BC Living’s Kamloops City Guide

Kamloops truly has it all: from outdoor adventures and a diverse culinary scene to boutique shopping, cozy accommodations, and rejuvenation opportunities. Whether you’re more into exploring the quaint coffee shops and fashion boutiques along iconic Victoria Street or seeking thrills on mountain biking and hiking trails, Kamloops offers the perfect pace for everyone. We’re here to help you pick your speed. 

 

Where to Stay 

Kamloops presents a variety of accommodations tailored to every budget and group size. In the heart of downtown, you’ll find hotels close to the bustling city centre and the iconic Victoria Street, while properties outside of the downtown core provide tranquil surroundings and stunning views. 

Delta Marriott Kamloops – Everything you would expect from a Delta: comfortable and elevated, but this Delta also contains a heated rooftop pool with cabana seating, a restaurant, and a bar.

The Thompson Hotel – Enjoy spacious rooms, an indoor pool and jacuzzi, an arcade and private movie theatre, and lovely views, all conveniently located on the charming Victoria Street.

Double Tree By Hilton – This pet friendly Hilton is within walking distance of Riverside Park and Beach. The hotel’s long list of amenities includes a 24-hour fitness centre, seasonal outdoor pool and whirlpool, room service, and on-site restaurant. 

The Vista Inn – The newly renovated Vista Inn is both quiet and comfortable, while the views are unbeatable, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a sunset. 

Sandman – An elevated and comfortable stay with an on-site restaurant, pool, and hot tub right next to the Rivers Trail. 

Prestige – A sophisticated hotel located in the Aberdeen area with a water slide, a farm-to-table fresh restaurant, and a swimming pool.

Wingate by Wyndham – A family-friendly hotel where the rooms are spacious while amenities include a spa, indoor pool, and continental breakfast. 

Best Western Aberdeen – A Best Western is always a solid choice for a comfortable stay. The Aberdeen Kamloops location is newly renovated and features in-room amenities such as a microwave, refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, in-room safe, and a spacious work desk.

 

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

 

Where to Eat

Kamloops is emerging as a culinary hotspot, reflecting its varied community. Alongside classic dining options, the city boasts a vibrant scene featuring Korean fried chicken and Japanese ramen, highlighting its expanding Asian cuisine influence. The Yew Street Food Hall serves as a hub for diverse  flavours, while as a whole, the city has everything from upscale dining experiences to quirky, hole-in-the-wall diners. This rich mix caters to all tastes, making Kamloops a go-to destination for foodies.

Alchemy Brewing Co. – A local brewery specializing in craft beer and serving pub favourites such as brick oven pizza, wings, and poutine fries topped with in-house BBQ sauce.

Amplified Coffee – A unique cafe located in the Kamloops library featuring handmade bites and fresh coffee.

Atlas Steak and Fish – Serves steak, fish, and more, all cooked in their Josper oven—a mesquite coal-powered oven that doubles as a smoker.

Bright Eye – A local brewery serving craft beer and good eats and a fun atmosphere with an arcade and photobooth.

Caffe Motivo – A cafe located in downtown Kamloops serving fresh coffee, pastries, and light fare for breakfast and lunch.

Cordo Resto Bar A family friendly restaurant serving fresh ingredients inspired by the Kamloops region. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. 

Frick and Frack Taphouse – A laid-back taphouse with ice cold beers and southern BBQ.

Frozen Paddle – A craft ice cream shop (some of the best in BC).

Isagani Farm-to-Table – Farm-to-table fresh food for breakfast and dinner with stunning views of the valley.

Jadoo – Modern Indian cuisine that also serves world-class craft cocktails 

Jamaican Kitchen – Serving up Jamaican flavours with a beautiful patio.

Katch – Innovative dishes and creative cocktails with a kids menu. Located in Aberdeen. 

Peter’s Pasta – A staple in Kamloops that serves homemade pasta in a relaxed environment 

Red Beard – Everything is meticulously crafted here, from the coffee and beer to the breakfast and dinner menus

Tiger Ramen – Japanese ramen noodle stand for authentic ramen and dumplings.

Tongdak – Authentic Korean fried chicken with a twist. They have over 10 different fried chicken options to choose from.

Underbelly by the Pig – Serving fresh, modern, and upscale food with a Mediterranean twist. 

