Top 10 things to do this winter in Kamloops
Kenna Cartwright Nature Park
Sean Jenkins
Find the bluebird days of your dreams this winter. Kamloops has the wide-open spaces and endless skies to set the scene for the perfect winter getaway.
Spend your days carving fresh powder, breaking trail on snowshoes or skating a frozen pond. Spend your evenings under market lights, at a holiday show or tucked into a heated igloo with a view. Kamloops pairs big outdoor adventure with arts, culture and comfort food, so there's something for every kind of winter traveller.
So dig those woolies out of storage and see how chill life can be with our top 10 things to do this winter in Kamloops.
1. Skiing + Snowboarding
Harper Mountain Ski Hill
Mary Putnam
Wax up the skis and boards, it's time to hit the slopes! Whether you're mastering the T-bar or chasing powder in the trees, Kamloops has a run for you. Known for dry, fluffy snow and sitting right between two ski hills, Kamloops is the ideal home base for ski bums of all stripes.
Sun Peaks Resort
Sun Peaks
Destination BC / Reuben Krabbe
Sun Peaks
Zuzy Rocka
Just 45 minutes north of Kamloops, Sun Peaks Resort boasts more than 4,000 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains, making it Canada's second-largest ski area and a must for every powder hound. Skiing and snowboarding are just the beginning. Add snowshoeing, Nordic trails, skating, dog sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides, and you've got a full winter getaway!
Wander the European-style village, warm up with local eats and make a weekend of it. Sun Peaks' 2026/27 season runs November 21 to April 4, and buying lift tickets online in advance is the best way to save. New to skiing? Book a private lesson or join a learn-to-ski program.
Harper Mountain Ski & Snowboard
Harper Mountain
Mary Putnam
Harper Mountain
Mary Putnam
For the true local experience, head to Harper Mountain, the family-owned ski hill just 20 minutes from downtown Kamloops. Harper has been a community staple since 1973 and offers over 400 acres of terrain, a terrain park and night skiing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
As a smaller hill, Harper lets you skip the lineups and get straight to the good snow. Affordable tickets and rentals make it perfect for getting the whole family on the slopes. Book bunny hill lessons for the newbies, send the experienced skiers up the chair and warm up together in the lodge. Opening day depends on snowfall, so check Harper's website for current conditions.
2. Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
Kamloops, BC
Get your heart pumping and breathe in that crisp winter air. With plenty of sunshine, mild valley temperatures and snow in the surrounding hills, hiking in Kamloops is a year-round activity.
Explore 40 km of multi-use trails within city limits at Kenna Cartwright Nature Park. One of BC's largest municipal parks, it covers almost 800 hectares of natural terrain with panoramic views of the city from spots like the central Tower Trail. It's also a designated off-leash area, so you and Rover both have plenty of room to roam.
For a look at the region's unique geology, head to Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park and hike past dramatic hoodoos and silt bluffs in the frosty sagebrush hills. After a big snowfall, snowshoes make the trails easier to navigate, and you can rent a pair from Runner's Sole.
Want a cozy lodge waiting at the end? Harper Mountain has more than 11 km of snowshoe trails, plus the option to ride the chairlift up and snowshoe back down through the forest. The Overlander Ski Club at Stake Lake and Sun Peaks Resort also maintain snowshoe trails, and rentals are available at all three, so you can just show up and go.
Related read: Top 5 snowshoe trails near Kamloops
3. Cross-Country Skiing
Stake Lake Ski Trail
Tamra Jaeger
There's nothing quite like finding your flow in a quiet, snow-covered forest with only the swish of your skis beneath you. Cross-country skiing combines the beauty of a winter hike with the thrill of gliding around corners and picking up speed on the downhills.
