Is Kamloops Worth Visiting? Here’s My Honest Take

Wondering: is Kamloops worth visiting, or just a convenient fuel stop along the Trans-Canada? It’s a fair question—this city often gets skipped over for more iconic destinations in BC.

I’ve passed through Kamloops more than ten times on road trips, usually stopping for fuel, lunch, and a break.

But I’ve also stayed overnight twice to hike around Sun Peaks in early fall while my friend hit the mountain biking trails. Slowing down revealed something a quick stop never could—Kamloops offers easy access to nature, a laid-back pace, and more local charm than most people expect.

For travellers looking for scenic trails, sagebrush viewpoints, and cultural stops that don’t feel rushed or overdone, Kamloops is absolutely worth a visit.

1. Sun Peaks Resort: Soft Mountain Adventures Near Kamloops

Kamloops might not be a mountain town, but you can reach alpine views in under an hour. Sun Peaks Resort offers an easy way to shift gears from sagebrush hills to quiet forest trails and high-country meadows.

I’ve stayed overnight here twice in early fall, using it as a base for hiking while my friend mountain biked. It’s a comfortable, slow-paced alternative to bigger resorts—less noise, fewer crowds, and just the right amount of structure for a refreshing mountain break.

What to expect:

• Gently sloping alpine terrain with open meadows, conifer forest, and distant ridgelines
• A compact, pedestrian-friendly village with cafés and gear shops
• Cooler air, mountain stillness, and ever-changing landscapes—ideal for a reset

Soft adventures by season:

Spring to Fall

• Chairlift-assisted hiking trails with panoramic views
• Cross-country mountain biking (or e-bike rentals)
• Forest bathing, wildflower spotting, and village strolls
• Scenic picnic areas and quiet patios for mid-day breaks

Winter

• Gentle downhill skiing or snowboarding
• Snowshoe trails and cross-country ski loops
• Fireside cafés and après-ski lounging (without the Whistler chaos)

Why include it on your route:
If you’re already passing through Kamloops, Sun Peaks adds a personalized detour—an opportunity to slow down, breathe thinner air, and shift from desert hills to alpine calm without needing a full ski trip or high-adrenaline adventure.

2. Kenna Cartwright Park — Sagebrush Trails & Thompson River Views

Best for: 30-minute sunset walks, beginner mountain-bike loops, easy lake-and-city photo stops

Quick Facts	Details
Trailheads	Hillside Dr. or Pacific Way (paved lots, trail maps, washrooms)
Distance & Elevation	Many loops under 3 km with gentle grades
Landscape	Sagebrush hills, ponderosa pine, ridgeline lookouts
Season	Year-round — spring flowers, golden fall grass, snow-dusted winter views

Why it’s worth a visit

• Big pay-off, tiny effort. Most viewpoints are reached in under 1 km, so you get layers of river, lake, and rolling hills without a long climb.
• Choose your pace. Well-signed green MTB loops for first-timers, plus flat walking paths near the lower lots.
• Golden-hour magic. Late afternoon lights up the grass and casts long shadows over Kamloops Lake (that’s the scene in the biking shot).

Soft-adventure tips

• Pack a light wind shell—ridgetop breezes can chill even hot summer days.
• Spring and fall bring wildflowers and quieter trails; summer heat means start early or aim for sunset.
• Bring water; the sage slope offers little shade.

Local note

Locals love Kenna Cartwright for “nature in ten minutes.” If you’re rolling through Kamloops and need a quick reset before dinner, it’s the easiest place to trade asphalt for open sky without leaving the city grid.

3. Battle Bluff: Sagebrush Views Over Kamloops Lake

If you’re up for a short hike with a big visual payoff, Battle Bluff is one of the best soft adventures near Kamloops. The trail offers wide-open views of Kamloops Lake, rolling sagebrush hills, and a chance to experience the drier, high-desert landscape that defines this part of BC.

