get out2018 outdoor adventure Guide
BRIT ISH COLUMBIA CANADA
Cody Roy
Cover:Sunset trail | kenna cartwright parkCorry Hall
Using this guide
beginner experiences
casual adventurers
Serious wanderers
expert explorers
be bold. Kamloops is more than a city, it’s a state of mind. It’s a small-town kind of friendly with metropolitan
fl avours on the side. Far from the hustle and bustle, it’s a place where you skip the crowds, stretch
your legs and expand your horizons. Resting on the shores of two picturesque rivers, the landscapes
invite a sense of improvised adventure.
Be amazed by twisty single-track bike trails and winding walkways. Tee off on award-winning golf
courses. Cast a line on trophy stillwater. Poke around local shops and boutiques. Engage with the
vibrant arts and culture scene. Sample an assortment of food that promises to satisfy and satiate
even the most discerning of palates. Indulge in a burgeoning bevy of wineries, craft breweries,
restaurants and cafés that are overfl owing with culinary enthusiasm and intensity.
Kamloops is a city for every season. It’s a place for families, urban and rural adventurers.
Don’t just escape, explore. Go off the grid, get lost and discover the unexpected along the way.
@tourismkamloops | #explorekamloopstourismkamloops.com
tourism KamloopsVisitor Centre1290 Trans-Canada Highway West (Exit 368)
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
1.800.662.1994
greenstone provincial parkAlex Mey
adventure on your own terms.Hike through Kamloops’ desert-like valley setting surrounded by
wide-open grasslands, fragrant sagebrush, ponderosa pine
forests, deep gorges, sandstone canyons, and chiseled hoodoos.
From meandering strolls through grasslands to hiking rugged,
steep valleys, there are trails for every level of adventurer.
Cinnamon Ridge@ryan_fi ddyhd
kenna Cartwright Park
Trails: 44 | 6 31 7
Total Distance: 40 km of trails over 800 hectares
Kenna Cartwright Nature Park is the largest accessible municipal
park in BC. The park off ers stunning panoramic views of
Kamloops as well as a number of picnic areas for families. Kenna
is a great park any time of the year, for any level of hiker, and is
off -leash dog friendly.
locals choice: Sunset Trail: A local favourite. At the end of the trail, watch a
fantastic sunset with views over Kamloops Lake.
Tower Trail: A trail for everyone. A slow and steady climb to
the top. The views of Kamloops at the top are beautiful and
there’s even a picnic area for lunch.
Peterson Creek Park
Trails: 18 | 7 7 4
Total Distance: 30 km of trails over 100 hectares
These trails vary in diffi culty and many off er spectacular city
views. There is a picnic area at the downtown entrance to the
park if families wish to take a break or have lunch. This park is
used by hikers, dog walkers, and mountain bikers. Most trails
are either climbing up or down the ravine, so be sure your hiking
buddies are up to the task. The park is off -leash dog friendly, just
please pick up after your dog.
locals choice: Grasslands Loop: Start on Grasslands Trail and continue onto
Grasslands Loop. Continue following the trail as it loops
around and joins the main Grasslands Trail again.
cinnamon ridge
Distance: 4.25 km | Time: 1 – 2 hoursLocated in Lac Du Bois Grasslands, this hike is a moderate to
hard trail that ascends up a ridge and partway up Mara hill. This
area features hoodoos and if you’re lucky, you may be able to
spot the California Bighorn Sheep.
Battle Bluff
Distance: 4.8 km | Time: 1.5 hrsBattle Bluff is a longer trail that passes through pine trees
and grasslands with a steeper rocky section closer to the top.
Be rewarded with panoramic views of Kamloops Lake and
Thompson River Valley and maybe an amazing sunset.
Dew Drop Trail Distance: 12 km | Time: 3+ hrsLocated in Lac Du Bois Grasslands, this trail has sections of
loose rock on steep slopes. The views on this hike are some of
the best in the area. Roughly 600m to the top of the dewdrop
ridge, the panoramic views of the Kamloops Lake and the
Thompson Valley are magnifi cent.
