Things to Do in Kamloops Beyond the Outdoors: Art, Museums And Culture

When most people think of things to do in Kamloops, they picture mountain biking trails, sunny lake days, or the desert hills that frame the city. Fair. But there’s another side to Kamloops, one shaped by creativity, local stories, and a growing arts scene that’s easy to enjoy at your own pace.

Over the years, I’ve spent enough time here to realize that Kamloops isn’t just an outdoor destination. Between colourful murals, thought-provoking galleries, and small theatres, there’s plenty to fill a relaxed day downtown (and maybe a night out, too).

Here’s where to start if you want to see the city through its art and culture.

Note: I was hosted by Tourism Kamloops, but all opinions are my own.

Watch: Arts and Culture in Kamloops

Take a quick look around Kamloops’ galleries, murals, and cultural spaces in this short video — all filmed during my downtown stay.

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

Watch this video on YouTube.

1. Kamloops Art Gallery

📍 101-465 Victoria Street

The Kamloops Art Gallery sits right downtown beside the library and is on a street where there are lots of local shops, so it’s a good place to go as part of a downtown shopping trip (or if the weather isn’t great for being outside).

It’s bright, modern, and big enough to feel substantial without being overwhelming. You can easily spend close to an hour here if you like to take your time.

The gallery is fully accessible, with a short ramp leading from the building entrance and plenty of open space to move comfortably.

Staff were friendly and helpful, offering a short overview and inviting me to explore at my own pace.

Admission is budget-friendly (check the Kamloops Art Gallery website for up-to-date pricing), and you can easily combine it with a stop at one of the nearby cafés (I recommend Brynn’s Bakery, which is less than a block away and is known for having delicious vegan baked goods in Kamloops) for a mid-morning break.

In addition to the gallery space, the Kamloops Art Gallery has a curated selection of products, including books by local authors and gift items by local artisans.

There are talks, tours, and workshops running at any given time, but you’ll need to check the Kamloops Art Gallery website for details and to sign up.

2. Kamloops Museum & Archives

📍 207 Seymour Street

Spread across three floors, the Kamloops Museum & Archives offers a detailed, interactive look at the region’s history and culture. It’s easy to spend about an hour and a half here without feeling rushed — perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon downtown.

The building is fully accessible, with elevators connecting each level and plenty of space to move comfortably. Admission is by donation (suggested $3 per adult, $1 per child).

It’s a timely, community-centred display that feels both educational and personal.

On the main level, you’ll also find the Kamloops Children’s Museum, which features hands-on, creative exhibits designed for families.

The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. It pairs perfectly with the Kamloops Art Gallery or the nearby mural walk for an easy, art-filled day downtown.

3. Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park

📍 200-330 Chief Alex Thomas Way

Kamloops comes from the Secwépemc word Tk’emlúps, meaning where the rivers meet. The museum is located on the traditional lands of the Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc, and you’ll feel that from the moment you arrive.

I didn’t take a formal tour when I visited the Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park, but walking the grounds and entering the building was enough to shift the tone of my day.

Inside, you’ll find galleries focused on Secwépemc culture, language, and oral storytelling traditions, alongside archaeological displays and community-led narratives.

Outside, there’s a short interpretive trail along the South Thompson River with reconstructed pit houses and local plant signage, a gentle, reflective walk that adds real context to the region.

Tours are available by request and pre-booking, and are recommended if you want to go deeper.

I’d recommend setting aside at least 1.5 to 2 hours if you want to engage with both the exhibits and the outdoor trail at a slower pace.

4. Kamloops Indian Residential School Site

📍 330 Chief Alex Thomas Way (on the same grounds as the museum)

The former Kamloops Indian Residential School sits on the same grounds as the museum, and even standing outside the building carries weight. It’s one of the most well-known residential school sites in Canada, with more than a century of history and intergenerational impact.

While I didn’t take the guided tour, I learned that visits can be arranged through the museum, led by members of the Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc community.

These tours offer insight into what took place within the building, how the school operated, and the ongoing legacy it carries. It’s a space of truth-telling and reflection, not tourism, so if you do choose to visit, approach with care and openness.

5. Powwow Grounds at Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc

📍 Between Chief Alex Thomas Way and the South Thompson River

Just beyond the museum and residential school site, you’ll find the Kamloopa Powwow Grounds, an open circular area bordered by bleachers and framed by cottonwoods and the river.

This is the home of the Kamloopa Powwow, one of the largest Indigenous cultural celebrations in Western Canada. It typically takes place in the summer months (it was in late June in 2025) and brings together dancers, drummers, and families from across Turtle Island to share in ceremony and celebration.

If your travels line up with Kamloopa (or any other public event hosted by the Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc community), it’s worth checking for details in advance.

