City on the Lake: Salmon Arm's Early History

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Located on scenic Shuswap Lake, Salmon Arm sits nestled in a fertile valley between a set of low mountains. Before Europeans set eyes upon the lake, dense forests framed its shores, rich wildlife drank from its waters, and salmon spawned in the rivers that fed it. Then, much like today, the lake was the heart of the area, and gifted Salmon Arm, and all the surrounding communities, with stunning beauty and innumerable opportunities for recreational activities.

It was the bounty of the lake that fed and cared for the Secwépemc people for thousands of years and provided a waterway for early European explorers in canoes. Later, the area's potential drew the attention of railway executives, who decided to carve a path along the shore of the lake. Settlers followed in the path of the railway. Salmon Arm has continued to be noticed for its natural beauty and bounty, and the city has supported a small community of driven, caring individuals who always pull together in times of hardship. From multiple fires, floods, bad winters, and wars, this small city knows the power of community and understands the value of one's neighbours.

The tour begins on the long wharf at Salmon Arm's waterfront, and briefly summarizes the history of the Secwépemc First Nations, and their relationship with the Shuswap. As we head towards downtown, we make another brief stop on the shores of the lake to explore the stern and side wheelers that moved people and goods around the Shuswap. Continuing on the theme of transportation, we turn onto Lakeshore Drive NE, for a stop at the historic C.P.R. station, before walking along Lakeshore Drive to learn about the community's farming roots, and the growth of the town.

Next, we turn left onto Shuswap Street and left again onto Hudson Avenue where we learn more about the town's postal system, and view the historic trio of Government buildings. As we walk along Hudson Avenue, we uncover the alarming nature of medicine during Edwardian times. From there, we cross the street to view the Montebello Hotel disappear behind a wall of flame.

Turning right on Alexander Street, we cross the Trans-Canada Highway to stop at the Cenotaph and reflect on the lives Salmon Arm lost in World War I and II, and the Korean War. Backtracking slightly, we head onto 2nd Avenue NE where the site's first school once stood. Continuing along 2nd Avenue (Harris Street), we take a walk through Salmon Arm's original upscale neighbourhood for a peek at some of its oldest homes. Finally, we end the tour at McGuire Lake, where we come back to the downtown area. Here we learn more about Salmon Arm's settlers, and view the natural beauty of the town's setting.

Links

• Website onthisspot.ca
• Download App apps.apple.com

Organizer

On This Spot

The On This Spot app takes people on guided walking tours through the history that surrounds them.

At each stop on their journey users will find themselves standing on the spot a historic photo was taken. They can view a then and now photo comparison, use the built in camera to create their own, and read about local history and how it ties into the broader human experience.

Based in Vancouver, On This Spot is working with heritage, tourism, and business organizations across Canada to expand the app's coverage.