Top Things to Do in Kamloops This Season
Kamloops offers a solid range of activities throughout the year, and this season is no exception. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking to explore your own backyard, there’s enough here to keep you engaged without needing to travel far. I’ve spent considerable time moving around the city, and I’ve picked out some genuinely worthwhile things to do based on what locals and visitors actually enjoy—not just what sounds good on paper.
Get Outdoors on Kamloops’ Best Trails and Parks
The parks system here is one of Kamloops’ real strengths. Isobel Lake Interpretive Forest (5/5 stars across 20 reviews) is the kind of place that justifies a solid morning or afternoon. The trail system is well-maintained, and if you’re interested in the landscape’s history—both natural and human—the interpretive signage actually tells you something worth reading rather than generic descriptions. It’s a quieter experience than some of the more popular destinations, which means you can actually hear the forest.
If you want something with a bit more elevation gain and views that stretch across the valley, Tranquille Viewpoint (4.8/5, 31 reviews) is worth the short drive. The vista here is genuinely impressive—on clear days you’re looking across a significant chunk of the Thompson region. Bring a camera or simply sit for a bit and appreciate why people chose to settle in this particular valley.
The Grasslands Community Trail (4.9/5, 7 reviews) is another solid choice if you prefer a flatter walk. It’s less crowded than some options, which tells you something about how locals actually use the space versus what gets all the attention online. Kenna Cartwright Nature Park in Mount Dufferin (4.7/5, 614 reviews) is the busier option—and deservedly so—with multiple trail options depending on how much time and energy you have.
Cycling and Bike-Specific Activities
Kamloops Bike Ranch in Valleyview (4.9/5, 180 reviews) is where you’ll want to head if you’re into riding. This is a legitimate facility that serves both beginners and experienced cyclists, with terrain parks and trails designed for different skill levels. The rating consistency here—nearly 5 stars across a substantial number of reviews—suggests they’ve figured out how to maintain quality. Even if you’re not planning to ride, watching others navigate the terrain is entertaining enough.
Beyond the bike ranch, Kamloops has reasonable cycling infrastructure if you’re planning to explore by two wheels. The map function here on Kamloops Scout can help you plan a route that avoids the heaviest traffic if you’re not confident in busy street cycling.
Spend Time at the BIG Little Science Centre
The BIG Little Science Centre in City Centre (4.7/5, 171 reviews) is genuinely worth an afternoon visit, whether you’re bringing kids or showing up solo out of curiosity. It’s not enormous, but it’s well-curated and focuses on hands-on engagement rather than just looking at displays behind glass. The reviews consistently mention the quality of the exhibits and the actual learning that happens here, rather than just the novelty factor.
This is particularly useful on days when the weather isn’t cooperating or when you want something different from the outdoor attractions. Budget a couple of hours and plan to engage with the interactive elements rather than rushing through.
Dining and Cafes Worth Your Time
Kamloops has 186 restaurants across all cuisines and price points, plus 44 cafes. Rather than listing chains that exist everywhere, I’d recommend browsing the restaurant and cafe categories on Kamloops Scout to find places that match what you’re actually interested in eating. Read the reviews carefully—they’ll tell you whether a place is consistent or whether it’s had an off-night when someone reviewed it.
The cafe scene in particular has grown—there are enough independent options now that you can spend a season trying different places rather than cycling through the same three locations. Start by checking ratings and recent reviews to see which ones are currently operating at their best.
Browse the Shops and Browse Scout
If you’re looking to pick up something specific or just want to explore what local shops carry, Kamloops has 134 retail locations. Rather than wandering without direction, use Kamloops Scout to search by category—whether you need something practical or you’re gift shopping for someone specific. The map view will show you where shops cluster and help you plan an efficient shopping route through the city.
Plan Your Visit with Kamloops Scout
The reality is that Kamloops works best when you match activities to actual conditions and your genuine interests. A rainy afternoon is perfect for the Science Centre or browsing shops. A clear morning deserves one of the parks or trails. An evening calls for one of the restaurants. Instead of following a generic “top things” checklist, spend 15 minutes on Kamloops Scout looking at our map, reading recent reviews of places that appeal to you, and building an itinerary that suits your actual preferences.
Start by browsing the attractions, parks, restaurants, and shops categories. Filter by rating to see what’s working well right now. Read the recent reviews to understand what’s actually worth your time this season. That’s how you’ll find your own version of Kamloops rather than everyone else’s.
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