8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Kamloops! A Beautiful City Surrounded by Nature

Located in south-central British Columbia, Canada, Kamloops is a picturesque city surrounded by magnificent mountains and beautiful rivers. Its name, derived from the Indigenous Shuswap language, means “the meeting place of waters,” as it is where the South Thompson River and Kamloops Lake converge.

Known for its many sunny days, Kamloops offers outdoor enthusiasts the chance to experience Canada’s great nature throughout the year, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers. This time, we will introduce eight must-visit attractions in Kamloops.

1. British Columbia Wildlife Park (Kamloops)

The British Columbia Wildlife Park, located in eastern Kamloops, is a zoo that opened in 1965. Here, visitors can see North American wildlife that is rarely found in Japanese zoos, such as grizzly bears, black bears, lynxes, cougars, and gray wolves.

For families with children, the "Petting Zoo" is highly recommended, where kids can interact with animals. The park also features a mini train that tours the premises, a playground, and other facilities, making it a perfect spot for a full day of sightseeing.

During Christmas, the park is adorned with illuminations, creating a magical and unique winter atmosphere. If you plan to visit Kamloops in winter, this is a must-see attraction. Make sure to add British Columbia Wildlife Park to your Kamloops itinerary!

2. Peterson Creek Park

Peterson Creek Park is a nature park where you can fully experience the beautiful outdoors of Kamloops. Conveniently located near the city center, it is easily accessible. The park offers multiple hiking trails, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst nature.

A highlight of the park is the Bridal Veil Falls, a scenic waterfall. Several picnic tables are also available, making it an ideal spot for an outdoor lunch. Why not relax and enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view? If you’re looking for a place to unwind and take in Kamloops' natural beauty, Peterson Creek Park is the perfect destination!

3. Kamloopa Powwow

The Kamloopa Powwow is a major festival of the Indigenous Shuswap people, held every summer in Kamloops. Many tourists from around the world visit each year to see the colorful and beautiful traditional costumes, as well as the powerful music and dance performances up close.

Inside the venue, handmade crafts are sold, making them popular souvenirs. There are also food stalls offering traditional dishes that can only be tasted here, so be sure to take this opportunity to experience them.

For those who cannot visit during the festival, the Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park is recommended. Learning about Kamloops' history will surely make your trip even more enjoyable.

4. Riverside Park (Kamloops)

Riverside Park in Kamloops is a park located along the Thompson River that flows through the city. It is within walking distance from downtown Kamloops, making it a convenient sightseeing location. The park features facilities such as tennis courts, a playground, a water park, and a beach.

If you are visiting during the warmer months, be sure to bring a swimsuit. Unlike the ocean, there are no waves, making it safe for small children to enjoy playing in the water. You can also buy ice cream from a popular ice cream parlor nearby and take a relaxing stroll along the river. The sunset, in particular, is a must-see.

Since Kamloops is a sister city of Uji, Kyoto, Riverside Park has a Japanese garden area called "Uji Garden." If you are staying in downtown Kamloops, visiting in the morning for a peaceful walk can be a great way to start your day.

5. Sun Peaks Resort

Sun Peaks Resort, the second-largest ski resort in Canada, is located in the town of Sun Peaks, about 60 km from Kamloops. This ski resort is operated by a Japanese company and is a popular tourist attraction in Kamloops, attracting visitors from around the world who come to enjoy winter sports.

Kamloops is known for its many sunny days and dry climate, making it an ideal place for skiing with its fine, powdery snow. During the peak winter tourism season, ski resorts across Canada tend to be very crowded, but Sun Peaks Resort remains a hidden gem with fewer crowds.

The stunning scenery of the ski slopes makes Sun Peaks Resort worth visiting just to admire the snowy landscape. Visitors can also ride a horse-drawn sleigh around the resort, enjoy meals at restaurants, or shop for souvenirs.

6. Monte Creek Ranch Winery

British Columbia is famous for its wine production, and Kamloops, with its significant temperature differences between day and night and frequent sunny days, is also known as a great place for winemaking. Whether you're a wine lover or not, you should definitely visit Monte Creek Ranch Winery at least once.

The sight of vineyards stretching against the backdrop of majestic mountains is breathtaking. Enjoying a wine tasting session surrounded by this scenery will surely put you in a relaxed and cheerful mood. The winery is also well-known for its excellent hospitality, with highly praised staff providing warm service.

7. Adams River – Salmon Run

Every autumn, a large number of tourists from around the world visit "Adams River" for one main attraction: salmon! It is said that British Columbia has around 2,000 rivers where salmon runs can be observed, but Adams River is especially famous for having an exceptionally large number of salmon.

The salmon seen here are bright red sockeye salmon. As they return to their birthplace to spawn, the river is dyed a deep crimson, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Trails and viewing terraces are set up around the area, allowing visitors to observe this incredible phenomenon up close. Would you like to experience the perseverance of salmon and the harshness of nature at Adams River?

8. Kamloops Farmers' Market

The "Kamloops Farmers' Market" is an open-air market where you can buy fresh produce directly from local farms. With a wide selection of vegetables and fruits, it is popular among both locals and tourists. There are also booths selling handmade accessories and artworks, making it a great place to find souvenirs during your visit to Kamloops.

Visiting this market will give you a deeper glimpse into the daily life of Kamloops residents and the city's atmosphere. It is currently held twice a week in the morning, but the location varies depending on the day, so be sure to check in advance.
If you have time, take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the market experience!

◎ Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Kamloops

Kamloops is a city known for its beautiful and magnificent scenery. Rich in nature, Kamloops offers a variety of activities throughout the year: hiking in spring, fishing and camping in summer, salmon run viewing in autumn, and skiing in winter.

With many sunny days and a mild climate, you can plan your trip without worrying too much about the weather. Another highlight is its easy access—just about an hour’s flight from Vancouver. If you're looking for something different from the usual tourist destinations, Kamloops is a city worth visiting.

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