Murals And Street Art In Kamloops: The Best Spots Downtown

I love it when a destination I’m visiting invests in the arts and culture sector in a big way, especially when they have a healthy city beautification budget (I can’t help but think of the SimCity game series here).

Even if you, like most people, came to Kamloops to go on outdoor adventures (mountain biking, hiking, and water-related sports are big here…for good reason), you literally can’t miss the murals and street art in Kamloops while you’re downtown.

On my recent trip to Kamloops, I couldn’t help but pause and reflect every time I saw an interesting mural or piece of art (they’re all interesting…so there was a lot of pausing on my walks to here or there).

Got your camera ready? Here’s just a taste of the hundreds of murals and street art you’ll come across in Kamloops.

The word “Kamloops” is painted in bold yellow letters on a concrete wall at the entrance to a stairwell beside a red brick building. Street art like this marks the city with personality and pride. — Keep your camera ready — Kamloops wears its name with bold style and back-alley flair.

If you’ve got a few days in town, there’s actually a really well-paced plan for hitting up the highlights — murals included — that’s worth checking out for a more complete Kamloops experience.

Table of Contents

Back Alley Murals

Beyond the incredible arts and culture in Kamloops, the city has created many free ways to enjoy the creativity that comes out of the artists here.

Billy Miner Train Robbery, 2010. Alex Moir-Porteus. 120 5th Ave. — Detailed mural of a historic black steam engine labelled “C.P.R. 941” with red passenger cars, set against a dark mountain landscape. The side of the building includes artist credits and contributes to Kamloops’ railway heritage.
Billy Miner Train Robbery, 2010. Alexx Moir-Porteus

A painted mural on a weathered wall depicts passengers inside a vintage train car, including a conductor, a woman with white hair, and a man dressed in black. — Closeup. Billy Miner Train Robbery, 2010. Alexx Moir-Porteus

Kamloops has an impressive mural collection scattered through alleyways in the downtown core. Even a short stroll around Victoria Street will reveal some of the city’s best public art. I can’t wait to go back and see and photograph even more of it than I’m sharing with you here.

If your day spills into evening, there are some fun nighttime options that are worth sticking around for — especially downtown.

Large mural divided into color-block sections featuring grayscale portraits and action scenes like bull riding and boxing, painted on the side of a tall building. Each panel tells part of a cultural or historical story. — Films on My Mind, 2019. Zach Abney, Assist Nancy Kuchta. 503 Victoria St.

Monochromatic mural showing silhouettes of people walking in single file across a black and blue background, painted on the side of a low industrial building. The figures evoke motion and community. — Monochromatic mural showing silhouettes of people walking in single file across a black and blue background.

Vibrant mural of male and female athletes from different sports including soccer, hockey, baseball, basketball, and more, painted against a black-and-white spiraling backdrop. The artwork celebrates local athleticism and diversity in sports. — Sports in the Loops (Organized Chaos), 2016. Ken Wells. 520 Seymour St.

Bold, colorful mural on a brick building featuring the stylized words "Historic HOTEL Leland" in orange, blue, and cream lettering with artistic background patterns. The mural adds character to an urban alleyway. — Homage to the Leland Hotel, 2017. Evan Christian. 301 Victoria St.

Winking Man, 2019. Zach Abney. 322 Seymour St.

There is a full walking map if you want to tour all the murals in downtown Kamloops. If you want to identify a specific mural or find out where your favourite one is, this picture guide is helpful.

Or, just enjoy wandering and coming across art as you go.

A public art installation spelling out the word "HOPE" with a heart symbol at the beginning, covered in hundreds of padlocks, set against a backdrop of autumn trees. — Kamloops’ riverside HOPE sculpture is a community landmark where visitors leave padlocks as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and love.

Riverside Park Walk

Later in the afternoon, I headed down to Riverside Park to enjoy a quiet walk along the river. The paths here are accessible, with benches, shade, and some public art pieces along the way.

Colorful mural on a shipping container featuring stylized wildlife and landscape imagery with the word “Kamloops” in bold white letters. The mural sits in front of the Sandman Centre, framed by fall trees. — Kamloops container mural near Sandman Centre

You can also walk along the path to Waterfront Park, another green space with views of the river and the surrounding hills. Nearby, here are actually a few local spots that are great if you’re looking for plant-based meal options before or after your stroll.

Downtown Street Art

A flowerbed with vibrant orange and red flowers in front of a statue group and engraved sign for the TNRD Civic Building, Kamloops Public Library, and Kamloops Art Gallery. — Outside the TNRD Civic Building, art and history come together with sculptures and vibrant blooms.

One of the most charming bike racks you’ll ever find — this one celebrates local authors with a literary spin. — The Kamloops Art Gallery is a must for any culture lover visiting downtown…you’ll spot it just across from the civic square.

