Wildlife Viewing in Kamloops, British Columbia
Wildlife Viewing in Kamloops
Photo: Heather McCollumKamloops is home to several types of biomes, including forested areas, wetland, lush grasslands, and semi-arid desert which is home to many large and small wild animals.
Mule and white-tailed deer are commonly seen in the surrounding hills, predominately in the early morning hours. Cougars, bobcats, red foxes, black and brown bears are much shyer, but are still common on wilderness trails and open grasslands.
Viewing is best in the spring and fall seasons when there is a bounty of fresh natural foods and it is time to nurture the young. Big-horn mountain sheep are very common along the major highways that intersect Kamloops.
Western Rattlesnakes are common on the hot, dry south-facing slopes, while Garter, Rubber Boa, Gopher, and the Yellow-bellied Racer snakes can all be found in most other landscape regions.
Rodents can readily be discovered, including voles, shrews, flying squirrels, and eleven types of bats. Beaver families and their unique houses are also commonly viewed along the more heavily vegetated banks of the Thompson River. Painted turtles are often found sunning themselves on logs and sun-exposed back roads which run along smaller water bodies.
Recommended Areas to View Wildlife
BC Wildlife Park Kamloops > BC Wildlife Park
Click here for more information on the BC Wildlife Park.
> Tranquille Wildlife Management Area
> North and South Thompson River banks
> Lac Du Bois Provincial Park
> East Shuswap Road
> Wells Gray Provincial Park
Adams River Salmon Run in Kamloops
As one of the largest salmon runs in North America, the Adams River Salmon Run is a perfect day trip. Witness the instinctive cycle of birth, death and renewal of species as illustrated in spectacular fashion on the gravel reaches of the Adams River.
In crimson spawning colours, the males and females pair and play out the ritual that culminates their lives. Chinook, Coho and Pink salmon also spawn in the Adams River, but it is the sockeye that challenge the imagination in their teeming millions. Visitors to the area can catch the Salmon Run each October.
Adams River Salmon Run information.
Information
FIND YOUR KAMLOOPS ACCOMMODATION
CHECK OUT MORE THINGS TO DO IN KAMLOOPS
CHECK OUT THE LATEST KAMLOOPS EVENTS
Kamloops Visitor Centre: 1-800-662-1994