Kamloops is the Perfect Place for DIY Adventures
Situated in British Columbia’s sunny interior, Kamloops is a high-desert hub that’s far more than just a pit stop. Its name comes from the Secwépemc word Tk’emlúps, meaning “where the rivers meet,” a fitting tribute to both its deep Indigenous roots and the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers. Framed by golden grasslands and rugged canyons, this is where mountain biking trails twist through sagebrush hills, paddleboards glide across calm lakes and cross-country ski trails carve through snow-dusted forests come winter. Whether you’re road-tripping through the province or settling in to explore BC’s interior, Kamloops offers a refreshing mix of outdoor thrills, local eats and cultural stories—without the crowds or overly touristy vibes of other Okanagan destinations.
Here, you can DIY adventure—for the self-sufficient, daring traveller; road trippers who want the freedom to not bother booking in advance; and families looking for unique activities to do together, Kamloops is a playground of outdoor wonder in all seasons.
Spring
With mild weather, spring is the perfect time to experience Kamloops’ blooming landscapes on a leisurely hike. To find otherworldly hoodoo formations shaped by centuries of erosion, take the Pussy Willow or Hoodoo Trail at the Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park.
Spanning nearly 800 hectares, Kenna Cartwright Nature Park is a wild playground named after Kamloops’ first female mayor and offers more than 40 kilometres of trails to wander, ranging from gentle loops to steeper climbs. To catch the sky light up at golden hour, head up the Sunset Trail. For a panoramic view of the city, the Tower Trail serves a stunning lookout that makes the climb worth it.
Get up close with some of BC’s wildest residents at the family-friendly BC Wildlife Park, a non-profit rescue and rehab center home to nearly 200 animals, including bears, cougars, golden eagles and wolves. Hop aboard the Wildlife Express miniature train for a quick tour, and meet llamas, goats and miniature donkeys at the Home Hardware Family Farm, which little ones will love.
Summer
With summer temps that can soar past 30 C, there’s no better way to cool off than with a peaceful paddle on the water. Head to Kamloops Lake and explore its scenic shoreline by kayak, canoe or paddleboard. From the water, spot whimsical hoodoos, train tunnels and eagles’ nests. Launch from Bruker Marina on the lake’s southwest end, where its beach also invites you to kick back and lounge after your paddle.
Known as the birthplace of freeride mountain biking, Kamloops’ rolling hills make it a dream playground for mountain bikers of all levels. Nicknamed The Ranch, Kamloops Bike Ranch is Canada’s largest municipal bike park, and a place for thrill-seekers to fly through berms and find their flow on the singletracks.
Fall
With eight golf courses and warm, golden days stretching into October, fall is the ideal time to tee off in Kamloops, especially when you can take advantage of end-of-season rates. For a bucket-list round, book a tee time at Tobiano, consistently named one of Canada’s best golf courses by Golf Digest. Perched on the bluffs above Kamloops Lake, this course boasts a dramatic setting.
For a more classic experience, head to Kamloops Golf & Country Club, where the parkland-style layout features gently rolling fairways and bent grass greens. Established in 1914, it’s the city’s oldest course, but also one of its newest, thanks to a full redesign between 2009 and 2010 that introduced new fairways, three large putting greens and a practice sand trap.
For a peaceful fall hike, lace up your boots and follow the 3.4-kilometre McConnell Lake Trail, where a canopy of autumn colours reflects off the still, glassy waters of its namesake lake. For more of a workout, hit the 4.5-kilometre Battle Bluff trail, a local favourite. This out-and-back hike winds through golden grasslands and rewards you with sweeping panoramic views of Kamloops and Kamloops Lake.
Winter
Renowned for its dry, powdery snow, Kamloops is a winter playground that calls to powderhounds. Kamloops has two ski hills within easy reach. Just 30 minutes from downtown, Harper Mountain is a family-owned and operated ski resort with 16 runs spread across 400 acres of terrain, plus a tube park and snowshoe trails if you’re after something other than skiing or snowboarding. Sun Peaks, Canada’s second-largest destination ski resort, offers 4,720 acres of skiable terrain across three peaks and 137 trails served by 13 lifts.
With over 100 lakes within an hour’s drive of the city, Kamloops keeps its reputation as a freshwater fishing hot spot even in winter. Stocked with kokanee and rainbow trout, bundle up and head north to Paul Lake Provincial Park to fish beneath a layer of ice.
How To Get There
Located along the Trans-Canada Highway, Kamloops is easy to reach by road and air. For road trippers, it’s about 354 kilometres from Vancouver, 619 kilometres from Calgary and 805 kilometres from Edmonton. Kamloops Airport (YKA) is just a 15-minute drive from downtown and offers multiple daily flights from Vancouver and Calgary via Air Canada and WestJet.