Where to cross-country ski in Kamloops
Stake Lake: Just 20 minutes from downtown, the Overlander Ski Club's Stake Lake trails offer more than 60 km of groomed and track-set trails for day skiing, 7 km of lit trails for night skiing and a 5 km dog-friendly loop for your four-legged friends. Nordic skis aren't exactly carry-on sized, so rent a pair at the clubhouse. Never skied before? Book a lesson to get started, and check the club's website for trail conditions before you go.
Harper Mountain: A scenic 3 km loop winds through the forest around the base of the ski area. It's great for both classic and skate skiing, with rentals at the lodge and a hot lunch waiting when you're done.
Sun Peaks Resort: Sun Peaks' Nordic trails open November 21 and run daily from 8:15 am to 4:15 pm through April 4, with snowshoe trails open on the same dates.
Be AdventureSmart: bring plenty of water and snacks, and leave a trip plan with someone you trust, since some trails have limited or no cell service.
Related reads: 5 Loops in the 'Loops: 5 Nordic ski loops to try this winter and 4 tips for cross-country skiing at Stake Lake
4. Ice Fishing
@fishingwithrod
Kamloops is famous for freshwater fishing, even when the lakes freeze over. With more than 100 lakes in the region, you can reel in kokanee, rainbow trout and brook trout, most within about an hour of town. Tunkwa, Monte, Edith and Walloper lakes are all well stocked and known for big catches.
Just north of Kamloops, Paul Lake Provincial Park is open year-round and is one of the best ice fishing spots in the region. It's stocked with kokanee and rainbow trout, and its higher elevation means it freezes reliably.
The Spot - Sauna & Small Venue Boutique Microlodge
Tourism Kamloops
The Spot - Sauna & Small Venue Boutique Microlodge
Mary Putnam
Warm up after a day on the ice at The Spot, a cozy sauna and cold plunge experience right on Paul Lake. Book the sauna and cold plunge on its own, or stay overnight in the Airbnb on the property and make a weekend of it.
New to ice fishing? Head out with Elevated Fishing Adventures. They'll supply the gear, local know-how and patience you need to pull your first fish through the ice. Always check ice conditions and be ice aware with AdventureSmart before stepping onto any frozen surface.
Related read: Tips for ice fishing in Kamloops
5. Tubing
Harper Mountain
Mary Putnam
For high-speed family fun, it doesn't get better than the Snow Town Tube Park at Harper Mountain. A tube lift tows you to the top, and a heart-pounding run brings you back down. No skills or gear needed, just a good sense of adventure.
Fire pits near the bottom of the hill are perfect for a warm-up, so pack some marshmallows or grab a hot lunch in the lodge. Only 20 minutes from Kamloops, it's an easy afternoon of thrills, belly laughs and lasting memories.
6. Skating
Riverside Park
Mary Putnam
Lace up your skates and enjoy one of Canada's oldest winter traditions. In Kamloops, you'll find frozen lakes, ponds and indoor rinks to take a spin on.
Riverside Park outdoor rink: Kamloops' newest winter hangout sits right downtown. The free outdoor rink at Riverside Park winds through the trees, with fire pits and benches for warming up between laps. The ice is expected by November 27 (fingers crossed for sooner), and once it's in, you can skate whenever you like. An attendant is on site Wednesday to Sunday, 2 to 10 pm. Lace up, then wander over to the Christmas Market next door from November 27 to December 6 for something warm.
Pond skating: Skate like a local at Inks Lake, Shumway Lake or Lac du Bois. Closer to town, Gambles Pond in Arthur McGowan Park is a family favourite, with a playground for the littles and handy washroom access. Always check that the ice is safe before heading out.
Indoor rinks: If the weather isn't cooperating, catch a public skate at one of the city's arenas. Skate rentals are available at Valleyview Arena during public skate times, and you can get your own blades sharpened at Consignor Sports or Dolson's Source for Sports. Check the City of Kamloops website for the current public skate schedule.
