Albas & Seymour River Falls | Shuswap Waterfalls

Welcome to Secwepemcúl'ecw Territory.
The Shuswap is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Secwépemc Peoples.

There are so many hidden gems to uncover within the Shuswap, whether you're hiking, biking, or exploring by vehicle. 
Surrounded by vast mountain ranges, diverse forests, and pristine water, the panoramic landscapes welcome exploration.

St. Ives Falls on the North Shuswap | Phot credit: Ryan James

Waterfalls are unique here, and no matter where you are staying, there is a  wondrous and accessible waterfall in every direction waiting for you to discover.

Onyx Falls on the North Shuswap is both a winter and summer wonderland
Shuswap Adventure Girl

Albas Falls | Seymour Arm

Location: Seymour Arm, North Shuswap
Distance: Varies. 3-5 km loop trail, the trail follows both sides of Celista Creek up from the shores of Shuswap Lake through a series of five impressive waterfalls. The trail can be enjoyed both clockwise and counterclockwise.
Difficulty: This trail is rated as difficult. The trail requires attention to footwork and proper footwear. Children and pets must be monitored carefully and kept away from steep, exposed, and dangerous edges.

What we love about it: 
Albas Falls is one of the best in the Shuswap region! Located on the Seymour Arm of Shuswap Lake, Albas Falls can be accessed by boat or by vehicle. The journey is lengthy, whichever mode of transportation you choose, but we promise you that these waterfalls are worth the adventure. 

The panoramic trail leads upwards through a rich canopy of the forest, where a moss-laden rocky loop winds around the impressive falls.
The steep valley is formed from the last great glaciation, and Celista Creek powers through, creating the montage of massive falls that make up Albas. There are five waterfalls in total.

Albas Falls is named after the original settler Alfred Bass, the trapper who settled here before it became a logging camp with a water-powered sawmill. Rusted parts of the old mill still remain here.

Tips for the trail:
- The road down to the parking area is narrow. Be prepared to pass other vehicles and possibly back down the road to allow bigger vehicles to pass. 
- The trail is rated as difficult.
- Good footwear required- this is not a flip-flop trail.
- If you have a child less than ¾ years old, I highly recommend a carrier! Keep them safe.
- The edges are super steep, and the water is mighty. It’s very dangerous in spots. Have the talk with older kids to stay well back.
- The hike itself can be done in several ways. My favorite so far has been the full 5/6km loop trail. You can head up from the parking lot clockwise and get views of the falls all the way up and views of the lake coming down. Or sweat your way up counterclockwise and be rewarded with the falls.
- Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Some fancy footwork is required.|
- Leave No Trace- hike responsibly, pack in, pack out and be courteous to fellow trail users.
- Seymour Arm area is 100% grizzly bear area. Be bear aware.

Getting there: Albas Falls
Further reading: Shuswap Trail Alliance
Map of North Shuswap Waterfalls: Shuswap Adventure Girl Waterfall Tour Map

Albas Falls | Shuswap Adventure Girl

Albas Falls | Shuswap Adventure Girl

Albas Falls | Shuswap Adventure Girl

Seymour River Falls | Seymour Arm

Location: Seymour Arm, North Shuswap
Distance: There are unmarked but clear trails on either side of the river. The main trail, on the North side of the bridge, is less than 500m. There are many side trails to explore to multiple viewing areas of the falls. Allow approximately 1 hour to explore. 
Difficulty: Easy. Please use extreme caution on the steep canyon edges.

What we love about it: 
The Seymour River Falls are located in the Upper Seymour Arm backcountry area. The river rages through a narrow gorge creating a two-tiered, wide, and powerful waterfall. 

Situated within the temperate rainforest, the views are stunning. Take time to appreciate this incredible forest. Inland temperate rainforests are globally rare, and we are lucky to be home to one. 
The Seymour River is a large tributary to Shuswap Lake. The upper course of the river is protected by the Upper Seymour River Provincial Park. It is said that the Shuswaps' biggest trees are located in this extremely remote and somewhat inaccessible provincial park. 

Tips for the trail:
- When viewing the falls, explore the surrounding trails; there are several different vantage points and lookouts to experience the power of the Seymour River.
- Be careful! It’s wild with extremely dangerous edges.
- Just upstream from here is where Ratchford Creek meets the Seymour River and is also worth the FSR drive to check it out.

Getting there: Seymour River Falls
Further reading: Shuswap Trail Alliance
Map of North Shuswap Waterfalls: Shuswap Adventure Girl Waterfall Tour Map

Seymour River Falls | Shuswap Adventure Girl

Seymour River Falls | Shuswap Adventure Girl

Seymour River Falls | Shuswap Adventure Girl

For a FULL Shuswap Waterfall experience, check out our Waterfall Tour with Shuswap Tourism!

https://www.shuswaptourism.ca/do/lakes-rivers/the-shuswap-waterfall-tour/

Know Before You Go
We strive to ensure Shuswap region visitors have the information and resources they need to make informed decisions while travelling in the Shuswap.  We have compiled the list below to help ensure the utmost safety and information resources for our visitors and locals alike. Please explore respectively. Plan ahead and prepare. 

Make a trip plan and tell someone responsible where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
Visit Adventure Smart: Get Informed on how to Stay Safe Outdoors
The Shuswap Trail Alliance: Trail Saftey and Etiquette
Wildsafe BC: Keeping wildlife wild and communities safe
Wildsafe BC: WildSafeBC Bear Safety When Recreating
Shuswap Tourism: Know Before You Go
Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society: Trail Users