Discover Kamloops

Kamloops brings together several themes that you can weigh differently when planning your trip: Secwépemc culture, museum collections, parks and trails, and wildlife. When choosing a hotel for your stay, you can first consider whether exhibitions, time outdoors or wildlife should shape your plans. Each place has a different focus, from interactive exhibits and riverfront parks to multi-use trails and wildlife rehabilitation.

Culture and regional history

The Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park showcases Secwépemc art, artifacts and knowledge in its exhibitions. Interactive exhibits deepen visitors’ understanding of Secwépemc history. The museum also offers workshops, cultural events and guest lectures. Programs may vary; check current dates before your visit.

The Children’s Museum at the Kamloops Museum & Archives offers a hands-on way to engage with regional heritage. Founded in 1937, the Kamloops Museum & Archives houses more than 20,000 artifacts; the collection total may change as items are catalogued. The difference in focus can help you choose a cultural theme: the Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park centers on Secwépemc history and culture, while the Children’s Museum offers a hands-on exploration of regional heritage.

Parks, riverfront location and trails

Riverside Park is located at the confluence of the North Thompson River and the South Thompson River. It is one of the main access points to the approximately 40 km Rivers Trail. If planning a specific outing, check current trail conditions. The park also has an accessible water play area and an inclusive playground. The water play area is seasonal; also check the current status of park facilities before your visit.

Kenna Cartwright Park covers almost 800 hectares and has 40 km of multi-use trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Viewpoints in the park offer views of Kamloops and the Thompson Valley. Trail conditions and access can change seasonally; check them before a specific hike or bike ride.

The two parks have distinct profiles: at Riverside Park, the confluence of the rivers and access to the Rivers Trail are the main draws. Kenna Cartwright Park is known for its multi-use trails for hikers and mountain bikers, as well as its viewpoints. These differences may be more useful when choosing how to spend time outdoors than the similar trail distances alone.

Wildlife and rehabilitation

The BC Wildlife Park is home to almost 200 animals from 65 species native to British Columbia; these numbers may change. The park also operates the Fawcett Family Wildlife Health Centre, which rehabilitates orphaned and injured wildlife. The animal collection and rehabilitation work are two distinct aspects of the park. This sets the BC Wildlife Park apart from parks with trails: here, the focus is on animals and their rehabilitation.

Discover more destinations: Clinton, Lytton, Clearwater, Barrière, Merritt, Monte Creek, Cache Creek, Logan Lake

For the broader travel overview: Thompson-Nicola.