Tourism Kamloops

“How’s the weather there?” This or variations of it (“some weather we’re having eh?”, “How about this weather”, etc.) are often one of the first question your grandma, aunt, uncle, parents [insert any other person older than you] will ask on the phone or via email. My step dad, Bruce, was notorious for asking this question… so much so, that it became a running joke amongst my friends and family. If he answered when my friends called the house for me, they would be answering the question before he even asked! You can imagine the humour my best friend (currently residing in London, UK) found in it, when on Christmas Day we skyped and one of the first things I asked her about was the weather… she laughed and said “Did you really just ‘Bruce’ me?” I could only laugh too and think that I must be getting older myself.

In any case, this really is some weather we are having. It seems as though almost every 2nd day is a record setting warm day. Don’t get me wrong – I love it. As a resident of Kamloops, the lack of snow and ice is a welcome sight when driving to and from work and keeping the heat turned down has cut our gas bill. Not to mention, I still have not had to purchase a new snowsuit and boots (which were on my list since October) and I have no muddy dog paws running through my house since it has been so dry. However, as a tourism marketing organization… this lack of snow has been a pain in the butt! I mean, we’ve positioned ourselves as a four season destination with tons of activities to do in each. We’ve promoted that Kamloops has a wonderful winter wonderland where in just under 3.5 hours from the Lower Mainland, you’d be in a land of fluffy white snow with winter activities galore.Maybe you would be surprised to know that we still are! This ‘hybird’ winter/spring weather has opened up the door to a multitude of outdoor activities that can’t normally be done together and now is your chance to get in while the gettin’s good!

Ski & Golf in the same day? No problem. Mount Paul golf course is an executive 9 hole course that offers a challenge for both the experienced and new golfer. At a par 32 and yardage of 2072, it is ideal for all ages. This little course is open weather permitting (and it has been…) so why not get in a round before heading up to Harper Mountain Ski Hill (20 mins from downtown Kamloops) or Sun Peaks Resort (45 mins from downtown Kamloops) for some afternoon runs in the soft powder our area is known for. Or golf by day and ski by night since Harper Mountain has night skiing available.

Cross Country Ski & go for a Hike/Bike – This combo is a dog’s dream! Head out to Stake Lake Nordic Centre (15 mins from Kamloops) in the morning to cross country ski the 5KM of groomed dog-friendly runs and then head back into town for lunch and a hike at Kenna Cartwright Park or Peterson Creek Park which are both full of a myriad of hiking and single track biking trails. Both happen to be off-leash, so Rufus will definately be pooped at the end of this day. With over 40 pet-friendly accommodation options and cross country ski rentals available at Spoke n’ Motion – everything you need is in right here!

Dirt Biking & Ice Fishing – We recently heard of a long time local who went out dirt biking on New Year’s Day for the first time in his life. With numerous staging areas in Kamloops, hit the dirt and pair it with a trip to one of our 100+ local lakes. Many of the higher elevated ones are frozen and ready to fish.

Row, row, row your boat and Snowshoe - On a sunny Janaury day, why not slip your kayak or paddle boat into the Thompson River, say hi to some of our seasonal Trumpeter Swans and follow it up with an afternoon of snowshoeing. Snowshoe rentals are available from Runner’s Sole.

These are just to name a few. Who knows how much longer we will have this warmer weather for so this is the time to come take advantage of these combos! After a busy day outside, unwind at one of our local spas – Sunmore Ginseng Factory being the only of its kind in BC, check out a WHL Hockey Game, watch a Western Canada Theatre production or take in one of the amazing Kamloops Symphony performances. Come experience all Kamloops has to offer and the next time someone ‘Bruce’s you’ – you can tell them all about the fun activities you did in this amazing weather!

Cheers,

Kamloops Kendel

My husband and I have two young children. We fuss over them, buy them luxurious bedding, toys galore and always ensure they eat only the best food available. Our social life revolves around them… Double Date? How about come over for a BBQ so the kids can play in the yard! Weekend hike? Sure, but let’s make sure it’s suitable for the kids! Spur of the moment trip with friends? Hmm… we’ll have to pass cause we can’t find a sitter. Yes, like many couples, our life revolves around our kids…. Oh, did I mention our kids have four legs, a furry coat and wet nose? Yup – our fur babies run our life but it’s not only us, most of my 20-something friends are the same! We come to work and laugh at each other’s funny stories, give each other advice during those frustrating ‘early’ years and feel for each other when our dogs have ailments. I remember a time when dogs were DOGS; growing up, my dogs were left outside day and night, fed whatever food was on sale and left at home all day without as little as a “goodbye Fido”. Now in my mid-20’s, I’ve noticed a transformation in the roles dogs take in families. Like me, most of my friends and co-workers are childless with no plans on having kids in the near future which leaves me to wonder if having ‘fur-babies’ is something new to our generation?

Kona & Bailey playing in front Mt. Peter and Paul

Playing along the Thompson River

Needless to say, if you’re a dog owner and reading this blog entry – you’ll benefit from my ‘crazy dog lady’ behavior, I promise. As mentioned above, much of my social life involves Kona (Boxer/Shepherd) & Bailey (Boxer/Lab) so please enjoy the following tips and recommendations if you plan on visiting Kamloops with your own fur-baby.

One of Kona’s favorite things to do is swim and play fetch in the river and surrounding lakes. Pioneer Park and Overlanders’ Beach both offer great off-leash areas for dogs to run, play, and swim. Both are located within 5 minutes from the city centre, making it easy and accessible to visit. McConnell Lake and Isobel Lake are both excellent circle loops approximately 25 minutes from downtown. Taking an hour to walk around the lake via nature trail, there are plenty of opportunities for the dogs to take a dip. There are also resting areas, outhouses and picnic tables for the humans.

Kona also loves hiking with his dog pals and there is no shortage of trails in Kamloops either. Two great off-leash areas worth mentioning are Kenna Cartwright Park and Petersen Creek Park. Both are located within city limits and offer a several hiking and biking trails ranging from green to black diamond.

Kona and Bailey enjoy the view from Petersen Creek Park with their pal, Neika

Bailey is our social butterfly. She loves interacting with other dogs and there is no better place to do that than one of the many dog parks in the city. With 15 off-leash park areas, she is able to run and play with her newly found friends, then returns home exercised and satisfied! The dog park at Ord Road is the busiest in town – you’ll often find other dogs and owners there regardless of the time which means no matter when you go, there will likely be someone there to socialize with. Another one of Bailey’s favorite past times is running. We often strap on our rollerblades and/or bike and take her on a nice long run along the Rivers’ Trail, a 20+km designated walkway expanding throughout most of the city. Maps are available online or at the Kamloops Visitor Centre.

If you’re visiting the city, there are over 30 accommodation options in Kamloops that accept dogs to stay over (call ahead of course!). In addition, there are plenty of doggy daycare selections in case you want to take in a few attractions on your own, numerous veterinarians in case of emergency and even a 5 km dog friendly cross country ski trail at Stake Lake if you visit in the winter. When we say Kamloops is dog friendly, we’re not joking around! If you want any more information on dog friendly activities, accommodation or more – check out our dog friendly vacation page http://www.tourismkamloops.com/home_showSection_ID_810.html .

This is the last long weekend of the summer, so get out there with your pooch and have some fun!

Pet Friendly Archives

How’s the weather there?

Fur-Babies vote Kamloops 4 Paws Up!