Things To Do
in Kamloops
Kamloops is a small-to-medium sized city in the Thompson-Nicola region of interior British Columbia known for its sunny, dry climate and outdoor recreation. It sits where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet and serves as a hub for ranching, forestry, education and tourism. The city blends Indigenous Secwépemc heritage, a growing craft beer and food scene, and easy access to mountains, lakes and trails.
Kamloops is practical for road-trip itineraries and works well as a base for exploring nearby provincial parks and Sun Peaks Resort.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Kamloops Museum and Archives, where you can explore local history and indigenous culture through engaging exhibits. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along Victoria Street, admiring the historic buildings that showcase the town's heritage. Don’t forget to grab a coffee from a local café to fuel up for the day ahead.
Head over to the beautiful Riverside Park for a picnic lunch by the Thompson River. After enjoying your meal, take a relaxing walk along the riverbank, soaking in the scenic views and perhaps spotting some local wildlife. For art enthusiasts, a visit to the Kamloops Art Gallery will add a vibrant touch to your afternoon.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at one of the many charming restaurants in the downtown area, where you can savor local cuisine. Following your meal, take a stroll through the city to appreciate the art installations and murals that light up the streets. Finish your evening with a visit to a local pub or brewery to experience Kamloops' vibrant nightlife.
Set out early for a day of adventure at Kamloops Lake, where you can enjoy a hearty breakfast at a lakeside café. Afterward, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the tranquil waters surrounded by stunning landscapes. The morning sun glistens off the lake, creating a perfect backdrop for your water activities.
Continue your adventure with a picnic lunch on the shore, relishing the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Spend the afternoon hiking along the nearby trails, where you can capture breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you immerse yourself in the serene environment.
As the day winds down, return to Kamloops and enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant with a view of the lake. Reflect on your day’s adventures while enjoying a glass of local wine or craft beer. If you have energy left, consider a night walk along the river to enjoy the stars above.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Pint at a local brewery | $6-9 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $10-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to outdoor recreation (hiking, biking, water sports, skiing nearby)
- Sunny, dry climate with many clear days
- Strong local food, craft beer and winery scenes with community vibes
- Compact city center with easy day-trip options to parks and resorts
- Hot summers can bring wildfire smoke and air-quality concerns
- Fewer big-city cultural amenities and specialized services than major metropolitan centers
- Public transport is limited outside the core; a vehicle is useful for exploring surrounding areas
- Some remote outdoor areas may lack cell service and facilities
Places to Visit in Kamloops
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside Park offers riverfront boardwalks, bridges and sunset reflections — ideal for golden-hour shots and family/urban river scenes.
Extensive trails and lookout points give panoramic views over Kamloops, the Thompson River valley and surrounding hills — excellent for landscape and sunrise photography.
Lookouts along the Trans-Canada Highway and local side roads provide sweeping lake and mountain vistas, especially dramatic in clear summer and autumn light.
Forest, lakeshore and mountain backdrops with reflective water scenes; good for wildlife, canoe and landscape photography during calm mornings.
Colourful street art, historic brick buildings and the downtown streetscape offer interesting urban textures and portrait backgrounds.
Food in Kamloops
Kamloops Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Bannock (fried or baked bread) and modern Indigenous-inspired plates feature local ingredients — try them at community events, markets or restaurants highlighting Secwépemc cuisine.
Must-Try!
Interior BC ranching means quality beef and wild game are common on menus — look for bison, elk or AAA beef dishes at steakhouses and gastropubs.
Classic Canadian comfort dishes like poutine, hearty soups and sandwiches are staples at cafés and pubs around town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Runs seasonally (usually spring–fall) and is the best place to find local produce, baking, preserves, bannock and ready-to-eat snacks from local vendors.
Food trucks and weekend pop-ups near parks and events serve tacos, sandwiches and barbecue — check local listings or the visitor centre for current locations.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Canadians tend to be polite and respectful—form queues, say please and thank you, and smile. Personal space is valued.
Kamloops is on Secwépemc territory: be respectful at cultural sites, ask before photographing ceremonial events or art, and consider visiting Indigenous-run cultural centers to learn and support.
Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out waste, stay on trails, respect wildlife and obey signage in parks and protected areas.
Safety
Tipping in Kamloops
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Canada: around 15–20% in sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or 10–15% for counter service if you can, and rounding up or 10–15% for taxis. Tip hotel porters, housekeeping and tour guides according to service level.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Interac) and contactless payments are widely accepted. Cash is fine for markets and small vendors; ATMs available downtown. Mobile wallets are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Late snowmelt in higher elevations, warmer days but chilly mornings; wildflowers emerge and trail conditions can be muddy — pack layers and waterproof footwear.
Hot, dry and sunny with temperatures often in the mid-20s to low-30s °C (70s–90s °F); excellent for hiking, paddling and festivals, but be mindful of wildfire smoke and bring sun protection and water.
Crisp, colorful foliage in valley areas and cooler nights; great for photography and wine touring — layers recommended as temperatures can change quickly.
Cold with regular snow in town and heavier snow in surrounding mountains; skiing at nearby resorts (Sun Peaks) and winter sports are popular — bring winter boots, a warm coat and traction for icy sidewalks.
Kamloops at Night
Hiking in Kamloops
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Large network of trails close to town with switchbacks and viewpoints overlooking Kamloops and the Thompson River valley; offers options for short walks or longer hikes.
Trails around a scenic lake with forested paths, opportunities for wildlife viewing, swimming and paddling; family-friendly.
Semi-arid grassland trails with unique flora, rolling hills and panoramic views—good for spring wildflowers and autumn hikes.
Near the Sun Peaks Resort area, offering alpine hiking, scenic ridgelines and more challenging routes; reachable by a short drive from Kamloops.
Local trails with creekside forest, waterfalls and picnic spots; accessible and popular with families and trail runners.
Airports
How to reach Kamloops by plane.
Regional airport with flights to major Western Canadian hubs; about a 15–20 minute drive from downtown Kamloops depending on traffic.
Larger regional airport with more flight options and connections; roughly a 2–2.5 hour drive southeast of Kamloops.
Major international airport with extensive connections; approximately a 4–5 hour drive (or a short flight) from Kamloops.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The traditional Indigenous inhabitants of the area with living cultural communities, heritage and contributions to regional identity.
Residents of European descent involved historically in ranching, forestry and later urban development.
Thompson Rivers University brings a student population and young professionals contributing to cultural life and services.
Smaller immigrant and newcomer populations add cultural diversity and entrepreneurship, especially in food and retail sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is very popular — Kamloops has a strong junior hockey tradition and community support for local teams and rinks.
Mountain biking is a major recreational sport with many local trails attracting riders year-round.
Several scenic golf courses in and around the city are popular during the long summer season.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kamloops.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés, farm-to-table restaurants and some pubs; specify preferences and many kitchens will adapt dishes. Farmers’ market stalls often have vegan baked goods and plant-based options.
Vegan and gluten-free choices exist but are less ubiquitous than in larger cities—look for dedicated cafés, check menus online, or call ahead to confirm cross-contamination policies.
Restaurants are used to handling allergies; always state the allergy clearly and ask about ingredients. Carry any necessary medication as some remote outdoor areas are far from medical facilities.