Oh, the scenic beauty of Kamloops! It's a well-known fact that Kamloops, BC, offers a picturesque backdrops for all your photo-taking needs. Whether you want to capture family memories or just want that perfect shot for the gram, we've got you covered. And if you're a fan of four-legged furballs stealing the limelight, let's just say we've got a special treat for you. So, leash up your best pals and journey through Kamloops' most photogenic spots.
Peterson Creek Nature Park
Snap-worthy score: 5 out of 5 tail wags
Dive right into the heart of Kamloops with Peterson Creek Nature Park. Known for its vast panoramic city views, this park is a prime location for that larger-than-life family photo. With easily accessible paths, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump to those amazing canyon views. Hike up the trails to get those scenic views. Our two favourite trails for photo opportunities are the newer Xget'tem' Trail that you can hike down from and Grasslands Loops, which are easy enough for the whole family to tackle. Now that's picture paw-fection!
Kenna Cartwright Nature Park
Snap-worthy score: 4.8 tail wags
As the largest municipal park in BC, Kenna Cartwright offers a collection of trail options, each culminating in sweeping views of the Thompson valleys, rivers, and statuesque hoodoos. The sagebrush and ponderosa pine patches provide a rich texture for photos, and golden hour brings the drama with soft shadows that dance along the hillsides. Your family photos will be the star of any mantle, with mountain-top views of Kamloops behind you! And for our dog-loving readers, Rover will love zooming through the sagebrush as Kenna Cartwright is also an off-leash dog park. Definitely a sight (and site) worth seeing!
Valleyview Nature Park
Snap-worthy score: 4.5 tail wags
As its name suggests, Valleyview Nature Park flaunts sublime valley vistas that stretch for miles. It's a gentle touch of nature within city limits. A mixture of wildflowers, treed areas, tall grasses and cliffs overlooks the South Thompson River. This easy-to-reach park serves as the ideal spot for sunset photos. Our furry friends seem particularly fond of this golden hour spot as the embodiment of angelic with their coats radiating light. Talk about doggone gorgeous!
Battle Bluff
Snap-worthy score: 5 out of 5 tail wags (and a triumphant howl!)
Perched high above Kamloops Lake, Battle Bluff offers a thrilling vista worth every step of the hike. This vantage point, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and a breathtaking water expanse, offers a unique blend of rustic and awe-inspiring beauty. The hike is moderately challenging, but rest assured, the view from the top is a reward in itself. Great for majestic golden hour shoots, you or your furry model can stand with your hair flowing in the wind, looking ready to conquer the world – or at least, the bluff.
Overlander Park Beach
Snap-worthy score: 5 tail wags (and a splash)
Ah, the romance of water and sand! Overlander Park Beach provides a serene riverfront view, adding a unique Kamloops touch to your family snaps. The North Thompson River and South Thompson Rivers meet behind you and meander lazily in the background while your family (or furry pal) takes center stage. This dog-friendly beach is located off the beaten path on the North Shore of Kamloops. Kick off your shoes and let your furry friend (and human littles) run for those perfectly-staged-but-not-staged photos that get the zoomies and the giggles out in full view. That's what we call a splash hit!
Lac du Bois Grasslands
Snap-worthy score: 4.9 tail wags
To round off our list, we present the untouched beauty of Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area. Endless grassy terrains, punctuated by blue lakes and dramatic hills, create a rich tapestry of photographic opportunities. The best part? The vastness ensures you can always find a spot away from the crowds. Lac du Bois has a number of trails located in its borders that have multiple access points, but some of our favourites are:
For a full list of trails in the Lac du Bois Grasslands, please visit the Kamloops Trail website.
Kamloops, BC, has no shortage of fabulous spots for family photos. Whether you've got two legs or four, there's something for everyone. So, whether you're aiming for traditional family snaps or letting Fido steal the show with a tongues-out approach, these places have picture-perfect magic in spades.
So, what are you waiting for? Ready those cameras, pose with your pack, and let Kamloops be the canvas for your next family masterpiece! Tag #ExploreKamloops in all your posts!