Scale Drawing of the Stern Wheeler Sicamous - by Historian Robert Turner

About the Ship

The stern wheeler SS Sicamous is a luxury vessel that was used to transport passengers and cargo to remote communities along the shores of Okanagan Lake.

The ship was launched in 1914 from the Okanagan Landing Shipyards, at the north end of the lake. The Sicamous travelled from Penticton to Okanagan Landing daily (except Sunday) with 14 scheduled stops along the way. Her luxury and beauty attracted crowds at each dock, while travellers experienced elegance in dining and service renowned by Canadian Pacific.

Today the ship is preserved on the shore of Okanagan Lake, in Penticton BC. It open as a museum and heritage site and is cared for by a non-profit organization called the SS Sicamous Marine Heritage Society. The Sicamous is a unique part of Okanagan history and heritage.

Where did the SS Sicamous Travel?

The Sicamous travelled all along the shores of Okanagan lake, from Penticton in the south up to Okanagan Landing at the north end of the lake. There were 14 scheduled stops throughout, and ship could also make unscheduled stops at smaller settlements (the residents would stand on the shore and wave a white flag, or light two fires at night, to get the attention of the Captain!) The Sicamous would depart from Penticton at 5:30am every day, except Sunday. Weather and schedule permitting, it would be back in Penticton by 8pm each night.

Penticton was once a bustling railway town, and the wharf and railway station could be found together at the base of Martin Street, (close to where the peach concession stand is today). The Railway owned the Incola Hotel just across the road, and this is where many passengers would spend the night.

The Incola Hotel, Penticton

This was a luxury railway owned hotel, intended to rival the Banff Springs. It was at the base of Martin Street, just across from the Penticton wharf and railway station. The Sicamous would dock at 8pm each night, so passengers could depart the ship with their luggage, and easily check in to their rooms.

 Has the Sicamous always been in the Okanagan Valley?

The Sicamous has been in the Okanagan ever since her launch in 1914. The steel hull and boiler were actually built in Eastern Canada (in Thunder Bay, Ontario). The hull was transported across Canada by 17 rail cars, and then put together at the Okanagan Landing Ship Yards (at the north of Okanagan Lake) by a team of 150 men. Ship yard workers then began carving the upper decks from imported wood.

Why does it say SS Sicamous of Victoria on the Paddle Wheel?

Like ships today, the Sicamous had to be registered. At the turn of the 20th century, the port of registry was Victoria, so this was proudly written in gold paint on the back of the paddle wheel.

Fun Fact: When the Sicamous was launched a mistake was made, and Vancouver was accidentally written. It was repainted soon after the launch.

Why is it called the SS Sicamous?

Canadian Pacific Rail (CPR) had a tradition of naming their ships after the communities they served. There was an important railway station in Sicamous BC, and this is where our ship got her name.

Over the years the CPR also launched an SS Kelowna, SS Naramata, SS York, SS Okanagan, SS Slocan, SS Kootenay, SS Moyie and SS Revelstoke too.

Did you know?

The SS in each of these names stands for Steam Ship.

How many people could travel on the Sicamous?

When the ship was first launched the Sicamous could officially carry up to 500 people at a time. There were 30 rooms for overnight stays, and a total of 5 levels. After alterations to the ship in 1935, the maximum number of guests was reduced to 260.

How many people worked on the ship?

When first in service the Sicamous had a crew of 31-33 staff, plus one mail room clerk, and two express room clerks. Room and board was included with the wages.

The Crew of the SS Sicamous

June 1928. This photo was taken to commemorate the retirement of head chef Le Dye (top row, 5th from the left). After a long career in with Canadian Pacific, Mr. Dye decided it was time to return home, and be with his family in China.

First Captain and Officers on the S.S. Sicamous (1914).

From Left to Right Seated: W. Bracewell (Chief Engineer), George L. Estabrooks (Captain), A.G McDonald (Second Officer). From Left to Right Standing: A.A. McDonald (Purser), J.F. McRae (Second Engineer), A.G. Loomer (Expressman), Otto L. Estabrooks (first officer), W. Ferguson (Steward).

Before the rise of the automobile, journey by ship was the fastest and easiest way to travel in the Okanagan. The lake boats would have carried everything needed for daily life and commerce. The motorways hadn't been built yet, and the tracks for the Kettle Valley Railway were still being laid. Ships were the only reliable and efficient way for mail, people and cargo to travel.

The cargo deck of the Sicamous would have contained fruit and vegetables from the farms and orchards, livestock such as pigs or horses, machinery or supplies for building the KVR, and many other items besides. The CPR also had a contract for the mail routes, so letters and parcels would be transported inside. The upper levels of the ship were reserved for passengers. The trip from North to South would take about 8 hours (or a 16 hour round trip).

 When did the Sicamous stop running?

The Sicamous was retired from service in 1936.

What happened to the Sicamous after it was retired?

After her retirement, the SS Sicamous was stripped of valuables and tied up at the Okanagan Landing Ship Yards (close to the City of Vernon). For over a decade the SS Sicamous floated quietly, all through the Second World War and into the busy post-war years. There was little to attract attention to the steamer, and it was clear that the CPR would never run the ship again.

How did the Sicamous end up in Penticton?

The Sicamous docked in Penticton each night, and departed from here each morning, so local residents always considered the ship their own.

While the vessel was tied up at the ship yards there were rumours of other buyers but these all fell through. In 1949 the City of Penticton was approached by the Penticton Gyro Club, who wanted to use the ship as their club house. Together they arranged to purchase the ship from Canadian Pacific. She was towed back home to Penticton on a wet and windy day in August of 1951.

The Final Journey to Penticton

A solitary man waves at the Sicamous as she makes her final journey down the lake. The ship is being pushed by the M.V Okanagan, as sadly she was unable to make the journey under her own steam.

The SS Sicamous arrives home in Penticton

Crowds come to greet the Sicamous on a rainy day in August of 1951. Next they will dig a trench, and the ship will be pushed and secured. She is still there today, beside the beach in Penticton BC.