The best waterside camping near Enderby

At the top of the Okanagan region, wrapped by the ribbon-like curves of the slow-flowing Shuswap River, sits the charming town of Enderby. Surrounded by park and farmland, its feel is decidedly rural, which makes it an ideal place to find quiet solitude when exploring its many creeks, lakes, and hiking trails. Backcountry snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and pond hockey are super popular with locals during the winter months, while golf, fishing, and any sort of watersport imaginable are on tap in summertime. Wildlife is abundant along the river’s shore so keep your eyes peeled for deer, eagles and painted turtles.

The impressive and unique bare-rock face of Enderby Cliffs was created by the Okanagan Glacier slicing through a 1,000-meter thick blanket of lava, which burst from the earth 50 million years ago. Today, the cliffs soar up 1,200 meters above the Okanagan Basin, giving hikers a hard-earned view of the sparkling Shuswap River and all the way south to Vernon. Reaching the summit takes up to three hours and is not for novice hikers.

Traditionally used as a transport route by the Splatsin First Nation, and later by European settlers and their logging mills, the Shuswap River remains an important waterway today—but for recreation rather than industry. River tubing is one of the most popular summer pastimes, with a number of different length floats available, ranging from half an hour to six hours. In July and August, River Ambassadors help campers navigate their route.

Beyond its 20th year of showing Hollywood blockbusters on its massive screen—the largest in North America—Starlight Drive-In lets you relax in the comfort of your own campervan or car. Harkening back to the 1960s and the heyday of drive-ins, this once neglected theatre on the south end of town has once again become a family favourite. On a warm summer night, road trippers can pick up some burgers and shakes in town and head here along Highway 97A.