Arts + Culture
Kamloops’ diverse arts and culture scene will surprise you—but in the best possible way. With art galleries, museums, live theatre, outdoor festivals and more, there’s always sights to see and stories to be shared. Learn about the history of the region and its first peoples—the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc—browse art galleries, and peruse the works of local artisans at Kamloops’ many shops and outdoor markets. You’ll also want to check out Kamloops’ self-guided tours showcasing street art and murals, heritage buildings and local flavours.
Indigenous Experiences in Kamloops
The word Kamloops comes from the Secwe̓pemc word Tk’emlúps, meaning "where the rivers meet" and refers to the convergence of the North and South Thompson rivers.
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc
In the Kamloops area, the Tk‘emlúpsemc, ‘the people of the confluence’, now known as the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc are members of the Interior-Salish Secwe̓pemc speaking peoples of British Columbia. Similar to other governments, there is an elected Chief & Council, which is currently led by Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir.
Learn more for additional indigenous experiences.
Kamloops Indian Residential School Tours
Tour the Kamloops Indian Residential School (1923 – 1977) and learn the truth about the purpose of these schools and what they were really like. Appropriate for students in grade 4 and above. This tour is not accessible to people with mobility issues. For groups of 10-40 people, prices from $8-$13 per person.
Art Galleries
Kamloops Art Gallery
#101-465 Victoria Street
Located inside the downtown Kamloops Library, the Kamloops Art Gallery is home to exhibitions, publications and programs that engage and challenge audiences.
Kamloops Courthouse Gallery
7 Seymour Street West
Showcasing local artistry, the Kamloops Courthouse Gallery is located within the Old Courthouse and Cultural building. Explore works of art and history in one location.
Back Alley Art Gallery
Downtown Kamloops
Explore the back alleys downtown to experience a free outdoor art gallery. The historic buildings are home to 27 magnificent murals that depict the culture and history of Kamloops.
Museums
Kamloops Museum & Archives
207 Seymour Street
Established in 1937, the permanent display evolves constantly to showcase Kamloops culture through the voices of its many communities. With a collection of over 20,000 artifacts and home to one of the oldest and largest Archives in the Interior, there is no shortage of history.
Kamloops Heritage Railway
#3-510 Lorne Street
A Guided Heritage Park Tour will take you on a tour of the antique rolling stock, as well as some decommissioned vehicles and a close encounter with steam locomotive 2141. You will be transported back to a time when a railway helped to develop a country through stories, displays, and experiences.
Live Theatre
Western Canada Theatre
For over 45 years, Western Canada Theatre has cultivated a vibrant local arts community as the region’s professional theatre company. Each year, WCT produces spectacular musicals, heartwarming and hilarious plays, as well as inspiring new Canadian & Indigenous work.
Chimera Theatre
Chimera Theatre is a non-profit theatre company striving to present innovative, inventive and original works of Canadian Theatre. Chimera Theatre also provides education for artists in the community through our four-part Workshop Series, improvised theatre classes, various outreach programs.
Project X Theatre’s X-Fest
Prince Charles Park
During July and August, Project X Theatre brings X-Fest to Prince Charles Park. Two high-quality theatre productions in an outdoor family-friendly summer theatre festival.
Symphony
Kamloops Symphony Orchestra
6-510 Lorne Street
The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra produces 9 shows a season mixing in a variety of classical pieces and more accessible, approachable music that will appeal to all audiences.
Film
Kamloops Film Society
503 Victoria Street
Aiming to bring the best in independent, Canadian and foreign cinema to Kamloops, the Kamloops Film Society hosts film series and a film festival annually to bring film lovers together to experience the the best in cinema.
Art Studio
Kamloops Art Party
#8-177 Tranquille Road
Located on the sunny north shore, Kamloops Art Party offers a fun and creative art experience! Drop in’s, private events, and workshops with acrylics, watercolours, ceramics, paint pours, resin pouring, sculpting, and so much more.
Dive Into our Creative Side
The Kamloops arts and culture scene is positively bursting at the seams with local artists, museums, art galleries, artisan markets, and more. Here's some more inspiration.
Arts & Culture Stories
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Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V2C 6R3
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Tourism Kamloops is situated on the traditional lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc within Secwepemcúl'ecw,
the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc People. We acknowledge and give honour to the lands that we live, work, play, and welcome visitors to.
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