sponsored
What is the S.S. Sicamous?
The S.S. Sicamous is the largest surviving ship of its kind in Canada! The inside hosts a museum that features the history of Penticton and the Okanagan Valley. The lower deck has the original steam boiler, steam engines and a model of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) with working miniature trains. The upper decks have been fully restored, and you can see the cabins, dining room and even the Captain’s wheel. Visits take up to an hour, and guided tours are available. You can find the ship on Okanagan beach, in Penticton BC.
Events on the S.S. Sicamous
Check our current and upcoming events at the S.S. Sicamous in Penticton B.C ~ South Okanagan Region
We have a variety of new and exciting events happening in 2023. check out our website to learn about each individual event coming up. You can buy your tickets at the Ship during office hours or you can purchase your tickets online here.
All funds raised at our events will go towards the SS Sicamous Marine Heritage Park and Museum. Since Covid19 we had to shut down our doors permanently which resulted in a significant loss of funds and revenue. Now that we are able to open up, we are working towards raising funds for updates to museum and restoration projects out in the Park.
Outside In the Park:
In the spring, summer and autumn we have a team of volunteers working in the engine room of CN Tug #6. You will also see volunteers busily going to and from the Dredge Shed. The Dredge Shed heritage structure houses many of the restoration activities in the cooler months! Work is also ongoing inside of the S.S. Okanagan Stern Saloon (the last surviving structure from a sister ship of the S.S. Sicamous). In addition the Society is also working on restoring the interior of the S.S. Naramata (the last surviving steam tug in the interior of BC) so that the ship can be viewed for tours by locals and tourist like the S.S. Sicamous.
Is the Museum Wheel Chair Accessible?
Yes, you can view the first and second level of the museum using an exterior elevator, however the third level and wheel house are not accessible with a wheel chair. The elevator was installed thanks to partial funding from the Government of Canada’s Accessibility Fund, and the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust.
Who runs the Museum?
The museum is cared for by the S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society. There is one full time and one part time employee, and a team of 8 volunteer directors. Funds raised from admissions are directed back towards the restoration of the SS Sicamous, and the ships in the park. Volunteers are on board year round, undertaking work in the ship, and developing the displays.
Why is the work of the Sicamous Society important?
There were once sternwheelers and tugs all over the lakes and rivers of BC. This part of our history is quickly being lost, as the ships are lost to decay, torn apart for scrap, or lost to fire. Without restoration, these physical reminders of the past would simply not survive, and would not be preserved for future generations. By undertaking these restorations, we are able to communicate their importance with the public, and raise awareness about this aspect of Canadian history.
When is the Museum open?
The Sicamous is now closed for the winter season.
We will re-open again for the summer season May 19, 2023.
Click here for up to date opening times and office hours: open hours. The museum is often closed on Saturdays (to host Weddings!) and if you would like to check, just give the crew a call at 250-492-0403 or email us at info@sssicamous.ca.
Where to Find the Museum
The S.S. Sicamous is on Okanagan beach in Penticton, BC. We pride ourselves on being easy to find! Just look for the big white paddle wheeler on the shore of Okanagan Lake.
The address for the ship is 1099 Lakeshore Drive West, Penticton, British Columbia (Canada).
Average Visit Time
Time varies depending on the group, but we suggest allowing 45 minutes to an hour for a full self guided tour of the ship.
Food and Snacks
During the summer there is a food vendor (Creperie OoLaLa) set up in the park, just beside the Paddle Wheel. They offer a selection of sweet and savoury crepes, and delicious coffee too. Other food vendors can sometimes be found nearby.
Parking
There is ample free parking all along Lakeshore drive. There is also a large parking lot just across the road in front of the LocoLanding Adventure Park. Tour buses can also pull up in front of the ship, with time for passengers to depart.
Wheel Chair Access
The SS Sicamous now has an elevator, allowing access to the primary museum areas on the second level of the ship. Some of the doorways are narrow, so a transport wheel chair is available if needed. Unfortunately no motorized vehicles are allowed in the elevator. There is a wheel chair accessible washroom on the cargo (ground) deck, close to the miniature model railway.
Baby Changing
There is a baby changing station on the second level, in the ladies saloon.
Nearby Attractions
The Children’s Wibit Water Park is on the lake in front of the ship. Just across the road is LocoLanding Adventure Park, and Cherry on Top and Lickity Splitz Ice Cream Shops. We are a short walk from downtown Penticton.
