There are many things to do in and around the city of Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, at any time of year. Choosing what to accomplish first could be the most difficult task. With this list of the top activities, attractions, and things to do in Kamloops, you can focus your search.
1. Where is Kamloops?
The confluence of the North and South Thompson rivers is in the Canadian city of Kamloops in British Columbia. British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada, is where Kamloops is situated. It is located on the Thompson River, a short drive from Whistler and Banff National Park, as well as a few hours’ drive east of Vancouver.
2. What is Kamloops known for most?
The Canadian capital of tournaments, Kamloops, is touted as such. At premier sports venues like the Tournament Capital Centre, Kamloops Bike Ranch, and Tournament Capital Ranch, it hosts more than 100 sporting competitions each year (hockey, baseball, curling, etc.).
3. Is a trip to Kamloops worthwhile?
If you’re searching for a place with a decent blend of landscape, outdoor activities, and culture, Kamloops, British Columbia, is unquestionably worth visiting. There is a lot to see and do here, including lovely landscapes and welcoming locals. A visit is strongly advised!
4. What’s the weather like in Kamloops?
With average summertime temperatures of roughly 26° C, it can get rather hot and dry. The winter months can be chilly and snowy, with an average temperature of 2° C. Due to its location in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains, Kamloops typically have warmer weather than the majority of Canada.
5. What are the best activities and attractions in Kamloops?
Visit Kenna Cartwright Park to hike and bike
With almost 2,000 acres, Kamloops’ Kenna Cartwright Park holds the distinction of being British Columbia’s biggest municipal park. Given that Kenna Cartwright, one of the city’s former mayors, was a strong advocate for protecting the region’s parkland, it only seemed sensible to give the park her name.
There are 40 kilometers of hiking, running, and biking trails. Challenge yourself on the well-known Tower Trail for breathtaking city views; it is rather steep, but the rewards are worth it. Another popular choice among residents is Sunset Trail; visit it in the evening to see the ideal sunset over Kamloops Lake. Family-friendly Reservoir Trail has places for a wonderful picnic and has a low height.
Explore Riverside Park on foot
Riverside Park, which is situated along the Thompson River, is the ideal place to experience some nature in the middle of Kamloops. When you reach the sandy beach, pack a lunch and stroll along the Rivers Trail. This is the ideal location to go for a cool swim during the summer. If not, choose a seat at a picnic table along the river and take in the scenery; it’s the ideal setting for a light meal.
The park also has a children’s water park, playground, lawn bowling club, tennis courts, and lovely landscaping. It’s a simple and affordable method for families to spend time.
Any summer evening, visit the park to take in the Music in the Park event, which has a new live performance every time. You never know what to expect with a variety of musical styles and the occasional theatrical show.
Snowboard or ski at Sun Peaks Resort
Sun Peaks Resort offers skiers and snowboarders 4,270 acres of terrain to enjoy just 40 minutes from Kamloops. There are many opportunities to enjoy the excitement of skiing down a snowy mountain, with 13 chairlifts and 137 ski trails (varying from beginner to expert).
The Sun Peaks, which is properly named, boasts an average of more than 2,000 hours of sunshine each year. The Kamloops region is well recognized for receiving a lot of suns. That implies there will be lots of sunny, clear days for skiing where there will be new snow. Just remember to wear sunscreen because the light reflecting off the snow is a certain way to acquire a nasty sunburn.
Visit the BC Wildlife Park to learn more about animals
The BC Wildlife Park provides an opportunity to learn about the various creatures of British Columbia, including black bears, bobcats, coyotes, and cougars. You may see over 60 different types of fauna, including different-sized mammals, insects, and birds, in the park. Additionally, it houses a hospital and rehabilitation center for injured and abandoned wild animals discovered in the province’s southern interior.
The BC Wildlife Park is a fantastic place to learn about the local flora, regardless of whether you’re traveling from abroad or are from an urban area of BC where wildlife encounters are rare. A day spent ambling through the park, observing the animals in action, and touring the grounds while learning about each species may be easily filled.
Ride a horse around the Kamloops region
Visit a nearby ranch to ride a horse around the Kamloops region. You’ll love using a horse to explore the natural splendor of the southern interior, whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice.
The Campbell Hills Guest Ranch and Jandana Ranch are two ranches that provide horseback riding excursions. Despite being close to the city, the ranches’ rural environments are perfect for those seeking a tranquil getaway.
If horseback riding is high on your bucket list for Kamloops, make sure to schedule your trip carefully since most activities run seasonally from mid-spring to mid-fall.
Check out Kamloops’ downtown
There are approximately 100 retail stores downtown, so no matter what you’re searching for—a specific item or a one-of-a-kind souvenir—you’re sure to find it there. A few examples of specialty shops include a game store, a skateboard store, a bookstore, and a few secondhand businesses.
Once you’ve finished your shopping, have a bite to eat or stop by one of the many nearby coffee shops for a cup of coffee. Restaurant selections include anything from Indian to Mexican to a poutinerie, while the quaint cafés are ideal for relaxing with a cup of tea or a languid breakfast on a rainy day.
If you’re indecisive about where to dine and your chance to be in town in late July, you’re in luck because the Taste of Downtown Festival offers samples from the greatest restaurants in the area while also supporting the neighborhood food bank and offering a music program.
Lake Kamloops canoeing
Kamloops Lake is a tranquil lake just outside the city with many nooks and crannies to explore, whether you choose to canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. The lake is the perfect size for a peaceful paddle, measuring 1.6 kilometers in width and 29 kilometers in length with a maximum depth of about 150 meters.
The best place to start your paddle is at a boat launch on the north shore. As you follow the shoreline, take in your surroundings. You’ll pass by cliffs, rocky beaches, hoodoos, and train tracks, among other fascinating sights and sounds. Although the lake is a terrific place to fit in a workout, it is better to take it easy and take your time so you don’t miss anything.
At the Kamloops Heritage Railway, board the steam train
“2141,” one of the 25 engines the Canadian Locomotive Company constructed for the Canadian Northern Railway, is housed at the nonprofit Kamloops Heritage Railway. The engine was initially employed to carry passengers across the plains and across the Rockies in the early 20th century. In the 1950s, it eventually traveled to British Columbia to load logs on Vancouver Island.
The restored steam locomotive is still in Kamloops and gives tourists a chance to take a trip in the traditional manner. Throughout the year, the engine is used for special events, such as the Halloween Trick-or-Treat train, a holiday train in the early winter, and a July Spirit of Kamloops tour.
Go fishing is a must
You’ll be glad to know that Kamloops and the surrounding area provide almost year-round fishing opportunities if you enjoy the sport. The greatest fishing seasons are usually spring and fall, but summer and winter offer special experiences for devoted anglers.
Visit the highlands in the summer to see what you may catch in a lake at a greater altitude. The fish are still biting behind all that ice in the winter, so bundle up and give ice fishing a try. Make sure the ice is thick enough to safely conduct the activity before heading to Monte Lake, just over 30 minutes outside the city.
Take a look at the Kamloops Art Gallery (KAG)
In addition to housing a collection of books, the Kamloops library also shares a contemporary building with the 20,853-square-foot Kamloops Art Gallery. The KAG hosts a constantly changing schedule of traveling exhibitions that include both contemporary art and historical art.
Although the gallery is small, it frequently displays pieces that are on loan from other significant museums, and its exhibits are carefully curated to inform and inspire. The gift shop is also a terrific place to find a special souvenir or gift from your trip. It’s well worth setting aside an hour or two to visit the gallery if you’re nearby.
