Shuswap Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shuswap Lake |
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Western reaches of Shuswap Lake
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 Shuswap Lake
Location in British Columbia
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The three arms of Shuswap Lake
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| Location | South-Central British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 50°59′N 119°1′W / 50.983°N 119.017°W |
| Primary inflows | Adams River, Scotch Creek, Seymour River, Anstey River, Eagle River, Shuswap River (via Mara Lake/Sicamous Narrows), Salmon River |
| Primary outflows | Little River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 89 km (55 mi) |
| Max. width | 5 km (3.1 mi) |
| Surface area | 310 km2 (120 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 61.6 m (202 ft) |
| Max. depth | 161 m (528 ft) |
| Water volume | 19.1 km3 (4.6 cu mi) |
| Residence time | 2.1 years |
| Surface elevation | 347 m (1,138 ft) |
| Islands | Copper |
| Settlements | (see article) |
Shuswap Lake (pronounced "SHOO-shwap") is a large lake in the southern part of British Columbia, Canada. It flows into the Little Shuswap River, which then leads to Little Shuswap Lake. This smaller lake is where the South Thompson River begins, which is part of the larger Thompson River system, eventually joining the Fraser River.
Shuswap Lake is the heart of a beautiful area known as "the Shuswap." This region is famous for its fun lakeside towns, including the city of Salmon Arm. The name "Shuswap" comes from the Secwepemc First Nation people. They are one of the most northern groups of the Interior Salish peoples, and their traditional lands include this lake. In their own language, the Secwepemc people call themselves /ʃǝxwépmǝx/.
Contents
Lake Shape and Rivers
Shuswap Lake has a unique shape, like the letter "H". It has four main parts, called "arms":
- Salmon Arm (in the southwest)
- Shuswap Arm (in the west)
- Anstey Arm (in the northeast)
- Seymour Arm (in the north)
The lake connects to Little Shuswap Lake through the Little River. This river flows out from the end of the Shuswap Arm.
Many rivers and creeks feed water into Shuswap Lake. The Adams River flows into the lake from the northwest, bringing water from Adams Lake. The Salmon Arm of Shuswap Lake connects to Mara Lake through a narrow channel called the Sicamous Channel. The Shuswap River also flows into Mara Lake before reaching Shuswap Lake.
In the southwest, the Salmon River empties into the lake near the town of Salmon Arm. The Eagle River flows down from the Monashees and enters the lake at Sicamous in the east. The Seymour River flows into the very northern end of the Seymour Arm. Many smaller creeks also feed the lake, like Scotch Creek, which flows into the north shore of the main arm.
Animals and Plants in the Lake
Fish Species
Shuswap Lake is home to at least 14 different kinds of fish. Some of the most important fish for people who like to go fishing include:
Invasive Species
Sometimes, plants or animals that are not native to an area can cause problems. These are called "invasive species." In Shuswap Lake, a plant called Eurasian water milfoil has spread widely, especially in Salmon Arm Bay. This plant can grow very thick and make it hard for boats to move or for people to swim. There might also be Carp, which are another type of invasive fish, in the lake.
Lake Monster Legend
Like many other large lakes, Shuswap Lake has its own local legend about a mysterious creature! People say a long, snake-like monster, about 25 feet (7.6 meters) long, lives in the lake. It's known by a few names: the Shuswap Lake Monster, "Shugumu," or "Shuswaggi."
Parks Around Shuswap Lake
Several beautiful parks are located along the shores of Shuswap Lake, where you can enjoy nature and outdoor activities:
- Shuswap Lake Provincial Park
- Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park
- Silver Beach Provincial Park
- Tsútswecw Provincial Park (This park is famous for the amazing Sockeye salmon run in the Adams River!)
- Cinnemousun Narrows Provincial Park (This park is right in the middle of the "H" shape of the lake.)
Communities Around the Lake
Many towns and communities are located along the shores of the Shuswap Lakes. These are popular places for people to live or visit:
- Salmon Arm
- Celista
- Lee Creek
- Squilax
- Eagle Bay
- Scotch Creek
- Sorrento
- Blind Bay
- Tappen
- Anglemont
- Magna Bay
- Chase
- St. Ives
- SunnyBrae
- Canoe
- Sicamous
- Seymour Arm
