Things to do

10 Fun Things To Do In Kamloops

Kamloops, Canada

The magnificent city of Kamloops is located in the Thompson Valley of British Columbia, where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet.

 In particular, if you enjoy the outdoors, Kamloops is an all-year-round destination with fantastic things to do at any time of the year. 

 There are many places to experience the local art and culture scene in the city’s center, as well as a variety of stores, cafés, and restaurants to explore. 

A variety of landscapes, including a desert, a verdant valley, grasslands, ponderosa pine woods, sandstone canyons, freshwater lakes, and snow-capped mountains, make up the region around Kamloops. 

Here Are 10 Fun Things to Do in Kamloops:

1. British Columbia Wildlife Park

The BC Wildlife Park provides an opportunity to learn about the various creatures of British Columbia, including black bears, bobcats, coyotes, and cougars. 

Just 15 minutes east of Kamloops, on the Trans-Canada Highway, sits the Wildlife Park. 

The greatest facility for owl breeding is reportedly found at the zoo, which is situated across an area of 106 acres. 

The park was founded in 1965 and is currently a participating member of CAZA. Over 60 different types of fauna, including different-sized mammals, insects, and birds, may be seen in the park.

Rescued wildlife is taken care of by the non-profit BC Wildlife Park. Their exemplary animal species, like bears, bobcats, elks, arctic wolves,  and cougars, are on display throughout the park. 

There are 209 animals in the park, including Clover, the sole Kermode Bear kept in human care worldwide.

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.

For information on seasonal events like feed presentations, animal interactions, Bird of Prey flight demonstrations, and Nature Express model train rides see the Daily Activity Schedule online.

One of the most Fun Things to Do in Kamloops is to experience the park’s VIP Wildlife Experiences, which let you get up and personal with the wildlife, and are a great way to make your trip truly special.

The Grizzly Bear Enclosure is one of the most well-liked attractions there, and there are regular demonstrations where you can learn about the bears’ lifestyle and ask a wildlife keeper questions. 

The Home Hardware Family Farm is a well-liked destination for families, where youngsters may interact with goats, pigs, lambs, chickens, and miniature donkeys. It is the perfect place for you to visit with your children.

2. Sun Peaks Resort

A visit to Sun Peaks is a must-do activity if you’re in Kamloops during the winter. The distance from Kamloops to this ski resort is around 45 minutes.

It has three mountains around a little village in the style of Europe with stores and eateries. Skiers and snowboarders can explore 4,270 acres of terrain at Sun Peaks Resort. 

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). 

Although Kamloops residents can easily go to the ski resort for a day excursion, ardent snow sports enthusiasts may wish to extend their stay to take advantage of as much fresh powder as possible.

There is another explanation for the name Sun Peaks. There are many gorgeous bluebird days to savor with 2,000 sunshine hours on average per year.

Other than snowboarding and downhill skiing, Sun Peaks offers a variety of activities. Cross-country skiing is available to guests during the winter or they can just stroll through the quaint village’s shops and eateries. 

The resort provides bike and hiking routes, sightseeing opportunities, and a golf course that is particularly picturesque in the summer.

The nearby village is enjoyable to explore as well, with eateries serving everything from sushi to homemade fudge and shops selling goods manufactured in the area, such as jewelry and artwork.

At Sun Peaks Resort, there are many hotels open during the winter, some of which have hot tubs on the balconies. It is one of the most Fun Things to Do in Kamloops filled with entertainment and adventure.

3. Downtown Kamloops

Explore the neighborhood’s shops, eateries, and cultural attractions for a genuine experience of downtown Kamloops.

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.

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.

Hello Toast is one of the renowned breakfast and lunch spots located in downtown Kamloops. It was established by friends, family, and other loved ones, and has been a part of the neighborhood for more than 20 years.

They take great satisfaction in providing a place where you can unwind with friends or finish up some work while enjoying an all-day breakfast or one of their delectable home-cooked lunch options.

If you’re traveling in late July and can’t decide where to eat, you’re in luck since the Taste of Downtown Festival offers a sampling of the greatest restaurants in the city.

You will have a wonderful and enthralling experience there. 

4. Kamloops Art Gallery

things to do in kamloops
Photo from kamloops art gallery

The largest gallery in interior BC is located in Kamloops. At the intersection of Victoria Street and Fifth Avenue in the heart of Kamloops, BC, stands the gallery.

It is equipped with a magnificent permanent collection of more than 3000 items.

For more than 40 years, the gallery has been a flourishing part of the community and offers visitors the chance to see excellent exhibitions by both emerging and well-known Canadian artists.

Along with the 20,853 square-foot Kamloops Art Gallery, it also occupies a contemporary space. The KAG hosts a constantly changing schedule of traveling exhibitions that include both contemporary art and historical art.

Although the gallery is modest in size, 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 a great spot to purchase a unique travel present or souvenir. Art lovers of all ages can have a life-changing experience at the Kamloops Art Gallery.

Every year, the Gallery hosts over 12 exhibitions and offers a variety of accessible and reasonably priced activities for visitors of all ages, such as talks, tours, and studio-based programming.

It has something new to showcase every time you visit this place. 

5. Riverside Park

Riverside Park, which is situated along the Thompson River, is the ideal place to experience some nature in the middle of Kamloops.

One of the most Exciting Things to Do in Kamloops is to go directly to Riverside Park in order to get a flavor of the city.

With an outdoor splash pool, children’s playgrounds, and tennis courts, this park is a terrific spot to enjoy the outdoors. It also includes walking trails around its circumference to allow visitors to have a close view of nature.

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.

Any summer evening, visit the park to take in the Music in the Park event, which has a new live performance every time with a variety of musical styles and random performances of a play.

