Whether you’re just visiting or you’re looking to entertain friends and family, the Tournament Capital has something to offer everyone. Think you have to leave city limits to find something exciting to do? Think again!
Spend some well-deserved time outdoors this spring checking out the beautiful scenery that the city of Kamloops has to offer, without even having to leave city limits.
Here are the best tourist attractions inside Kamloops city limits, as voted by you and presented by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union.
Kenna Cartwright Park, located on Mount Dufferin, is the largest municipal park in the province at almost 800 acres.
Thanks to the topography of the Kamloops area, the park offers over 40 kilometres of trails ranging from easy to extremely difficult, so there’s no need for fancy hiking equipment if you’re just looking to spend a day in the fresh air, but you can bring some if you're looking for a challenge.
Pleasantly located at the top of a mountain, hikers enjoy panoramic views of the entire city, truly a sight to behold of one of the province's most breathtaking valleys.
Making your way up to this area, you are able to gaze upon landmarks such as the entire Kamloops Lake and the converging of the North and South Thompson Rivers. You can get an amazing view of the entire city as well because the entire Thompson Valley is visible from this vantage point, making it the perfect place for a hike for locals and tourists alike.
Check out the wetlands, have a picnic, and bring your dog out for some fun in the sun at Kenna Cartwright Park.
Family-oriented and conveniently located downtown, you can get right up to the bank of the Thompson River at Riverside Park.
Check out the aesthetically pleasing Japanese gardens at the beginning of the River’s Trail, and take a stroll along the walkway at the side of the massive river.
If you continue your walk under the train bridge into Waterfront Park, you will discover The Labyrinth, a large circle built from cobblestone where people go to contemplate. If you make your way to the center, clap your hands and see what you hear - it might not be what you’re expecting!
Go for a swim in the beautiful Thompson River, go for a walk along the beach, or bring a picnic basket and sit beneath the billowing trees.
Every night throughout the summer, the park features “Music in the Park” from local artists, so there is always something going on. Don’t forget your lawn chair or towel!
The BC Wildlife Park is home to almost 200 animals and 65 species that are native to British Columbia.
The non-profit has operated in Kamloops since 1965 after Molson’s Breweries donated 106 acres of land to be used perpetually as a wildlife park. The park operates through the support of volunteers and business professionals throughout the province.
The park seeks to assist to a future that embraces the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity while also educating members of the community and encouraging an appreciation for BC’s wildlife.
Many of the animals at the Park have been rescued or were orphaned and are unable to survive on their own in the wild.
There is so much to do in the park besides seeing the wonderful wildlife. You can take the Wildlife Express - a miniature train that takes you on a short ride throughout the park, visit the Discovery Centre, which is geothermal and climate-controlled, or check out their Birds of Prey demonstrations during July and August, where you get a chance for a close-up look of the big birds of British Columbia!
