Strategically located at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers, Kamloops has developed into a regional hub for commerce, industry, and outdoor recreation.

Kamloops is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc people. Indigenous culture is deeply rooted in the community, with places like the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park offering insights into the traditions, history, and resilience of the local Indigenous peoples. The city continues to collaborate with Indigenous leaders to honor this legacy and advance reconciliation.

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, Kamloops boasts over 100 lakes within an hour’s drive and an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. The city is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing during the winter, with nearby Sun Peaks Resort being a premier attraction. Fishing, golfing, and paddling are popular warm-weather activities, reflecting Kamloops’ deep connection to its natural surroundings.

Known for its semi-arid climate, Kamloops enjoys over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest cities in Canada. This climate, combined with a relatively low cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas, makes Kamloops an attractive place for families, retirees, and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

The city’s economy is diverse, with key industries including forestry, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. Kamloops is also recognized as Canada’s Tournament Capital, attracting sports tourism and contributing to its robust service and hospitality sectors. Major employers in the region include Teck Resources, Domtar, BC Hydro, and the Kamloops School District, alongside a growing number of technology and entrepreneurial businesses.

Agriculture and ranching play a vital role in the local economy, with Kamloops’ fertile land supporting cattle ranching, crop production, and vineyards. Forestry remains a cornerstone industry, bolstered by local mills and value-added manufacturing. Mining, another critical sector, benefits from Kamloops’ proximity to rich mineral deposits, with copper and gold mining operations driving economic output.

The city also thrives on education and health care, with Thompson Rivers University (TRU) serving as an anchor institution, attracting students and fostering innovation. TRU’s international student population also contributes to Kamloops’ growing cultural diversity. The Royal Inland Hospital is a key regional health care provider, ensuring residents and nearby communities have access to high-quality services.

Kamloops is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Initiatives in renewable energy, waste management, and green infrastructure are shaping the city’s future. As it continues to grow, Kamloops balances development with preserving its natural beauty and community values.

Kamloops, British Columbia, has a rich history that reflects its setting, Indigenous heritage, and role in the development of Canada’s west. Its name derives from the Secwépemc word Tk’emlúps, meaning “where the rivers meet,” referring to the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers. This location has been a vital gathering place for thousands of years, serving as a hub for trade, culture, and sustenance for the Secwépemc Nation, whose traditional territory spans much of the southern interior of British Columbia.

Indigenous Heritage

The Secwépemc people have inhabited the Kamloops area for nearly 10,000 years, thriving on the region’s abundant natural resources. They developed sophisticated systems for fishing, hunting, and trading. The rivers, particularly the Thompson, were central to their way of life, providing salmon and serving as transportation routes. The Indigenous culture remains a cornerstone of Kamloops, with efforts to preserve and celebrate Secwépemc traditions, language, and heritage continuing to this day.

European Contact and Fur Trade Era

European contact began in the early 19th century when fur traders arrived in the region. In 1811, traders established trade with the local Indigenous population, leading to the installation of a post for the Astoria Company in 1812, which later became a Hudson’s Bay Company fort.

Gold Rush and Expansion

The mid-19th-century gold rushes significantly influenced Kamloops’ economic development. In 1858, gold discoveries along the Fraser River attracted a massive influx of prospectors to British Columbia. Although Kamloops wasn’t a primary mining site, its strategic location at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers made it a vital supply centre for miners heading to the goldfields.

The surge of settlers during the gold rush led to increased trade and the establishment of businesses catering to miners’ needs. This economic activity spurred the growth of infrastructure, including transportation routes like the Cariboo Wagon Road, enhancing Kamloops’ connectivity and accessibility.

Additionally, the influx of people and capital during the gold rush era laid the foundation for Kamloops’ transition from a fur trading post to a diversified economy. The subsequent development of agriculture and ranching further contributed to the city’s economic expansion in the following decades.

Railway and Agricultural Development

The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in the 1880s marked a turning point in Kamloops’ development. The railway’s arrival facilitated the efficient movement of goods and people, attracting businesses and settlers to the area. By 1893, Kamloops’ population had grown to 1,000, reflecting its expanding role in the region.

