Travel Guide by David
Introduction
Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Thompson-Nicola region, Kamloops is often called the “Tournament Capital of Canada.” But beyond its sports reputation, it’s a destination full of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and a warm small-city charm that surprises many first-time visitors.
Located where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet, Kamloops offers an exciting mix of hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, and lakeside leisure. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip along the Trans-Canada Highway or planning a weekend escape, Kamloops is the perfect place to unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best places to see in Kamloops, including scenic parks, cultural attractions, and some local food gems that capture the city’s spirit.
1. Riverside Park – The City’s Outdoor Heart
Right in downtown Kamloops lies Riverside Park, a green oasis along the South Thompson River. It’s the city’s most popular park and a great place to begin your exploration.
Visitors can stroll along the Rivers Trail, relax on the sandy beach, or enjoy free concerts at the Rotary Bandshell during summer evenings. The park’s beautifully maintained gardens and shaded paths make it a favourite for both locals and travelers.
If you’re visiting in July or August, don’t miss the Music in the Park event — a nightly concert series featuring local musicians and food vendors, all with the river as your backdrop.
2. Kenna Cartwright Nature Park
Named after Kamloops’ first female mayor, Kenna Cartwright Nature Park is the largest municipal park in British Columbia, covering over 800 hectares of rolling hills and forest.
The park boasts over 40 km of trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and even snowshoeing in winter. The reward for the climb? Breathtaking panoramic views of Kamloops, the Thompson Rivers, and the surrounding mountains.
At sunset, the park transforms into one of the most picturesque spots in the city. Bring your camera — the golden light reflecting off the hills is truly spectacular.
3. Sun Peaks Resort
About 45 minutes northeast of Kamloops lies Sun Peaks Resort, the second-largest ski area in Canada after Whistler. But don’t think it’s only a winter destination — this alpine village offers year-round adventure.
In winter, you’ll find top-notch skiing, snowboarding, and even dog sledding. In summer, the resort turns into a mountain biking paradise, with lift-accessed trails and hiking routes that reveal wildflower meadows and alpine lakes.
The village itself is charming, with boutique shops, cafés, and cozy lodges. Even if you’re not into outdoor sports, a day trip here is worth it for the scenery alone.
4. BC Wildlife Park
For families and animal lovers, the BC Wildlife Park is one of Kamloops’ top attractions. It’s home to over 60 species of animals native to British Columbia, including cougars, bears, bison, lynx, and the iconic Spirit Bear.
The park focuses on conservation and education, offering visitors the chance to learn about wildlife rehabilitation and the challenges these species face in the wild. Don’t miss the bird of prey demonstrations or the miniature train ride — fun for kids and adults alike.
5. McArthur Island Park
Another gem along the river, McArthur Island Park is a hub for recreation and relaxation. The park offers walking trails, sports fields, a skate park, and even a golf course.
The Rivers Trail loops through here too, making it easy to connect your visit to other parts of the city on foot or bike. In fall, this is one of the best spots for watching salmon spawn in the Thompson River — a fascinating natural event.
6. Kamloops Heritage Railway
Step back in time with a ride on the Kamloops Heritage Railway. This restored steam locomotive offers scenic journeys through the Thompson Valley, often complete with costumed characters reenacting historical stories.
The most famous excursion is the Spirit of Kamloops run, where passengers experience a blend of history and theatre on the rails. During Halloween and Christmas, themed rides like the “Ghost Train” and “Santa Train” make for unforgettable experiences.
7. Monte Creek Winery
Kamloops is part of British Columbia’s emerging Thompson Valley wine region, and Monte Creek Winery is one of its brightest stars.
Located just 15 minutes east of the city, the winery offers tastings of locally crafted reds, whites, and rosés, paired with beautiful vineyard views overlooking the river valley.
The on-site restaurant serves fresh, farm-inspired dishes — perfect for a relaxed lunch or evening meal. The winery also has a small boutique where you can pick up bottles and local honey as souvenirs.
