Five Favorite Family Hikes In The Shuswap
Happy Trails Everyone!
We all know when it comes to hiking with the kids it can be a hit or a miss! Sometimes my kids are thrilled when I say “let’s go hiking!” other times, not so much. So what do I do to motivate the family?
Well, below are some of my tips for keeping them happy on the trails. But sometimes, despite your best efforts and intentions, you can end up like me, carrying screaming toddlers out of the forest, your arms killing you, or have older kids that say they hate it and will never come again.
I do my best and sometimes it’s absolutely amazing and everyone has a great time, other times it can be horrible. Each time becomes a family memory for the books and in my opinion, this is life! The good, the bad, and the ugly. Laugh it off and try again!
My Tips For Hiking With Kids……
Trail Selection:
Something easy and not too long, and ideally with some sort of natural features for interest! We keep hikes under 7 Km when we hike with the kids. 7 Km is a long one too. 2-4 km hikes with young kids are about perfect. A little research goes a long way, the Shuswap Trail Alliance Website is a great resource. Also, always remember to tread lightly, pack out what you pack in, and don’t go off the trail.
What to bring:
Food & Snacks:
Of course, bring plenty of water! But what else? Often I will not pack anything if the hike is short but if it is a long one I bring snacks. I pack granola bars, nuts, fruit snacks, pepperoni, or jerky. I typically always pack a “Tailgate” lunch for when we get back…..we are always happy to have completed another hike and love to chit chat about it over a fun casual lunch on the tailgate!
Yes, I bring candy on the trail. If my two year old is unhappy, I break out the suckers and candy. Perhaps something special for the summit for the kids too.
I like to always pack a Thermos with a warm or cold drink (Hot chocolate or lemon-aid are my go-to)
Gear:
- Dress in layers for the weather conditions. I always have the kids tie a hoodie or jacket around their own waists.
- Hiking poles or sticks are fun!
- My kids go in their runners rather than hiking boots but I would love to get them proper hiking boots one of these days.
- Don’t forget your favorite baby or toddler carrier! Sometimes I bring two just in case! The backpack and the soft ergo tucked in the back pack’s cargo space.
Ways to keep it interesting:
- Bring binoculars, bubbles, glow sticks (night hikes), if there is snow bring a sleigh or a couple of crazy carpets rolled up in your pack.
- Geocaching! An excellent way to keep them entertained! There is an app you can get on your phone for geocaching.
- Paint some special rocks to leave along the trail!
- My 8-year-old boy has recently bought himself a nice RC (Remote Control Car) and he will take that and drive it along the trail until the battery dies.
- If the trail permits bring their bikes!
- Play games along the way…. Eye spy, would you rather. LAUGH, tell jokes and stories, have FUN!
- Promise a special treat afterward…….we like to promise a Slurpee or ice cream cones! This is good to motivate Dad too sometimes!
Safety:
As always, Safety first. Hikers, backpackers, and snowshoers are recommended to always carry the 10 essentials. Find them here: https://www.adventuresmart.ca/land/survive-essentials.htm
TRIP PLAN:
Always provide a trip plan to someone you trust or use the Adventure Smart free trip plan APP for your phone, easy peasy.
https://www.adventuresmart.ca/tripplan.htm
Family Hike at Mount Rose -Swanson overlooking the Spallumcheen Valley above Armstrong, B.C.
Shuswap Adventure Girl
Here Are My Top 5 Favorite Local Family Hikes……….
Balmoral Trail System
What is in it for the kids
A great trail for easy, short loop options up to the old-growth fir tree called the Giant Tree Loop. Easy hike to the first viewpoint at Balmoral Bluffs (we personally can see our house from here!)
It boasts newly installed interpretive signage about the local flora throughout the trail.
Who can hike this
This trail system is excellent for all levels of hikers including the littlest! It is also a great trail system to carry a baby in a pack. I like to head to this trail with my two-year-old in her pack to get myself a good workout out in that is not too strenuous.
Why do we love it
It is a great after-school or quick morning hike with an easy reward viewpoint at the Balmoral Bluffs. It provides a great opportunity to teach the kids about local trees, plants & flowers with the help of interpretive signage.
When is the best time to use this trail
This is an excellent 4 season trail. In the wintertime, conditions allowing, try your hand at snowshoeing with the kids!
Where is it
Balmoral Road, Blind Bay, B.C.
Geocaching
Yes
Facilities
Pit toilet & Garbage
Distance & Time
Various | you can do a nice loop of the lower trail in about 15-30 mins depending on moving time. To reach Balmoral Bluffs it is approx: 1.25 km one way and the Giant Tree Loop will be on your right a little more than halfway up.
Herald Provincial Park & Margaret Falls
What is in it for the kids
Margaret Falls is a canyon walk through the Reinecker Gorge that boasts high vertical walls, moss-covered rocks, and charming wooden bridges, it feels like somewhere out of a fairytale! Rich and lush old-growth forest adorn this lovely pathway.
The impressive waterfall at the end is incredible! (Especially during peak spring run-off).