NOTE:Kamloops can reach temperatures over 30˚Celsius in summer, so bring lots of water as many trails have little shade. Good hiking shoes are recommended for most trails, and don’t forget to bring your camera!
bike ranchSam Egan
get shredding.The rugged Kamloops landscape, formed from ancient lava fl ows
and volcanic debris, is a mountain biker’s paradise. The semi-arid
climate creates the perfect landscape for three season riding. Riders
can choose from vast, open sage hills, lush green forests, winding hills
and dusty trails.
Bike RanchDylan SHerrard
kenna Cartwright Park
Trails: 46 | 28 15 3
Total Distance: 46 km
Enjoy cross-country riding through pine trees and sagebrush.
The trails are draped over and around a hilltop that overlooks
the city with many routes to get your sweat on. Nothing technical
to worry about in this park, and all the trails are well-marked
at intersections.
Popular Trails: Upper Doug Daws Distance: 2.8 km
Big Pine Distance: 1.8 km
Pineview valley
Trails: 46 | 15 23 6 1
Total Distance: 61 km
A perfect place to enjoy fantastic cross-country trails in Kamloops.
Fun for all abilities. Great climbs and awesome descents.
Note: The East side is open all season and the West side opens
July 1.
Popular Trails: Whiskey Traverse Distance: 1.1 km
Spin Cycle Distance: 2.91 km
lac dus bois grasslandsTrails: 15 | 9 5 1
Total Distance: 59 km
A cross-country trail network for new to intermediate riders.
Enjoy fast fl owing trails through the sagebrush and sweeping
views of the Thompson River Valley.
Popular Trails: Tower Classic Distance: 2.91 km
Bighorn Distance: 5.1 km
kamloops bike ranch Trails: 12 | 4 3 3 2
Total Distance: 10 km
Spread over 26 hectares, the Ranch is the most technically
advanced municipal bike park in Canada. Enjoy downhill trails,
race courses, cross-country climbs, dirt jumps, large natural
steeps and drops. Shuttles rides are available.
Popular Trails: Tumbleweed Distance: 0.9 km
Rattlesnake Distance: 1.1 km
harper mountainTrails: 13 | 5 5 3
Total Distance: 38 km
An all-mountain, downhill freeride playground. Known for the
more advanced technical trails, this area also off ers some
intermediate trails. Shuttling to the top with a 4x4 vehicle is
recommended as the bike ride to the top is challenging.
Popular Trails: Easy Rider Distance: 2.6 km
Ket-R-Done Distance: 8 km
The City of Kamloops and mountain bike clubs work hard to maintain our extensive trail network. Stay on open, marked trails. Be respectful of wildlife and cattle by closing all fences and leaving no trace.
Jeremy Koreski
hook, line + Sinker.When fi shing in Kamloops you would expect to
catch mostly Rainbow Trout, Eastern Brook Trout,
Kokanee, Bull Trout and even burbot. Many of
the lakes are stocked with trout, including the
Kamloops trout, that attracts anglers from around
the world. There are more than 100 lakes within a
one-hour drive of Kamloops, with so much fresh
water around Kamloops, you would have to be
curious about the fi shing.
roche lakeHooké
edith lakeApprox. Time: 15 mins A picturesque lake nestled within rolling hills of native grasslands.
Fish from shore using the dock located along the SW shore of the
lake. Rainbow and Brook Trout are caught from here all season
long. Three boat launches make it easy to get your cartop boat
or small trailered boat in the water. Edith is also a very good ice
fi shing lake.
Jacko LakeApprox. Time: 20 minsOne of the most productive stillwaters found in B.C. The lake is
stocked annually with Rainbow Trout that can grow up to 10 lbs.
This very popular lake has a gravel boat launch and a day-use
only access site. Jacko Lake is open to fi shing during the open
water season but closed to ice fi shing.
Paul LakeApprox. Time: 30 minsThe recent stocking of Kokanee and ongoing releases of
Rainbow Trout into Paul Lake has increased the popularity of this
larger lake. Access is through Paul Lake Provincial Park where a
small cartop boat launch, camping and day-use sites await the
visiting angler. The trout fi shing is best during the spring and fall
months while Kokanee fi shing heats up during the summer and
again in the winter months.
