When you think of fall, you’re probably thinking about pulling out plaids, boots, and your favourite toque. But not in Kamloops.
Here, we’re lucky enough to enjoy an “endless summer” with warm, sunny weather against the backdrop of autumn’s deepest reds, golds and greens. Keep scrolling to see the top 10 things locals recommend you do this fall in Kamloops.
1. Fall Salmon Run
With 2022 being a dominant year for the salmon run, a trip from Kamloops to Tsútswecw Provincial Park is a must-do fall experience. Watch the Adams River run red for 3 weeks - from the end of September until mid-October - as millions of salmon return to spawn in the waters. Reconnect with nature and enjoy the vibrant colours of fall as you walk or hike the 26kms of trails in Tsútswecw Provincial Park. Listen to indigenous stories, and learn about native plants and landscape features seen along the Story Trail.
Celebrate the largest Sockeye Salmon run in North America with the Salute to the Sockeye Festival. Learn about the salmon and their life cycle, the history and importance to the local Indigenous peoples, shop for local artisan products, First Nations sculptures, carvings, jewellery, and more. Oh, and of course witness the natural wonder of the spawning salmon.
2. Farmers Markets
Fall consists of crisp apples, warm pies, hot coffee, pumpkins, and more. Pick up your fall favourites at one of two Kamloops Farmers' Markets. The Kamloops Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 8:30am-12:30pm on the 200 block of St. Paul Street and Wednesdays from 8:30am-1:30pm on the 400 block of Victoria Street to grab all you need in one stop with everything from fresh baked breads and desserts to fresh local seasonal produce, local meats, artisans and more.
On Sundays from 8:00am-2:00pm until September 25th, you can also attend the Kweseltken Farmers’ and Artisan Market at the Kamloopa Powwow Arbour, which means “relatives” in the Secwépemc language, and is an authentic cultural experience. Visitors will find traditional foods, medicines, and handmade artisan products, as well as fresh meats, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and much more every week.
3. Celebrate BC Craft Beer
October is officially craft beer month in BC and Kamloops is ready to hop to it and celebrate! Kamloops has a number of fun hidden gem breweries if you’re looking to try something new this season. Bright Eye Brewing is the first craft brewery on the North Shore that brews an ever-changing variety of innovative beers (Strawberry Pineapple Sour? Yes, please!) served right from the tanks they were made in. Iron Road Brewing crafts delicious, balanced beer that locals love, and the menu makes it feel like Taco Tuesday seven days a week. Be sure to also check out our other breweries: the Noble Pig Brewhouse, Red Collar Brewing, and Alchemy Brewing Co. Leave the driving to the professionals and take a guided beer (or wine!) tour.
From October 1 - November 30, celebrate BC craft beer month with one of 3 Kamloops sip and stay packages from the BC Ale Trail.
4. Coffee Shop Sips
There’s no greater vibe than a small town, local coffee shop. Kamloops coffee shops are serving up the fall flavours, like your basic b*tch PSL, but also fun innovative flavours like S’mores Mochas, Cinnamon White Hot Chocolates, Pumpkin Caramel Spiced iced latte, Caramel Apple Tea Lattes, and more. Along Victoria Street in downtown Kamloops, keep an eye out for Hebrews Ahava Coffee House, Motivo Cafe, Amplified Cafe, the Vic Downtown, and the Art We Are as you window shop.
5. Endless Summer Golf
The golf season isn’t over yet! There’s still time to get your lowest-ish score of the season with Kamloops’ endless summers - meaning you can golf into September and sometimes even October. Play award-winning courses like Tobiano and Talking Rock at end of season rates without the crowds. Consider a last minute custom golf package with Golf Kamloops.
6. Fall Hiking
Trade in your wet, fern-y rainforests for dry, sagebrush-scented desert trails because hiking in Kamloops is unlike anything you’ll find on the coast. After the crowds of summer have gone and the autumn colours come out, it's the perfect time and temperature to hit the trails. Must-hike fall gems include Battle Bluff, McConnell Lake, McArthur Island, and Isobel Lake. Want to take a stroll through the fall leaves? Here are 5 accessible trails for fall.
7. Fall Biking
If you’re an avid Friday Fails or Saturday Sends Pinkbike fan, you’ve probably seen the Kamloops riding scene–even if you didn’t realize it at the time. Kamloops is well-renowned for its riding scene, where big names come to the Kamloops Bike Ranch or whiz down trails at Harper Mountain. Don't fret if you're a relaxed rider or a beginner, trails in Lac du Bois Grasslands or Kenna Cartwright Nature Park are where it's at. Kamloops riders know that fall is the best time to ride because it's cooler and less busy.
8. Fall Fishing
There’s nothing like spending a crisp autumn morning on the lake, fishing for trophy Kamloops Rainbow Trout. With over a hundred lakes within a 1 hour drive of Kamloops, you’re likely to have the lake to yourself in the fall. No boat, no worries - there are numerous lakes that have fishing docks, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the quiet of nature.
9. Privato Pumpkin Patch
If cider, wine, and pumpkin patches spark joy, then a visit to Privato Vineyard & Winery and Woodward Cider Co are a must every fall. Located on the same property, these family-run businesses love to bring autumn cheer with a pumpkin patch, mulled wine, cozy fire pits, and fall fun. Be sure to do both a wine and cider tasting and pick up a bottle of Thompson Valley wine to take home. Local tip - come back in the month of December for the ultimate Christmas experience - pick and cut down your perfect tree at the Woodward Christmas Tree Farm.
10. Fall for Arts and Culture
We may not be bougie, but we are proud to boast about a diverse and exciting arts and culture scene in Kamloops... and fall is when the season really kicks off! From September 1-3 take part in the first inaugural Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival presented by the Kamloops Film Society and Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc. The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra will impress you, with French-Canadian music director Dina Gilbert conducting the season starting September 30th. Western Canada Theatre, the largest professional theatre company in BC’s interior, first show of the season runs October 13-22 and is called Sleight of Mind which is described as a “spine-chilling new play filled with magic and seductive mayhem.” Experience some of the most exciting, transformative art in the country at the Kamloops Art Gallery. Their latest exhibit, Witnessing by Alicia Henry, is on display from October 1 - December 31, 2022. The Kamloops Museum & Archives is also worth a visit this fall to take in their permanent exhibit riverpeoplenationstatepeople which is an evolving set of displays, revisions, questions and responses that place Kamloops' history in an ongoing process of self-evaluation..
Your fall travel plans shouldn't break the bank. Good thing we've secured the best travel deals and discounts available in Kamloops so that you can spend your money on more important things. Can’t make it this fall? Here’s the top 10 things to do this winter in Kamloops.
