This chilly season, hit the road and find yourself in a winter wonderland. Kamloops offers ample activities to play outside and take in the fresh air. The wide-open spaces that surround our region mean you can frolic on snowy trails, whether that's by snowshoe, ski or snowboard. Seasonal events help usher in a wintery spirit, and lively restaurants and breweries provide a welcome respite from the elements.
There's no shortage of ways to experience winter in Kamloops. So pack a bag and make the most of the season with the top 10 things to do this winter in Kamloops.
1. Skiing + Snowboarding
Long renowned for dry, powdery snow, and home to two ski resorts, Kamloops is ideal for hitting the slopes. You won't find long lift lines or crowded slopes here, either. Located 45-minutes north of Kamloops, enjoy 4,720 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains at Sun Peaks Resort, Canada’s second largest ski area. The resort is now open for the season, and day tickets can be purchased in advance online. Or hit the slopes on Harper Mountain, open as of January 6th, 2024, it's a family owned and operated ski resort located 20-minutes from downtown Kamloops that is full of history and rustic charm.
2. Snowshoeing + Winter Hiking
Get your heart pumping and enjoy the fresh air. With plenty of sunshine, mild winter temperatures, and snow in the surrounding hills, hiking in Kamloops is a year-round activity. Take in panoramic views from the Tower Trail in Kenna Cartwright Nature Park, one of BC’s largest municipal parks, or from the silt bluffs in Valleyview Nature Park. Bring your own snowshoes, or rent a pair from Overlander Ski Club, or Harper Mountain and enjoy snowy, tree-lined trails. Most places offer rentals from December onwards.
3. Cross-Country Skiing
In need of quiet reflection this snowy season? Try cross-country skiing. There's nothing like gliding through a peaceful forest blanketed in snow with only the sound of your skis beneath you. Located 20 minutes from downtown Kamloops, Stake Lake features more than 60 km of meticulously groomed and set trails perfect for day skiing, and 5 kms of lit trails for night skiing. Didn't pack your Nordic skis? Don't worry — you can rent a pair from the Overlander Ski Club at Stake Lake. Quiet times to visit are weekdays, Sundays, and before 11am. Remember to be Adventure Smart and bring plenty of water and snacks. Note: some areas of this trail network have limited to no cell service. Make sure to leave a trail plan with someone you trust. Stake Lake is open for the season as of January 6th, 2024.
4. Ice Fishing
Kamloops is a known hot spot for freshwater fishing — even in winter. Try your hand angling for Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout or Brook Trout. Where to go? Some of the best ice fishing is found on Tunkwa Lake, Monte Lake, Edith Lake, Walloper or Heffley Lake. If you're new to the sport, Kamloops is a great place to learn. Consider heading out with Elevated Fishing Adventures; they'll supply all the gear, local insight and know-how you need to haul up your first fish through the ice. Be ice aware with Adventure Smart before stepping onto any frozen surface.
5. Tubing
There’s another way to venture down the hill this winter — no skis, snowboard, or skill needed. Give tired legs a break and take the family on an exhilarating slide down the Snow Town Tube Park at Harper Mountain. Open weekends starting on January 6th, 2024 from 10 am - 4 pm or for night tubing from 5 pm – 9 pm. Stop by the Snow Town Tube Pak this winter for some family-friendly thrills, belly laughs, and lasting memories.
6. Skating
Strap on a pair of skates and enjoy a seasonal tradition for many Canadians. In Kamloops, you can find frozen lakes or indoor rinks where you can take part in one of winter's great pastimes. Ice skate amongst snow-covered trees at Inks Lake, or at arenas, such as McArthur Island or Sandman Centre. Be ice aware with Adventure Smart before stepping onto any frozen surface.
7. Winter Biking
Kamloops is one of B.C.'s premier mountain bike destinations — just because there is snow doesn't mean you have to stop riding your bike. Load up the car with your fat bike and head to Kenna Cartwright Nature Park to crush powdery snow on natural slopes and trails. If you prefer maintained routes, try the Isobel Lake Recreational Trails. Located 17 km northwest of Kamloops, this area is home to over 30 km of machine groomed singletrack trails. While these trails are free to ride, consider making a donation at the Bicycle Cafe to the local bike organizations and trail builders who maintain Kamloops' trails for the enjoyment of all. Note: The trails in Kenna Cartwright are multi-use and popular with hikers so please be respectful of others enjoying the park.
