Top 5 snowshoe trails near Kamloops
Kenna Cartwright Park
@hikekamloops
With snow falling from mid-December to the end of March, the hills surrounding Kamloops offer some of the best snowshoe trails. Routes vary from stunning sagebrush and city views, to snow-capped forest trails. Make a day of it, pack a lunch and some hot chocolate. Here's 5 top snowshoe trails to try.
McConnell Lake
Hike Kamloops
McConnell Lake Loop
3.7km, approx. 1.5 hours
A popular trail among locals and visitors, the McConnell Lake loop is a definite must-snowshoe in Kamloops. The McConnell Lake Provincial Park is a 30 minute drive southwest from Kamloops on Lac Le Jeune Road. This trail is great for the whole family, including your dog on a leash. On windy days, the well-treed lake perimeter provides shelter from the cold. A fresh snowfall covering the Spruce and old-growth Douglas Fir trees makes for a magical setting.
Bush Lake
Hike Kamloops
Bush Lake North Loop
3.6km, approx. 1.5 hours
Another popular area among locals is the Bush Lake area located off of Lac Le Jeune Road. Trails in this area were formed from old cross-country ski trails and logging roads that are no longer in use. Snowshoe enthusiasts looking to explore new trails or those looking for solitude in nature will enjoy this trail. The Bush Lake area becomes a winter wonderland after a fresh snowfall with tall pine trees covered in snow sprinkling.
Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park
Hike Kamloops
Benchlands-Ranger Bob Loop
3.6km, approx. 1.25 hours
The Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park is one of many Kamloops city parks offering a variety of trails great for snowshoeing. The Benchlands-Ranger Bob Loop is a great family-friendly trail that winds through the forest and then out on the plateau above Dallas for a great view of the Thompson River Valley. Dogs are welcome to join snowshoers in this off-leash dog park.
Candace Hansma
Rim Trail
2.5km, approx. 1 hour
Located just outside Kamloops’ downtown, the Rim Trail is a scenic, easy trail for the whole family. The trail starts in the parking area in front of the Valleyview arena and climbs through a small gully before veering off to the left onto the silt cliffs. This unique trail follows the rim of the cliffs high above the Valleyview neighbourhood. The views of Mt. Peter and Mt. Paul are spectacular on a sunny day.
Kenna Cartwright Park
Michelle McAleese
Panorama Trail
2.4 km, approx. 1 hour
Kenna Cartwright Park is a local favourite; with over 800 hectares of gentle nature trails, it’s the largest city park in BC. The Panorama trailhead starts from the Bunker Road entrance and follows the Sage trail as it weaves through the sagebrush. You’ll know you have reached the end when you get to the red and white striped pole, and there, you will find the trail appropriately named as you soak in spectacular panoramic views of the Thompson River Valley. This trail is best on a clear weather day so that you can get some of the best views of Kamloops. Kenna Cartwright Park is an off-leash dog park, so be sure to bring your furry friends.
For even more places to snowshoe in Kamloops, click here!
