November brings a slower pace for adventuring and Kamloops is well set up to enjoy it with plenty of wide-open spaces. Bring your mask, hand sanitizer, and up to 5 friends or family members for a weekend of exploration. Here are some things to do with your ‘safe six’ in 48-hours.
Before heading to Kamloops, check DriveBC for current road conditions as well as BC Provincial Health Travel Restrictions and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Day One
Afternoon
When you arrive, stretch your legs and take in the artistic side of Kamloops. Visit the Kamloops Art Gallery, the principal gallery in BC’s Interior, nationally recognized for its exhibitions and programs. The current exhibitions feature local artists Donald Lawrence and Anyssa Fortie. Or take in the diverse, colourful murals that are dispersed throughout the streets of downtown Kamloops on a self-guided Back Alley Art Gallery Tour.
Evening
Let dinner delight your taste buds with local flavours. Enjoy scratch kitchen items like a Falafel Burger paired with a craft brew flight at the Noble Pig Brewhouse or dine in one of Kamloops’ oldest heritage buildings at Brownstone Restaurant featuring dishes such as the herb and garlic marinated chicken breast with leek bread pudding, thyme jus, and roasted local squash.
Day Two
Morning
Kick-start your morning with a hearty brunch at Scott’s Inn Family Restaurant - choose from their 7 omelet variations - or indulge in a Jamaican Sunshine Benedict from Jamaican Kitchen in North Kamloops.
Learn about the wildlife that call British Columbia home at the BC Wildlife Park - a rescue and rehabilitation centre for injured or endangered animals located 15-minutes east of Kamloops. Home to nearly 200 animals and 65 species, they strive in educating folks about animal conservation and operate the Fawcett Family Health Centre - the only full service wildlife rehabilitation centre in the Southern Interior. View animals such as the Arctic Wolves, Marble Foxes, and Robert, the Bobcat on the weekends from 9:30am-4:00pm. Keep in mind during their Wildlights Festival, Dec 11-Jan 3, they will only be open from 5pm-9pm - closed Christmas Day. Don’t forget to bring your mask for use inside the buildings.
Afternoon
Head back to town and grab a healthy lunch at ahhYAY Wellness Cafe or Eat Clean Express then get started on your holiday shopping early with a wide variety of unique shops in Kamloops. Walk the historic Victoria Street in downtown and discover boutiques and specialty stores like Barnacle Records, Crooked Crown Kamloops, and Castles & Cottages.
After some retail therapy, head into the outdoors for fresh air in the wide-open spaces. Kenna Cartwright Nature Park is home to 40+km of trails through sagebrush and offers expansive views of Kamloops Lake, the city and the Thompson Valley. A local favourite is the Tower Trail accessed from the Hillside Drive main entrance.
Evening
Aprés until 10pm by indulging in an authentic Italian dinner at Di Muzio Ristorante or sitting fireside at ROMEOs Kitchen + Spirits.
Up for another adventure? Catch a flick on the big screen at the Paramount Theatre with the Kamloops Film Society from their hit-list lineup or book a private screening in advance. Private bookings are for two people or a family and include popcorn, bottle drinks, your movie choice, and the whole theatre to yourself.
Day Three
Morning
Grab a hot latte or cappuccino with a baked good from a local coffee shop like 5Bean Brewbar + Cafe or Amplified Cafe.
Learn the history of the renowned 2141 Heritage Steam locomotive by pre-booking a backshop tour with the Kamloops Heritage Railway. Walk through the various historic cars and hear stories of the railway history in BC and some of the notorious people involved. Safety protocols are in place with masks required and closed-toed shoes. Tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family.
Grab lunch to go from The Art We Are Cafe or Red Beard Cafe before hitting the road to head home.
Save on your hotel and activities. Take advantage of Kamloops Travel Deals to save up to 50% off.
Learn more about things to do and what’s open in Kamloops.