There is an abundance to see along this trail and is one of the best little family spots!
Who can hike this
Everyone! Stroller Friendly
Why do we love it
For its stunning beauty and ever-changing waterscape! Visit a few times a year in the changing seasons to experience the falls during high and low waters.
It is also a great place to take the out-of-town company and to beat the Shuswap heat.
When is the best time to use this trail
All seasons granted it is open and not under any maintenance.
Where is it
Sunnybrae, B.C.
Park at the Herald Prov. Park day use and follow the creek up through the forest. You will then need to cross the main road to get to the start of the falls trail.
Distance & Time
approximately 0.5 - 3 km (0.5-1.5hours) round trip.
Tsútswecw Provincial Park | Upper & Lower Bear Creek Flume Trail
What is in it for the kids
The Bear Creek Flume Trails is a historic trail. The flumes were built by the Adams River Lumber Company to transport logs.
It is comprised of two trails that are connected by a pedestrian underpass under the main road. You can enjoy these trails together or at separate times. Personally, we do them separately as it would be too long for the kids to do them together.
This is a historic flume route with informational signage and several fascinating points of interest along the way!
The Upper Trail: This is where you really see the history as there is a replica flume, original remnants, and a beautiful timber stair set. The trails runs through an incredibly rich and lush old-growth forest and follows along the gorgeous creek. There are several small “beaches” along the way to stop at and there are seven unique and newly constructed bridges! There is also the impressive Bear Creek Falls.
The Lower Trail: This is an easy and beautiful forest walk through large old-growth cedar and cottonwood stands. The trail weaves alongside the mighty Adams River with some neat natural obstacles. At the end of the trail, before you loop back, is a “secret beach” on the shore of the Adams River. Bring a picnic and enjoy this setting!
Who can hike this
All levels can hike this trail, although little ones on the Upper Trail may require assistance. My two-year-old toddler walked this entire trail herself! The Lower Trail is a little longer so a young child may require to be carried in a backpack or otherwise.
Why do we love it
We LOVE the history of this trail! It is our go-to spot to bring the out-of-town company as I feel it is one of the best trails in the Shuswap due to its history and super well maintained and well-built infrastructure. In fact, we love it so much that we have recently done our family photoshoot here!
When is the best time to use this trail
This is a 4 season trail! Of course, Spring run-off boasts the best time to see the creek and falls in their full glory.
Where is it
The Adams River, B.C. (on Holding Rd, just past the Bear Creek turnoff)
Geocaching
Yes
Facilities
Pit toilet & Garbage
Distance & Time
Various | 8.5 km combined trails
+/- 2.5 - 3 km for the Upper Flume and approx. 4.5 km for the Lower Flume Trail, Return
Wild Rose Bay | The Moss Walk
What is in it for the kids
A very short and easy forested walk down to the water, which features an excellent waterfront spot for exploring and spending the day! My kids loved that they could go for a swim and enjoy the lakeside.
The Moss walk is a newly added lakeside loop featuring….you guessed it…..an abundance of incredible mosses draping the rocky outcrops and rock faces! We were all in awe of this trail’s natural beauty.
Who can hike this
This trail system is excellent for all levels of hikers including the littlest!
Why do we love it
An excellent family hike to a quiet and secluded waterfront destination. We pack a picnic and bathing suits and spend the day here. A beautiful mossy forest provides a cool spot to beat the Shuswap heat.
When is the best time to use this trail
This is an excellent four-season trail. In the wintertime, conditions allowing, try your hand at snowshoeing with the kids!
Where is it
Eagle Bay, B.C. (near the end of Eagle Bay Rd)
Geocaching
Not that I am aware of
Facilities
Pit toilet & Garbage. Picnic table at the water
Distance & Time
0.5 - 1 hour return to the parking lot
Syphon Falls
What is in it for the kids
A short, quick, and interesting walk to beautiful waterfalls tucked in the forest. This is a popular local rock climbing area and if you are lucky, you will get to watch the rock climbers in action!
The trail follows along a creek with a few crossings over a bridge
Who can hike this
Personally, I took my 3 kids, ages 7, 5, and 1.5. I packed my toddler on my back (not stroller friendly) and the other two walked. In the wintertime and early springtime, the trail can be slippery and there are a few steeper climbing sections. My children required assistance at these spots. Hiking poles can be very useful.
During the months with no snow or ice, this is an excellent family trail for most levels including little ones!
Why do we love it
The waterfall! And there are some beautiful rock faces and views of the creek below along the trail. The trail also boasts lots of wildflowers in the spring/summer.
When is the best time to use this trail
Months with no snow or ice are ideal but still doable in the offseason, younger children may require some assistance.
Mosquitos can be excruciating in the springtime!
Where is it
Glen Eden, B.C. (Near Salmon Arm) in the Fly Hills
Geocaching
Not that I am aware of
Facilities
No
Distance & Time
Various | 20 minutes (one way to falls); additional 30-45 mins (Gayle Cr. Loop)
Special Note: There have been numerous injuries relating to people climbing in and around the falls, use caution, and good sense.