With its untamed desert landscape, uncrowded trails and laid-back vibe, Kamloops offers an experience free from polished, packaged tours. There’s no need to book activities or accommodations months in advance, making it perfect for those who enjoy low-stress, low-commitment adventures year-round. Whether you’re mountain biking in spring, paddling in summer, hiking golden hills in fall or cross-country skiing in winter, you’ll find like-minded adventurers and all the perks of a small city—breweries, diverse dining, easy access to nature and all.
Where to Stay
With a range of campsites and bike-friendly hotels to suit every preference, Kamloops makes it easy to rest and recharge between outdoor adventures, keeping you close to the action while ensuring comfort.
If you’re looking to sleep under the stars, Kamloops offers plenty of provincial park campsites, minus the competitive Lower Mainland-style booking battles. Isobel Lake Recreation Site features 19 rustic campsites for tents and RVs that hug the lake’s edge, with front-row access to rainbow trout fishing, paddling and a scenic three-kilometre accessible loop trail. In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking.
For extra comfort after a day of adventure, unwind at the Best Western Premier Aberdeen, located in Kamloops’ Aberdeen neighbourhood with sweeping views of the Thompson Valley. Its 78 modern, spacious rooms provide a cozy retreat, while the indoor pool and hot tub are perfect for a relaxing soak.
For those seeking easy highway access, the Fairfield Inn & Suites is a convenient choice just off the Trans-Canada Highway. With 114 guestrooms across five floors, it offers thoughtful perks like a free hot buffet breakfast, a 24-hour fitness centre and an indoor pool and hot tub to help you unwind.
If you prefer to stay in the heart of the action, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kamloops is close to restaurants, shops and nightlife, while still perfectly positioned for outdoor fun. Tee off at Bighorn Golf & Country Club, just 10 minutes away, or stroll to Riverside Park and Beach in 20 minutes for a picnic or swim.
Where to Eat
With a dining scene that’s proudly local, you’ll find cozy coffee shops brewing small-batch beans, breweries pouring craft beer and restaurants that spotlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re craving a casual bite or chef-driven global fare, Kamloops serves up dishes with a strong sense of place.
Start your morning at Kekuli Café, an Indigenous-owned spot with the playful slogan, “Don’t panic… we have bannock!” This fluffy, golden quickbread is the star of the show, served in both sweet and savoury forms. Try a breakfast bannockwich stuffed with scrambled eggs, veggies and salmon, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a baked bannock topped with maple glaze or Saskatoon berries. For a caffeine boost, pair your meal with a coffee-based drink made from Spirit Bear Coffee, an Indigenous-owned, organic and fair-trade roaster based in BC.
For lunch, head to the bright and cheerful Hacienda Cielito Lindo when you’re craving a satisfying Mexican meal. Inside, you’re greeted with a burst of colour—circles of papel picado flutter overhead and sombreros hang from the bright marigold-yellow walls. The menu leans into the classics with pork belly and barbacoa beef tacos, al pastor quesadillas and hearty mains like chicken mole and beef fajitas. Portions are generous, and if you’re in the mood for a drink, the zesty lime margarita with Tajín packs a punch.
For a relaxed dinner with a twist, head to Red Collar Brewing in downtown, a laid-back hangout that also houses Gin Lane Distillery. While the brewery offers a range of bar snacks like bison jerky and ramen bowls, they’ve teamed up with TongDak Fried Chicken to bring crispy Korean fried chicken straight to your table. Red Collar’s BYOF (bring your own food) policy also invites you to bring in eats from nearby spots. Sip on small-batch brews like A Dog Aquatic pale ale or the Elderberry Sour or opt for a gin cocktail like the Cinnamon Apple Mojito. With board games and a chill vibe, Red Collar is the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure.
This article was sponsored by Tourism Kamloops
Located on the traditional lands of the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, Kamloops sits at the confluence of two mighty rivers that pulse through the veins of the Thompson Valley.
This is a city of contrasts, where people, land, and culture meet—the kind of place where intrepid entrepreneurs, rugged ranchers, and nature lovers swap tales over a pint. We might be the straight-shooting type, but our soul is kind. Raise the rainbow flag, attend a vibrant powwow, or head out on a wine-tasting tour. Be yourself and feel welcome doing it.
With mountains, vast valleys, and sparkling lakes at our doorstep, adventure is never far away. Get your adrenaline fix on gravity-fueled trails, reel in the big one, or tee off at one of our picturesque golf courses. Wherever you roam, find space to breathe; somewhere between the endless horizons and the starlit skies.