It’s a quieter alternative to busier lookout spots elsewhere, and a great choice for travellers who want a scenic trail without the alpine commitment.

Trail overview:

• ~4 km round trip with moderate elevation
• Trailhead at the end of Frederick Road near the Kamloops airport
• Mostly open terrain with loose gravel—good footwear recommended

Why it stands out:

• Sweeping views of Kamloops Lake, layered cliffs, and distant ranges
• Great lighting in the late afternoon—ideal for photography or a picnic break
• Less traffic than most BC lakeview hikes, especially on weekdays

What to know:

• There’s no formal parking lot—just a rough pullout at the trailhead
• No washrooms or water—bring what you need, and start early in the summer heat
• Shade is minimal, so a hat and water bottle go a long way

This is where Kamloops shifts from drive-through town to somewhere that actually leaves an impression. It’s one of those spots where you don’t just see the land—you feel its scale.

4. Kamloops Museum & Archives: A Compact Window Into Local History

For a slower-paced cultural stop, the Kamloops Museum & Archives offers a grounded way to connect with the region’s layered history—from Secwépemc homelands to fur trade outposts and the rise of the railway.

It’s small but thoughtfully curated, and the kind of place where you can learn a lot without spending your whole afternoon inside.

What to see:

• Permanent exhibits on the Secwépemc Nation, early settler life, and regional industries
• A rotating gallery space with contemporary or thematic displays
• One of the oldest archival collections in British Columbia

📍 Getting there:
Located downtown on Victoria Street, it’s easy to visit if you’re already walking or parking nearby. Entry is by donation, and street parking is usually available within a block or two.

Why it’s worth your time:

• It gives context to the landscapes around Kamloops—bridging nature with story
• A good option for hot afternoons or shoulder season visits
• Makes a meaningful stop for travellers looking beyond typical sightseeing

5. BC Wildlife Park: Native Species & Gentle Outdoor Experiences

If you’re travelling with kids or looking for a calm, educational stop outdoors, BC Wildlife Park offers a more grounded alternative to typical zoos. The focus here is on rehabilitation and conservation of BC’s native species—from burrowing owls and badgers to cougars and bears.

It’s spacious, stroller-friendly, and designed for wandering at your own pace.

What to expect:

• Naturalized enclosures focused on BC wildlife, not exotic species
• Educational signage and short walkways between zones
• Seasonal events, animal feedings, and family-friendly programming

📍 Location & access:
Located just east of Kamloops along Highway 1. There’s ample parking on-site, and it’s an easy stop if you’re heading back toward the Trans-Canada after a day or overnight in town.

Things to keep in mind:

• While the park prioritizes rescue and education, not all travellers will feel aligned with animal attractions.
• It’s a great option for soft adventure travellers with young kids or anyone interested in wildlife rehabilitation.

You can easily move through it at your own rhythm, or linger where the stories of each animal are shared.

6. Local Cafés & Takeaways for a Slow Meal Outdoors

One of the easiest ways to shift into a slower pace while passing through Kamloops is to grab food from a local café and enjoy it beside the river, at a park, or near a trailhead.

I’ve often stopped here for a casual bite before heading to Sun Peaks or Battle Bluff—it’s a way to reset without rushing.

Where to pick something up:

• The Art We Are – Creative, artsy café with plant-based options and outdoor seating (I stopped here twice during my most recent road trip to Jasper, Alberta…it was that good!)
• Caffe Motivo – Good for coffee and baked goods before or after a walk at Riverside Park
• Harvest Moon Bakery Café – Locally loved for hearty lunch options and relaxed vibes
• Save-On-Foods or Nature’s Fare Market – Easy for grab-and-go picnic staples

Where to take it:

• Picnic tables at Riverside Park, right beside the Thompson River
• A scenic pullout above Kamloops Lake (on your way to Battle Bluff)
• Benches or grassy spots at the Fort Hope rest area, if heading east

If your travel style leans toward meaningful pauses and local connections, this is one of the easiest ways to experience Kamloops on your own terms.

