Let the beauty of crowd free fall commence. Families are back to school and work; now it's your turn to let loose and spend those vacation days while it's still nice, but without the summertime crowds and noise. So, finish your work week, send your last email, and turn on your out of office automatic replies. All roads lead to Kamloops for fall escapes whether you’re looking for unfamiliar flavours, wide-open spaces in grasslands, or spending quality time with your fur-baby.
1. Because You Won't Like Me When I'm Hangry
Curb that hanger for travel - and your belly - with local flavours of the Thompson Valley. From wineries, craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries, to fun seasonal flavours and flair, Kamloops is the place to indulge this fall. Try ROMEOs Kitchen + Spirits for brunch with Sunday Buffet, Pineapple Upside Down Pancake or the Caramel Macchiato French Toast. Make a reservation for Friday night to enjoy a fun Friday Flight special that changes monthly - (past features include boozy iced coffees, caesars, hard lemonades, and sangria flights). Or check out Cordo Resto + Bar for dinner and enjoy pan seared Kamloops Trout with Mediterranean veggies and rice.
2. Feeling Crafty
A cold, thirst-quenching pint of IPA, a colourful flight of sours, lagers... Oh sorry. Are we making you thirsty? There’s no stopping you from indulging in the innovative flavours of Kamloops’ craft breweries - in case you didn’t know, we even have exceptional water. Be sure to check out Red Collar Brewing for their limited edition pumpkin beer - Squash Gourdon - set to release at the end of September. Bright Eye Brewing, Kamloops’ newest craft brewery releases multiple, rotating brews on a regular basis with a delightful menu to boot. Local favourites include the crispy brussel sprouts (trust us here!), and the ‘We’re in a Pickle” pizza. October is also BC Craft Beer month, so plan a trip and celebrate the season in Kamloops.
3. Working Remotely? They'll Never Know
Coffee, table, wifi, what more do you need? Kamloops has a number of cozy coffee shops if you still need to GSD (get s*** done). Amplified Cafe, attached to the Kamloops Public Library in downtown, is a great option if you’re looking for quiet - don't forget to grab a local baked good from Gold Leaf Pastries as well. Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee with roasted in-house beans or a loose-leaf tea from The Vic Downtown. Seeking out unique drink options? Grab a Raspberry Vanilla Latte or Purple Matcha from He Brews Ahava Coffee House. Or sit under the expansive pergola and patios at Red Beard Cafe for a latte or mocha - we hear their latte art is top notch.
Need to stretch your legs between calls? Wander the quaint streets of downtown Kamloops where you'll find a variety of unique local shops to suit your fancy. Pick up a new plant baby from The Botanical Scene, discover home decor items at Castles & Cottages, or get the latest fashion at family-owned stores like Jardines Domaine or Mainstreet Clothing. Don't worry, there's time to stop in for a quick sticky bun from Brynn's Bakery. Also be sure to put aside time to find some of the 31 Back Alley Art Gallery murals hidden throughout the downtown core. Some of the most insta-worthy murals include No Parking (between 2nd and 3rd Ave + Seymour St, in the parking lot by Re/Max), Winking Man (between 3rd and 4th Ave + Seymour St, in the parking lot), and Homage to the Leland (on 3rd Ave, in the alley between Victoria St and Seymour St).
4. Working on my Perspective
Trade in the computer screen and scrolling through Instagram for real-time views. Tackle Kamloops’ version of the Grouse Grind, Battle Bluff, and be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the Thompson Valley and Kamloops Lake on this 4.8km round trip trail. If you’re looking for something a bit more approachable, the 3.4km round trip Tower Trail in Kenna Cartwright Nature Park (the largest municipal park in BC we might add), offers a different perspective on Kamloops.
If you’re a fan of biking, you already know Kamloops is the place to ride this fall with the season stretching into early winter. Ride through flowy berms in Pineview Valley Trail Network or if you're looking for more of a thrill, hit up the downhill trails at the iconic Kamloops Bike Ranch. If you’re new to biking and looking to give it a try, Lac du Bois Grasslands (or Batch as the locals call it) offers green and blue runs that are ideal for new riders to dip their toes into the sport. Read up on these 10 tips to help you get comfortable in the saddle.
There's still time to take in the serene colours of fall by water. Make a splash by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or water bike paddling on one of 100+ lakes around Kamloops within a one-hour drive. Read our latest guide on some of the top places to venture onto the water including rentals if you don't have your own board to strap to your car.
5. My Dog Needs Me
There’s no need to worry about leaving your fur-baby(ies) in your pet-friendly accommodation while you’re out exploring. Bring your pup to the Kamloops Farmers’ Market (on-leash) and peruse the stalls to pick up a sweet treat or two on Wednesday and Saturday mornings or take in the fall air on a patio where dogs are welcome. Let them run off some energy at an off-leash city nature park for including local favourite Peterson Creek for city views and creekside walks. Be sure to make their day with a trip to Pioneer Park, an off-leash dog park on the river, to cool off after a day spent exploring local gems.
It’s Official: You’re Out of Office in Kamloops
What are you waiting for? Get that OOO on ASAP and join us in Kamloops for a spontaneous adventure drenched in sunshine before winter comes.
Please make safe, informed decisions and adhere to the latest health measures implemented by the provincial health officer. For the latest health measures, travel updates, and more, visit hellobc.com.
