HI Shuswap, if you blink you would miss it. That’s not just some silly cliche, it’s true. Hell, even after I’ve stayed here I still drive right past it without realizing it.  What’s so unique about staying at HI Shuswap?  It’s unique because you sleep in old CP Rail train cabooses. It is may seem less than sanitary, but the experience is well worth it.  HI Shuswap is located right off Trans Canada Hwy 1 just outside Chase, BC.  The entrance is the old Squalix General Store nestled in some trees just off Lake Shuswap.

After hours of driving, I was on sensory overload when I walked into the Squalix General Store to check-in.  It was old, musty and extremely cluttered.  In fact I was almost certain the food on the shelves was older than I am and made a mental note to dig through my car for snacks rather than buying them from the store.  After checking in I was lead to the back of the store, down some stairs and outside to the backyard.  It was ultra hippy, but very cool all the same.  The grass was long and littered with various works of “art” in the form of antiques or junk to some.  They had a lovely garden and Llamas.  Yep, I said Llamas!  As cool as the yard was, I was more interested in checking out my caboose!

Walking into my Caboose was like going back in time.  Each caboose can sleep 4 people and comes complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and sitting area.  The air was slightly musty and as I mentioned above there was a less than sanitary feel to the place. But I didn’t care. I was going to spend the night in a CABOOSE!

HI Shuswap is not an easy find, its Squalix General Store is JUST before a large turn in the Hwy and can easily be missed if you’re not paying attention. It’s not an overly popular place, which makes it a nice getaway.  Shuswap, like most of British Columbia is a gorgeous. It’s full or mountains, lakes and wildlife.  It’s a a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the scenery. HI Shuswap is closed in the winter months, but opens every spring.