Sicamous

The first settlers in Sicamous were from Finland. Sicamous (meaning narrow or squeezed in the middle) has a history that consists of many interesting subjects, native heritage, Columbia gold discovery, paddlewheelers and construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR).

In 1885 permanent settlers arrived after the driving of the Last Spike at Craigellachie which linked Canada sea to sea. Old Town (or Eagle Pass Landing) became an instant town in 1871. It was the central supply centre for railway construction. Later in the early 1900′s CPR hill became a residential development. Finlayson’s store and a jail was built in 1892 adding a post office in 1904.

The first school was opened around the years of 1908 and 1910. In 1949 the bridge was built across the channel, having previously been just a ferry crossing. Several hotels were opened over the years. In the early 1900′s the well known Sicamous Hotel was built.

Life in Sicamous means a spectacular variety of amenities on one’s doorstop – Sicamous is known as the “Houseboat Capital of Canada” and the “Gateway to the Shuswap” and is home to world class houseboating vacations in the summer and a sledding destination in the winter. Sicamous is economically diversified and possesses a small-town sense of community that makes all the difference to residents.

INDUSTRY:
Tourism and agriculture