A creative bike rack shaped like a bicycle, with attached plaques naming Kamloops authors and local book titles, outside the Kamloops Public Library. — One of the most charming bike racks you’ll ever find — this one celebrates local authors with a literary spin.
Outside the Kamloops Public Library and Kamloops Art Gallery building.

Between the public art and gallery scene, it’s easy to see why so many people are surprised by how much Kamloops offers beyond just the outdoors.

View the video below to learn more about all the things to do in Kamloops for arts and culture lovers:

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Smartphone Photography Tips for Murals & Public Art

You don’t need a fancy camera to capture Kamloops’ murals — your smartphone is more than enough with a few quick tricks:

Go wide — Use your phone’s wide-angle lens (if it has one) to capture larger murals without standing too far back.
Mind the shadows — Murals often face different directions, so soft morning or late afternoon light helps avoid harsh glare or deep shadows.
Get the details too — Zoom in or get close to capture textures, artist signatures, or small design elements that tell the story.
Level your shot — Use your phone’s grid setting to keep walls straight and avoid that tilted look.
Edit lightly — A touch of contrast or brightness can bring mural colours to life, but don’t overdo it — let the art speak for itself.

Planning your trip to Kamloops and Beyond

Where to Stay in Kamloops

Night view of the DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops hotel exterior, lit with red and white lights and a glowing blue construction crane in the background. — The DoubleTree lights up the Kamloops skyline — centrally located with easy access to dining and downtown.

Neatly made king-sized bed with crisp white linens and a wooden headboard, flanked by bedside lamps and framed artwork. — The plush king bed offers a restful retreat after a day of exploring Kamloops or hitting the slopes nearby.

Modern walk-in shower with beige tile, mounted shampoo and body wash dispensers, a towel on a chrome bar, and glass shower door. — Clean, bright bathrooms feature walk-in showers with eco-friendly toiletries and sleek finishes.

Cozy sitting area with a cushioned armchair, granite-topped round side table, and warm lighting next to a bed. — Every room includes a relaxing reading nook perfect for morning coffee or winding down at night.

My Top pick

DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops
I stayed here. Central, comfortable rooms, easy to walk everywhere.

⭐️ Read my full DoubleTree review»
✅ Check rates at DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops

Two other downtown options

Sandman Signature Kamloops
Across from Sandman Centre and near the river path. Handy for Riverside Park strolls.

Delta Hotels Kamloops (Marriott)
On Victoria Street in the core. Short walks to cafés, shops and the riverfront.

And if Kamloops is just one stop on your longer route through the Rockies, here’s a look at some convenient spots to break up the drive if you’re heading toward Banff.

A navy blue directional sign at Victoria Street and 5th Avenue points to local attractions like the old courthouse, Riverside Park, and the Sandman Centre. Walking the downtown core is easy thanks to these helpful markers. — With plenty of signage to guide you, downtown Kamloops is walkable and packed with points of interest in every direction.

When to Visit for Art & Murals

Spring to fall — Ideal for mural walks, farmers’ markets, and enjoying the riverside public art in the sunshine.
Autumn — A great time for stargazing events, fall colours, and mural exploring without the summer crowds. Fall in Kamloops is perfect for wandering around, looking at murals and street art when it’s cool and crisp.
Winter — Lean into the cozy season with a museum- and gallery-rich weekend and plenty of café breaks between indoor exhibits.

A sidewalk utility box wrapped in a black-and-white historical photo of downtown Kamloops, featuring vintage cars and storefronts. These artistic boxes offer glimpses into the city’s past as you wander the modern streets. — Keep your eyes peeled for artistic details like this throwback utility box, turning Kamloops’ sidewalks into an open-air gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions About A Visit to Kamloops, BC

How much time should I set aside to see the murals?

If you’re staying downtown, you can see many murals in 1–2 hours on foot, especially with stops for coffee or photos. Add more time if you’re including outlying pieces or nearby galleries.

Are the murals accessible year-round?

Yes, murals are outdoors and viewable year-round, but snow or cold weather in winter can make walking routes less comfortable. Spring through fall offers the best weather for mural walks.

Are there any guided mural or art tours in Kamloops?

While most mural exploring is self-guided, local tourism offices or arts organizations occasionally host public art walks or events, especially during festivals or summer weekends.

Smart Tips for Mural and Street Art Hunters

Skip the car shuffle — If you’re staying downtown, park once and walk. Most murals are just steps away.
Start early for best light — Morning or late afternoon offers the best natural light for mural photography (and fewer crowds).
Bring layers and water — Even in warmer months, weather can shift quickly — especially if you’re mural-hopping from downtown to more exposed areas.
Accessibility notes — Many areas downtown are compact and level, and the riverfront has smooth paths, making it manageable for slower or more accessible-paced exploring.

Want to dive deeper into Kamloops’ creative scene? Check out this guide to more ways to experience local arts and culture in Kamloops.

Things to Do in Kamloops for Art and Culture Lovers #art #museums #kamloops