Driving Tours in Kamloops, British Columbia
Kamloops and Area Driving Tours
Make Kamloops home-base while exploring all the Kamloops area has to offer. Take in the incredible wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park, get immersed in the Gold Rush history of the area, and view the wide-open vistas of ranch country. Whatever the destination, visitors will return to Kamloops with vibrant memories of the day's driving tour.
The North Thompson Valley Driving Tour
Exploring Nature’s Grandeur - 370 km/229 mi round trip
Helmcken Falls at Wells Gray ParkTo really get away from it all, be sure to take this day trip north from Kamloops to the majestic wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park. First take Highway 5 north and stop for refreshments in Barriere. Then continue on to Clearwater, which is about 125 km (77 miles) north of Kamloops, and stop in at the Visitor Info Centre to plan the activities for the day. In the summer, don’t miss the hike to Trophy Mountain Wildflower Meadows for a stunning colourful display. And be sure to drive to the spectacular viewpoint at Helmcken Falls — Canada’s fourth-highest waterfall. With five large wilderness lakes, Wells Gray Provincial Park is also one of BC’s top destinations for canoe trips. Rent a canoe for a few hours or go an extended trip with a guide. Trail riding and fishing are also popular activities in this majestic area. Return to Clearwater and drive south back to Kamloops.
Sun Peaks and the Lakes Driving Tour
Mountain Scenery at its Finest - 150 km/93 mi round trip
This beautiful road trip takes visitors past top-notch fishing lakes and includes a stop at Sun Peaks Resort. Take Highway 1 east for just over 50 km (35 miles) to Chase, and stop for a refreshing swim at Memorial Park Public Beach before crossing the South Thompson River to Shuswap Road. About 11 km (7 miles) from Chase, turn right on the McGillivray Lake Road (gravel) for the 30 km (19 mile) ascent to Sun Peaks. NOTE: Active logging road, use extreme caution!!! Drive on to Sun Peaks, a picturesque European-style village. Hike in the alpine meadows, play a round of golf, bike in what’s been named one of the five best mountain bike parks in North America, or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of many fine restaurants before returning to Kamloops via Tod Mountain Road and then south on Highway 5.
The Nicola Valley Driving Tour
Big Skies and Open Vistas - 174 km/108 mi round trip
Travel through the wide-open spaces of ranch country. Take Highway 5A 25 km (15 mi) to Stump Lake Ranch, an 80,000 acre cattle ranch established in 1883 and do a little fly-fishing to catch the infamous Kamloops Trout. Continue on Highway 5A and take the turnoff for Douglas Lake Ranch, Canada’s largest cattle operation. Back on Highway 5A, travel south to Quilchena to visit the historic Quilchena Hotel, to enjoy a fine meal prepared by European chefs or play a round of golf at the adjacent course. Drive on to Nicola, an old ranching community that is home to many restored buildings, and then on to Merritt — renowned for the Merritt Mountain Music Festival each July. Travel north on Highway 5 (Coquihalla Highway) and east on Highway 1 for the 75 km (46 mi) return trip to Kamloops.
Gold Country Driving Tour
Relive BC’s Gold Rush - 208 km/129 mi round trip
Gold Panning in KamloopsStep back in time and experience BC’s Gold Rush history. Travel west from Kamloops for 65 km (40 miles) on Highway 1 to McAbee Fossil Beds, where visitors may find a 50 million year old fossil. Continuing to Cache Creek, turn right on Highway 97 and refresh at Bonaparte Bend Winery (famous for its fruit wines) and Horstings Farm Market, where visitors can pick up some fresh produce or a mouthwatering fruit pie. Continue on Highway 97 for another 9 km (6 miles) to Historic Hat Creek Ranch. This is a great place to spend a few hours and go for a stage coach ride, try panning for gold, and explore a recreated ancient Shuswap village. Drive back south through Cache Creek and travel along Highway 97C for 10 km (6 miles) to Ashcroft. Check out the Ashcroft Museum, which brings the past to life. In the summer, travel east along Highway 97C for 55 km (34 miles) to Logan Lake. Return to Kamloops by traveling along the Lac Le Jeune Road.
Information
Kamloops Visitor Centre: 1-800-662-1994