SHUSWAP RIVER
The Shuswap River has always played an important role as the transportation link between the Okanagan and the Shuswap. The river was the key to transportation for the Shuswap Indians in their dugout canoes.

In the 1870s, paddlewheelers brought goods and new settlers from Kamloops and returned with Okanagan produce. In later years the Shuswap River was the site of many log drives from Sugar and Mabel Lakes to sawmills in Enderby, Grindrod and Shuswap Lake.

The Shuswap River offers enjoyment for all canoeists, kayakers, tubers and boaters. The river flows out of Mabel Lake through the Skookumchuk rapids. This part of the river is home of the annual Kayak Rodeo and is not recommended for canoeing, swimming or tubing. Between the chucks and Trinity bridge, there are rolling rapids and swift currents suitable for experienced white water canoeists, kayakers, and tubers. The trip takes approximately four to five hours. From Trinity bridge to the Enderby bridge, another three to four hours. The waters are very calm and slow moving, suitable for every type of canoeist and swimmer.

The river from Enderby to Grindrod, Mara Lake and Shuswap Lake, meanders slowly through many acres of lush farmland, often doubling back on itself. To the small community of Grindrod the trip by canoe is approximately four hours; allow another six to seven hours to paddle to Mara Provincial Park. From Mara Lake it is possible to continue the journey through Shuswap Lake to Salmon Arm and Kamloops.

Late June or July is the best time for a trip, avoiding the high water in spring and the rocks exposed by low water in late August. The many beaches and islands en route provide excellent rest areas and swimming holes. Canoes and kayaks can be launched at the chucks (approximately 31 km east of Enderby), Hupel (29 km east), Trinity bridge, Enderby bridge, Riverside Park, or Grindrod Park.

Shuswap River boaters may launch their boats in Enderby at the Riverside Park boat launch. Boaters should take note that there is a 10 km/hr speed limit in effect through the City of Enderby, from south of the Enderby bridge to the sewage treatment plant. Please take special precautions for swimmers, especially at Birchbark Park, Riverside Park, and Tuey Park. There is also a 10 km/hr speed limit at the Ashton Creek swimming hole near Trinity bridge and at Grindrod Park.

Spring, Kokanee, and Sockeye salmon continue to return to the Shuswap from July to October, seeking the spawning grounds east of Enderby. Rainbow trout and whitefish can be found in the river throughout the year. The river is open to sport fishing; please check the fishing guide for specific dates. Favourite fishing holes include the Skookumchucks, Cooke Creek, and the Enderby bridge.

MABEL LAKE
This large lake was named after Mabel Charles, the daughter of a Hudson's Bay Company manager. With its lush forested shoreline, sandy beaches, and sparkling blue water, Mabel Lake has become a desirable vacation spot for locals, tourists, and summer residents.

Twenty six miles long and two miles wide in places, Mabel Lake offers swimming, waterskiing, fishing, canoeing, and boating. A boat launch and public beach are available at the Rivermouth Marina.

Indian Pictographs 200-400 years old can be found on various rock faces around the lake.

Kokanee, Dolly Varden, rainbow and grey trout inhabit the lake; average size is approximately two pounds but fish weighing up to 19 pounds have been caught. Salmon fishing is open for approximately one month, usually from the middle of August to the middle of September.

The Spring Salmon get as large as 30 pounds with the average running 12 to 20 pounds.

The small, friendly community of Kingfisher sponsors a variety of activities throughout the summer months. In the vicinity of the lake is a community hall, tennis courts, ball diamond, soccer field, store and private campground, and a fish hatchery. A summer camp, resort and airpark, and private cabins are also situated on the lake.

MARA LAKE
Mara Lake, once known as Seven-Mile Lake, was named after John A. Mara, an Overlander, politician, and promoter of lake steamship transportation and the Shuswap Okanagan Railroad. The lake is fed by the Shuswap River, whose waters continue through the lake and Sicamous Narrows to Shuswap Lake. The lake is popular for motor boats and other motorized water sports during the summer months; fishing is best in the spring and fall when activity on the lake quiets down. Of particular interest are the pictographs on the east face of Black Rock. There are many resorts with cabins and private campgrounds on the eastern shore of the lake.

A store, restaurant and Provincial Day Park are in the vicinity. The community sponsors many activities through the summer months.

HIDDEN & BAIRD LAKES
Nestled between two hills east of Enderby, Hidden Lake is appropriately named. The lake is excellent for fishing and swimming; ice fishing in the winter is also popular. Rainbow trout caught here average about five pounds. A level hiking trail encircles the lake. A boat launch and wooden docks may be found for those with canoes or small boats, and many treed campsites are located around the lake.

High above Hidden Lake is the even smaller, more isolated Baird Lake. There are two treed campsites; the lake is ideal for small cartop boats and canoes. The fishing is good, with trout averaging about three quarters of a pound.

GARDOM LAKE
Gardom Lake is a natural beauty with its deep forests and clear water. The lake is popular for bird watching, ice fishing, swimming, and canoeing. There is a ten horse power motorboat limit; electric motors are preferred. The day use park has picnic tables and outhouses; no fires or pets are allowed. There are short nature trails with interpretive signs on Turtle Island. Two year round camps, rental cabins, and private residences are situated on the lake. A boat launch is available on Park Rd. just past the park.