Welcome to Savona
Savona sits on the western end of Kamloops Lake, where the Thompson River narrows before flowing east toward Kamloops. It's a small community — fewer than 500 permanent residents — but it punches well above its weight in terms of natural beauty and quality of life. The lake stretches east as far as you can see, the hills rise steeply on both sides, and on a clear morning the light on the water is genuinely spectacular.
The community has a long history as a transportation waypoint. The Trans-Canada Highway and the CN Rail mainline both pass through Savona, and the area was an important crossing point during the Gold Rush era. Today, the history is visible in the character of the older homes and the community's unpretentious, self-sufficient culture.
Savona attracts two distinct buyer profiles: retirees and semi-retirees looking for a peaceful lakeside lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of Okanagan waterfront, and younger families or remote workers who want space, nature, and a short commute to Kamloops. Both groups tend to stay — the turnover rate in Savona is low, which tells you something about how residents feel about living there.
Savona Real Estate Market
Savona's housing stock is diverse for its size. You'll find waterfront and near-waterfront properties with direct lake access or panoramic views, hillside homes on larger lots, affordable manufactured homes in established parks, and occasional acreage parcels on the surrounding benchlands. The mix creates genuine options across a wide price range.
Savona offers exceptional value relative to comparable lakefront properties in the Okanagan. Single-family homes typically range from $400,000 to $700,000 depending on location and views. True waterfront properties with dock access can exceed $800,000. Manufactured homes in parks start around $200,000 to $350,000, making Savona one of the most accessible entry points for lakeside living in BC.
The Savona market is small by volume — typically fewer than 20 sales per year — which means properties can sit longer than in Kamloops proper, but also that motivated buyers have genuine negotiating room. Inventory is limited, and when a desirable waterfront property comes available, it tends to move quickly. Working with a realtor who monitors the market closely is particularly valuable here.
One important consideration for Savona buyers: the community is in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), not the City of Kamloops. This means different tax rates, different services, and different zoning rules than you'd encounter in Kamloops proper. Property taxes are generally lower, but services (road maintenance, water, sewer) may be more limited depending on the specific property. Always verify what services are included before purchasing.
Lifestyle & Amenities in Savona
Outdoor Recreation
Savona is genuinely exceptional for water-based recreation. Kamloops Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in the Thompson region, with excellent rainbow trout fishing that draws anglers from across BC. Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are all popular from spring through fall. The lake warms to comfortable swimming temperatures by July.
Steelhead Provincial Park, located just east of Savona along the Thompson River, offers camping, fishing, and river access. The surrounding hills provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and ATV riding on a network of informal trails. The dry, semi-arid landscape is unique in BC — the kind of terrain that feels more like the American Southwest than what most people picture when they think of British Columbia.
Community Services
Savona has a general store, post office, community library, and a K-7 elementary school (Savona Elementary). High school students are bussed to Kamloops, which is a consideration for families with teenagers. The community hall is active and hosts local events throughout the year. For more comprehensive services — grocery shopping, medical care, restaurants — Kamloops is 30 minutes east on the Trans-Canada.
Commute to Kamloops
Savona is approximately 30 minutes west of Kamloops via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). The drive is straightforward and scenic, following the Thompson River through the canyon. Winter driving requires care — the highway can be icy and the canyon section is occasionally affected by rockfall — but it's a manageable commute for those who work in Kamloops. Remote workers and retirees will find the distance entirely comfortable.
Internet & Connectivity
Connectivity in Savona has improved significantly in recent years. Telus has extended service to the area, and most properties have access to adequate internet for remote work. That said, speeds and reliability vary by specific location — always verify connectivity at a specific address before purchasing if remote work is a priority.
Who Savona Is Right For
Savona is an excellent fit for buyers who prioritise natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a quiet community atmosphere over urban amenities. Retirees and semi-retirees who want lakeside living without Okanagan prices consistently find Savona compelling. Remote workers who can tolerate a 30-minute drive to Kamloops for errands and services will find the lifestyle genuinely rewarding.
Families with young children should factor in the school situation carefully. The K-7 elementary school is well-regarded, but high school students commute to Kamloops daily. For some families, this is fine; for others, it's a dealbreaker. It's worth visiting Savona in both summer and winter before committing — the winter experience (shorter days, icy roads, limited local services) is meaningfully different from the summer experience.
If you're drawn to the idea of lakeside living but find Okanagan prices out of reach, Savona deserves serious consideration. The value proposition is genuine, and the lifestyle quality is high. Explore our TNRD community overview for context on the broader region, or contact Kevin directly to discuss whether Savona fits your goals.