Knouff LakeApprox. Time: 45 minsThis is a clear-water lake with abundant shallow areas and
insect life. The good fi shing for Rainbow Trout starts mid-May
and continues through to late fall. Knouff Lake is also open to
ice fi shing.
monte lakeApprox. Time: 45 minsA well-known Kokanee fi shery during both the open water and
winter ice fi shing season. The fi shing is good from late spring to
early fall with trolling as the best method for consistent success.
Small boat launches are situated at the north and northeast
corners of the lake.
roche lake Approx. Time: 45 minsThe lake is managed for quality fi shing and anglers can
catch fi sh up to 6 lbs. Roche lake is one of the more popular
fl y fi shing lakes in BC. The Provincial Park includes rustic
campsites and a fi shing resort.
Tunkwa and Leighton LakesApprox. Time: 1 hourThese two lakes are located within Tunkwa Lake Provincial
Park. A fi shing dock is also located within the provincial park
campground on Tunkwa Lake. Both lakes off er great fl y and
spin fi shing for Rainbows up to 3 lbs. Well-maintained gravel
boat launches are present on both lakes and there is also a 10
hp motor restriction on Tunkwa Lake. Ice fi shing is also popular
at both locations.
Need a rod?The Tourism Kamloops Visitor Centre is a Go Fish BC – Rod Loan
location. This program allows families and other groups to try
fi shing and ice fi shing without having to purchase gear. Borrow
spinning rods with reels and a basic box of tackle for free.
paul lakeKelly Funk
wet + wild.In Kamloops there are boating, paddling and
beach opportunities galore. Grab your bathing
suit, bring your canoe, get upright on a stand up
paddle board, or experience the high speed rush
of wakeboarding. There are plenty of ways to get
wet, stay cool, and enjoy the water.
Riverside ParkLocated downtown on the South Thompson River, this park
is the top spot in the summer and shoulder season for beach
access and kid friendly play time. The beach has a playground,
waterpark, tennis courts, lawn bowling, concession and
marked swimming areas. In July and August it’s the home of
Music in the Park.
Pioneer Park A short walk down Rivers Trail from Riverside Park, this locals
favourite park has change rooms, washrooms, picnic tables and
park benches. It’s also a great beach for volleyball, football or
fetch with Fido.
Overlander park Beach This beach is located on the North Shore where the North
and South Thompson Rivers meet. This beach is the largest in
Kamloops, dog friendly, and perfect for the family. It’s also great
for skim boarding, football, volleyball, soccer and more.
Paul LakeA popular day-use area 30 minutes from Kamloops with
a beach and cartop boat launch. This lake is a popular spot for
kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
kamloops lake
In mid-summer Kamloops gets hit with 30+ degrees and the
locals know exactly where to go to beat the heat. Kamloops Lake
is the biggest body of water in the Kamloops area. With Bruker
Marina and Beach Club, right on the lake, it makes it easy to
enjoy a day on the water.
Boat launch Access:Bruker Marina: Concrete Slab, fee required.
Savona: Gravel launch at the far west end of the lake.
Both launches are trailer accessible.
Thompson RiverThe Thompson River is also a great place to cool off in the
summer with two rivers running through the middle of Kamloops.
Boat launch Access:Pioneer Park: Concrete launch, limited parking.
River Road in Valleyview: Concrete slab launch, limited parking.
McArthur Island Park: This launch is only accessible when the
water is at a high level.
kamloops lake@itsshelgettingcreative
skate + longboard parksThe Kamloops Longboard Park is the fi rst of its kind with over
350m of track, including both an intermediate and an expert
run. Start at any point along the hill to vary the diffi culty level.
Located at the top of Pacifi c Way in the Aberdeen area
of Kamloops.
Located at McArthur Island Park, the Kamloops Skatepark is
a 2,000 square metre concrete paradise that holds some of
the best features in BC. Four foot quarter pipes line the upper
decks for maximum speed and fl ow while mega obstacles
will keep you busy all day long.
