Marine Insurance for Boating on Shuswap Lake

Navigate the inviting waters of Shuswap Lake with the right boat insurance.

The importance of boat insurance on
Shuswap Lake

Boating on B.C.’s Shuswap Lake isn’t without risk. Boat insurance protects you, your passengers, and your boat. It provides you with needed financial protection when the unexpected happens.

Here’s why you need boat insurance:

  • Boat insurance protects you against an accident, injury, or death liability
  • Property damage
  • Theft, vandalism
  • Boat insurance protects you against a fire on your boat
  • Severe weather
  • Accident with uninsured/underinsured boat
  • Boat insurance can help cover legal fees, medical expenses, and property repairs or replacements

Marine insurance isn’t mandatory for boating on Shuswap Lake, but B.C. marinas can require it for mooring.

It’s recommended that you have $3 million in liability insurance coverage as part of your marine insurance to protect yourself as a boat owner in British Columbia.

Here’s what you need to know about boating on Shuswap Lake:

Where is it?

Shuswap Lake is located in the Shuswap region of B.C., north of the Okanagan, between Kamloops and Revelstoke.

The lake is in the heart of a region known as the Columbia Shuswap or "the Shuswap" and it’s known for its recreational lakeshore communities, including the city of Salmon Arm.

Shuswap lake is made up of four arms, the Shuswap Lake Main Arm, Salmon Arm, Anstey Arm, and Seymour Arm.

The name Shuswap comes from the Shuswap or Secwepemc First Nations people. Shuswap may be derived from sixwt, which means down river.

What’s there to do on Shuswap Lake?

Popular activities include boating, fishing, and water sports such as water skiing and snorkeling.

It’s known as one of the best house boating lakes in Canada.

How fast can my boat go on Shuswap Lake?

It’s important to obey all posted speed and vessel restrictions on the lake to promote safety and to protect the lake's ecosystem and shoreline.

Did you know?

Local legend has it that Shuswap Lake has a lake monster, an eight-metre (25-foot)-long serpentine creature, known as the Shuswap Lake Monster, Shugumu, or Shuswaggi. 

Is there any fishing?

The Shuswap region is home to some of BC’s best year round fishing opportunities. Whether it’s fishing on Shuswap Lake or one of its many tributaries, there’s plenty of fishing.

There’s a wide variety of fish, including Rainbow trout, Lake trout, Bull trout, Kokanee salmon and Burbot.

What makes Shuswap Lake stand out is the amount of salmon that spawn in its tributaries every fall. A number of Shuswap’s tributaries are home to Coho, Sockeye, Chinook, and Pink salmon and, as a result, every spring there’s a flush of salmon fry that migrate through the lake on their way to the ocean.

You must have a valid B.C. fishing license to fish on the lake.

Are there any beaches?

Blind Bay Beaches (also known as Pebble Beach and Sandy Beach) are two of the most popular beaches on Shuswap Lake.

The water temperature is very inviting for swimmers during the summer.

What about camping?

There’s camping at Shuswap Lake Park.

Shuswap Lake Park also has a boat launch.

How do I safely dock my boat?

  1. Always approach the dock slowly, whether you’re at a harbour, marina, or a private dock. Waves caused by a higher speed may disrupt other boaters.
  2. Approach the dock from the right angle. The ideal angle of approach is around 30 degrees. When your boat is within 10 metres of your docking point, shift into neutral and let your momentum carry you to the dock.
  3. Just before your boat touches the dock, turn its steering wheel so that the boat is positioned parallel to the dock.
  4. Once your boat is no longer moving, tie the mooring ropes at the bow and stern to the cleats on the dock.

Tips for safe boating on Shuswap Lake

  • You need an appropriate, approved life jacket for each person on board your boat.
  • Know the area where you are boating and be aware of any hazards, such as rocks or logs.
  • Do not drink or do drugs when boating. Both can impair your judgment.
  • Have a bailer or manual bilge pump on board
  • Have a paddle on board
  • Have a sound signaling device (whistle) and flares
  • Have a magnetic compass
  • Have a watertight flashlight if you are operating your boat at night
  • Be aware of the heat and say hydrated
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return to shore.

Why choose Western for your B.C.
boat insurance?

Expertise

We are a leading Canadian insurance broker that works with our insurance partners to get you the best coverage options to protect your boat.

Competitive pricing

We offer competitive pricing to get you B.C. marine insurance at the best value for you.

Customer service

We are committed to providing excellent customer service and we are always available to answer any questions you may have about your boat insurance needs in British Columbia.

Convenience

We offer a range of online, phone, and in-person services, making it easy for you to get the B.C. marine insurance policy you need and to make changes as needed.