8. Kamloops Art Gallery & Cultural District
Downtown Kamloops has a vibrant arts scene, anchored by the Kamloops Art Gallery. It features rotating exhibits of contemporary Canadian art and thought-provoking installations by local and national artists.
Just around the corner, you’ll find the Sagebrush Theatre, Paramount Theatre, and the Kamloops Museum & Archives, which showcases the area’s Indigenous heritage and frontier history. The downtown cultural district is compact, so you can explore it easily on foot, grabbing coffee at local spots like The Art We Are or Hello Toast.
9. Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area
If you’re looking for wide-open landscapes and peaceful hiking trails, head north of the city to Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area. This vast conservation area protects rolling grasslands, lakes, and sagebrush ecosystems — some of the most unique habitats in British Columbia.
Popular trails like Isobel Lake and Battle Bluff reward hikers with stunning viewpoints of Kamloops Lake and the Thompson Valley. Spring is especially beautiful here, when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
10. Kamloops Lake
Stretching west of the city, Kamloops Lake is a stunning natural feature shaped by the Thompson River. The lake’s turquoise waters and surrounding cliffs make it a fantastic spot for boating, fishing, or just relaxing by the shore.
One of the best viewpoints is Tranquille on the Lake, a historical site that was once a sanatorium and now offers guided tours, a farmers’ market, and seasonal events. The sunsets over Kamloops Lake are some of the most beautiful in the entire interior region.
Table A – Top Attractions in Kamloops
| Attraction | Highlight | Distance from Downtown |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside Park | City’s main riverside park | In city centre |
| Kenna Cartwright Park | Panoramic viewpoints, hiking | 5 km |
| Sun Peaks Resort | Skiing, biking, alpine views | 58 km |
| BC Wildlife Park | Indigenous species, family fun | 15 km |
| Monte Creek Winery | Wine tasting, scenic views | 17 km |
| Lac du Bois Grasslands | Nature trails, wildflowers | 10–25 km |
11. Local Food & Restaurants
Kamloops has an underrated but vibrant food scene. For locally inspired dishes, try Terra Restaurant downtown, which uses seasonal ingredients from nearby farms. Brownstone Restaurant offers fine dining in a historic heritage building, while The Noble Pig combines craft brewing with creative comfort food.
For breakfast, locals swear by Hello Toast — a cheerful café that’s always busy but worth the wait.
12. Festivals and Events
Kamloops hosts an impressive lineup of annual events that reflect its lively community:
- Kamloops Film Festival (March) – Showcasing independent and international cinema.
- RibFest (August) – A massive summer BBQ celebration with live music.
- Brewloops Festival (September) – Dedicated to craft beer, bikes, and music.
- Snow Rodeo (Winter) – A fun event at Sun Peaks Resort featuring freestyle skiing and snowboarding competitions.
13. Getting There & Around
Kamloops is a major transportation hub in interior BC. You can reach it via Highway 1 (Trans-Canada) or Highway 5 (Coquihalla) if driving from Vancouver. The Kamloops Airport (YKA) connects to major cities, and VIA Rail’s Canadian line stops here on its scenic journey between Toronto and Vancouver.
Within the city, buses, taxis, and rideshare options are available, but having a car gives you the most freedom to explore nearby natural areas.
Conclusion
Kamloops might not always make the top of the travel lists, but it should. With its unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural warmth, and easy accessibility, it’s a destination that embodies the true spirit of the British Columbia interior.
Whether you’re hiking through grasslands, tasting wine on a sunny patio, or simply sitting by the river at sunset, Kamloops has a way of making you feel both relaxed and alive.
As I left the city, watching the Thompson Rivers merge under a glowing sky, I realized Kamloops isn’t just a stopover — it’s a place that quietly captures your heart and invites you back.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on our research and available data at the time of writing. Details such as entry fees, schedules, or operating hours may change. If you find any inaccuracies or have updated information, please contact us at info[@]studyworld.ca, and we’ll review and update the content accordingly.