@reighanm
climb onTake things to the next level and view Kamloops from an
entirely diff erent elevation. Our rocks will ensure great
climbs to challenge all levels of adrenaline.
popular spotsThe BeachRoche LakeMarble CanyonOregon Jack Prickly Pear CanyonCliffside Indoor Climbing Gym
Find more information about routes and locations at tourismkamloops.com
longboard parkMary Putnam
the beachKelly Funk
treetop flyersLocated just 40 minutes from Kamloops in the Village
of Chase, Treetop Flyers is a thrilling family-friendly
eco-adventure! Awaken your inner adrenaline junkie amid
the natural beauty of Chase Canyon on one of the ziplines.
Open May to September, a Treetop adventure is a must do for
anyone visiting the Kamloops region.
If zipping doesn’t ignite you completely, strap into the
Screaming Eagle Swing, pull 2G’s and swing over 180 feet.
treetopfl yers.ca
@reighanm
fly highJust one free-fall is all it takes for people to get hooked on
skydiving. Kamloops is the place to try it as there’s nothing
quite like soaring over the vast, rugged landscape of the
area, taking in the views of the shimmering Thompson Rivers.
Qualifi ed coaches, certifi ed by the Canadian Sport Parachute
Association, are available to off er courses and instruction.
The Kamloops Skydivers Sport Parachute Club has been
operating in Kamloops for over 40 years and they provide a
safe and fun environment for those who want to join them.
The club operates on weekends from May to September.
skydivekamloops.com
Treetop Flyers
Kamloops Skydivers@ian_underhill
Peterson Creek ParkDave Markel
take a hike.
Kelly Funk
disc golfHave you tried disc golf? It’s a weird variation of traditional
ball golf. This is one of the fastest growing sports in Kamloops
and age doesn’t matter. Come play some of our best courses.
play atRose Hill West
Dick Hart Memorial Disc Golf Course
Copper Ridge Disc Golf Course
horsebackKamloops is the perfect backdrop for horseback riding. No
matter if you’re a newbie or a wrangler, there are tours to suit
your saddle.
Campbell Hills Guest Ranch
Erin Valley Riding Stables
Jandana Ranch
rose hill west@kenblunden
rentalsIf you don’t own, why not rent? Take a slow paddle on a lake or
whip down one of our winding tracks. From bikes to boats, to
kayaks and paddleboards, there’s something for everyone.
Waterpaddlesurfit | paddlesurfi t.com
bruker marina | brukermarina.com
bikedistrict bicycle co | districtbicyclecompany.com
spoke n motion | spokenmotion.net
cyclelogic | cyclelogicbikes.com
mostly mental shuttlesProviding downhill and XC shuttles for local biking hot spots
in Kamloops including the Kamloops Bike Ranch and Harper
Mountain. Guiding is also available to out of towners.
Contact for rates and shuttle times.
250.828.2558 | mostlymentalshuttles.com
camping + rvKamloops has lots of camping in and around the city. Whether it be
a fi shing spot, a family camping vacation or a quaint little spot by a
lake, there is camping for every adventurer.
within kamloopsKamview heights rv | kamviewrv.com
kamloops rv park | kamloopsrvpark.ca
knutsford rv park | knutsfordcampground.ca
silversage campground | silversagerv.ca
provincial parks close to kamloopsLac Le jeune provincial park
paul lake provincial park
steelhead provincial park
tunkwa provinical park
For more information on Provincial Parks or reservtions visit: discovercamping.ca
share your #explorek
Peterson Creek park@chicolavina_mtb @ksenia_obolenskaya @mountain_dixon
lac du bois grasslands@jessicazahnd
valleyview hoodoos @sjules
lac du bois grasslands trail@iceboxrunner
kenna cartwright park@chras_linhares
balancing [email protected]
adventureskamloops
heffley lake@jimhowarth1
battle bluff@beccawhite8 @seanj_photo
GIBRALTAR ROCK@martinlp96
kenna cartwright park@allanmcvicar
@dwbiss;
PAUL LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK@dano_haggard
pioneer park@jaeger_the_bernese
tourismkamloops.com