Kamloops offers outdoor enthusiasts a playground with activities spanning hiking, water sports, wildlife encounters, and winter adventures. If you're looking to bike along forested trails, fish in serene lakes, or enjoy a day at a family-friendly park, Kamloops has something for everyone.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Kenna Cartwright Park
Kenna Cartwright Park is the largest municipal park in British Columbia, with over 40 kilometres of trails winding through rolling hills and offering views of Kamloops Lake and the city. The trails vary in difficulty, making it an accessible destination for families, casual walkers, and experienced hikers. Along the way, watch for wildlife like deer and hawks, which are common in the area.
Riverside Park
Located along the Thompson River, Riverside Park is a tranquil spot for leisurely walks and relaxation. The park features a sandy beach, a rose garden, and picnic areas. It's an ideal place for families, with plenty of open spaces and seasonal events that unite the community. Visitors can enjoy live music on the park's outdoor stage in the summer.
Water-Based Activities
Kamloops Lake
Kamloops Lake is a hub for water activities, surrounded by hills that create a scenic backdrop. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. With its clear waters and ample space, it's an excellent spot for a day on the water, whether you prefer a tranquil paddle or a faster-paced jet ski experience.
Bruker Marina
Established in 2013, Bruker Marina is the sole freshwater marina on Kamloops Lake, located adjacent to the Tobiano Golf Course, which was ranked among Golf Digest's top 100 courses worldwide in 2022.
The marina features 220 boat slips for seasonal moorage, with options for year-round membership, including annual moorage and storage packages. It offers a private boat launch accessible to the public (with applicable launch and parking fees), a beach area for swimming, a fuel dock, a food trailer, and a retail and rental shop. The marina accommodates vessels up to 32 feet in length.
Bruker Marina provides a variety of watercraft rentals, including runabouts, pontoon boats, Sea-Doos, kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats, catering to diverse recreational preferences. The rental program is designed to facilitate activities ranging from leisurely outings to fishing trips and watersports.
Wildlife Encounters
BC Wildlife Park
The BC Wildlife Park spans 106 acres and houses nearly 200 animals representing over 65 species native to the province. Established in 1965, this non-profit organization is dedicated to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, with over 60% of its animals being rescued. The park is home to the world's only Kermode bear in human care.
The park offers a range of attractions, including the Wildlife Express miniature train, a splash park, and playgrounds, providing educational and recreational experiences for visitors of all ages. Guided tours led by park educators offer insights into the stories of the animal residents and their roles in conservation.
The park operates the Fawcett Family Wildlife Health Centre, the only full-service wildlife rehabilitation centre in the Southern Interior, accepting over 600 animals annually from across British Columbia.
The park's mission centres on fostering appreciation and respect for British Columbia's wildlife and preserving biodiversity through education, research, captive breeding, and rehabilitation services. Its philosophy emphasizes connecting people to the province's wildlife and wild places to encourage a sustainable society within a healthy natural environment.
Little Farmers Petting Zoo
Little Farmers Zoo, located adjacent to Westsyde Centennial Park in Kamloops, offers visitors an interactive experience with various animals. Open daily during daylight hours, the zoo is home to farm animals such as goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, and turkeys, as well as exotic birds, including emus, pheasants, and peacocks.
Visitors can feed the animals using food from vending machines situated around the park. Duck and chicken feed dispensers require quarters, while goat feed machines accept loonies. Additionally, a kiosk offers larger bags of goat feed for $5, with the machine accepting bills and providing change.
Golf Courses
Tobiano Golf Course
Tobiano Golf Course is an award-winning 18-hole course located along Kamloops Lake. It's known for its challenging layout and scenic views, making it a top choice for golf enthusiasts. The course also features a clubhouse with dining options, offering a great way to relax after a round of golf.
The Dunes at Kamloops
The Dunes at Kamloops provides a links-style golfing experience with natural dunes and lush fairways. The course offers practice facilities and lessons for players of all skill levels. It's a welcoming environment for anyone looking to enjoy golf.
Winter Sports
Sun Peaks Resort
Sun Peaks Resort, 55 kilometres northeast of Kamloops, is Canada's second-largest ski area, encompassing 4,270 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains: Tod, Sundance, and Morrisey.