Bonus: catch some hockey
Sandman Centre
Candice Ward & CHL
Kamloops Blazers: Grab a seat at Sandman Centre in Riverside Park and cheer on the WHL's Kamloops Blazers as future NHL prospects take on rivals like the Kelowna Rockets, Vancouver Giants and Victoria Royals. With home games all winter long, it's an easy add to any weekend getaway. Check the Blazers' schedule and grab tickets online.
Kamloops Storm: For the hometown junior experience, catch the Kamloops Storm at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre. This season marks a new chapter for the Storm as they join the brand-new British Columbia Hockey Conference (BCHC), a Junior A league launching in 2026/27. Tickets are affordable and the rink is loud, so bring your cheering voice.
KIBIHT: Every December, young players from across Canada, the US and beyond hit the ice for the Kamloops International Bantam Ice Hockey Tournament. Running since the late 1960s, KIBIHT fills arenas across the city with top U15 talent. It's a holiday tradition for hockey fans of all ages.
7. Winter Biking
District Bicycle Co.
Kenna Cartwright Park
Sean Jenkins
Kamloops is one of BC's top mountain bike destinations, and the riding doesn't stop when the snow flies. Fat bikes have extra-wide tires built for traction in the snow, so you can keep pedalling all year.
Where to fat bike in Kamloops
Kenna Cartwright Nature Park: Ride snowy slopes and trails with sweeping views of the Thompson Valley. These are multi-use trails, so keep an eye out for hikers and dogs.
Isobel Lake Recreation Trails: About 17 km northwest of Kamloops, Isobel Lake has more than 30 km of machine-groomed singletrack. The trails are free to ride, so consider dropping a donation at the Bicycle Cafe to support the local trail builders who keep them in shape.
Sun Peaks Resort: Fat bike trails at Sun Peaks open mid-December and run to late March, daily from 8:15 am to 4:15 pm whenever temperatures stay below freezing. Rentals are available at the resort.
Ride when conditions are good so the trails stay in great shape for everyone.
Related read: What you need to know for winter biking
8. Arts, Culture + Holiday Fun
When the sun sets early, Kamloops' arts scene lights up. From live theatre and symphony concerts to holiday movies and gallery exhibits, there's something to fill every cozy winter evening.
Kamloops Christmas Market
Kamloops Christmas Market, Downtown Kamloops, BC
Kate Morrison
From November 27 to December 6, the Kamloops Christmas Market returns to Riverside Park with its European-style chalets, local artisans, festive food and drink, and live entertainment. Wander under market lights with a mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand, shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, then lace up at the Riverside rink just steps away. More details to come.
Live music
The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 50th anniversary season, and there's a concert for every taste this winter:
- Horizons: 50 Years of the KSO, December 5, 7:30 pm, Sagebrush Theatre. A milestone concert honouring five decades of music in Kamloops, with local artists alongside works by Vaughan Williams, Elgar and more.
- Christmas with the KSO, December 12, 2 pm and 7:30 pm, Sagebrush Theatre. This beloved holiday tradition, led by Music Director Emeritus Bruce Dunn, is packed with carols, festive favourites and selections from The Nutcracker.
- A Nutcracker Christmas, December 13, 2 pm, Sagebrush Theatre. A family-friendly kids concert full of storytelling, sparkle and Nutcracker highlights.
- An Ode to Beethoven, January 23, 7:30 pm, Kelson Hall. The KSO Chamber Players mark 200 years since Beethoven's death with an intimate recital.
- Rising Voices: An Evening of Song + Story, February 6, 7:30 pm, Sagebrush Theatre. Indigenous spoken word artist Zoey Roy joins the orchestra for an evening of poems, songs and storytelling.
- PIQSIQ, February 20, 7:30 pm, Kelson Hall. An Inuit duo blending throat singing with electronic soundscapes.
- Sea Songs + Shanties, March 12, 7:30 pm, Kamloops Alliance Church. The KSO Chorus and La Nef bring rollicking sea shanties to life.
