It’s time to round up the squad for a getaway without the family. Take a much-deserved break and enjoy time with your closest friends exploring everything Kamloops has to offer—free from lines, crowds or traffic. Check out these 7 ways to experience the best of Kamloops.
Road Trip
Hit the road in Kamloops and get awestruck. With unique landscapes and panoramic views at every turn, you’ll want to plan at least a pitstop or two along the way for a photo opp. Pack a charcuterie picnic and take in Kamloops Lake from the Kamloops Lake Lookout on Hwy 1 west. Keep your eyes peeled for hoodoo formations driving along East Shuswap Road or hiking in Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park. If it's flavour you’re after, go on a taste of Kamloops tour for a laidback loop of the city designed for foodies.
Cheers To Wine O'Clock
Home to 4 of Canada’s northernmost wineries, Kamloops makes tastings with vineyard owners the norm, not the exception. Enjoy a glass and dine al fresco while savouring the view from the patio at Monte Creek Winery, Kamloops’ largest winery. Share a bottle (and a few laughs) at Harper’s Trail Winery, Kamloops’ first winery—we recommend the Pioneer Block Riesling. Minutes from Harper’s Trail, you’ll find Sagewood Winery, a family-owned and operated boutique winery with a relaxed charm as impressive as its hand-picked grapes. Finally, hit Privato Vineyard and Winery for its luscious wine garden, patio tastings and Woodward Cider Co. on site. To keep things simple, book a wine tour with one of Kamloops’ tour operators so you can sit back and sip without worrying about how you’ll get from point A to B.
Saddle Up For A Trail Ride
Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time in the saddle, Erin Valley Riding Stables has a guided trail ride and horse for you. Head to the ranch and giddy up with your gals for a trail ride with views too exquisite to imagine (you can’t make this stuff up!). Inspire Trails also provides guided horseback riding tours perfect for reconnecting with your gals while travelling through iconic grasslands and sagebrush hills. Take your pick from a morning or afternoon ride and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.
Experience Arts & Culture
Kamloops’ diverse arts and culture scene will catch you off guard in the best possible way. Retreat from the heat at the Kamloops Art Gallery where you’ll be inspired by provocative and transformative exhibitions (more than 12 annually). Then, pop into the Kamloops Museum and Archives and learn more about the history and culture of Kamloops, or relive your childhood dreams with a drive-in movie at the Twin Rivers Drive-In on Fridays and Saturdays.
Hit The Water
Grab your shades and get your tan on at the beach, or live it up on the water with Bruker Marina on Kamloops Lake. They offer watersport rentals including SUP, kayaks, and sea-doos. If you’re after an adventure at a higher altitude, head to Heffley Lake for a stand up paddleboard lesson with local expert Bodie Shandro of Paddle Surfit. Prefer to stay close to downtown? Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Kamloops Watersport Rentals and paddle the South Thompson River in style.
Indulge Your Inner Foodie
What says a getaway better than gourmet cocktails and tasty bites? Kick off your night on the town at Mittz Kitchen where you can savour Canadian cuisine made with local ingredients or visit Cordo Resto & Bar’s patio for a signature cocktail by one of their expert mixologists. If it's a more casual vibe you're after, check out The Alley at Romeo’s Kitchen and Spirits for margaritas and tacos, or pick up ingredients from the Kamloops Farmers Market and have a nostalgic picnic in the park.
Shop 'Til You Drop
Grab a coffee and stroll downtown to discover plenty of funky boutiques and specialty stores. Far & Wide is full of hand-picked goods, home decor and beauty products, or cruise down the street to their sister shop, The Botanical Scene - it's a plant-lover’s dream. Looking to elevate your wardrobe with a new piece (or two)? Stop by Jardine's Domaine and Main Street Clothing for curated collections and all the latest trends. If you're up for a true shop ‘til you drop experience, spend the afternoon at Aberdeen Mall, home to over 75 retailers and services you’ll be talking about the whole way home.
Discounts & Deals
Kamloops is about giving you the best experience for your buck. Check out our travel deals page for the best packages and discounts from accommodation and activity providers.
Get more ideas on things to do in Kamloops for a getaway.
Be Prepared
With the ongoing wildfire situation in British Columbia, we encourage you to be prepared, book ahead, and stay informed with the following resources:
DriveBC.caAir Quality Health IndexBCWildfire.caTourism Kamloops Weather and Webcams