Sicamous

The “Houseboat Capital of Canada” sits where Shuswap and Mara Lakes converge, creating a playground that transforms with the seasons. Sicamous has mastered the art of being a four-season destination without the pretense — houseboating dominates summer months while snowmobilers carve through winter trails that connect to some of BC’s most extensive backcountry networks.

What makes Sicamous different isn’t just the water access. The town sits at a geographic sweet spot where the Monashee and Shuswap Highland mountains create natural wind protection, making lake conditions more predictable than many Interior destinations. This reliability has built a loyal following among boaters who return year after year, driving consistent demand for vacation properties and retirement homes.

The demographics tell the story clearly: with a median age of 57.6 years and 31% of residents over 65, Sicamous attracts people who’ve earned their leisure time. These aren’t first-time buyers stretching for affordability — they’re established purchasers looking for lifestyle properties where equity often matters more than income verification.

Tourism infrastructure runs deep here. The town supports multiple marinas, houseboat rental operations, and seasonal businesses that have operated for decades. While unemployment sits at 11.4%, much of this reflects the seasonal nature of work rather than economic distress. Construction trades show strong representation at 14.8% of employment, driven by ongoing vacation home development and renovation projects.

The housing market reflects this recreational focus, with 10.8% of dwellings classified as movable — think RVs and seasonal setups that support the tourism ecosystem. Single-detached homes dominate at 63.5%, perfect for the lake-focused lifestyle that draws people here.

For mortgage brokers working with clients who need flexible lending solutions — whether it’s debt consolidation for a vacation property purchase, bridge financing for retirement relocations, or equity-based loans where traditional income verification doesn’t fit — Sicamous represents opportunity. Our maximum 55% LTV reflects the smaller market reality while recognizing the strong demand fundamentals that keep this community thriving across economic cycles.