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Spring has sprung in Canada’s Tournament Capital and there’s no better time to explore; trust us. Flavours and markets are bursting, events are back… it’s really a no-brainer that you should be in Kamloops this season.

Adventure, Laughs, & Apres on The Shore

Do you hear that? It’s the Shore calling your name! Looking for beach volleyball? Got it. Mini golf? Yup (free by the way)! Biking? Of course. The Shore is home to a multitude of outdoor recreation for whatever sport you’re feeling that day including catching a ball game from the Northpaws Baseball. Ready to roar in laughter? The newest arts venue, The Effie Arts Collective, is bringing in big comedic names who are itching to get everyone laughing such as Ryan Williams, Darren Frost, and Kenny Robinson. If you want to show off your comedy skills, hit the stage for one of their open mic nights. The Shore is also home to a variety of multicultural foodie spots - Jamaican, Greek, Vietnamese -, a brewery, taphouse, and the city’s newest ice cream joint. And in case you didn’t know, they are serving up flights of ice cream so you can lick your way through multiple flavours.

Sipping into Spring on the Kamloops Wine Trail

Privato Winery Music in the vineyard
Tamra Jaeger Group of girls wine tasting in the tasting room at Monte Creek Winery
Tamra Jaeger Couple sitting at an outdoor table at Harper's Trail with a sunset as the background

Nothing says spring like sipping a glass of sunshine. Monte Creek Winery, Harper’s Trail Winery, and Privato Vineyard + Winery are all officially open for sipping season. The three wineries on the Kamloops Wine Trail don’t mess around when it comes to providing unique experiences - from diverse landscapes and patio sipping to picnicking on the grass with a bottle or two. In case you didn’t know, each winery hosts special events all summer long. Visit the respective pages as details become released for Music in the Vineyard at Privato, Field Blend Fridays and comedy at Harper’s Trail, and fitness events at Monte Creek.

Events Galore in Downtown Kamloops

Josh Desmond/Downtown Kamloops three players playing basketball on the streets in downtown kamloops
Kim Anderson drum player and violinist on stage in downtown Kamloops

Basketball, block parties… you name it - events in downtown Kamloops are back! From June 4-5, Hoops in the Loops is back for its 3rd year where folks can enter a 3-on-3 basketball tournament to play for the Championship title. Games take place in the evenings on the 300 & 400-blocks of Victoria Street where players from around North America will come to play. A little birdie has also told us a ‘party’cular extravaganza is happening at the same time. That’s right, the Summer League Block Party is back for 2 nights and a full day centered around art, music, health, libations, and community. It’s all happening in downtown Kamloops June 3-4. Don’t forget to cruise through the historic downtown for shopping, a java fix, restaurants, and summer fave Scoopz Ice Cream & Parlour across from Riverside Park.

Shredding Laps at Sun Peaks Bike Park

Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe rider mountain biking down at Sun Peaks Resort
Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe rider mountain biking at sun peaks resort bike park

Just when you thought bike season couldn’t get better, Sun Peaks Bike Park takes it up a notch. 45-minutes from Kamloops - a mountain bike mecca -, Sun Peaks Bike Park offers 2,000 feet of lift-access vertical on Tod Mountain for downhill enthusiasts. In case you didn’t hear the news, the trail system is expanding with 1,559 additional feet of vertical lift access on Sundance Mountain. Crush laps on freeride machine-built trails, flowy berms, and fully pinned downhill singletrack. Want to dabble in park riding? Get started in the Progression Park before hitting the lift to green trails on the mountain. The season opens June 17 with full-day, half-day, and twilight passes available.

Spring Indulgence at Cordo Resto + Bar

@exploringtheokanagan Crispy Pickled Oyster Mushroom Tacos at Cordo Resto + Bar in Downtown Kamloops
@exploringtheokanagan Flights at Cordo's

Follow your heart… it will lead you right to Cordo Resto + Bar. Chef Mitch is cooking up innovative and nutritious cuisine inspired by ingredients from the region that pay homage to the diversity that comes from the land, water, and people. Whether you’re looking for brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour, or even a specially crafted cocktail from Mixer Maddy, the menus are sure to leave with your taste buds dancing - hello local Rainbow Trout or Caramelized Squash Risotto. If you’re a lover of the infamous pickle, Cordo has their Crispy Pickled Oyster Mushroom Tacos on the Pickle Pursuit Pass until May 31.

Leave The Driving to DiVine Tours

Tamra Jaeger divine tours van outside a winery with four people on a patio in kamloops
Tamra Jaeger person getting out of tour van against hoodoos in kamloops

DiVine Tours is ready to roll and drive you to drink. Hop aboard as owner, Terri, and her team take you on a guided wine or craft beer tour in Kamloops so you can worry less about driving and focus more on having fun. Half-day tours are available for you and your group (they specialize in 2-22 people) to select from and the DiVine tour guide will pick you up and drop you off - tasting price included. Tours options include the Kamloops Wine Trail, DiVine Craft Beer & Wine Tasting Tour, or Wineries and Wildlife Tour where you make a stop at the BC Wildlife Park.

Local Products at the Kweseltken Farmer's & Artisan Market

Fruits, veggies, art… oh my! The Kweseltken Farmer’s & Artisan Market will be back this season at the Kamloopa Powwow Arbour on Sundays from 8am-2pm starting June 26. Pick up locally crafted, grown, and produced items by Indigenous and non-Indigenous vendors this season.

Rest Up For Fun

Location, location, location. Conveniently situated in downtown Kamloops, the Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel is a hop across from Riverside Park and a short five-minute walk to the downtown core - remember the downtown events taking place? Take a dip in the pool, a hot soak in the hot tub, dine on-site at their 2 restaurants - Scoopz is also just a hop and a skip from the door - and enjoy a rest in a plush bed before hitting the town for fun and frivolity.

Style and comfort in downtown Kamloops is what DoubleTree by Hilton is all about. In addition to a warm, complimentary cookie upon arrival, enjoy their 24-hour fitness centre, seasonal outdoor pool and whirlpool, and pet-friendly rooms. Are you ready to take it to the next level? Riverside Park, downtown breweries and eateries, events, nightlife, and local shopping are all within walking distance from the hotel.

The newly renovated Prestige Kamloops Hotel is ready to welcome you with open arms. A short walking distance to suds and grub spots, shopping, and outdoor adventure, the Prestige is conveniently located to ensure you have a comfortable stay nearby Kamloops’ amenities. Be sure to check out the newly opened hot tub and pool too!

Quiet, serene, and in the forest-covered trees… sounds divine! Post up in a cozy rustic cabin at Knouff Lake Wilderness Resort via Heffley Creek Road, where you can enjoy rest, relaxation, and seclusion - the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts and family vacationers to explore. Cast a line on the water, rent a stand-up paddleboard, watch for birds local to the area, and head into the evening sitting underneath the starry sky - all just 30-minutes from Kamloops.

Take in the tranquility of a stay at the boutique waterfront South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre. Located along the South Thompson River just 20-minutes from Kamloops, your stay will have you surrounded with unobstructed mountain and river views and 55 acres of riverfront space to hike, relax, and explore. Step out onto the patio from your room and soak in the outdoor hot tub under the stars. If you’re an animal lover, enjoy onsite bird watching and see other animals such as painted turtles, horses, goats, sheep, and llamas.

 

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