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ABOUT SEYMOUR ARM

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HISTORY OF (OGDEN CITY)
SEYMOUR ARM

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Seymour Arm holds the unique distinction of being the only community in the Shuswap and perhaps the entire province that became a ghost town twice. 

In 1865, Ogden City became the location of a bustling boomtown 

serving travellers to the Big Bend Gold Rush on the Columbia.

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With a peak population of 5000 residents and visitors, Ogden City had 13 stores, 11 shoemakers, 8 wash houses, 6 barber shops, 6 physicians, 6 saloons, 5 bakeries, 3 restaurants, 2 blacksmiths, 1 bath-house, 1 drug store, 1 stationery shop, and a livery stable. Unfortunately, the success of the town was short lived as it was destroyed by fire in the late 1860s.

A little while later (1910) - English developers rebuilt the town complete with a post office, school and hotel and named it Seymour Arm. They attempted to promote the area to settlers primarily coming from England and boasted of the potential of the area for growing fruit. Within one year, Seymour Arm had a population of over 200, making it the largest community on the lake after Salmon Arm. In 1915, the first fall fair was held on the town wharf in front of the hotel.  The displays included produce, flowers, fruits, crafts, and baking and besides the entrees from Seymour, they also came from Albas, Sorrento, and Anglemont.

 

Reality began to strike between 1914 and 1916, when many settlers left to fight in World War I, leaving their families behind to suffer financial ruin. Adding to the calamities, in 1916 a severe frost hit killing most of the fruit trees. As a result, the developers declared bankruptcy and most of the settlers were forced to leave and most of the land reverted to the crown for lack of tax payments. The hotel closed in 1925 and by 1940 the town was largely abandoned, save for a few remaining settlers. Today the hotel and one of the orchard-era mansions remain as historic sites, and the current locals enjoy Seymour Arm as a retirement and recreational community and has been home to Daniels Store and Marina since 1963.

Out and About Seymour Arm

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Silver Beach Provincial Park

Silver Beach is located on the west shores of the Seymour Arm just before the entrance to Bughouse Bay. This provincial park is blessed with puffy, white sand and rests in an attractive setting of Douglas fir and aspen.

Things to do while at Silver Beach: Picnic, Hike, Swimming, Boating and enjoy relaxing on the beach!

CAUTION: Shallow sandbars occur in front of the main beach, so if arriving by boat – a safer deeper area for approach and mooring is to your right along the shores of Bughouse Bay

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Bughouse Bay

Located at the very northern end of the Seymour Arm, Shuswap Lake – this tranquil bay is nestled at the base of Longridge and is the home of Daniels Store and Marina – a floating liquor and general store!

Things to do while at Bughouse Bay: Visit Daniels Store to fuel up and grab a treat! Also Swimming, Boating and Fishing, or just enjoy relaxing on the surrounding beaches!

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Seymour River Falls

A short, beautiful hike through old-growth cedar and hemlock leads to several viewpoints of the powerful Seymour River as it rushes through the canyon.

Things to do: Hike, explore, picnic and catch-and-release fishing.

Getting there: Follow Forest Service Road #1100 past the Seymour Arm townsite. Cross the Seymour River at approximately the 15 km marker, stay left and continue about 0.2 km. Look for a small trail marker and path on the left side of the road. A second viewpoint trail begins just before the Seymour River bridge.

Please explore safely: Stay back from canyon edges, supervise children closely and keep pets leashed. Stick to the trails and pack out what you pack in.

Happy exploring!

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Albas Falls

Explore five beautiful waterfalls along a scenic loop trail through Albas Provincial Park. The area is rich in history, with remnants of an old water-powered sawmill still visible along the creek.

Things to do: Hike, picnic, swim, fish or relax on the beach.

Getting there: Approximately kilometre 31 on the Seymour Forest Service Road.

Please explore safely: Bears are common, and the trail has steep sections, drop-offs, waterfalls and fast-moving water. Supervise children closely and keep pets leashed.

Stick to the trails, pack out what you pack in & happy exploring!

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Smurf's Country Kitchen

Tucked away in the mountains at the north end of Shuswap Lake, Smurf’s is a cozy local favourite serving hearty homemade breakfasts and lunches. Think homemade pies and soups, big sandwiches, fresh hash browns and hot coffee waiting for you.Takeaway dinners and party trays may also be available, just ask.

