Kamloops is home to a lengthy list of activities for all kinds of explorers. Here’s a list of the top 10 adventures to cross off your summer bucket list.
1. BC Wildlife Park
Learn about wild animals Indigenous to British Columbia at the BC Wildlife Park. The park is a rescue and rehabilitation centre providing an educational experience on over 60 different species including Clover the Spirit Bear, the new Marble Foxes, and Birds of Prey. They are open daily from 9:30am-4:00pm.
2. Get Wet
Kamloops has over 100 lakes within an hour drive from the city. Pack up the paddleboard, kayak or canoe and take in the scenery on one of our pristine lakes. Local favourites include Paul Lake, Lac le Jeune, and Heffley Lake. Need to rent? Take SUP lessons and rentals with Paddle Surfit on Heffley Lake or visit Bruker Marina on Kamloops Lake.
3. Ride Canada's Largest Municipal Bike Park
Get your heart racing while shredding trails in the birthplace of freeride mountain biking. Carve a few turns on perfect singletrack, ride into berms and along rolling hills of sagebrush. If downhill mountain biking is more your style, hit up the jump lines with a jump park at the bottom. One run is all it takes to see why this is the place where it all began.
4. Take a Hike
There are endless hiking trails in Kamloops that are great for all fitness levels. Hike through grasslands, vast canyons, and tall hoodoos that pique your imagination. Stroll alongside picturesque lakes and sage-scented trails. Local tip: Head out towards sunset for a scenic, colourful view of the city that can only be described as something you see on a postcard.
5. Golf - Our Kind of Swinging
Have you ever teed off a canyon? Is playing on an award-winning course a bucket list item? Kamloops offers a vast range of golfing terrain where you can swing with no crowds and the vibe is friendly. Play alongside rolling fairways and scenic views that will have you wondering whether you’re playing a round of golf or taking a scenic stroll.
6. Get Reel Fishing
Anglers take note: With some of the best stillwater fishing in the world, Kamloops has hundreds of lakes stocked with an abundance of different species of trout that will make any angler look like a skilled pro. The lakes are rich in aquatic life, giving the fish the ability to become ultra-selective on what they will eat. Public fishing docks make for great family fun, while blue-ribbon waters appeal to more skilled anglers.
7. Local Eats
Tasty food, refreshing beer, award-winning wine, and great company - a recipe for a good time at Kamloops’ restaurants, breweries and wineries. Explore the Thompson Valley wine region and sip premium wines while lounging on a scenic patio. Wet your whistle on a frothy pint of cold beer from one of Kamloops' best craft breweries, or tantalize your taste buds with fresh local fare.
8. Sip on a Wine Tour
Sit back, relax and indulge at Kamloops’ four wineries. Choose from a 3-hour tour, half-day or full-day tour with one of four professional and knowledgeable wine tour companies in Kamloops. Learn about the history of the wineries, enjoy the sights and visit one of BC’s newest wine regions, the Thompson Valley.
9. Hit the Beach
When people think of Kamloops, they likely don’t think of beaches. But, there are actually several beaches to spend an entire day soaking up the sun. Riverside Park Beach in the heart of downtown is a popular spot for families as it has a water park, playground, and washroom facilities. Got fur babies? Pioneer Park Beach is dog friendly and a great spot to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy the sand and sun.
10. Events are BACK!
Get excited! Events are ready to return to Kamloops! From large festivals like the Kamloops Ribfest, Kamloops Buskers Festival, nightly Music in the Park, the Kamloopa Powwow, and Hot Nite in the City, to sports tournaments and events like the Rivers FC or the NorthPaws home games and more. View the Kamloops Calendar of Events.
