Walking Tour

Heritage Walking Tour

The Story of Sek'maws

Although CPR Hill on the west side of the Channel was the first neighbourhood to develop (1890s), this walking tour concentrates on the eastern side of the channel where the original principal high street of Sicamous – Finlayson Street –intersects with the Channel at Young Crescent and Riverside Avenue.

This project was developed by the Sicamous & District Museum & Historical Society

1. Welcome to Sek'maws

Sicamous & District Museum & Historical Society

Sicamous (Sek’Maws) is located at the confluence of several valleys and waterways in the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc First Nation. The Sicamous area has been home to Indigenous people since time immemorial, though more recently, permanent European settlement followed development of the transcontinental railway which was completed in 1886. Just over a century later, in December 1989, the District of Sicamous was incorporated.

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Due to its geography, Sicamous was and continues to be a gateway community. It has been a gateway to the fur trade and the goldfields of the past and continues to be a gateway to the mountains, forest resources, the Okanagan Valley, and the Shuswap Lake system.
For the most part, proximity to water has been a blessing - Sicamous first became known as the Houseboat Capital of Canada in 1969. However, the town has suffered catastrophic consequences from several flood events, most notably in 1948, 1972 and 2012.

2. Early Education

Sicamous & District Museum & Historical Society

Eagle Valley Schoolhouse, c. 1921 The original one room Eagle Valley Schoolhouse was built in 1921, on the same land that is now home to the local high school.

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Eagle Valley Secondary, c. 1950

To increase capacity, a new three classroom building was constructed in 1950. The opening of the new school corresponded with a change in name from Eagle Valley School to Eagle River School.
Eagle Valley Memorial, c. early 2000s

On this spot you will also find the Eagle Valley Memorial, which is dedicated to the children and young adults of Sicamous who have tragically lost their lives since 1950.

3. The First Catholic Church

Sicamous & District Museum & Historical Society

In 1956 this church was moved to this spot intact from a Catholic Mission property in Oyama, and became Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church the Roman Catholic Church. Today it is the Shuswap Community Church and an important community gathering place known as The Hub.

4. Finlaysons' Eastward Expansion

Sicamous & District Museum & Historical Society

This was the location of Sicamous Supplies Ltd., a hardware store built in 1952 which was added to the planing mill that had been built four years before. It was replaced with a second two storey retail building that now houses the optometrist and Rene Scissorhands.
As you walk down Finlayson Street, take the time to notice these other buildings that once lined this street.

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Vernacular Cottage, c. 1940s

This small clapboard house was originally a summer cottage built in the 1940s and used by a pair of missionary women where Sunday School, bible study classes and crafts were taught.
First World War Internment Camp Building/Gem Cafe, c. 1915

This building was constructed as part of the nearby Two Mile Camp, a First World War internment camp for Ukrainian internees located on the east side of nearby Mara Lake. It was later moved to this location and became the Gem Cafe. Today it is the real estate office.
Finlayson Garage, c. 1921

Roy Finlayson (son of M.J. and Bill Finlayson) established a garage with Imperial Oil/Esso gas pumps here. He employed two mechanics and operated the shop until retiring in 1959.

The Finlayson Cabin, c. 1919

A simple log structure whose front entry faced the rail line (now the TransCanada Highway). Replaced by the Sicamous Confectionary, later Luke’s Grocery Store.
The Finlayson House

Built for pioneer businesswoman/philanthropist Mary Janet Finlayson (proprietor of Finlayson General Store) and her husband William (Bill), a CPR Mail Clerk. Classic craftsman style.

5. On The Water

Sicamous & District Museum & Historical Society

Third Finlayson Store, c. 1947 Built on this site in 1947 by Doug and Blanche Finlayson after the family moved their home and business off CPR Hill.

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The First Fire Hall, c. 1953

Built with two vehicle bays downstairs and two club rooms upstairs.

Site of the Car Ferry, c. 1932

Operated between 1932–1949, consisting of two pontoons separated by a 20-foot-wide deck, pushed by an outboard motor boat.

6. Young Crescent’s Early Years

Sicamous & District Museum & Historical Society

Sicamous Boat Livery, c. 1940s Purchased in 1947 by Archie Young, it operated on the Channel until the early 1960s. He rented/maintained small wooden boats, while his wife Ellen ran a Ladies Wear & Dry Goods store.

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Site of Wood-n-Stepp Store

In the late 1940s, Alvin Wood and Monty Stepp partnered to open the Wood-n-Stepp grocery store here, known for fresh meat products.

7. Forestry Service Buildings

Sicamous & District Museum & Historical Society

Forest Service Garage This building housed pack horses that hauled wildfire fighting equipment to the Nara Mountain fire lookout.

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The Marina

Built in 1948 by the BC Forestry Service, this building later became The Marina, providing boat storage, fuel and launching services.

8. The Red Barn

Sicamous & District Museum & Historical Society

This former Community Hall was built by Fred Peters with lumber from RW Bruhn Lumber Co. on land donated by M.J. Finlayson.

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CPR Bunkhouse

Relocated here in 1945 from below the train platform on CPR Hill, where it served as a bunkhouse for railway employees.

Forest Service Building In 1941, this became the assembly point for pack horse teams provisioning fire lookout stations and coordinating wildfire operations.

9. First Bridge & CPR Hill

Sicamous & District Museum & Historical Society

The first vehicle bridge (1949) across Sicamous Narrows had wooden decking and a steel girder main span.

10. Sicamous Legion & RCMP

Sicamous & District Museum & Historical Society

Branch #99 Sicamous, Royal Canadian Legion Opened in 1959 with a second storey added in 1965. Still used for dances, receptions, and dinners.

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Veteran’s Memorial

Until this cenotaph’s dedication in 1980, Remembrance Day ceremonies were held at Malakwa’s cenotaph.
Former RCMP Detachment

Built in 1968 with offices, a courtroom, two detention cells, and living quarters. Served as the local jail until 2003, later converted to a residence.