The railway’s presence also spurred agricultural development. Farmers in the Kamloops region gained access to broader markets, enabling them to ship their products efficiently. This connectivity encouraged diversification in agricultural production, including the establishment of orchards and tomato canneries in the early 20th century. The beginning 20th century was also marked by the expansion of the Courthouse, and establishment of Royal Inland Hospital.

In 1895, the formation of the Kamloops Agricultural Association further promoted agricultural interests, supporting farmers and fostering growth in the sector.

Overall, the integration of the railway into Kamloops’ infrastructure was instrumental in its economic development, facilitating trade, supporting agricultural expansion, and contributing to the city’s emergence as a regional centre in British Columbia.

Kamloops Today

Kamloops has evolved into a vibrant and diverse community while honoring its historical roots. Known as Canada’s Tournament Capital, the city attracts visitors for its sports events, outdoor recreation, and cultural festivals. The legacy of the Secwépemc people is interwoven into the city’s fabric, with landmarks such as the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park showcasing their enduring connection to the land.

Temperature

The city has warm summers and mild winters. Average high temperatures in July reach approximately 28.9 °C (84 °F), while January sees average highs around 0.4 °C (32.7 °F). Extreme temperatures can occur, with summer highs occasionally exceeding 40 °C (104 °F) and winter lows dropping below −20 °C (−4 °F). 

Precipitation

Annual precipitation is modest, averaging about 519 mm (20.4 inches). June is typically the wettest month, receiving up to 74 mm (2.91 inches) of rainfall, while February is among the driest months, with around 19 mm (0.75 inches) of precipitation. 

Sunshine

Kamloops is known for its abundant sunshine, averaging over 2,000 hours annually, contributing to its reputation as one of Canada’s sunniest cities. 

Seasonal Variations

Summers are typically dry and hot, with low humidity, making the area prone to wildfires. Winters are relatively mild compared to other Canadian regions, with snowfall occurring but generally not accumulating heavily. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons, offering moderate temperatures and pleasant conditions.

This climate supports diverse outdoor recreational activities year-round and influences local agriculture, favoring crops suited to drier conditions.

Population: 97,902 residents.

Median Age: 41.6 years

Households: 39,910

Have Children: 8810

Homes Owned: 27,960

Homes Rented: 11,955

Apartments: 11,270

Post-secondary Education: 31,805

Average Income: $43,200

Travel to work by car (as a driver): 35,645

Travel to work by walking: 2075

Travel to work by cycling: 385

Sources: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Thompson River: A significant tributary of the Fraser River, the Thompson River flows through Kamloops, dividing the city. It is a hub for activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing, offering scenic riverbank trails.

Kamloops Lake: Stretching 29 kilometres, this lake is a widening of the Thompson River. Surrounded by semi-arid landscapes of sagebrush and grasslands, it is ideal for boating, fishing, and lakeside exploration.

Kenna Cartwright Nature Park: The largest municipal park in British Columbia features over 40 kilometres of trails. The park’s ridgelines offer stunning views of Kamloops, Kamloops Lake, and the surrounding valleys.

Peterson Creek Nature Park: Nestled close to downtown, this park features hiking trails, waterfalls, and bridges. A key attraction is Bridal Veil Falls, which cascades down rocky cliffs.

Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area: A unique landscape of rolling hills and grasslands, this area showcases rare ecosystems and wildlife. It’s a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching.

Battle Bluff: Located within Lac du Bois Grasslands, Battle Bluff offers a moderately challenging hike leading to panoramic views of Kamloops Lake and the surrounding hills.

McArthur Island Park: Situated on an island in the Thompson River, this park combines recreational facilities with natural beauty, including trails, wetlands, and birdwatching opportunities.

Paul Lake Provincial Park: A serene destination surrounded by forested hills, Paul Lake is known for its swimming, fishing, and hiking trails. The park also features campgrounds for overnight stays.

