the "Top of the Okanagan," Enderby is  famous for its spectacular cliffs. Rising 300 m from the east shore of  the meandering Shuswap River, the Enderby Cliffs provide the backdrop to  this quiet town. The best time to see these cliffs is when the setting  sun gilds the rocks with gold. Kayakers and canoeists will find  kilometers of water to explore on the Shuswap. The river is a  fisherman's haven in late summer, when salmon and trout abound. Try some  of the prized local cheeses and wines. In July, Enderby hosts  Bavarian-style festivities, including parades and outdoor barbecues.

Nakusp [D5] Founded in 1892, and situated on the eastern shore  of Upper Arrow Lake, Nakusp was a shipbuilding town and stop for  stern-wheelers on the Arrow Lakes/Columbia River route. It also served  as the railhead to the mines in the Slocan Valley. Today Nakusp is famed  for its naturally heated and wonderfully relaxing hot springs, set in  the scenic Selkirk Mountains just a short drive from town. Take  advantage of the view from the marina and Waterfront Promenade and Park,  which features a beautiful Japanese garden. History buffs will want to  visit the Nakusp and District Museum.

Bugaboo Provincial Park Sicamous [A1]

Sicamous sits on a narrow neck of land between Shuswap and Mara  lakes-in Secwepemc, Sicamous means "squeezed in the middle."  Houseboats, which are available for rent, are a popular way of touring  Shuswap Lake. The MVPhoebe Ann, an old-time stern-wheeler that travels  between Sicamous and Seymour Arm, also offers tours of the lake. The two  lakes support abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, including  swimming, boating, and fishing.

Three Valley Gap [A3]

Set against a picturesque mountain backdrop is the ghost town  of Three Valley Gap. Here some 25 historic buildings from all over  British Columbia have been carefully moved, restored, and reassembled as  the Eagle Pass Pioneer Village. Among the structures are a church (a  popular site for weddings), a hotel, a general store, two schools, a  roadhouse, a saloon, and an antique-car museum.

ATTRACTIONS

ENDERBY

Enderby Cliffs Enderby and District Museum Village Cheese Company Larch Hill Winery

Kingfisher Environmental Interpretive Center Llama Charm Farms

NAKUSP

Nakusp Hot Springs Nakusp and District Museum Waterfront Promenade Upper Arrow Lake

SICAMOUS

Shuswap Lake MV Phoebe Ann stern-wheeler cruises Eagle Valley Museum and Heritage Society

Dutchman Dairy Blue Heron Art Gallery Sicamous Rock Paintings

THREE VALLEY GAP

Eagle Pass Pioneer Village