The resort offers a diverse range of runs suitable for all skill levels, with 10% designated for beginners, 58% for intermediates, and 32% for experts. The longest run extends to 8 kilometres, providing ample opportunity for extended descents.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Sun Peaks provides a variety of winter activities, including snowshoeing, dog sledding, and ice fishing, catering to diverse visitor interests.
The resort's European-style, pedestrian-only village offers ski-in and ski-out accommodations, enhancing convenience for guests. A selection of dining options, ranging from Canadian classics to international cuisines, ensures a satisfying après-ski experience.
Harper Mountain
Harper Mountain, a family-owned ski area since 1973, is approximately 20 minutes from Kamloops. The resort offers 400 acres of terrain with a vertical drop of 427 meters (1,400 feet), catering to various skill levels with 16 named runs. Facilities include a triple chairlift, a T-bar, and a handle tow, ensuring accessible skiing and snowboarding experiences.
Beyond alpine skiing and snowboarding, Harper Mountain provides a range of winter activities. The Snow Town Tube Park offers lift-assisted tubing, available during the day and illuminated for night sessions on weekends, making it a family-friendly attraction.
For those interested in exploring the serene winter landscape, the resort maintains snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, allowing guests to traverse the mountain's scenic routes.
Night skiing is available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, providing extended hours for enthusiasts to enjoy the slopes under the lights.
The cozy log beam day lodge, featuring a large rock fireplace, offers a welcoming atmosphere for relaxation and après-ski activities. Harper Mountain's commitment to maintaining a laid-back and inviting environment makes it a cherished destination for locals and visitors seeking an authentic winter experience near Kamloops.
Mountain Biking
Kamloops Bike Ranch
The Kamloops Bike Ranch, spanning 26 hectares in Kamloops, is North America's largest municipal bike park. Opened in 2005, it offers diverse trails, a jump park, and a skills area for riders of all levels. Managed by the Kamloops Performance Cycling Centre, it operates daily except during winter and permits only Class 1 e-bikes.
In 2024, the park expanded with the All Wheels Pump Track Facility, featuring beginner to advanced pump tracks, including a competition-grade track for events like the Pump Track World Championships. Shuttle services, such as Mostly Mental Shuttles, provide trailhead access, making the ranch a key attraction for local and international mountain biking enthusiasts.
Pineview Valley Trails
Pineview Valley Trails provide a mix of forested paths and open terrain, suitable for cross-country biking and trail running. The network offers routes for beginners and advanced riders, making it a versatile choice for anyone exploring Kamloops on two wheels.
Fishing Spots
Lac Le Jeune
Lac Le Jeune is a popular spot for fishing, especially for those seeking rainbow trout. The lake's calm waters and abundance of fish make it a favourite for fly fishing enthusiasts. During winter, ice fishing adds a unique twist to the experience.
Paul Lake Provincial Park
Paul Lake Provincial Park offers excellent fishing opportunities, with kokanee and rainbow trout being the main catches. The park also features boating and camping facilities, making it a fantastic destination for a weekend getaway.
Horseback Riding
Erin Valley Riding Stables
Erin Valley Riding Stables, established in 1986, is a family-owned equestrian facility 15 minutes from downtown Kamloops. It caters to riders of all ages and skill levels by offering trail rides, horsemanship lessons, horse camps, a Rodeo Academy, and activities like hay rides and a petting zoo. The six-month Rodeo Academy trains participants aged 8 to 75 in rodeo events and horse care.
The stables also feature campfires, a skating rink, and volleyball nets, making it ideal for families, schools, and group events. With a welcoming atmosphere, Erin Valley Riding Stables aims to foster an appreciation for horsemanship in a family-friendly setting.
Rock Climbing
Skaha Bluffs
While technically outside Kamloops, Skaha Bluffs is a renowned climbing destination. With over 1,000 routes on high-quality rock, it attracts climbers from all over. The area offers a mix of sports and traditional climbing routes.
Kamloops Lake Cliffs
Closer to the city, Kamloops Lake Cliffs provide rock climbing routes with stunning lake views. These routes cater to intermediate and advanced climbers, making it a rewarding experience for those with experience in the sport.
Conclusion
Kamloops is packed with outdoor attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. If you seek adventure or relaxation, the city offers opportunities to explore its natural landscapes, engage in exciting activities, and create unforgettable memories.
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