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Kamloops is a city in British Columbia's southern interior, built where the North and South Thompson rivers meet. The surrounding landscape is strikingly dry for the province, with sagebrush, grasslands and eroded hillsides, and it has been home to the Secwépemc people for thousands of years. Once a fur trade post, the city has grown into a regional hub known for sports facilities and outdoor recreation.
Riverside Park sits along the Thompson, with a beach, walking paths and summer concerts. Downtown, the Kamloops Museum and Archives explores Secwépemc and settler history, and the Kamloops Art Gallery shows contemporary and regional work. The Kamloops Heritage Railway runs excursions using a restored steam locomotive. For hiking and biking, Kenna Cartwright Nature Park covers a large area of hills on the city's edge, Peterson Creek Nature Park offers a canyon trail close to downtown, and the Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area bursts with wildflowers in spring. MacArthur Island Park has sports fields and a lagoon. East of town, the BC Wildlife Park cares for native species, and Kamloops Lake lies to the west for boating and fishing.
Kamloops suits road-trippers, mountain bikers and families. Summers are hot and sunny, while winter brings skiers bound for nearby resorts such as Sun Peaks, making the city a year-round stop.
WiserMap travel guideKamloops British Columbia River Parks and Sun Peaks TripsPlan your Kamloops trip with river parks, grassland trails, a wildlife park, Kamloops Lake and Sun Peaks nearby, plus food, stays and a simple itinerary.Read the guide
A large downtown park on the South Thompson River, with a sandy beach, a spray park, gardens, a Japanese garden and a band shell that hosts free summer evening concerts. A riverside path runs along the water. It is the city's favorite summer gathering place, so bring a picnic.
A big sports and recreation park on the north shore of the Thompson River, with a lagoon, walking loops, sports fields, a golf course and a sports centre. It is a good place for birdwatching and an easy walk around the water. Please do not feed the waterfowl, as bread harms them.
A large park in the hills right above downtown, with trails up through dry grasslands and pine to a small waterfall in a creek canyon, and views over the city and the rivers. Trails range from easy to steep. Go early on summer days to avoid the heat, and watch for rattlesnakes.
The largest municipal park in British Columbia, covering Mount Dufferin on the city's west side, with about 40 km of trails for hiking and mountain biking through grasslands and forest. The summit gives views of the city and the river valley. Bring water, as there is little shade.
A city museum downtown with displays on Secwépemc history, the fur trade, gold seekers, ranching, the railway and the growth of the city. Entry is usually free or by donation. It is a good rainy day stop, and the archives welcome researchers interested in local history.
A public art gallery in the same building as the city library downtown, showing contemporary Canadian and Indigenous art in changing exhibitions. It also has a good gift shop with local crafts. Check the website for free entry days and talks, and combine it with a walk on Victoria Street.
A museum on Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc land beside the South Thompson River, with exhibits on Secwépemc culture and history, archaeological remains of ancient winter pit houses and an ethnobotanical garden. Visit respectfully, and check opening times in advance, as they vary by season.
A volunteer run heritage railway that operates the restored steam locomotive 2141 on short excursions from the old CN station downtown, with seasonal themed rides such as a ghost train in October and holiday trains in December. Book ahead for special events, which sell out quickly.
A conservation park east of the city with more than 60 species of animals native to British Columbia, including grizzly bears, cougars, moose and wolves, many of them rescued. It also runs a wildlife rehabilitation centre. Allow a few hours, and visit in the morning when animals are most active.
A large protected area of rolling grasslands, lakes and open forest north of the city, with spring wildflowers, birds and gentle hiking trails. The views from the hilltops are wide. Roads are gravel and can be muddy in spring, and visitors should watch for rattlesnakes and cattle on the trails.
A long lake west of the city formed by the Thompson River, set among dry hills and hoodoos, with beaches at Savona and viewpoints along the Trans Canada Highway. It is good for boating and fishing. Stop at the highway pullouts for views of the lake and its colorful, eroded cliffs.
One of Canada's largest ski areas, about 50 km northeast of Kamloops, with a pedestrian village, ski runs on three mountains and mountain biking, golf and hiking in summer. It makes an easy day trip from the city. Check road conditions in winter, and book lift tickets online for the best prices.
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