S.S. Sicamous

Like a faded rose
in an autumn garden, she
lingers on the shore

~ carliewired

The S.S. Sicamous was once a luxury liner serving the communities on Okanagan Lake. From 1914 to 1937, she hauled freight and passengers for its owner, the Canadian Pacific Railway. In the days before our highway systems were very extensive, this 5 deck sternwheeler did it all! She is about 200 feet in length and about 1800 tons. Built in Port Arthur, Ontario she was shipped in segments by rail and was launched at Okanagan Landing on May 19, 1914.

The S.S. Sicamous was the most expensive sternwheeler in the CPR's service. She has a steel hull and was built to a very high standard. She had a 65 foot long dining hall, brass fittings, staterooms, skylights, mirrors and electric lights.

In 1936, the S.S. Sicamous was taken out of service. It was stripped of valuables and left afloat at the waterfront at Okanagan Landing near Vernon, BC. In 1951 the City of Penticton purchased her for one dollar. She was towed back to Penticton to rest at her former dock. From 1951 to 1965 the S.S. Sicamous served as a museum on the shoreline of Okanagan Lake, Penticton, British Columbia. It subsequently served as a restaurant until 1988 when it was restored. It now serves as an historic site. It is the main feature in the S.S. Sicamous Paddle Wheeler and Heritage Park which is operated by the S.S. Sicamous Restortation Society. Its mandate is to protect the marine heritage of the Okanagan.

On Monday, May 19, 2014 (Victoria Day), a commemorative stamp and a first day of issue cover will be unveiled by Canada Post to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the S.S. Sicamous' launch at Okanagan Landing. Special events will be held on the S.S. Sicamous to mark the day.