Located in British Columbia's interior, this city sits at the confluence of two Thompson Rivers. Known for its semi-arid climate, it has over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.
Kamloops, a city of 90,000 people, sits at the meeting point of the North and South Thompson rivers in British Columbia's interior. Surrounded by grasslands, forests, and over 100 lakes, this sunny city invites you to explore its natural beauty. You can hike through sagebrush-covered hills, cast a line for rainbow trout in Kamloops Lake, or mountain bike at the Kamloops Bike Ranch. In the downtown area, you'll find local breweries like Red Collar Brewing Co., art galleries showcasing regional talent, and theaters presenting live performances.
Where Rivers Meet
Kamloops takes its name from the Secwepemc word "Tk'emlúps", meaning "where the rivers meet." The city spreads out from the confluence of the North and South Thompson rivers, with grasslands and forests extending beyond the city limits. Kamloops has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. You'll enjoy over 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, making it one of Canada's sunniest cities.
Exploring Nature
Within an hour's drive of Kamloops, you'll find over 100 lakes for fishing and water sports. Try casting for rainbow trout in Kamloops Lake or paddling a kayak on the calm waters of Paul Lake. The city has more than 100 miles of hiking and biking trails. Mountain bikers flock to the Kamloops Bike Ranch, Canada's largest municipal bike park. At Kenna Cartwright Nature Park, you can traverse 40 km of trails with sweeping views of the city and Thompson Valley.
Local Food and Drink
Kamloops' culinary scene continues to grow. You can visit five craft breweries, three distilleries, and several wineries in the area. Stop by Red Collar Brewing Co. for a pint of their Wobbly Bob English ale or visit Harper's Trail Estate Winery to sample wines made from grapes grown in the Thompson Valley. For dinner, The Noble Pig Brewhouse serves creative pub dishes paired with their house-made beers.
Arts and Culture
Victoria Street in downtown Kamloops is the hub of the city's active arts scene. You can view contemporary works by regional artists at the Kamloops Art Gallery or watch a play at the Western Canada Theatre. As you walk through downtown, you'll encounter the Back Alley Art Gallery, featuring over 30 murals painted on buildings, transforming the city into an open-air art exhibit.
Indigenous Culture
The Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc people have lived in this area for thousands of years. You can learn about their history and traditions at the Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park. In August, the Kamloopa Powwow brings together Indigenous dancers and drummers from across North America, creating one of the largest celebrations of First Nations culture in Western Canada.
