Saturday, February 19, 2011

Blind Bay ~ Shuswap Lake, BC ~ Canada

When we talk of Shuswap Lake, we usually think summer fun but there are three other great seasons and many sights to enjoy.  We were there on the first snowfall of the season and it was absolutely beautiful.  The bay was shrouded with clouds that gave us a very ominous quiet morning.  A perfect winter morning to enjoy through the lens of my camera.



Blind Bay on Shuswap Lake, BC in winter
Some say there is 1000 km (600 mi.) of shoreline on this lake that is shaped like an “H” and located on the Trans Canada Highway #1.  There are several communities scattered around the lake, including Sorrento and Salmon Arm and some of the lake even has cabins that are only accessible by boat.



A lone boat on Shuswap Lake, BC in winter

Winter activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and great ice fishing. There are several dining spots scattered around the lake to visit, shops and galleries with arts and crafts created by some of the many artisans and skilled artists that live in the Shuswap area.


The marina and park wait for summer to return

Blind Bay is in the South Shuswap, which is known as the heart of the Shuswap. Blind Bay is a quiet community in winter compared to all the summer traffic that comes this way. The Bayside Marina is closed for the season and the park sits waiting for summer to return.


Red berries frozen on the bush

The Shuswap has a rich history and much can be seen in the local museums and archives.  There is the 15th Annual Heritage Week happening Feb. 21-26, 2011 held at the Piccadilly Mall in Salmon Arm, BC with the theme celebrating parks and protected areas.
 
Scene of serenity at Blind Bay on Shuswap Lake

The Shuswap area was once mainly a summer retreat that had many cabins where families would spend their holidays at and enjoy the lake for boating and water activities.  There were always some year round residents but I believe that has grown to be the majority and most homes are now lived in year round.

The Shuswap country, located one hour east of Kamloops, has so much to see any season of the year. To learn more about this area, click here.