Wakaya Ramen Bar – Traditional Japanese appies and ramen made with broth that was boiled for at least 12 hours. 

YEW Street Food Hall – A unique mix of locally-owned restaurants, from Mexican to Greek  cuisine.

 

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19

 

What to Discover

While Kamloops is synonymous with outdoor adventures such as hiking and biking, it’s a city that is vibrant with arts and culture, community, and rejuvenation. From local galleries and theatres that showcase regional talent to a variety of festivals that celebrate everything from music to nearby wineries, Kamloops offers a dynamic atmosphere that appeals to both residents and visitors alike.

Aina Organic Spa – A luxury wellness day and med spa.

Kamloops Art Gallery –  Features exhibitions, publications, and programs that educate while also sparking curiosity and creativity. 

Back Alley Art Gallery – Explore Kamloops historic back alleys where there’s over 20  murals depicting the art, culture, and history of the area.

Kamloops Art Party – A place where you can make memories while you are making art. Open to all ages and skill levels.

Farmers’ Markets – There are two markets to discover here: the Kamloops Farmers Market and the Kweseltken Farmers’ and Artisan Market.

Heritage Walking Tour – A self guided walking tour where you’ll learn about the history behind the cultural buildings in downtown Kamloops.

Kamloops Film Society – Watch an independent production at the Kamloops Film Society Paramount Theatre which provides publicly screened, hand-picked, diverse, and high-quality films.

Kamloops Museum and Archives – Established in 1937 and houses over 20,000 artifacts and has an interactive kids’ area.

Monte Creek Winery -Their stunning views of the valley and warm, family-friendly hospitality welcome visitors from around the world..

Privato Vineyard and Winery – Privato is a family-owned boutique winery producing premium Burgundian style wine.

Wine and Beer Tours – Hop aboard a bus or shuttle and experience a boozy taste of Kamloops. 

Sagewood Winery – Sagewood Estate boasts award-winning wines and wine tastings in a welcoming and hospitable environment (dogs are welcome but must be on leash)

Western Canada Theatre – See a musical or a play at the Sagebrush Theatre.

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |

 

For the Kiddos to Discover and Play 

Kamloops is a kid-friendly city offering fun and adventure for children of all ages, from newborns to teens. With a mix of outdoor activities and indoor play zones, there’s something to captivate every young explorer.

BC Wildlife Park – The BC Wildlife Park is a non-profit organisation that is home to over 200 animals, many of which were rescued and in the process of rehabilitation.

Big Little Science – For kids to discover all things science.

Canada Games Aquatic Centre – Kiddos will have a splashing good time at this pool. 

Little Farmers Petting Zoo – So much fun for the entire family! See ponies, goats, sheep, ducks, turkeys, exotic birds and more (all animals and birds can be fed).

ZaaZ Eatery and Play – An indoor play centre for toddlers and children to explore and play. 

Cliffside Climbing Gym – A friendly climbing gym for people of all ages (including littles) to discover the thrill of indoor climbing. 

Apex Adventure Plex – The perfect spot for kids to release their energy. 

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

 

Where to Play 

Kamloops is a haven for those who like to play outdoors, with a variety of activities to explore nature and recreation. Whether you’re looking to tee off on perfectly groomed golf courses, tackle challenging (and leisurely) hiking and biking trails, enjoy the tranquillity of fishing and paddle boarding, or explore local parks and wildlife, this city has something to satisfy every adventurer. 

Movement Collective – A high energy fitness studio focusing on Barre, strength training, Pilates and yoga

 

Golf

Tobiano Golf Course –  Ranked in Golf Digest’s top 100 courses in the world in 2022. A beautiful and challenging course featuring stunning views of Kamloops Lake

Big Horn Golf and Country Club – Big Horn is an award winning golf course where it’s not uncommon to bump into BigHorn Sheep. This is a par 71, 6,714 yard desert golf course with  five tee boxes in which to choose from, which means whether you’re a beginner or expert, you’ll love this course. 

Sun Peaks Golf Course – This is a higher elevation 6,400 yard course that offers unparalleled views of natural foliage and panoramic mountains 

Hikes 

Kenna Cartwright Park – The largest municipal park in BC, Kenna is huge! This beautiful park has over 40 unique trails that cater to every level of hiker—and it’s dog friendly.