Tranquille Creek and Criss Creek: These areas feature quiet, scenic trails with opportunities to explore canyons, creekside paths, and bird habitats.

Riverside Park: A riverside retreat in the heart of Kamloops, features sandy beaches along the Thompson River, picnic areas, and peaceful walking paths.

Monte Creek and Hoodoos: This area features unique geological formations, which are created by erosion over time. It’s a striking location for photography and exploration.

Harper Mountain: A popular year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Harper Mountain offers skiing and snowshoeing in the winter and hiking and mountain biking during warmer months.

Dewdrop Range: Part of the Lac du Bois Grasslands, this area provides rugged landscapes with breathtaking views, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

These landmarks showcase Kamloops’ diverse natural beauty, from river valleys and lakes to grasslands and forested parks.

Kamloops, British Columbia, comprises a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct character and amenities. Here's a comprehensive list of these neighbourhoods:

• Aberdeen

• Barnhartvale

• Batchelor Heights

• Brocklehurst

• Campbell Creek

• Dallas

• Dufferin

• Heffley Creek

• Juniper Ridge

• Knutsford

• Lower Sahali

• Mission Flats

• Noble Creek

• North Kamloops

• Pineview

• Rayleigh

• Rose Hill

• Sagebrush

• Southgate

• Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

• Tranquille

• Upper Sahali

• Valleyview

• West End

• Westsyde

Each of these neighbourhoods contributes to the diverse and vibrant community of Kamloops.

Kamloops, British Columbia, offers a comprehensive range of educational institutions, including public, independent, and specialized schools. Below is a categorized list of these schools:

Public Elementary Schools (K-7):

• Aberdeen Elementary

• AE Perry Elementary

• Arthur Hatton Elementary

• Arthur Stevenson Elementary

• Beattie Elementary

• Bert Edwards Science & Technology School

• Dallas Elementary

• David Thompson Elementary

• Dufferin Elementary

• École Lloyd George Elementary

• George Hilliard Elementary

• Juniper Ridge Elementary

• Kay Bingham Elementary

• Marion Schilling Elementary

• McGowan Park Elementary

• Pacific Way Elementary

• Parkcrest Elementary

• Ralph Bell Elementary

• Rayleigh Elementary

• Robert L. Clemson Elementary

• South Sa-Hali Elementary

• Summit Elementary

• Westmount Elementary

• Westside Elementary

Public Secondary Schools (8-12):

• Brocklehurst Secondary School

• NorKam Secondary School

• Sa-Hali Secondary

• South Kamloops Secondary

• Valleyview Secondary

• Westsyde Secondary

Specialized Public Schools:

• Kamloops School of the Arts (K-12)

• Twin Rivers Education Centre (9-12)

Independent Schools:

• First Baptist Classical Academy (K-11)

• Kamloops Christian School (K-12)

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help (K-7)

• Sk'elep School of Excellence (K-7)

• St. Ann's Academy (K-12)

These institutions collectively provide diverse educational opportunities to meet the needs of the Kamloops community.

Kamloops, British Columbia, boasts a rich architectural heritage, with numerous buildings recognized for their historical significance. The city's Heritage Register, established in 2007, currently includes 20 heritage resources, encompassing residential, commercial, and civic structures, monuments, and transportation artifacts.

Notable heritage-designated buildings in Kamloops include:

• St. Andrew's on the Square: Built-in 1887, this is Kamloops' oldest public building and serves as a community venue today.

• The Old Courthouse: Constructed in 1909, this three-story building now functions as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community events.

• Sacred Heart Cathedral: Completed in 1925, this Romanesque-style cathedral is noted for its stained glass windows and ornate high altar.

• Freemont Block Building: Erected in 1911 by John Freemont Smith, Kamloops' first Black alderman reflects the city's diverse cultural history.

The City of Kamloops provides resources such as the Heritage Home Register and walking tour brochures to encourage exploring and appreciating these historic sites.

These designated buildings offer a glimpse into Kamloops' past, highlighting its architectural diversity and the stories of its early inhabitants.