- Where Rivers Meet, March 19 and 20, 7:30 pm, Sagebrush Theatre. Celeigh Cardinal, Diyet and Kym Gouchie join the KSO for an evening of story and song.
See the full KSO event calendar for tickets and more concerts.
Live Theatre
The Sagebrush Theatre
CHARLIE GALLANT, SHANNON McQUILLAN & JAMES MacDONALD in The Woman in Black (Western Canada Theatre 2024) | Director KIM COLLIER | Set Designer KEN MacKENZIE | Lighting Designer JOHN WEBBER | Costume Designer SABRINA STACE | Sound Designer THOMAS RYDER PAYNE | Photo by MURRAY MITCHELL
Western Canada Theatre, the largest professional theatre company in BC's Interior, has a winter lineup for every mood:
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, December 3 to 20, Pavilion Theatre. A magical two-person retelling of the C.S. Lewis classic, where a grown-up Lucy and Peter step back through the wardrobe into Narnia. A holiday treat for the whole family (ages 7+), with pay-what-you-choose matinees on December 5 and 12.
- Wake, January 21 to 31, Sagebrush Theatre. A world premiere by Rachel Mutombo, full of heart, laughter and family drama.
- Ernestine Shuswap Gets Her Trout, February 18 to 28, Sagebrush Theatre. Tomson Highway's play returns to the theatre that first commissioned it with the Secwépemc Cultural Education Society more than 25 years ago.
Win tickets to Narnia! We're giving away two tickets to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Head over to @tourismkamloops on Instagram and look out for when we post the giveaway!
Holiday movies at the Paramount
The Paramount Theatre
Dylan Sherrard
Catch a movie on the big screen at the historic Paramount Theatre, home of the Kamloops Film Society. From holiday classics to new releases and special screenings, check their website for the full winter lineup. Hosting a holiday get-together? You can rent the Paramount for a private screening with your friends, family or coworkers, an easy party with built-in popcorn.
Laughs at the Sagebrush
Sagebrush Theatre
Mary Putnam
Is there a better cure for holiday stress than a good laugh? Touring comedians regularly take the stage at the Sagebrush Theatre through the winter months. Check the Tourism Kamloops events calendar for upcoming shows and grab tickets early.
Museums + galleries
Kamloops Art Gallery
Mary Putnam
The Kamloops Art Gallery is the largest public art gallery in BC's Interior, with a rotating lineup of exhibitions from local, national and international artists. It's open Tuesday to Saturday, with free admission on Thursdays (open until 8 pm) thanks to BCLC. Check the gallery's website for this winter's exhibitions.
Just down the street, the Kamloops Museum and Archives is marking the KSO's milestone too. Encore! The KSO at 50 runs until January 2, 2027, with artifacts, images and interactive displays tracing five decades of music in Kamloops. It's the perfect pairing with a symphony night. Families will love the hands-on Children's Museum on the first floor, too.
Celebrate Black History Month
Valid Dreams Foundation's 6th Annual Black History Celebration takes over TRU Grand Hall on Saturday, February 27, 2027. One of the largest Black History Month events in the BC Interior, it brings together hundreds of community members for live performances, keynote speakers, cultural food, art exhibitions and the Black Brilliance Awards. The celebration is free and open to everyone, so RSVP on their website to save your spot.
Keep the celebration going in March with the Kamloops Black Film Festival, presented by Valid Dreams Foundation with the Kamloops Film Society and Cultural Voices Film Society, featuring screenings of Black cinema followed by community conversations.
9. Explore craft breweries
Iron Road Brewing
Candace Hansma
Cozy up indoors this winter with a pint from one of Kamloops' local craft breweries. Each one brings its own personality, great food and creative brews. Map out your day with our self-guided Kamloops brewery guide, and cheers to good local beer with good friends!
- Noble Pig Brewhouse: Kamloops' first microbrewery and a downtown staple. Try the rich Mocha Porter, and don't skip the crispy pickles.
