Salmon Arm

Salmon Arm sits at the heart of the Shuswap region where the South Thompson River meets Shuswap Lake, creating over 400 kilometers of pristine shoreline that draws visitors from across Western Canada. This isn’t your typical lakeside retirement town — it’s evolved into a four-season destination where agriculture, tourism, and small manufacturing create a surprisingly resilient economic base.

The numbers tell an interesting story: with 30.4% of residents over 65, Salmon Arm has become a magnet for retirees seeking affordable lakefront living without sacrificing amenities. Yet the community maintains vitality through its role as a regional service hub, supporting smaller communities throughout the Shuswap while benefiting from proximity to Kamloops and the Okanagan.

What sets Salmon Arm apart is its agricultural heritage meeting modern recreational demands. The area produces everything from dairy and beef to specialty crops, while the lake system supports a massive houseboating industry that brings thousands of visitors annually. The famous salmon run at the wharf creates a spectacle that’s both tourist draw and reminder of the area’s natural abundance.

For mortgage brokers, Salmon Arm represents solid fundamentals wrapped in lifestyle appeal. Properties here benefit from both local demand and investment interest from Vancouver and Calgary buyers seeking recreational properties or retirement destinations. The diverse economy — retail trade leading at 14.3%, followed closely by healthcare and construction — provides stability that single-industry towns can’t match.

Tekamar offers up to 70% LTV in Salmon Arm, reflecting our confidence in the local market’s liquidity and the community’s enduring appeal. When properties do come to market, the combination of lifestyle buyers, retirees, and recreational investors typically ensures reasonable absorption times, even during slower periods.

The community’s investment in infrastructure, from the expanded recreation complex to ongoing downtown revitalization, signals confidence in long-term growth while maintaining the small-town character that originally attracted residents.