At the western end of Kamloops Lake, Savona lies where the lake meets the Thompson River. This location gives the community a clear connection to the water; at the same time, its original name and historic transportation link tell of a time when ferries, stagecoaches, and steamboats played a role in travel. For choosing a place based on lakeshore and history, Savona offers two distinct focal points, both closely tied to the community.
Lakeshore and landscape
Savona is surrounded by semi-arid grasslands and hills. Savona Lakeshore Park has a beach with floating docks, beach volleyball courts, and a playground area. The amenities offer different ways to enjoy the lakeshore, from swimming and beach volleyball to a place to play. You can also choose where to stay based on which of these specific park amenities interest you during your visit.
From a ferry’s name to local history
Savona was originally called Savona’s Ferry. Around 1859, Francois Saveneux built a ferry across the mouth of the Thompson River, and the name came from this connection. Historic Savona was on the north shore of Kamloops Lake and was the terminus of the stagecoach line from Cache Creek on the Cariboo Wagon Road. The community’s name and location thus point to a time when crossing the river and continuing by land were part of the same journey.
The ferry also remained part of this transportation history: in 1870, the government took over the cable ferry at Savona’s Ferry. In the past, travelers had to continue by steamboat up the lake to Kamloops, into the Shuswap Country, and to the Big Bend goldfields on the Columbia River. These stops describe a historic travel route, not a current transportation service.
The Savona Heritage Museum invites visitors to learn about the region’s history. If you want to understand the community through its past as well as its lakeside location, the museum adds a regional perspective to the stories of the ferry, stagecoach, and steamboat.
On the water and nearby
Savona Boat Launch offers another point of interest on the water: it has new docks and a second launch ramp. The floating log boom breakwater was installed in 2015. The facilities at the boat launch therefore differ from the recreational amenities at Savona Lakeshore Park.
Mount Savona Park is nearby. From the town of Savona, it can be reached via Tunkwa Lake Road. Steelhead Park on Kamloops Lake is also nearby. It offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, and Savona is the closest community. These parks are separate destinations in the surrounding area and should not be confused with the amenities at Savona Lakeshore Park.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Savona, you can choose your focus based on the lakeshore and local history. The nearby options add to this perspective without requiring a specific route or travel time.
Discover more destinations: Barrière, Little Fort, Spences Bridge, Monte Creek, Ashcroft, Avola, Clearwater, Lytton.
For the regional travel overview: Thompson-Nicola.