- Red Collar Brewing: Pair an IPA with Korean fried chicken, or take advantage of the bring-your-own-food policy. Dark beer fans should try the Black Dog Quad.
- Bright Eye Brewing: Sip a seasonal brew straight from the tank, order the famous crispy Brussels sprouts and hit the in-house arcade. Find them on the North Shore along Tranquille Road.
- Iron Road Brewing: Dig into the taqueria and nacho menu (featuring Kamloops' own Fresh is Best Salsa) with a Locomotive Lager. Iron Road is on Camosun Crescent near Thompson Rivers University.
- Embers Brewhouse: Formerly Alchemy Brewing, this downtown brewpub on Victoria Street pours a signature Hazy IPA and a crisp Mexican lager. Rack up a game of pool, play some pinball and settle in for a laid-back night.
Wine, cider + spirits
Beer not your thing? Kamloops has options!
- Monte Creek Winery offers winter tastings; reservations are recommended.
- Woodward Cider Co. shares space with Privato Vineyard & Winery, so it's easy to please everyone in your group.
- Gin Lane Distilling Co. shares space with Red Collar Brewing, perfect for a great gin martini.
- Red Bridge Distilling serves up a range of spirits, including infused vodkas, limoncello and gin.
- Route 1 Distillery offers tours where you can learn how their vodkas, cream liqueurs and more are made.
Holiday shopping bonus: Monte Creek Winery hosts its 5th annual Holiday Artisan Market on December 12 (11 am to 5 pm) and December 13 (11 am to 3 pm). Browse more than 30 local artisans, find one-of-a-kind gifts and sip something festive while you shop.
10. Dine in an igloo
TABLEtwelvefifty
Mary Putnam
TABLE twelvefifty at the Coast Kamloops Hotel (formerly ROMEOs Kitchen + Spirits) brings back its private, heated patio igloos this season. Cozy up with your crew, take in the views and dig into a chef-driven menu inspired by Canada's regional flavours. Igloo dining runs November 1 to January 8, and bookings are open now, so reserve early for the holidays.
Explore local food
Slow mornings: Some of the best winter moments happen over a warm mug. Start your day at one of Kamloops' cozy downtown cafés, where the windows fog up, the baking is fresh and there's no rush to be anywhere. Coffee and a snowy riverside walk? That's a perfect pairing.
For the true local foodie experience, visit the indoor Winter Kamloops Farmers' Market. Starting November 7, it runs every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm at the Mount Paul Community Food Centre (140 Laburnum Street) until April 2027. It's the perfect spot to stock up on fresh local ingredients, baked goods and handmade gifts.
In February, warm up with the YKA Hot Chocolate Festival. All month long, local cafés and restaurants serve up signature hot chocolates and compete for the title of YKA's Best Hot Chocolate. Sip, rate your favourites and feel good doing it: a portion of every drink supports the Mount Paul Community Food Centre.
Bonus: get that sled into the wild
Mary Putnam
Kamloops' wide-open backcountry is made for snowmobiling, so get out and play in that deep powder. The Kamloops Snowmobile Association maintains trails at Porcupine Ridge on the Tranquille/Bonaparte Plateau and near Sun Peaks. With warm-up shelters and hundreds of kilometres of groomed trails, there's everything from family-friendly loops to backcountry riding. New to sledding? Book a guided tour with Mountain Man Adventure Tours at Sun Peaks.
Keep us in the Loop!
We can't wait to welcome you to Kamloops this winter. Find a travel deal, explore the events calendar and plan your getaway.
Never miss a winter moment. Dates change, new shows get announced and the Christmas Market lineup is still coming together. Sign up for our monthly newsletter and we'll send the best of what's happening in Kamloops straight to your inbox, right before each new month begins.
Need a soundtrack for the drive? Press play on our Winter Love Songs playlist. And show us your winter adventures! Tag @tourismkamloops or use #ExploreKamloops to share your snowy stories.