In addition to food trucks, the concession at Riverside Park also rents kayaks, water bikes, and lawn games. Walking along the river route is a terrific way to take in the outdoors without having to drive somewhere.

Visitors have excellent vistas along with numerous opportunities for bird viewing and other forms of nature appreciation on this trail, which runs directly alongside the Thompson River.

It’s a simple and affordable method for families to spend time.

6. Kamloops Heritage Park

The Kamloops Heritage Railway invites you to travel back in time on board the Spirit of Kamloops, a steam locomotive built in 1912.

2141,” one of the 25 engines the Canadian Locomotive Company constructed for the Canadian Northern Railway, is located 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 KHR 2141 steam locomotive was reactivated by a group of volunteers after spending more than three decades abandoned in a local park. Even the original nameplate, bell, and whistle are all present.

The restored steam locomotive is still in Kamloops and gives tourists the chance to take a trip in the traditional manner. 

You may learn about its history and see some of the retired vehicles on the Guided Backshop Tour, which also includes steam locomotive 2141.

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.

Eight kilometers of the railway are covered by tours that last an hour to an hour and a half, and they frequently sell out.

From its modest beginnings to its importance in the country’s infrastructure, the museum chronicles the history of the railway in Canada.

7. Paul Lake Provincial Park

Paul Lake Provincial Park is a stunning 20-minute drive from Kamloops’ central business district.

It has a sizable campground, a well-liked day-use area with a beach, a boat launch, and hiking paths, all of which are surrounded by forest.

Gibraltar Rock’s towering cliff face is one of the attractions. The walk is around 3 kilometers round trip, and the climb to the top is steady, but the views are rewarding.

There is a boat launch and a sizable dock where you can unwind or go fishing for the day. You may hike up to the top of this spectacular cliff or paddle right alongside it in a kayak. With your friends or family, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it lakeside at one of the numerous picnic tables located along the shore.

There are both first-come, first-served campsites and those that require reservations in advance if you want to camp here.

The campground opens in the middle of May and is available for booked camping through the lengthy Labor Day weekend. The campground is available for first-come, first-served camping throughout the rest of September.

47 of the 90 campsites that are accessible by vehicle can be reserved in advance, with the remaining sites being first-come, first-served.

In the summer, the campground usually fills up, so if you want those, arrive early. The campground at the park is not wheelchair friendly. The campground is one of the Fun Things to Do in Kamloops.

8. McArthur Island Park

On the banks of the Thompson River, there is a nine-acre park called McArthur Island Park. It’s the perfect place for strolling, having a picnic, or simply unwinding in the shade thanks to the lovely trees and beach.

The area is filled with benches where you may relax and take in the beauty of nature with your dear ones.

 An active traveler must visit McArthur Island Park. The paved walking track surrounding the park provides a clear view of the baseball, lawn bowling, and soccer games.

One can stroll or jog over the smooth, secure surface of the 3.1 km paved promenade, which links diverse natural regions. Wonderful for a stroll and for observing wildlife like ducks, geese, marmots, and eagles is the paved walking trail that runs alongside the river.

Visit the Gregson Butterfly Garden if you’re in the area during the summer. You can frequently see a good number of butterflies there because it is full of flowers that they adore.

The place is usually crowded, hence you might find difficulty in parking. In order to find a good parking spot, try to arrive early. The place is great with a lot of activities to do.

9. Kenna Cartwright Park

Kenna Cartwright Nature Park is located on the outskirts of Kamloops. It is British Columbia’s biggest municipal park by a wide margin. The park, which spans more than 2,000 acres, is named after a past mayor.

The area’s more than 40 kilometers (25 miles) of hiking trails are its main draw.

Along the paths, there are some breathtaking viewpoint places where you may pause to take in expansive views of the Thompson Valley, Kamloops, the North, and South Thompson Rivers, and The Kamloops River.

The renowned Tower Trail is an easy 3.4-kilometer hike that is great for families and can be completed by small children.

It offers breathtaking views of the city. Please feel free to bring your dog along with you since the route is dog-friendly.

Be prepared to stop along the route for breaks if necessary because this trail has a modest climb all the way to the overlook. A travel tip that you can follow here is to bring water as it is entirely exposed in the summer.

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.

In the winter, the trails are accessible but not snow-free. Look for any posted signs to see the status of the trails because they may also close during the spring snowmelt or in the event of a severe fire risk.

You should be aware of your surroundings and considerate of other trail users because mountain bikers, dog walkers, and hikers all use the same routes.

10. Tobiano Golf Course

Photo from tobianogolf

Tobiano’s Golf Course is a stunning championship layout. Any golf enthusiast will be enthralled by the 18-hole, par 72 courses.

Tobiano Golf Course, one of Canada’s most beautiful courses, is situated on the coast of Kamloops Lake.

Every course offers breathtaking views, dramatic elevation changes, fairways with native grasses, and undulating, smooth greens. It is one of the fun things to do in Kamloops.

Golfers can enjoy some of the nicest views in British Columbia at the Tobiano Golf Course thanks to the breathtaking mountain scenery that spans the picturesque desert landscape.

Thomas McBroom, a golf course architect, created the championship layout, which will test your game with its abundance of water hazards, sand traps, and elevation variations that will keep you alert throughout each shot. 

The award-winning golf course in Tobiano, BC’s Black Iron Restaurant, offers breathtaking views, as do the distant mountains and Kamloops Lake.

https://youtu.be/M29xzkpTkAc

It’s the ideal location for getting together with friends before a round of golf and unwinding afterward. As you enjoy a delicious dinner and a drink of wine with friends, take in the breathtaking views.

These were 10 fun things to do in Kamloops. Kamloops has a variety of adventures to offer starting from exploring the heritage park, art gallery, golf course, island park, riverside park, local stores, and much more. The place is fit to try fun and wonderful things.

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