7. Paul Lake Provincial Park: A Quiet Lakeside Escape Near Town

Just 30 minutes northeast of Kamloops, Paul Lake Provincial Park is one of the easiest ways to shift into nature without committing to a long detour. It’s a calm, forested space wrapped around a glacial lake—great for swimming, paddling, or simply sitting by the water.

If you’re staying overnight in Kamloops or passing through on a warm day, this is an ideal side trip that offers space to slow down without the noise or crowds of more popular provincial parks.

What you can do:

• Swim or paddle in calm, cool lake water (rentals not available—bring your own gear)
• Walk the easy Lakeshore Trail for shaded views and quiet shoreline breaks
• Rest under the trees or on the grassy day-use area with a packed lunch

📍 Getting there:
Head east on BC-5, then turn onto Paul Lake Road. Follow signs to the day-use parking area (well-marked and paved). Flush toilets and picnic tables are available near the beach area.

Why it’s worth the side trip:

• Accessible, peaceful, and often overlooked
• Feels like a full reset without needing a full-day plan
• Ideal for road trippers who want a meaningful pause between mountain drives and town stops

If Kamloops gives you the space to pause, Paul Lake gives you the silence to fully settle into it.

Kamloops makes for a great stop on a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary or Banff.

For more inspiration on road trips in British Columbia, check out Best Stops on the Sea to Sky Highway. This guide is packed with tips to make your journey just as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Best Time to Visit Kamloops

Kamloops sits in one of BC’s driest zones, with long shoulder seasons, hot summers, and open skies that shift with the land. The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for—but there’s no wrong season to pause here.

🍂 Early Fall (September–October)

• Ideal for soft hiking at Sun Peaks or Battle Bluff
• Fewer crowds, crisp mornings, golden light
• Great for slow drives and quiet time at lakes or parks
  (My favourite time to visit—I’ve stayed twice in September.)

☀️ Late Spring to Summer (May–August)

• Warm days, dry heat, and long light
• Best for lakeside breaks, short hikes, and road trip stopovers
• It can get very hot midday—plan walking early or late

🌤️ Winter to Early Spring (November–April)

• Sun Peaks is open for skiing and snowshoeing
• Downtown Kamloops is quiet but steady
• A good off-season base for a lower-cost stay between BC routes

💡 If you’re planning a longer Rainforest to Rockies journey, Kamloops makes an ideal overnight stop or midday breather—especially if you want to balance road time with grounded, meaningful detours.

What to Pack for Kamloops: Lightweight Layers & Road Trip Comfort

Kamloops’ semi-arid climate and open terrain mean you’ll want to dress for sun, elevation shifts, and dry trails—even if you’re just stopping for a few hours. Here’s what I recommend packing, especially if you’re visiting between May and October:

• Closed-toe shoes with tread – Perfect for gravelly trails like Battle Bluff or walking village paths at Sun Peaks. I use my Vessi waterproof sneakers, and they’ve held up well.
• Grippy sandals – Good for lakeside stops or days when you’re mostly in town (view here)
• Light fleece or vest – Even in summer, higher elevations or shaded trails can feel cool (vest, full zip fleece)
• Foldable camp chair – Great for riverside picnics or a relaxing moment at Paul Lake (this ultralight version fits easily in your trunk)
• Sunscreen, hat, and refillable water bottle – The sun is strong and shade is limited on most Kamloops-area trails

A little prep goes a long way on this leg of your road trip—especially when your stops are all about comfort, scenery, and staying present.

Are you tired of rushing through someone else’s bucket list? Curious about how slow travel and nature connection can transform your adventures and mindset? Sign up for the free 5-Day Nature Connection Challenge to start embracing a slower, more intentional way of exploring the world and reconnecting with nature.

FAQ: Kamloops Travel Questions Answered

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