Kamloops Trip Planner
Why Visit Kamloops: Top Reasons & Highlights
Travelers love Kamloops for its "unpretentious charm," as one review described. Visitors consistently enjoy outdoor activities, from exploring the scenic trails to engaging in exciting water sports. The vibrant local art and food scene offer authentic experiences. Pilot helps organize a seamless trip, blending activities and relaxation effortlessly. Kamloops is approximately 5 hours driving from Seattle.
Kamloops travel photos
Use Pilot's free trip planner to easily plan your Kamloops itinerary
Your dream trip deserves more than scattered tabs and guesswork. With Pilot, you can explore extraordinary stays, craft flawless itineraries, and book it all—without the stress.
Discover unforgettable places
Instantly generate tailored trip ideas with AI prompts and 60+ filters, from must-sees to hidden wonders.
Plan effortlessly, together.
Map your days, add activities, invite friends, and collaborate in real-time—all in one organized hub.
Keep everything at your fingertips.
Securely import travel docs, chat with your group, and access your plans offline with minimal battery drain.
Book with confidence, and deals.
Choose from over 2 million hotels, rentals, and experiences, with instant reservations and exclusive savings.
Mya S.
18-24, United States
Vikanda O
27-34, United States
Olivia F.
51-64, San Francisco
What to do in Kamloops
With so much to do and so much to see, use Pilot to make your plan to make the most of your trip.
Explore top things to do
- 🏞️ Explore Kenna Cartwright Park's scenic trails for breathtaking views and wildlife. - 🛍️ Stroll through downtown Kamloops and visit local shops and eateries. - 🚂 Take a ride on the historic Kamloops Heritage Railway. - 🚶♀️ Visit Riverside Park for a peaceful riverside walk or picnic. - 🍷 Tour Kamloops wineries and enjoy local wine tasting. Use Pilot to effortlessly create an itinerary highlighting these spots.
Find the perfect neighborhood to stay in
- 🌟 Downtown Kamloops offers vibrant art venues and delicious local eateries. - 🏞️ Riverside Park is perfect for nature walks with scenic river views. - 💼 South Shore is great for shopping and dining. - 🏡 North Shore features friendly locals, charming shops, and unique eateries. - 🚴♂️ Aberdeen is ideal for countryside trails and stunning views. Pilot can help you find the best areas to stay and offers great hotel booking deals.
Discover the best food and drink
- 🍁 Authentic Canadian cuisine is a must-try in Kamloops. Offerings like bannock, poutine, and fresh local salmon capture the region's culinary spirit. - 🍔 The Noble Pig is renowned for its creative twist on classic poutine, making it a beloved local spot. - 🍣 Brownstone Restaurant serves exquisite salmon dishes, highlighting the freshest local ingredients. - 🍖 Mittz Kitchen offers a comforting experience with its array of hearty, uniquely Canadian dishes. - 📱 Use Pilot to seamlessly plan your Kamloops culinary journey, ensuring you don't miss any local favorites.
In popular culture
🪁 The X-Files filmed episodes in Kamloops, capturing its scenic landscapes. 🎬 The movie 2012 used Kamloops' Warehouses for its disaster scenes. 🚂 The Cannery scene in The A-Team was shot near Kamloops at Ashcroft. 📸 Popular on social media for its dramatic landscapes often showcased by travel influencers. 🌲 Fargo season 2 included scenes shot in Kamloops' sprawling forests. 📺 Supernatural often used Kamloops' distinctive locales for its thrilling episodes. 🏞️ Kamloops' iconic railway bridges and vistas have appeared in several Hallmark Channel movies.
Kamloops at a glance
Start My Adventure
What reviews say
- Kamloops has a laid-back vibe. - Nature lovers enjoy its scenic views and outdoor activities. - Locals recommend Riverside Park for picnics and walking trails. - The wildlife park is a must-visit, especially for families. - Some find the downtown area underwhelming for food options. - Jojo's Cafe is a hidden gem for coffee enthusiasts. - Red Lake offers great fishing opportunities.
What reddit says
- Kamloops gets mixed reviews. - Locals say it's a great base for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. - Travelers find Riverside Park and McArthur Island must-sees. - Some mention the city feels small but offers unique events like the Kamloops Powwow. - Hidden gem: the Monte Creek Ranch Winery. - Caution on limited public transport.
Travel tips and safety
- Kamloops offers a welcoming community vibe, with locals appreciating polite interactions. - No strange laws stand out, but always mind local regulations to respect cultural norms. - Meals cost around CAD 15-30, while taxi fares start at CAD 3.75. - Public transport is affordable, and tap water is safe to drink. - The atmosphere is relaxed, ideal for organized and authentic experiences without rush. Kamloops is generally safe, but consult travel advisories for updated information as situations can change.
