Kamloops Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Kamloops is a place of striking contrasts, where the rugged, sagebrush-covered hills of the British Columbia Interior meet the cool, rushing waters of the Thompson Rivers. It is a city defined by its landscape, a semi-arid desert environment that feels distinctly different from the coastal rainforests of Vancouver or the alpine peaks of the Rockies. Here, the air is dry, the sun shines for over 2,000 hours a year, and the lifestyle is inextricably linked to the outdoors.

Visitors are often surprised by the diversity of experiences available in this “Tournament Capital of Canada.” One moment you might be hiking through clay hoodoos that resemble the American Southwest, and forty-five minutes later, you can be in the sub-alpine meadows of Sun Peaks. It is a destination that invites you to slow down and appreciate the raw beauty of the land, whether you are sipping wine on a vineyard patio or paddling through the silent waters of a nearby lake.

A Meeting Place of History and Culture

For thousands of years, this valley has been the home of the Secwépemc (Shuswap) people. The name Kamloops comes from the Secwépemc word “Tk’emlúps,” meaning “where the rivers meet.” This confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers has always been a vital gathering place for trade, travel, and sustenance. Today, the connection to this heritage remains strong, with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc playing a central role in the region’s cultural identity.

In the 19th century, the area boomed as a fur trading post and later as a key stop during the Gold Rush and the construction of the transcontinental railway. You can still see echoes of this pioneer past in the historic brick buildings of downtown and the beautifully preserved steam train, the Kamloops Heritage Railway. The city has evolved into a modern urban centre, but it has never lost that frontier spirit and welcoming hospitality.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

BC Wildlife Park - Located 15 km east of downtown, this vast park is home to nearly 200 animals. It is the best place to see a Spirit Bear (Kermode bear) up close. Admission is approximately $18 CAD for adults.

Sun Peaks Resort - Just a 45-minute drive (50 km) north, this year-round resort offers world-class skiing in winter and lift-accessed hiking and biking in summer. A summer sightseeing lift ticket costs around $35 CAD.

Riverside Park - The heart of the city, located right downtown. It features a sandy beach, tennis courts, and the “Music in the Park” series every evening in summer. Free access.

Kenna Cartwright Park - Incredible views of the valley can be found here, just 5 km from the city centre. With over 40 km of trails, it is the largest municipal park in the province. Free access.

Planning Your Visit

Kamloops is a major transportation hub, located at the intersection of the Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 5), the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1), and Highway 97. This makes it an easy 3.5-hour drive from Kelowna or a 4-hour drive from Vancouver. The city is spread out, so having a vehicle is highly recommended for accessing trailheads and wineries on the outskirts.

When packing, remember that the desert climate means significant temperature shifts. Summer days are hot, but nights cool down rapidly, so layers are essential. If you are visiting in summer, bring high-SPF sunscreen and a reusable water bottle, as the dry heat can be dehydrating. In winter, ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires (M+S or mountain/snowflake symbol), which are legally required on highways outside the city.

Whether you come for the summer heat and watersports or the crisp winter snow, Kamloops offers an unpretentious and adventurous escape. It is a city that embraces its unique geography, inviting you to explore the hoodoos, rivers, and mountains that make it one of British Columbia’s most fascinating landscapes.