Guide to Kamloops, Interior BC's Heart-Pumping Outdoor Adventure Capital

Take to the trails

Kamloops has a strong reputation as a mountain biking destination, with some of the world’s best riders either hailing from here or spending considerable time riding and filming in the area.

This mountain biker’s paradise offers unique, rugged terrain and the perfect semi-arid climate for year-round riding. Classic single track, high-speed alpine downhill, fat biking in winter–whatever your style, you’ll find it here. Rent your wheels from District Bicycle Co., then head out to local trails like the Pineview Valley Trail Network, an all-mountain area west of the city. Also check out Kamloops Bike Ranch, Canada’s largest municipal bike park, which covers 26 hectares (64 acres) of open grasslands terraced between the Valleyview and Juniper Ridge neighbourhoods.

For some lower-key riding—and fabulous views of the Thompson Valley and Kamloops—check out Lac du Bois Grasslands or Kenna Cartwright Park, (which can also be explored on foot).

Prefer to travel on foot? Nearby hikes with panoramic views include Peterson Creek Nature Park (bring your pups, as it’s entirely off-leash) and Battle Bluff with a nearly 360-metre (1180-foot) ascent to a cliff overlooking Kamloops Lake. Looking for a more leisurely stroll? Enjoy an interpretative lakeside walk at Isobel Lake (wheelchair accessible).

Take to the range

Whatever your style, Kamloops offers a range of, well, ranges. The area is known for its diverse golfing landscape, which offers golfers dramatic topography of shorelines, cliff sides, and memorable panoramas, as well as courses with nearly 1,200 metres (3900 feet) of elevation change.

Tee off at Rivershore Estates & Golf Links with views along the South Thompson River and the banks of the hoodoos. Enjoy dramatic viewpoints at Tobiano Golf as well as their popular driving range; and if you haven’t yet ridden a golf board, try it at the Kamloops Golf & Country Club.

For a different kind of range experience, visit Campbell Hills Guest Ranch and be a cowboy for a day (or a few). Learn to throw a lasso, take a natural horsemanship course, or stay longer and enjoy the scenic trails and fine dining. On hot summer days, you can go swimming with your horse! For a family-friendly outdoor excursion, visit the BC Wildlife Park, a wildlife education and rehabilitation centre less than 20 minutes from the city. Introduce the kiddos to an even wider range of hoofstock native to BC, including bison and elk.

Get your caffeine kick at 5Bean Brewbar & Cafe, Caffe Motivo, or Red Beard Cafe. Fuel up at Amsterdam Restaurant, and on weekends, pack a lunch from the Saturday Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market or grab brunch at Mittz Kitchen.

Make sure to top off a fun-filled day in BC’s great outdoors with local après. Replenish yourself at Twisted Olive, Jacob’s Noodle & Cutlet, or Jamaican Kitchen, and make sure to sample Noble Pig‘s delicious menu and house-made brews on the outdoor patio.

Kamloops boasts a number of craft breweries as well, where heartier fall flavours of late season fruit and the last drops of sunshine combine for delicious seasonal sips. Near Thompson Rivers University, check out Iron Road Brewing for empanadas and local taps from award-winning brewer Aaron MacInnis. If you’re out and about in the Lac Du Bois area, make sure to stop by Woodward Cider Co. and Bright Eye Brewing on the way back to town, and for those sticking close to downtown, Red Collar Brewing and Alchemy Brewing are a short walk. 

Looking to take the day off? Book a wine tour with Tastefull Excursions or DiVine Tours and spend a day visiting some of the Thompson Valley wine region’s favourites, including Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Harper’s Trail, and Privato Vineyard & Winery.

Delta Kamloops Hotel and the Sandman Signature Hotel across from Riverside Park offer elegant, laid-back stays downtown, as does Best Western Plus just up the hill. For a quaint, historic stay, try the Plaza Hotel, or for closer proximity to outdoor adventures south of the city, stay at Coast Hotel & Conference Centre or Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott.  

Those arriving by RV can hook up at Silver Sage RV Park on the north shore or Knutsford RV Campground, about 10 kilometres south of the city centre.

Day Trips From Kamloops

Kamloops has ample opportunities to explore, with four highways intersecting within in the city (Highway 1, 97, 5, and 5A).

Spend a laidback day exploring in and around Kamloops to enjoy local food, wine, and art. Or, venture further out to tour the regional area with a day trip to Wells Gray, Merritt, or the Shuswap.

Feature Image: Kenna Cartwright Park. Photo: Andrew Strain