The Canadian city of Kamloops is in British Columbia, where two Thompson rivers meet. This beautiful city features bike and wildlife parks, hiking trails, amid other interesting spots. Also, we have heard that the British Columbia’s wildlife in Kamloops includes the best cougars and bears. Likewise, the Lake of Kamloops showcases fascinating clay spires, while Secwepemc Heritage Park flaunts a 2,000-year-old village that you can’t miss. If you’re planning a visit—as you should—you can find many accommodations to choose from including cabin rentals and hotels. Book an accommodation that would suit your needs and then check out this list of the best things to do in Kamloops, Canada.
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Where to stay in Kamloops
Considered as one of the most highly sought-after hiking and skiing destinations, Kamloops boasts great areas to stay in, including Kaloomps City Center, West End, and North Shore, to name a few.
Kamloops City Center
Kamloops City Center is a highly recommended spot for first-timers in British Columbia. It’s great for tourists, avid adventurers, and keen nature enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, skiing, biking, and climbing. Many local parks are also located in this area, which is great if you wish to stay in some of the superb accommodations nearby. Some common property types include townhouses, hotels, apartels, and cabin homes. Enjoy recreational activities and experience comfortable stays in this part of Kamloops.
West End
Situate yourself in West End, a popular area that many travelers frequent for its vibrant night scene and lively gay bars. Since this is more of an upscale neighborhood, accommodations lean on the pricier side but guarantee comfort and convenience. Big houses, five-star hotels, and luxe vacation rentals are some types of accommodations you will find here. Nearby parks and beaches are the main attractions, which many travelers who enjoy the water will appreciate.
North Shore
North Shore is a popular sea destination that locals and travelers frequent. This neighborhood is home to the famous Shipyards Night Market, where live music, great local food, and crafts are available for amusement every Friday. This area offers stunning city views from trendy condos, apartels, cabins, and hostel properties. Victoria Park is found in this neighborhood, which is great for those traveling with kids or pets.
For a top-notch vacation in Kamloops, we recommend booking these amazing places to stay:
1. Western Canada Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Looking for fun things to do in Kamloops, Canada? Check out Western Canada Theatre. It’s definitely the place to be when it comes to live performances by both local and visiting acts, ranging from lively musicals to poignant dramas. It’s been around for more than 45 years and continues to provide not just entertainment all year round but also various educational programs and workshops, which include acting classes and public speaking workshops, to promote arts and culture to the community.
Western Canada Theatre
Address: 1025 Lorne St, Kamloops, BC V2C 5K9, Canada
Website: Western Canada Theatre
2. Privato Vineyard & Winery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
As one of the top wineries in the Thompson Valley region, you can certainly expect that pretty much all the products that come from Privato Vineyard & Winery are in their finest quality. In fact, this noteworthy winery has won several recognitions in the All Canadian Wine Awards. It’s not only just the award-winning wines that many come to visit the place for as the beautiful environment in itself is definitely worth the 15-minute drive from the city of Kamloops.
Privato Vineyard & Winery
Address: 5505 Westsyde Rd, Kamloops, BC V2B 8N5, Canada
Website: Privato Vineyard & Winery
3. Kamloops Museum & Archives
Kamloops Museum and Archives is one of the most popular Kamloops attractions as it features the rich history of the city and high Canadian standards. Take a stroll and observe the artifacts or learn about Kamloops through other art forms. Certainly worth a visit for tourists staying downtown. The lower floor sports the children’s museum and the showcases on all floors are well displayed. Explore the fur trade, fly-fishing room and the skateboarding feature display on the next floor. The museum is a short walk from the main restaurant street of Victoria. The entry fee is by donation.
Kamloops Museum & Archives
Address: 207 Seymour St, Kamloops, BC V2C 2E7, Canada
Website: Kamloops Museum & Archives
4. Kamloops Art Gallery
The Kamloops Art Gallery of British Columbia is the main gallery supporting historical and contemporary visual arts on a national and global level. The Kamloops Art Gallery offers interest in the visual arts by producing publications, exhibitions, and programs that engage, and inform its audiences. The gallery also looks into the preservation of a permanent collection including national and international art in all medias. The gallery strives to create opportunities for arts professionals and the local public.
Kamloops Art Gallery
Address: 465 Victoria St #101, Kamloops, BC V2C 2A9, Canada
Website: Kamloops Art Gallery
5. Dine at Noble Pig Restaurant
The Noble Pig is a popular restaurant in Kamloops that serves delicious meals, and is famous for its incredibly good food and service. Sample a beer, an appetizer and an entree and try the truffle mushroom mac and cheese, fried pickles, chicken sandwiches and the Brewmaster’s Plate. Let the server decide the best beer sample for you, after you explain your likes and dislikes, however, do taste the Noble Pig brew before you leave.