Getting around
- Public transit in Kamloops is efficient; buses are frequent and affordable. - Rideshare options like Uber are limited; taxis are available but pricier. - Downtown and Riverside areas are highly walkable. - Bike rentals are popular; they’re a budget-friendly way to explore. - Pilot helps plan logistics and discover scenic walking paths.
How much it costs to visit
- Budget: Around $100 per day - Hostel dorm bed: $30 - Public transportation day pass: $10 - Fast food or budget restaurant meal: $15 - Free or low-cost attractions: $10 - Mid-range: Around $200 per day - Mid-range hotel room: $100 - Casual dining: $25 - Public transportation or occasional taxi: $15 - Paid attractions: $25 - Luxury: Around $400 per day - Luxury hotel: $250 - Fine dining: $50 - Private transport or frequent taxis: $40 - Exclusive tours or shows: $60 Prices vary at different times of year and during large events. Check Pilot to find current rates for hotels and activities.
What to do if you only have one day to visit
- 🚶♂️ Take a morning stroll at Riverside Park. The trails and views are lovely. - 🍽️ Enjoy brunch at Brownstone Restaurant. Their seasonal menu won't disappoint. - 🚴♀️ Rent a bike and explore the Kamloops Riverfront Trail. - 🍷 Visit Privato Vineyard and Winery for a tasting session. You'll love their wines. - 🌿 Spend the afternoon at Kamloops Wildlife Park. It's a great spot to see local animals. - 🍕 Dinner at The Noble Pig Brewhouse. Their craft beer and unique pizzas are a must-try. - 🎭 Catch a performance at Kamloops' Sagebrush Theatre if there's time. Use Pilot to easily generate and map an itinerary like this for you for free in just a few clicks.
What to do if it rains
- 🌧️ Visit the Kamloops Museum & Archives. Discover the local history with fascinating exhibits. - 🎨 Check out the Kamloops Art Gallery. Enjoy diverse and thought-provoking contemporary art. - 🎭 Catch a show at the Sagebrush Theatre. Experience live performances from plays to musicals. - 🐉 Spend time at the Big Little Science Centre. Perfect for interactive exhibits and science demonstrations. - 🍷 Sample local wines at Privato Vineyard & Winery. Indoor tasting with scenic views is a treat. - 🏛️ Explore the Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park. Learn about the region's Indigenous culture. - 🍻 Chill at a local brewery like Red Collar Brewing. Enjoy some craft beer tasting and a cozy atmosphere. - ☕ Visit a cozy café like The Art We Are for a warm drink and some local art. - 🎳 Go bowling at Falcon Lanes. It's fun for a group and great for all ages.
When to visit and how many days to spend
- Kamloops has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters - Peak tourist season: June to August - Summers: Enjoyable for hiking and other outdoor activities - Average temperatures: 20-35°C (68-95°F) - Winters: December to February, skiing season - Average temperatures: -5 to 5°C (23-41°F) - Avoid late fall: Wet and windy - Ideal for organized adventures amidst sagebrush and grasslands
How to find events during your stay
- Check out Kamloops This Week , a reliable local news source for event listings: kamloopsthisweek.com - Follow the Instagram handle @tourismkamloops for updates on local festivals and events. - Visit tourismkamloops.com for comprehensive information on upcoming cultural and community happenings. - CFJC Today is another excellent source for local news and community events: cfjctoday.com - Keep an eye on Facebook events in Kamloops for casual listings of music concerts and local markets. - Listings on Radio NL Kamloops, found at radionl.com/events, often feature noteworthy community events. - For cultural festivals and unique celebrations, the Kamloops Arts Council updates regularly: kamloopsarts.ca All these provide up-to-date event details. Enjoy Kamloops!
Before your trip, read the history
Kamloops, nestled in British Columbia's Thompson Valley, holds a rich mosaic of history you'll appreciate. Originally inhabited by the Secwepemc people, this region was a hub for trade and culture long before European settlers arrived. The city's name, derived from the Shuswap word "Tk'əmlúps," means 'meeting of the waters', perfectly capturing its importance as a meeting place of rivers. Established as a fur trading post in 1812, Kamloops blossomed due to its strategic position at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers. Its natural history is characterized by rolling grasslands, semi-arid climates, and a diverse array of wildlife, making it a goldmine for nature lovers.Politically, Kamloops has leaned towards the center-right, oscillating between conservative and liberal ideals, reflecting its pragmatic, community-driven culture. Culturally, the city is vibrant, with annual music festivals and indigenous celebrations. Influential figures like explorer David Stuart, a key player in early trading, and local politicians have directed its growth. Kamloops played a pivotal role in railway development, linking British Columbia to the rest of Canada, cementing its status as a transport hub. Let the traces of history enhance your visit, as the balancing act of tradition and progress makes Kamloops a fascinating place.