Valley View Nature Park – Valley View is a lesser known park (meaning less crowds) and sits high above the silt bluffs of the South Thompson Valley (equalling spectacular views). 

Peterson Creek Park – Another great park with over 10 trails that vary in difficulty and gorgeous city views. This park is off-leash dog friendly. 

Sunpeaks – Explore 17 designated hiking trails ranging from leisurely strolls to alpine hikes, featuring stunning vistas and wildflower meadows.

 

Fishing 

Edith Lake – Located on the Old Fishing Highway, Edith Lake features a recreation site with camping, picnic areas, boat launches, and a fishing dock, all beside a trout-stocked lake.

Monte Lake – This gorgeous lake known for trolling and spotting Kokanee bears 

Roche Lake – For the fly fishers, this is the perfect spot. And if you need a boat, rentals are available. 

Interior Fly Fishing Company – Premier guided fly fishing for all levels of anglers.

 

Biking 

If you’re into cross country biking there’ s a few different options. For more gnarly rides check out Pine Valley Trail Network and Stake Lake Trails, while Kenna Cartwright Park and Lac du Bois Protected Grasslands are incredibly scenic. 

If adrenaline pumping downhill riding is your thing, the Kamloops Bike Ranch, Harper Mountain and Sun Peaks are thrilling trails that even the most advanced riders will find challenging 

 

Paddleboarding 

Heffley Lake – There’s so many lakes to choose from in Kamloops for paddle boarding but Heffley is really special. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountains, thick forests and wildlife—if you’re lucky, a turtle will swim past you. 

Kamloops Water Sports and Paddle Surfit can hook you up with paddle board rentals and get you out gliding on the water. 

 

Beaches  

Riverside Park Beach – Shallow waters, a park right next to the beach, and restaurants  nearby make this the perfect family friendly beach. 

Pioneer Park Beach – A fun and friendly dog beach where the canines can splash around in the water or frolick leash free. 

Overlander Park – A gorgeous white sandy beach that’s both dog friendly and great for kids. 

Disc Golf – Play this fun activity at four different locations around Kamloops: Westsyde Centennial Park, McArthur Island, Rose Hill Park, and Dick Hart Park.

Inspire Trails – Giddy up and go for a horseback ride with Inspire Trails. You’ll be taken along the beautiful trails of the Thompson-Nicola, near Kamloops and Merritt.

Bruker Marina – Located close to Kamloops in Tobiano is Bruker Marina. Rent a boat and ride along scenic Kamloops lake.

 

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |

 

Where to Shop

Kamloops’ Victoria street is a charming strip full of quaint boutiques that range from designer items to unique local goods. You could easily spend a weekend perusing the shops while stopping for a leisurely coffee or having lunch at one of the fabulous eateries. Of course the city also has Aberdeen mall if you prefer to do some shopping at your favourite chain stores. 

Barnacle Records – An uber-cool record shop that stocks both new and used vinyl. 

Crooked Crown Boutique – Crooked Crown is a fabulous gift boutique, bringing specialty curated items to Kamloops as well as stocking the store with many Canadian brands such as Leah Alexander and Happy Hippo. 

Far & Wide – An adorable boutique stocked with the cutest products from ceramics and socks to home goods and vintage. You cannot come to Kamloops without paying Far & Wide a visit.

Jardines Domaine – A gorgeous shop with elevated and sophisticated products for your home, and wardrobe (they carry Free People, Gentle Fawn, Daydream, and Brunette the Label) .

Mainstreet Clothing Co. – Fashion for both men and women. They carry brands such as DEX, Part Two, and Mink Pink. 

Ms.Whimseys Gift Emporium – Unique and funky gifts made by local artisans. Here you’ll find truly unique products made-in-Canada. 

Tumbleweed Toys – The kiddos will be jumping for joy inside this boutique toy shop. 

Aberdeen Mall – Here you’ll find Lululemon, Marshalls, Saje, Sephora, Old Navy and more.

 

 

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

 

 

Our guide is designed to help you navigate the very best of Kamloops, from outdoor adventures and events to shopping and rejuvenation. We hope it enhances your visit, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy your time in this growing city rich with cultural diversity, historical landmarks, and stunning natural landscapes.

 

CREATED BY BC LIVING AND TOURISM KAMLOOPS