The powwow is open to the public, with clear protocols around photography and respectful attendance, a powerful way to experience living culture rather than just reading about it.

Performing Arts & Film in Kamloops

If you’re spending the night in Kamloops or just looking for ways to wind down after a day of art galleries and mural walks, the city has a few cultural venues worth checking out. They’re small, local, and approachable, which fits the pace of everything else in this guide.

6. Sagebrush Theatre

📍 1300 9th Avenue

This is where Western Canada Theatre performs most of its shows — everything from contemporary Canadian plays to family-friendly musicals. If you’re someone who likes live theatre but finds big-city venues too expensive or formal, Sagebrush might be your kind of place.

Even when I wasn’t there for a show, I appreciated walking by and checking their calendar. It’s a good one to keep on your radar if your trip dates happen to line up. You can buy tickets online in advance or at the door, and seating is accessible and comfortable.

If you’re planning a relaxed evening after dinner downtown, this is the kind of space that turns a regular Thursday into something a bit more memorable.

Paramount Theatre (Kamloops Film Society)

📍 503 Victoria Street

This small, historic theatre downtown is run by the Kamloops Film Society, and it feels like a place built by people who actually love film. They show a mix of independent, Canadian, international, and festival films — the kind of programming that’s not streaming anywhere next week.

The vibe is low-key: locals chatting in the lobby, popcorn that doesn’t cost $12, and movies you may not have heard of but won’t forget after. If you’re in town during March, the Kamloops Film Festival is based here and spreads across venues, worth planning around if you’re visiting in early spring.

The Effie Arts Collective

📍 422 Tranquille Road (North Shore)

A bit off the main downtown core, The Effie is a casual, multi-use performance space that hosts live music, spoken word, community theatre, and local comedy nights. It has a DIY feel (in a good way) and supports a lot of emerging talent in the region.

Downtown Murals and Public Art

Kamloops’ downtown is full of unexpected colour, texture, and creativity — especially if you take time to wander the alleyways. The Back Alley Art Gallery is a self-guided mural walk featuring dozens of large-scale works hidden between the 200–500 blocks of Victoria Street and Seymour Street.

You’ll find everything from historic tributes to surrealist portraits, with new pieces added over time.

There are also sculptures, painted utility boxes, and other public art installations scattered throughout the core. I’ve put together a dedicated mural guide with walking tips and must-see spots, but even a short stroll downtown gives you a sense of how art is woven into Kamloops’ public spaces.

How to Spend a Culture-Filled Evening in Kamloops

After a day of murals, museums, and gallery wandering, Kamloops still has more to offer — especially once the sun starts to set.

If you’re staying downtown, it’s easy to ease into your evening without rushing. Everything is close by, and you don’t need a packed schedule to make it feel full.

Here’s how I’d pace it:

• Late afternoon: Head to the Kamloops Art Gallery — Thursday evenings are free, and it’s often quieter later in the day.
• Dinner: Grab a table at Pizza Pi, a vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant downtown that’s known for its creative pizzas, comfort food, and relaxed vibe. Their vegan options are clearly labelled.
• After dinner: Walk to the Paramount Theatre for an indie film, or check the schedule at Sagebrush Theatre if live performance is more your thing.
• Wind down: If the weather holds, take another loop through the downtown murals. Some are softly lit at night and feel completely different after dark.

There are so many things to do in Kamloops at nighttime — and I’ll be sharing more in a separate post soon.

Where to Stay in Kamloops

If you’re planning to explore Kamloops’ art, culture, and downtown attractions, I recommend staying somewhere central so you can park once and walk everywhere.

I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops, which was a great base. It’s close to everything in this post, murals, museums, galleries, and theatre, and it made my trip feel more relaxed because I didn’t have to drive from place to place.

Other downtown options include:

• The Plaza Hotel – a heritage-style hotel with a more boutique feel
• Sandman Signature Kamloops – right across from Riverside Park, with good views and walkable access to the downtown core

Check out my interactive map for a full 3-day itinerary:

FAQs About Arts & Culture in Kamloops

Tips for Enjoying Kamloops’ Arts & Culture Scene

• Slow down — Kamloops isn’t about rushing from one gallery to the next. Give yourself time to reflect between stops.
• Start downtown — It’s where most of the city’s creative spaces are clustered, so it’s a natural place to begin.
• Check opening hours — Many cultural attractions close around 5:00 p.m. unless there’s an evening event.
• Thursday is your best bet — The Kamloops Art Gallery is open late and free to visit.
• Book Indigenous-led tours ahead of time — Especially if you want to visit the Kamloops Indian Residential School site or take a guided walk through the Heritage Park.
• Let your evening be simple — A film, a play, or just another look at the murals after dinner can be enough.