380 participants, 65 local businesses, and 12 monthly tours later, Luv’n the Loops tours have wrapped up for its inaugural year.  

From March 2019 to February 2020, Tourism Kamloops took a busload of locals each month on free, mystery tours to experience four tourism products across the city. There was one goal - ensure that every Kamloopsian can easily share three amazing things to do in Kamloops any day of the year. 

From paddling down the South Thompson River with Moccasin Trails to listening to Gord Bamford’s sound check to playing laser tag at Fun & Games, we wanted locals to experience local hospitality and diverse attractions.  

We know that visitors are planning and experiencing trips differently. They ask pharmacists and postal clerks about highway conditions. They ask winery staff what they can do for a few hours downtown. They ask bike shop mechanics where the best trails and breweries are located. 

Therefore, we invited representatives from a range of organizations – such as Kamloops Pride; Kamloops Immigrant Services; Kamloops Wine Trail; Interior Health; Thompson Rivers University and many more to join a tour to share three or more amazing adventures to relatives, clients, and visitors.  

Highlights over the past 12 months include: 

  • 380 participants on 12 mystery tours 
  • 65 businesses showcased  
  • 3 incredible tour hosts – Jennifer Friend, Tara Holmes, and Mark Madryga 
  • 17 restaurants showcased 
  • Visits to 3 wineries, 3 breweries, and 1 cidery 

The Luv’n the Loops program expanded in July 2019 with a radio program. Every Saturday morning, we chat with a local tourism champion on Radio NL to hear how their organization or business is moving the needle of Kamloops’ visitor economy – from backcountry snowshoe guides to hoteliers who hosted the Amazing Race Canada crew last spring. We have created a platform to share tourism successes. The mystery tours and podcasts illustrate the dozens of unique and downright friendly businesses scattered throughout neighbourhoods on both sides of the river. 

In the spirit of Luv’n the Loops mysteries, Tourism Kamloops will announce 2020 adventures this April. We’re thinking outside the box, and city limits, to blow Kamloopsians' socks off. In the meantime, we encourage you to go on a tour of your own and draw inspiration from the 2019/20 tours or stream the Luv’n the Loops podcast episodes here.