Salmon Arm B.C.  has one of those great little airports (CZAM) that position you into one of British Coumbia’s legendary resort areas: The Shuswap Lakes. 

The airport sports a 4260 ft paved runway at 1,751ft. ASL complete with washrooms, car rentals and avgas. It’s easy to get into, but be sure you have some mountain experience before planning a cross country to this little gem, as there are some pretty rugged rocks enroute from any direction. 

Our flight was from Pitt Meadows, and it took us only 1.3 hours direct. The easiest way upon arrival is to tune in early (122.9) for advisories, and come in from the north, over the lake. That way you’ll have a good view of the airport, and be able to easily join the circuit regardless of wind direction. Circuit altitude is 3000, and it’s right hand circuits for runway 32, so you can do your mid field, and turn left or right down wind as necessary.

Once there… there are tons of things to do. You can rent a car either from Thrifty: (250) 832-7774 or National Tilden: (250) 832-6066. Both of these are right at the airport and if you book before departure, they’ll have the car ready for you and call you on the UNICOM upon your arrival. You can then seek out your adventures on your own. If you want a neat experience, you can call Sharka and Jerry Hubicka (250-675-2405) who have a Bed and Breakfast in Blind Bay  www.blindbaybb.com  and are more then happy to come and pick you up. The B&B is just 20 minutes north of the airport, and puts you in walking distance from the shores of Blind Bay. The B&B is just minutes away from a great golf course, that also has an airstrip in the middle.

There are boat and canoe rentals on the lake, and a few access points along the shores to go swimming. Jerry has a great power boat that is fast enough to see a lot of the lake area. The Shuswap lakes are huge, and Jerry knows a lot of secret places for swimming and picnicking, but the boat is Jerry’s private boat, and not part of the B&B, but if you talk to him nicely, and help with the gas… you’re in for a treat!

If you want to spend a few days relaxing and reading this is the place to be. Sharka and Jerry are from the Czech Republic, but Sharka  is an expert on Ukrainian Cuisine. The food here is excellent!  I am not a fan of Borscht Soup, but Sharka’s is the best I’ve ever tasted, and we WILL be heading back for more.

The rooms are very comfortable each with private bathrooms, and if you get blessed with a rainy day, you can spend the day watching the big screen T.V. with surround sound, satellite service or videos in the common sitting area.  On nice days you can hike Margaret Falls, go fishing, horseback riding, golfing, check out the Salmon run in late August, even winter Cross Country Skiing.