Guide to Kamloops: Interior BC’s Untapped Adventure Destination
The Yervana Staycation Series is your guide to staying local but keeping your travel spirits high! Throughout this series we will be bringing you staycation inspiration, guides to must-see destinations in Alberta and BC, road trip and weekend itineraries to help you plan, and chances for you to win a staycation of your own!
For the sun seekers, Kamloops is a sun-soaking paradise, offering some of the best beaches, lakes, and nature spots to soak in the sun. For the winter lover, it’s a winter wonderland, with access to incredible skiing, fat biking, and snowshoe trails. And for the outdoors fanatics, Kamloops is the mecca for outdoor adventuring, with its exquisite terrain for outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, golf and lakes for watersports.
It’s no wonder this four-season Adventure playground is a must-visit destination for all types of explorers!
6 Top Things to do in Kamloops
Kamloops is a vibrant and picturesque city packed with outdoor trails, artisans, farm-fresh dining, and the ultimate gateway to outdoor adventure. Here are 6 reasons why you should add Kamloops to your must-visit list.
1. Mountain Bikers Paradise
Kamloops rugged terrain and semi-arid climate makes it the ideal place for four-season biking! Enjoy mountain biking and scenic rides through wide-open grasslands, sagebrush, and ponderosa pine forests, and then throughout the winter explore the snow covered trails on a fat bike!
A few of our favourite places to ride include Kenna Cartwright Park, Harper Mountain, Kamloops Bike Ranch, Pineview Valley, and Lac du Bois.
TIP: Head out with Yervana Local, Ted to improve your riding skills! He’s a professional mountain bike rider and an expert in everything from cornering, jumping, tackling steep terrain, and beyond!
2. Panoramic Hike Views
Kamloops is a hiking mecca! No matter which trail you choose to explore, you’ll find fantastic views, varying degrees of difficulty, and lovely spots for summit picnics! For epic views of the city, check out Kenna Cartwright Park’s Tower Trail, or for breathtaking sunset views of Kamloops Lake, hike the iconic Battle Bluff trail.
Looking for a family friendly option? Located in the heart of Kamloops you’ll find Riverside Park. You can either stroll along Rivers Trail to find your way to a sandy beach or have some fun in the park with its many amenities including a water park, playground, tennis courts, and beautiful gardens!
3. Water Sport Haven
Kamloops Lake is a peaceful paradise for those looking to escape the city and get out on the water for SUP, kayak, boating, or water biking – yes that’s a thing! Experience the supernatural Thompson River from a unique vantage point on a water bike adventure! Or visit the serene waters of Heffley Lake for a relaxing stand up paddleboard experience.
Need to rent a SUP? Yervana Local, Bodie will hook you up with a SUP and a mini lesson so you can make the most of your time on the water!
4. Fishers Paradise
If you enjoy fishing, you’ll be pleased to learn that you can do so almost any day of the year in and around Kamloops. The best fishing seasons are usually spring and fall, but summer and winter provide unique opportunities for enthusiastic anglers.
Looking for a guided adventure? Head out Still Water Fly Fishing with Yervana Local, Stephen!
5. Learn about BC Wildlife
A trip to Kamloops wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the BC Wildlife Park. A whole park dedicated to the conservation, support, and education around BC’s amazing animals. Meet grizzly, black and kermode bears, cougars, wolves, among other majestic animals.
For a unique experience, book a private animal encounter to view a reptile or birds of prey up close with Yervana Local, Lisa. Or learn about wildlife and stop at a few Kamloops wineries with Yervana Local, Terri!
6. Hit the Slopes
Hit the slopes at Sun Peaks Resort, located only 40 minutes from Kamloops, , or family-owned and operated Harper Mountain, just 20 minutes from Kamloops. Both ski resorts are a quick day trip from Kamloops, giving skiers and snowboarders an ample opportunity to enjoy fresh powder runs.
Après Adventure Drinks & Dining
Refuel after a day of adventures and one of the many must-try places for food and drinks in Kamloops.
Get your Caffeine Kick
There are plenty of places to get your caffeine kick in Kamloops, from the trendy Hello Toast cafe, to the artist paradise at The Art We Are Cafe, and fresh craft coffee lovers favourite, Caffe Motivo.
Discover your Favourite Craft Beer
Kamloops is home to many great breweries. With Hand craft beer, delicious bites, what more can you ask for post-Adventure?
Bright Eye Brewing
292 Tranquille Road
Enjoy a rotating variety of fresh and innovative beers such as their raspberry margarita gose and complimentary eats, including their Brewery Board of artisan cheeses and accompaniments!
Alchemy Brewing
650 Victoria Street
Find this brewery in the heart of downtown Kamloops. Here you can sip on their rotating craft beers and enjoy a delicious house kitchen menu featuring house BBQ meats, brick-fired pizza, and street tacos.
Dining
ROMEOs Kitchen + Spirits
1250 Rogers Way
When you spot a colourful alley way you’ll know you’ve found ROMEOs! Located inside the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre, ROMEOs Kitchen + Spirits serves up crafted cocktails and dishes.
Casa Azul
330 Victoria Street
If your après-adventure craving is for authentic Mexican then Casa Azul is your place! Located in Downtown Kamloops, Casa Azul serves delicious Mexican dishes!
Bold Pizzeria
945 Columbia St W
Because pizza is never a bad idea! Feast on woodfire handcrafted pizzas’ that are BOLD in every way.
Ready to explore Kamloops?
Tag us in your Kamloops adventures on Instagram with #yervana or @myyervana for a chance to be featured on our page!
Where to next?
Thinking of doing a little exploring in British Columbia? Kamloops is close to other popular destinations in the province, including Kelowna, Squamish, and Vancouver.
