WESTERN HERITAGE TRAILS IN KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA AND THE THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION.
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If you're looking to get away, explore BC's history and let loose and just play, Kamloops, B.C. is just the place to start your vacation. Visitors to the Thompson region are welcome to explore a cowboy lifestyle of big skies and wide-open trails while joining the locals for some down home fun and hospitality.
Cowgirl getawayIn the language of the First Nations, T'kemlups means "Meeting Place" where the North and South Thompson Rivers converge. Two hundred years ago it was it was a centre for fur trading activities and is linked to the start of the gold rush. Unravel the area’s history at the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park and at the Kamloops Museum and Archives. The Kamloopa Pow Wow, one of the largest showcasings of Native relic in Western Canada! The Pow Wow is a spectacular expression of the Secwepemc heritage here in the Kamloops area and boasts a vibrant display of storytelling, song, and dance.
Although times have changed dramatically since the Thompson Okanagan region was first settled by Europeans in the early 1800’s, western culture is still alive and kicking. Located in the heartland of B.C., the Thompson Okanagan region is easy to get to by car, train or plane, and once you’re there, the real fun begins. Enjoy a city with a rich tradition of western heritage and culture – we’re only a few years away from celebrating our 200th birthday.
Saddle up and immerse yourself in our western heritage, sure to please just about any cowboy or cowboy-in-training looking for a memorable experience. Take a ride on the rails and journey back into history with the Kamloops Heritage Railway’s ‘2141’. But you’d better stay alert because there’s been rumor the famous train robber Bill Miner and his gang may overtake the train once again!
Each spring at the renowned Kamloops Heritage Cowboy Festival, enthusiasts can enjoy unique poetry, art and music performed by local and international cowboy headliners. This is always a hands-clapping, foot-stomping good time. Attend a pro or amateur rodeo in the North Thompson Valley held almost every weekend in the summer months. Brush up on your riding skills at a horse training clinic. Visit soon and you'll see why Kamloops is well known for a wide variety of Western Heritage events and activities!
Enjoy the culture and dancing at the Kamloopa PowwowOn a Western Heritage getaway, why not add in a wine tasting in communities in the Thompson Okanagan region. Spoil yourself with a sampling of world-renowned VQA wines on one of many winery tours, or take a break to enjoy a refreshing pint of beer from a microbrewery.
Kamloops and the entire Thompson Okanagan region feature working ranches, farms and tour opportunities ranging from Historic Hat Creek Ranch and the Historic O’Keefe Ranch, ginseng farm tours and the ever-popular fruit and vegetable stands for a satisfying treat. Explore the open, rugged landscape dotted with sagebrush and indigenous grasses complimented by sparkling lakes on a leisurely drive or on a horse-drawn wagon under clear blue skies. Take part in a unique way of life and try your hand at lamb shearing!
Take the family to one of our many fall fairs throughout the region and get up close to dairy cows, poultry, rabbits, lambs, horses, and beef cattle. Enjoy unique dog shows, rodeo events, a West Coast Lumberjack show, horse shows featuring many breeds, and of course, don’t forget to let loose and have fun on the many rides. Finish off your day with some homemade fudge and bring home the best of all – unforgettable memories for all ages.
More Information on western events in the Kamloops area
Check out the online events calendar for full details on western events.