Drive past the town of Sicamous and it’s impossible to miss the 89-kilometre-long Shuswap Lake. Branching into four distinct arms and framed by forest, mountains and beaches, this sparkling freshwater paradise is known as the Houseboating Capital of Canada. Houseboating offers a simple proposition: Up to two dozen of your closest friends and family can enjoy stellar scenery and silky warm water, taking home comforts (including hot showers, flush toilets, a fully equipped kitchen, Weber BBQs, double beds, lounge, a dining room and hot tub) with you. Think of it as luxury RV’ing over water – portable glamping – on the water and under the stars.
An hour before sunset, all houseboats must beach for the night, and there’s no shortage of sandy or pebble beach to accommodate. Glide onto the beach, lower the gang plank, bring out your deck chairs, spark up a campfire, grill up a feast, and launch a roof-top party. No boating license or experience required.
Wild houseboat parties are legendary on the Shuswap, if that’s what you’re into. From late June to early September, bachelor, bachelorette and other parties congregate on Nielson Beach, where dozens of houseboats beach tightly, booze flows, and many a damage deposit has been lost. With my extended family on board – including my kids, parents, cousins and close friends – my own party days have long since sailed. Cold beer and fine wine will be consumed, but we’re here to relax and soak up the best of BC’s interior lake country. Shuswap Lake has over one thousand kilometres of shoreline –encompassing nearly two dozen provincial parks – ensuring there’s ample space for everybody to find their private beach, party beach, and everything in between.