McArthur Heights is a short but seriously steep climb above Blind Bay. In just 1.7 km the trail zig-zags up switchbacks, scree and exposed rock to a summit with sweeping views of Blind Bay, the South Shuswap, Squilax and Chase, with Todd Mountain at Sun Peaks on the horizon. Plan on roughly an hour up.
Trail at a glance
- Distance: 1.7 km one way from the McArthur Heights trailhead
- Difficulty: Most difficult
- Trailhead: turn north onto Balmoral Road, right on Reedman Point Road, left on McBride Road, then follow it to the end of the road and park
- Longer option: continue about 8 km south along the ridge to the Balmoral Lookout and arrange a shuttle at the Balmoral trailhead
Good to know
The trail is narrow and exposed, with loose rock and steep drop-offs — keep children well back, and don't cut switchbacks on the erosion-prone slope. Poles help on the descent. The trail is maintained by the Shuswap Trail Alliance.
McArthur Heights is a public trail rather than a business, so there's no owner to claim this page; trail volunteers can reach The Shuswap Loop to share closures or updates.