Hang up those ice skates and retire the toboggan, spring has arrived in Kamloops!

Spring is one of our absolute favourite times in Kamloops. While other Canadian destinations are still dealing with shoveling snow, bundling up, and staying indoors Kamloops is already enjoying mild temperatures, green buds, and great outdoor activities.

Looking to get out of the house – on a budget? Plan to bring your family along for these five free spring activities in Kamloops – remember, by saving on your activities it means you can splurge on that family suite at the hotel so the whole crew is comfortable and well rested for your next adventure.

 

Hiking In The Heart Of Downtown

Nestled in picturesque downtown Kamloops, Peterson Creek Nature Park offers visitors a unique hiking experience in the heart of the city. Both kid and dog-friendly, Peterson Creek Nature Park has a variety of trails with a varying degree of difficulty, quiet spots for a family picnic, and a gorgeous waterfall bursting with spring runoff.

To get to the Peterson Creek Nature Park’s lower entrance, head down Columbia Street and turn down Glenfair Drive. This will lead you along the creek to a parking lot and picnic area where many of the trails meet.

 

Back Alley Art Gallery

Warmer weather means it is the perfect time to explore Downtown Kamloops. Kamloops back alleys offer a surprising canvas for some unique visual art. Tour over 30 eclectic art murals downtown Kamloops and explore different artistic styles in this outdoor art gallery.

You can even make a game out of it – try finding the art scavenger hunt style with your family and use this link to learn more about each artist and piece on display. Our interactive map will ensure you don’t miss a single masterpiece.

 

Lac Du Bois Grasslands

If you are looking to take in some breath-taking views of Kamloops, the Lac Du Bois Grasslands is the perfect place to explore - Lac Du Bois Grasslands is actually our favourite early season hike in Kamloops. Located in the hills above Kamloops behind Batchelor Heights, the grasslands feature trails suited for both hiking and mountain biking, local wildlife and limitless places to explore.

On foot or mountain bike, Lac Du Bois’ expansive trail system will lead you through sage-filled grasslands and small groves of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. As it is a protected area, the local wildlife flourishes, making it a great spot to catch a glimpse of mule deer, bighorn sheep, and Western bluebirds.

 

McArthur Island Park

McArthur Island Park is a popular destination for those looking to get active. With its large sports centre, skatepark, baseball stadium, sports fields and golf course, McArthur Island Park caters to a variety of athletic endeavours. Those looking for a bit of light activity, or something fun for small kids the island is also a great place to go for a stroll and meet some of Kamloops’ local duck population. You can also grab your putters and balls and head to McArthur Island for some free mini golf. This 18-hole, city-maintained course is fun for all ages.

On the northwest side of the park, there is a small pedestrian bridge that joins McArthur Island Park with the surrounding community, which is situated above an area commonly used by ducks for nesting in the spring and summer months. The bridge is fantastic for those with young duck enthusiasts as it keeps everyone safely away from the water and from accidentally interfering with the ducks' nests.

 

Geocaching

 

Take the family, a fun and challenging outdoor adventure where you have to find hidden treasures with GPS coordinates. There are hundreds of locations throughout the city, province and even the world! Collect different trinkets from geocache locations by using the geocaching app on your phone. It's a world of fun for any age or ability. 

Learn more and get exploring with your crew.

Whether you are visiting Kamloops for the day, staying the weekend or you are lucky enough to call it home, get out and explore all of the amazing free things to do in Kamloops this spring!