Noble Pig Restaurant
Address: 650 Victoria St, Kamloops, BC V2C 2B4, Canada
Website: Noble Pig Restaurant
6. Kamloops Heritage Railway
2141 is an old steam train with a fascinating history. The train is pulled by Canadian National Railway 2141, also famous as the Spirit of Kamloops. What is unique about this ride is that 2141 is the only one of its kind left and has been restored over 10 years from a park ornament. On the trip, you will learn about the stories of the first nations, masked robbers, acoustics and dancing girls. Stay on a Rocky Mountaineer overnight and take this trip in July or August.
Kamloops Heritage Railway
Address: 510 Lorne St #3, Kamloops, BC V2C 1W3, Canada
Website: Kamloops Heritage Railway
7. Paul Lake Provincial Park
Paul Lake Provincial Park is situated in a forest of pine, Douglas-fir, and aspen. The park offers a large camp and day area, beach, car-tops boat launch, hiking trails and an adventure playground. This lovely lakeshore campground can be reached within a 30-minute drive from Kamloops. Expect beautiful scenery, fishing opportunities, and outdoor recreational activities. Rent a bike to ride up the nature trails, hike up to Gibraltar Bluff, or drive down to the lake from the campsite if loaded with supplies.
Paul Lake Provincial Park
Address: Meadow Creek Rd, Logan Lake, BC V0K 1W0, Canada
Website: Paul Lake Provincial Park
8. Courthouse Gallery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Kamloops Courthouse Gallery Society is a community of like-minded artists who share a common vision and determination. The gallery has formed an Artists Non-Profit Society to share the retail space. The gallery is situated in the Court House Arts and Cultural Building in downtown Kamloops. In this gallery, you can explore the artwork and chat with artists around the year Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm, and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday.
Kamloops Courthouse Gallery Society
Address: 7 Seymour Street West, Kamloops, BC V2C 1E4, Canada
Website: Kamloops Courthouse Gallery Society
9. Hello Toast Cafe
Hello Toast Cafe is a perfect restaurant to enjoy a morning breakfast in Kamloops. Unlike the Good Morning Croissants, this veggie-friendly organic cafe offers whole grains, and fried combos of bacon, eggs or burgers. In addition, Hello Toast Cafe sports a nice open front, with sidewalk tables. This cafe serves the most scrumptious organic breakfast in town along with great service.
Hello Toast Cafe
Address: 428 Victoria St, Kamloops, BC V2C, Canada
Facebook page: Hello Toast Cafe
10. BIG Little Science Centre
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
BIG Little Science Centre is a great place for learning science in an entertaining way. The science centre is one of the best activities in Kamloops with kids as it organizes special themed events from time to time. Expect to spend an hour or two here to explore all the interactive sections. This science centre is located at an odd location in the middle of a residential area, but the building is a repurposed school, put to excellent use. In case you have a membership at the Vernon Science Centre, it’s useable here!
BIG Little Science Centre
Address: 655 Holt St, Kamloops, BC V2B 5G2, Canada
Website: BIG Little Science Centre
11. Monte Creek Ranch Winery
Monte Creek Ranch Winery offers a splendid wine tasting of their offerings. Buy your favorite wine and enjoy a lovely outdoor lunch with friends and loved ones. This ranch winery sports an incredible view from the patio along with great service. Try the ranch’s special mesclun tuna salad with nuts, Croquet Monsieur and the sandwiches and wash it down with a glass of red wine.
Monte Creek Ranch Winery
Address: 2420 Miner’s Bluff Rd, Monte Creek, BC V0E 2M0, Canada
Website: Monte Creek Ranch Winery
12. Kamloops Wildlife Park
Kamloops Wildlife Park is a great wildlife sanctuary, where you are greeted with a gracious scoop of ice cream. This Wildlife Park in British Columbia features educational days for schools to wild-light shows for adults during Christmas. The wild-light show presents many animals created with rope lighting to light up the park. Then there are the train rides around the park to see all the animals that bring joy to your heart and a smile on your face. The park itself is relatively simple yet shows great potential.
Kamloops Wildlife Park
Address: 9077 Dallas Dr, Kamloops, BC V2C 6V1, Canada
Website: Kamloops Wildlife Park
Vacation in Kamloops
Kamloops is a frequent stop for passing tourists. This area is abundant with rivers, lakes and salmon fish since the 18th-century. In downtown, take a trip to the tree-lined Victoria Street, the most vibrant street of Kamloops featuring chic malls and boutique stores.
Frequently asked questions about best things to do in Kamloops, Canada
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