 

The goal is simple: come hungry, leave full and happy!

 

1531 Nittel Rd Call to confirm hours: (250) 833-6377

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Daniels Store and Marina

Once a quaint floating general store, Daniel’s has been serving Seymour Arm since 1963. The original store eventually needed to be moved from the water onto dry land, where it continues to welcome locals, boaters and visitors today.Stock up on everyday essentials like bread, milk and eggs, grab some treats or cold drinks, or find everything you need for a day on the lake.

Liquor Store • Cold Beer • Ice • Groceries • Sweet Treats • Souvenirs • Cabin • Auto & Marine Fuel • Propane Refills • Moorage • Free Wi-Fi & Cell Service

Hours

Summer-10 AM – 6 PM

Labour Day to Thanksgiving
Tuesday • Thursday • Saturday- 12 PM – 4 PM

Off-Season
Saturday-10 AM – 12 PM

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The Wheelhouse Pub

The best (and only) bar in Seymour Arm – celebrating lake life and beach bums! Recently upgraded and renovated!  Stop by for great food and drinks and enjoy the local lifestyle!

Address: 1296 Daniels Road – located beside the community Boat Launch.

Temporarily Closed- Stay tuned 

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The Seymour Arm Hotel

This old seven room hotel was built in 1910 and in its heyday also served as a restaurant that hosted a 65 seat dining room. This hotel oozes charm and still retains much of the original character if you happen to be one of the privileged few to receive a tour. Some locals believe it to be haunted by a former female guest but don’t worry the hotel is no longer operational.

 

However, you can find Auntie G’s at the Old Hotel most summer days, stop by and see what she’s been creating!

Auntie G’s creates unique, one-of-a-kind clothing by thrifting, reimagining and upcycling pieces into wearable art.

 Address: 1160 Abbott Road

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The Collings Mansion

Built in the early 1900s by renowned English watercolour artist Charles John Collings, this 13-room Tudor-style home is a fascinating piece of Seymour Arm history. Materials were brought in by boat and the estate was built by hand, complete with gardens, fruit trees and handcrafted furniture.

The Collings family lived here for decades, embracing pioneer life while maintaining their English traditions. In later years, Collings’ son Guy opened the estate for historical tours.

Today, the privately owned estate is being lovingly restored, including its gardens and fruit trees.

Location: Abbott Road, near the Old Hotel.

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Don Fink Community Park

Named in memory of beloved local Don Fink, this community park is a favourite gathering place in Seymour Arm.

Home to a ball field, playground, horseshoe pitch, volleyball area and picnic facilities, it also hosts the weekly horseshoe games, Farmers’ Markets and the famous August Long Weekend Sizzler Slow-Pitch Tournament.

Address: 1155 Abbott Rd

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Water Purification Plant

The Seymour Arm community water system draws fresh mountain water from Bass Creek, providing water to local homes and cabins. Free filtered drinking water is also available at the community water station.

Please note: Seymour Arm is under a permanent boil water advisory.

Ask a local and they’ll tell you—there’s no better water!

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The Mailboxes

Located between the water purification plant and Don Fink Field, the local mail is received twice weekly on Tuesday and Saturdays.​

The shelter around them also serves as the town’s public notice boards for events, advertisements and even the local lost and found!

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Community Boat Launch

Seymour Arm Wharf

Located beside the Wheelhouse Pub, the Seymour Arm Wharf is maintained by the Seymour Arm Community Association.

Visitors are encouraged to help support its upkeep by leaving a donation in the red box at the entrance to the dock.

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Community Hall

Seymour Arm Community Hall

Built in 1971 on land donated by the Daniels family, the Community Hall has long been at the heart of Seymour Arm. From 1988–1996, it even served as the community’s local school.

Today, the hall hosts community events, weddings, meetings, services and celebrations and is home to a small library.

The hall is available to rent through the Seymour Arm Community Association.

Location: Seymour Arm Bay Road

Daniels Store & Marina

1142 Seymour Arm Bay Road
Seymour Arm, BC V0E 1M0

Phone: (778) 765-1609

Need to reach us?

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