7.67 Acres of Bare Land - Mara, Sicamous, BC

Be prepared to never want to leave.

This acreage presents a kaleidoscope of visual delights with deep blue Mara Lake, green shades of Rosemond Lake, and the moody Shuswap River winding southward. The sunlight constantly changes the ‘painting’ as it plays with the deep green forests and green fields below. While the boat sits in the driveway, it is understandable that you just may want to stay and breathe it all in—even with the highly sought-after lakes that are minutes away.

Meticulous attention has been given to the grading, not only of the road but the banks and building sites. The irregular shape of the property lines was thoughtfully created considering typography and access. Selective tree removal will enhance views as the property owner desires.

This property comes complete with power, well water, and septic (on the lower portion). These services are on the lower level of the property and can be brought to the upper level. There are two level building sites on the upper level. The CR zoning permits a secondary residence not exceeding 186 square metres.

Both well water and septic reports are available.

23 Poirier Road East - Mara, Sicamous, BC

Please contact Listing Agent for access instructions.

Within the Shuswap and Okanagan areas the small community of Mara, population 350, rests on the Shuswap River and enjoys a gentle climate, and relaxed lifestyle, with abundant recreational and cultural activities. This quiet little piece of paradise is often bypassed as tourists head north towards Sicamous or south to the Okanagan.

Mara Lake is flanked to the west by Hyde Mountain and to the east, by Morton Peak. The outlet of the Shuswap River forms the upper reaches. The lower end of the lake enters the narrows at Sicamous and flows into Shuswap Lake.

Sicamous, a mere 15-minute drive from Mara, is a haven for boaters and vacationers looking for a summer holiday on the water. With over 1,000 km of shoreline, renting a houseboat is very popular with the town declaring itself the ‘Houseboat Capital of Canada.’ In addition to a multitude of outdoor activities, Sicamous has plentiful shops, restaurants, services, and accommodations, making it a convenient opportunity to stock up and dine out.

Rosemond Lake, at the south end of Mara Lake, is bordered on the east by farmland and on the west by woodland and a recreation reserve. Access to the lake is by canoe or rowboat under the railway trestle from Mara Lake. Rosemond Lake is popular with birdwatchers, as it is the home of eagles, osprey, geese, swans, ducks, and loons.

The northern end of Mara Lake is about 73 km west of Revelstoke, 140 km east of Kamloops, and 75 km north of Vernon. Driving to Kelowna’s International Airport is about a 1.5-hour drive.

River Tubing

Ideal for an afternoon of relaxation and fun, the Shuswap River provides a ribbon of water curling its way across the valley between Mara and Mabel Lakes. The waters run past Hunters Range and Enderby Cliffs, forested canyons, farmers' fields, and the occasional wandering herd of cattle. ‘Family and friend flotillas’ are often seen on inner tubes—or anything inflatable, swimming and paddling down this waterway.

Water Sports

Whether wakeboarding, wake surfing, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, or kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding, take your pick—there is something for everyone.

Houseboating

The Shuswap Lake is home to sandy beaches, towering waterfalls, and warm, clear water. Rafting up jet skis and boats brings plenty of other recreational enjoyment to any imaginable watersport and fishing. With about 30 accessible marine parks, there is plenty of opportunity to hike and explore the shoreline or jump in for a refreshing swim.

Fishing

Fishing is also popular with an abundance of rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, kokanee, and lake trout. The most proliferated species caught in this lake are Northern pikeminnow and rainbow trout.

Golf

Set in the hills above beautiful Mara Lake, 18-hole MaraHills is one of the most scenic and challenging courses—designed by master architect Les Furber. 9-hole Birchdale Golf Course in nearby Grindrod offers a 9-hole course with a spectacular backdrop of the towering, red-tinted lava face of the Enderby Cliffs.

Provincial Parks

With a broad sandy beach, Mara Provincial Park is along the eastern shores of Mara Lake just north of Mara. The park is a day-use only area but offers a variety of recreational activities popular for fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, watersports, and picnicking. Mara Meadows Park complements adjacent Upper Violet Creek Park and Mara Meadows Ecological Reserve, which contains a unique calcareous fen ecosystem with diverse flora including rare orchids—excellent material for nature buffs and photographers.

Snowmobiling

To the north, Owlhead is a popular area featuring varied riding terrain for everyone from families and novices to extreme ‘hill climbers. The iconic log cabin is a destination, built by club members and volunteers. Southward, Enderby is home to the Hunters Range Snowmobile Association with a day chalet and shelter, marked groomed and non-groomed trails. The alpine meadows and bowls are a substantial draw for riders.

Silver Star Mountain Resort

This resort is the most northerly winter playground in the Okanagan Valley. The resort not only offers some of the finest ski and snowboarding, and, but also offers plenty of options for tubing, cross-country skiing, skating, mountain biking (with summer lift access), alpine walking trails, shopping, and a variety of dining options.

Mara was named after John Andrew Mara (1840-1920) who not only owned a large portion of ranch land in the area but was also a well-known merchant and politician.

Settlement in the community of Mara began around 1887, with many of the settlers arriving after 1892 when the Shuswap and Okanagan railway was completed. The Shuswap and Okanagan Railway (later the Canadian Pacific Railway) ran between Sicamous and Okanagan Landing at the north end of Okanagan Lake, where the paddle wheelers took passengers and freight further down the lake.

The Historic Mara Train Station, built in 1892, was located on the Shuswap and Okanagan Railroad. Before the arrival of the railway, transportation to and from Mara was by way of paddle wheeler up and down the Shuswap River, and by stagecoach that ran along the west side of Mara Lake. The train station was recently moved across the road from its original position on the railway line to its present location on the banks of the Shuswap River.

50°42'4.88"N and 119° 2'0.45"W