8. Arts & Culture
Get into the wintery spirit with the latest events around Kamloops and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of arts and culture unfolding this season!
For a transformative musical journey, join The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra for their latest series Hypnotic Journey featuring Canadian composer Julie Thériault on January 12 and January 13, 2024. With Thériault combining an array of instruments, such as piano, strings, and electronics, with works by Philip Glass and Arvo Pärt, The Kamloops Symphony promises a concert like no other.
Love a good Mystery? Join Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on the case of The Hound of the Baskervilles at the Sagebrush Theatre. Western Canada Theatre will transport you through time in a laughter-filled Whodunnit that “will keep you guessing until the curtain call.” With show times from January 25th to February 3rd, 2024, there are plenty of opportunities to catch the clues, disguises, and deceit!
Visit the Kamloops Art Gallery and experience their diverse and inspiring exhibitions. From January 13 to April 6, 2024, Bluto's Cave: Allegory of the Man Cave by Patrick Lundeen transforms The Cube into a man-cave that defies the traditional norms of masculinity. In the Central Gallery from January 20 to April 6, 2024, discover Sleeping in Skins: Life in Inuit Nunangat featuring prints and a beaded front-piece by Inuit artists selected from the Gallery's collection. The Central Gallery also showcases ᑕᑯᒃᓴᐅᔪᒻᒪᕆᒃ Double Vision, which highlights the artistic legacy of the influential Inuit textile maker Jessie Oonark and her daughters, Janet Kigusiuq and Victoria Mamnguqsualuk. Join the Kamloops Art Gallery and immerse yourself in the unique exploration of Inuit artistry and cultural heritage.
9. Craft Breweries
Cozy up inside this winter with a brew from one of Kamloops' local craft breweries. Each brewery serves up their own unique, innovative flare in the form of great food and beer.
- Noble Pig Brewhouse: Pair a mocha porter with one (or more) of their stuffed yorkies, made with local beef that's been braised in this dark, rich ale.
- Red Collar Brewing: An IPA is the perfect complement to their special-ordered Tongdak Korean fried chicken.
- Bright Eye Brewing: Revel in a seasonal pale ale poured directly from the tank with their famous crispy brussel sprouts.
- Iron Road Brewing: Indulge in their taqueria or nacho menu paired with a railroad-inspired flight.
- Alchemy Brewing: Satisfy your taste buds with their smoked chicken wings and a refreshing lager.
Cheers to good local brews with good company!
10. Local Ingredients & Cooking
Want to become a master chef yourself? Get hands-on with cooking and take a local culinary cooking class. Learn the tricks of the trade from the esteemed Chef Chez with a wide variety of immersive classes from Kuzina Messer Culinaire available throughout January till Spring 2024.
Local Tip: Use your Loops Explorer Pass for a Hands-On Cooking Class at Kuzina Messer Culinaire and bring a friend or family member for 50% off their entry! Visit the Kuzina Messer Culinaire website to see their full schedule of cooking classes.
Stock up on local ingredients for your next culinary venture at the Winter Kamloops Regional Farmers Market. Beginning November 4, 2024, the Winter Market opens every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm until February 24th, 2024. Stop by Mount Paul Community Food Centre (CFC) to support local vendors and find the freshest local goodies around.
Bonus: Catch a Blazers Hockey Game
Cheer on the Kamloops Blazers and catch WHL Hockey action at the Sandman Centre starting in September. Watch as these potential NHL prospects play against teams such as Vancouver Giants, Kelowna Rockets, Prince George Cougars, and Victoria Royals.
Local Tip: Use your 'Loops Explorer Pass and score $5 off a Wednesday Blazer Game during their regular season at the Sandman Centre!
We can't wait to welcome you to Kamloops, start planning your visit!
Keep us in the Loop with your Winter Adventures! Use #ExploreKamloops or tag @tourismkamloops to share your memorable moments and snowy stories!
