Situated on the shores of Shuswap Lake, Salmon Arm is home to the longest wooden wharf in North America. Little is known about the area's history before the Canadian Pacific Railway was introduced in 1885. In 1890, the community's 28 residents requested a town post office. Once the post office was established, the town grew to include a hotel, a school, two general stores, and 200 residents. A formal town government was established in 1905.
Salmon Arm was upgraded to an official city in 1912 to receive provincial government funds to help with ongoing road-improvement concerns. The money also helped build a public water system. Electricity came to the area in 1913. In 1951, Queen Elizabeth, who was known at the time as the Duchess of Edinburgh, visited the city on a royal tour of Canada.
Today, Salmon Arm boasts a wide variety of cultural attractions and restaurants, which may be surprising considering its size. Tourists also flock to the area from Calgary, Vancouver, and Asia during the summer to enjoy the outdoor recreation. Whatever your reasons for visiting Salmon Arm, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything the Shuswap Country has to offer.
When should you visit Salmon Arm, BC?
Temperatures in Salmon Arm can change drastically, but there's a relatively low chance of precipitation most of the year. Peak tourist season is from June to August when the weather is warm and pleasant. You might consider visiting on the third weekend of August for the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival. Hotels do increase their prices during the peak season, however. Not only will you deal with bigger crowds throughout Salmon Arm, but you could easily break your vacation budget if you don't plan ahead.
The shoulder seasons between peak and off-peak seasons can be unpredictable in Salmon Arm. Spring afternoons can be perfect for canoeing and hiking, but the next morning could give way to snow. Average springtime highs range from 47 degrees in March to 68 degrees in May with lows dipping into the high 20s to low 40s. Fall offers slightly warmer temperatures, but you'll still need to pack layers and outerwear.
Winter in Salmon Arm is the driest season, but it's also the coldest. Average lows in January hover around 17 degrees, with highs barely reaching the 30s. You should plan on plenty of snowfall from November through February. While the area offers plenty of wintertime recreational opportunities, flight delays and road conditions can be major concerns for travelers trying to take advantage of low seasonal hotel rates.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Salmon Arm, BC:
Salmon Arm by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Salmon Arm, BC. You can use these illustrations to evaluate the least expensive months to book in Salmon Arm for upcoming travels.
Where are the luxury hotels around Salmon Arm?
For a more indulgent experience in Salmon Arm, book a room at Hilltop Inn. Boasting stunning views of Shuswap Lake, this boutique hotel boasts a resort-style outdoor pool, a poolside patio with food and beverage service, hiking trails, two banquet and meeting rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a delicious continental breakfast. Hilltop Inn also features the elegant Table 24 restaurant, a CAA and AAA Triple Diamond eatery offering fresh, locally-sourced cuisine.
Accommodations at Hilltop Inn are spread among two buildings: the Main Building and the Oasis Building. The Main Building offers 47 guest rooms with views of the gardens, pool, lake, mountains, or forest. Some rooms also feature their own poolside patios. The Oasis Building features 24 guest rooms across a courtyard, all of which feature private poolside patios or balconies. Every guest room includes a high-definition television, free Wi-Fi access, licensed room service from Table 24, work desks, and custom-made pillowtop mattresses.
If you don't mind staying a little farther out, consider a stay at Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort. This luxurious hotel features well-appointed guest rooms with private patios or balconies, lake views, mini-fridges, coffee makers, high-definition TVs, hairdryers, work desks, ironing facilities, and plush bathrobes. The resort offers a rejuvenating spa with infrared sauna, Jack Sam's Restaurant & Lounge, and a highly-acclaimed golf course.
What affordable hotel options are there near Salmon Arm, British Columbia?
Finding an affordable hotel in Salmon Arm is easy if you know where to look.
Super 8 by Wyndham Salmon Arm is a budget-friendly accommodation near the R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum. This affordable hotel offers ample parking, a meeting room, laundry facilities, free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, and pet-friendly rooms. Guest rooms are straightforward with modern touches, wood furnishings, hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, and coffee and tea makers. You can also request a rollaway bed or crib to accommodate the whole family.
A similar option located outside Salmon Arm is Super 8 by Wyndham Sicamous. Located about 15 miles from central Salmon Arm, this pet-friendly accommodation features an on-site bar, a restaurant, a hot tub, free Wi-Fi, and a free breakfast each morning. The modern guest rooms feature oversized wall art, daily housekeeping, hairdryers, and coffee makers. There's also a golf course nearby.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Enderby provides affordable accommodations within driving distance of Salmon Arm. Located off Highway 97, this property offers a seasonal outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant and bar, ample parking for cars and RVs, free Wi-Fi, banquet facilities, and pet-friendly rooms. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs and other standard amenities, and balconies are available upon request.