Many RVers traveling to Alaska go through the city of Kamloops, making the mistake of not stopping here except to stock up with groceries or other necessities.
Known for having over 2,000 hours of sunshine every year, outdoor enthusiasts will be pleasantly surprised at the hot dry climate and multitude of things to see and do here. There’s a little something for everyone!
First of all, let’s find out where Kamloops actually is.
You can find Kamloops in the central interior of British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province. It’s also in an area referred to as the Thompson-Okanagan, where you’ll find outstanding wineries, beautiful lakes for recreational adventures, a multitude of golf courses, outstanding Provincial parks, spectacular scenery, and an art gallery showcasing Canadian artists.
I almost forgot—there’s also a wildlife park the whole family will enjoy.
BC Wildlife Park
Most visitors are eager to see the wildlife that Canada is famous for and sometimes they may be disappointed. That’s not going to happen when visiting the Wildlife Park just outside of Kamloops because there are black bears, a grizzly, and even a Kermode Bear to see. Plan your visit for feeding times—it’s not to be missed.
Don’t miss the Bison, Elk, Moose, Mule Deer, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, and Bactrian Camel. In the hills around Kamloops where Bunchgrass and Ponderosa Pine grow there are rattlesnakes, but they’re just as nervous to see you as you are them.
The safest place to see the rattlesnakes is in the Wildlife Park’s reptile section. You won’t be disappointed with the Western Rattlesnake, Rubber Boa, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, and Pacific Chorus Frogs, plus other creatures who call the park their home.
You can purchase your tickets ahead of time on their website. There’s plenty of free parking here with room for your RV.
Fishing and boating
With 100+ fishing lakes within an hour of Kamloops, there’s no excuse not to throw a line in the water and test your skills at catching the big one.
Don’t have a rod with you? No problem. The Kamloops Visitor Centre has a “Load A Rod” program where you can borrow one for the day.
Golfing near Kamloops
When searching for golf courses near Kamloops it quickly becomes obvious this area is a golfer’s dream. There’s every level of play that will challenge the most experienced golfer and not overwhelm a golfer new to the game.
With 18 golf courses in or near Kamloops there’s something here for everyone, especially since the golf season is extensive—eight months long!
Many of the courses have been designed by world-famous golf architects and will amaze you with the panoramic views, beautiful river frontages, wide fairways, creative driving ranges, and popular restaurants. There’s no shortage of golf courses to choose from and golf fees are considered to be quite reasonable.
Wineries
Quickly becoming known as a wine destination, Kamloops has four award-winning wineries that are impressing both locals and visitors alike.
During the All Canadian Wine Championships in 2018, the local wineries won ten medals which speaks to the level of quality wines coming from Kamloops. Visitors won’t want to miss a wine-tasting tour while visiting here.
Horseback riding
This is cattle country and what better way to experience the “Old West” than taking the family on a trail ride with one of the well-established guest ranches or stables. Get back to nature and ride through areas not easily accessible by vehicles while enjoying the wide open ranges, exploring the hills, forests, and many lakes.
Hiking
After a day cooped up in your vehicle, hiking one of the many trails will be appreciated for a variety of reasons. The largest municipal park in BC is located here with over 1,900 acres of land to explore.
The 25 miles of trails are perfect for all level of walkers, mountain bikers and hikers leading everyone towards impressive views of the city. The park is off-leash friendly so bring your dog, and since there’s plenty of picnic areas, why not pack a lunch?
Exploring Kamloops any time of the year can be interesting, but for RVers, spring, summer, or fall are probably the best times to be here. The weather is semi-arid making it perfect for any outdoor plans visitors may have.
Every amenity RVers may need can be found here with excellent shopping, restaurants, RV parks, and entertainment. So stop in Kamloops and appreciate everything it has to offer.
You speak of the park.with 25 miles of trails…which park? A person that doesn’t live here would have no idea.
What’s the name of the Municipal Park you reference?
Fantastic depiction.