Day 1: Kamloops
Kamloops is a meeting place, with the city’s name an English-language interpretation of the Secwepemc word T’kemlups, “where the rivers meet.” Here, the North and South Thompson rivers come together, and the city is a literal crossroads for highways 1, 97, and 5.
Similarly, adventure seekers have options in every direction. The city is surrounded by a nearly endless number of hiking trails through desert-like landscapes covered in sagebrush and watched over by towering hoodoo rock formations. And mountain bikers can experience freeriding at its best on some of the more than 270 local trails. Golfers are also spoiled for choice here, and the scenery from the green is spectacular.
Prefer the water? There’s plenty of that, too, with 100-plus lakes nearby. Rent a motor boat, SUP, or kayak, or hire a fishing guide and cast a line for rainbow trout or kokanee salmon (Kamloops is a major fishing hotspot).
No trip to Kamloops is complete without a stop at the Noble Pig, where you can linger on the patio over a flight of craft beer and one of the best soft pretzels you’ll ever eat. Enjoy an after-dinner stroll along the Thompson River at Riverside Park, then recharge for the night at Delta Hotels Kamloops and take in the views from the rooftop pool.