Things to do in March in Kamloops

March in Kamloops is when the temperatures start climbing and the snow starts disappearing… then reappearing, then disappearing again. It’s kind of a mixed bag. Fortunately, we’ve got all the best things to do in March in Kamloops, whether we’ve hit a second winter or are well on our way to spring. Let’s get started. 

Go Fly a Kite

When March comes in like a lion, it’s a great time to head to the hills and fly kites! We can always count on windy spring days around Kamloops, so if the mud is drying up, it’s time to find some open spaces and get flying.
Where to find the wind:

• Pacific Way Park: Sharing space with the elementary school is one of the highest parks in town. If the fields are already in use, continue past the school to Highland Park for more elevation. If there’s any wind to be found, it’ll be up here.
• Albert McGowan Park: This park boasts open fields and a nice little playground for the kids. Stop by Gambles Pond to see if the ducks are back!
• Kenna Cartwright Nature Park: The Bunker Road Trailhead will bring you into open, breezy grasslands with stunning views right away. 
• Rose Hill Park: Find more open grasslands up Rose Hill Road – and if the wind is easing off, bring a frisbee and try the disc golf course!

Walk it Off

If the sun’s out but the trails are still a mess, stretch your legs with a walking tour of Kamloops’ local heritage buildings. You’ll find maps ready to go on the City website, in both printable and interactive formats. Developed in partnership with the Kamloops Museum and Archives, this is a great way to get some fresh air and experience some local history. These routes will conveniently take you near some of the best shopping and dining Kamloops offers, so grab the 'Loops Explorer Pass to make sure you find a great deal on lunch.

We couldn’t tie up this section without plugging our own Top 5 Spring Hikes in Kamloops. All the listed trails provide more reliable footing during the muddy season, making them a great way to get the whole family outdoors. Check out MacArthur Island Park in particular for a paved loop by the river with a playground, skatepark, outdoor gym equipment, and more.

Play Indoors

Spring rains mean muddy fields, so take the game indoors. The Kamloops Pickleball Club kicks off the season in March at several indoor facilities around town. All ages are welcome, and opportunities for training and mentoring are available to help you get started.

The Tournament Capital Centre Fieldhouse also welcomes walkers and joggers on the indoor track and hosts drop-in basketball in the middle court. Check the schedule online to find a time that works for you.

If that all sounds like too much structure for your family, check out Apex Adventure Park. Kids 5+ are welcome to go wild on the trampolines, bubble soccer games, and ninja course. It’s hard to leave Apex without getting your heart rate up!

Catch a Hockey Game

The Kamloops Blazers are wrapping up the regular season in March, so catch them on home ice at the Sandman Centre before it’s over. Don’t miss Fan Appreciation Night during the final home game on March 22nd, – get tickets ahead of time online. 

• March 1st vs. the Seattle Thunderbirds

• March 2nd vs. the Vancouver Giants

• March 6th vs. the Portland Winterhawks

• March 9th vs. the Kelowna Rockets

• March 16th vs. the Vancouver Giants

• March 22nd vs. the Prince George Cougars

Take in a Film Festival

The Kamloops Film Society is hosting the 28th Annual Kamloops Film Festival, kicking off on Feb 29th and running until March 9th at the Paramount Theatre. You can count on the Film Festival for some incredible cinema, from independent local films to cultural phenomena you may have missed the first time around. Catch powerhouse films like Barbie on March 1st, and take the whole family to Elemental on March 2nd. The Film Festival always delivers some of the most interesting viewing out there.

In particular, check out the Kamloops Independent Short Shorts Festival (KISS) on March 3rd for a selection of top-tier short films from independent creators. Screenings for KISS are free, so come out to support local filmmakers and vote in the audience awards! 

Sip Some Science

The BIG Little Science Centre is partnering with local favourite Monte Creek Winery for a Science of Wine event on March 14th. Join Monte Creek’s own Galen Barnhardt, MSc, AAg to learn more about the science that goes into an amazing glass of wine. Covering the entire process, from sustainable growing practices through to uncorking, this promises to be a fascinating evening – and yes, you get to taste the wines! Get your tickets soon.

Celebrate International Women’s Day at the Theatre

Opening March 5th and running through to March 9th, the Western Canada Theatre presents Blak: Iconic Canadian Women in Music. Join Krystle Dos Santos at the Pavilion Theatre for an incredible musical journey through black history, featuring songs and stories from influential Canadian artists across multiple eras. March 8th is International Women’s Day, and this promises to be a powerful and timely experience.

Register for a Spring Break Camp

Ride like a Rodeo Pro with Erin Valley Riding Stables

Surrounded by the desert landscape of Kamloops, channel your inner cowboy and cowgirl with Erin Valley Riding Stables. With a range of horseback riding camps and special events, they’re offering an immersive riding experience for young riders of various skill levels. 

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, hop into the saddle for a comprehensive equestrian experience. With programs including Beginner Horsemanship Camp, Beginner Rodeo Camp, and Beginner Roping, there's a camp for every aspiring equestrian ranging from age 7 to 18+. Participants will learn about horse safety, grooming, and riding techniques, alongside engaging activities like obstacle courses, rodeo events, and horse psychology. Special events are also available for toddlers including miniature pony rides and farm tours. Camps and special events are available between March 16 to 30th, 2024. For more details and registration, visit the Erin Valley Riding Stables website.

Learn with BC Wildlife Kids Camps

Register in Advance for the BC Wildlife Kids Camps running from March 18th - March 27th, 2024. With programs dedicated to Saving the Salmon, What Does the Fox Say, and Discovering Dinosaurs, there’s a little bit of something for every budding wildlife adventurer. Designed for ages 6 to 10, visit their website for a full list of available Wildlife Kids Camps and reserve your spot.

Become an Artist with Kamloops Art Gallery & Kamloops Art Party

Let your kids channel their inner Picasso at the Kamloops Art Gallery Art Camp, designed for ages 5 to 12. With an interactive gallery tour and dedicated studio time, they'll dive into a world of creativity and colour. It's an artistic adventure designed to ignite imaginations. Available March 18 to 22nd and March 25 to 28th, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Registration is available online!

Creativity knows no bounds at the Spring Break Kids Camp with Kamloops Art Party. Designed for young artists aged 5 to 11, this one-week extravaganza runs from March 18th to March 22nd, 2024. Campers will embark on a creative journey through mixed media madness, mastering everything from fine art acrylic paintings to sculpting with air-dry clay. They'll delve into the basics of ceramics, discover the beauty of watercolour, and even learn the unique craft of wood burning. Each artist will also be provided with a personal sketchbook, capturing their growth and imagination. Register through their website and let the artistic adventures begin!

Experiment with BIG Little Science Centre

The Spring Science Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on March 18 to 22 and March 25 to 28th, 2024. Designed for children aged 6 to 10, this unique camp offers a dynamic blend of fun experiments, including colourful chemical reactions and physics demonstrations, alongside natural explorations and creative projects. The Spring Science Camp aims to ignite a love of science through interactive activities that encourage curiosity and discovery. It's an excellent opportunity for kids to learn, explore, and make new friends in a stimulating environment. Head over to the BIG Little Science Centre's website for registration and awaken your child’s inner scientist.

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No matter what the March skies bring, spring is an exciting time in Kamloops! Fortunately, there are plenty of things to do in March in Kamloops, both indoor and outdoor. Be sure to share your adventures with us on social at @tourismkamloops, with the hashtag #ExploreKamloops.