Top 10 things to do in Kamloops during fall
Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park
Andrew Snucins
Cozy plaids and trusty toques are on their way, but don't break out the woolies quite yet! Fun fall activities are around the corner, but Kamloops enjoys an extended warm season, where the sun shines on autumn's palette of reds, golds, and greens. Crisp air and spooky season are on their way, but for now, let's enjoy the sunshine!
Looking for the best fall activities? Dive into the top things to do in fall, as recommended by Kamloops locals.
Isobel Lake
@wwwvalerywww
1. Tackle some fall fishing in Kamloops
Dreaming of the perfect fishing getaway? It's time to get those fishing rods out of storage and into the water – Kamloops is waiting. Autumn brings vibrant scenery and a chance to snag the renowned Kamloops Rainbow Trout.
There are over a hundred accessible lakes in the region; even if you're boat-less, many have ready-to-use fishing docks. It's time to catch some rainbows this fall.
@lewisburkholder
Top fishing lakes in Kamloops
Edith Lake: Found 25 minutes west of Kamloops off Highway 5A, aka "the Old Fishing Highway," Edith Lake is well-stocked, and boasts three boat launches, a recreation site and day-use area, plus a dock to cast from.
Tunkwa Lake: The provincial park at Tunkwa is one of British Columbia’s premier fishing destinations. South of Kamloops off Highway 1 West, you can stay at the campsite or the year-round Tunkwa Lake Resort.
Roche Lake: One of the most popular fly fishing lakes in BC, Roche frequently yields 6 lb fish! Camp at Roche Lake Provincial Park or stay at Roche Lake Resort. No boat? The resort has boat rentals for your next adventure.
Kamloops Regional Farmers' Market
Scott Bakken
2. Hit the autumn farmers' markets
If fall in Kamloops has you thinking about crisp apples, warm pies, and fresh pumpkins, you'll want to hit a local farmers market. On Saturdays, head to the Kamloops Regional Farmers' Market downtown on St. Paul Street, or Victoria Street on Wednesdays. You'll find everything you need for a delicious fall, from seasonal produce to freshly baked goods and handmade crafts.
Drop by the Kweseltken Farmers' and Artisan Market at the Kamloopa Powwow Arbour on Sundays until September 25 for a fall feast and cultural journey all in one! "Kweseltken" translates to "relatives" in Secwépemc, and you'll find traditional foods, handmade items, and fresh weekly essentials at this market.
Fall farmers' market round-up:
Wednesdays: Find the Kamloops Regional Farmers' Market downtown on St Paul Street, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Saturdays: The Kamloops Regional Farmers' Market sets up on Victoria Street, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Sundays: Stop in at the Kweseltken Farmers' and Artisan Market at the Kamloopa Powwow Arbour, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
Can't make it for fall? The indoor Winter Market kicks off later in the year – stay tuned for more info!
Alchemy Brewing Co.
Tamra Jaeger
3. Celebrate BC craft beer
Cheers to October - it's craft beer month in BC and Kamloops is buzzing with excitement.
Looking for fresh brews? Discover local brewery gems like Bright Eye Brewing on the North Shore. Fancy a Strawberry Pineapple Sour? They've got it straight from the tank. Iron Road Brewing is a local favourite, offering delightful beers and a menu all about those taco Tuesday vibes every day.
Don't miss any of our local breweries for more hoppy delights.
Red Collar Brewing
Frank Luca
Red Collar Brewing
Frank Luca
Special craft beer mention
This fall, Tourism Kamloops is thrilled to introduce its first Kamloops-inspired beer: Room to Roam White IPA. Crafted in collaboration with the local legends at Red Collar Brewery, this White IPA is crisp and hoppy, with refreshing hints of grapefruit and lemon. Raise a glass to the season with a brew that perfectly embodies the essence of Kamloops and the adventurous spirit of our region. Available on tap at the Red Collar tasting room or by the can to take with you at select locations. See our Kamloops' craft beer feature for more details.
Explore Kamloops Breweries
Bright Eye Brewing: an innovative local favourite, Bright Eye is located on Tranquille Road, in Kamloops' North Shore neighbourhood.
Iron Road Brewing: this award-winning, family-friendly taphouse can be found near the university on Camosun Cres.
The Noble Pig: with a full pub menu and on-site microbrewery, the Pig is always top-of-mind for local beer lovers! Find them downtown on Victoria St.
Alchemy Brewing Company: just a hop from the Noble Pig, Alchemy provides locally-inspired brews in a family-friendly environment.
Red Collar Brewing Co: wrap up a brew tour this fall at Red Collar – with Gin Lane Distillery on site as well, there's something for everyone here! Find them downtown on Lansdowne Street.
Want to hit them all? Skip driving and opt for a guided beer or wine tour.
Woodward Cider Co.
Royce Sihilis
Special apple picking mentions
Kamloops isn't known for it's orchards, we can admit that – but it's worth dropping in at either Woodward Cider Co. or Left Field Cider Co. to pick up some apple ciders. Trust us, Kamloops-style apple picking at either of these Cideries beats the traditional apple orchard experience!
Monte Creek Winery
Royce Silhis
Privato Vineyard and Winery
Jordan Fraser
Special wine tasting mentions
BC wine tasting in fall offers a special kind of magic with vineyards glowing in autumn colours and laid-back sipping free from the bustle of summer crowds.
At Monte Creek Winery, it's more than just the wine—it's about the experience. With its stunning tasting room perched above the Thompson River, you'll be greeted by panoramic views, a striking bell tower, and cozy fire pits for cooler days. The season transforms their sprawling vineyards with vibrant fall hues, creating a stunning backdrop as you savour their irresistible vintages.
Privato Vineyard and Winery offers a charming retreat, nestled on an 80-acre family-owned farm. The warmth of its rustic charm shines even brighter in the fall, as their garden transforms into a vibrant autumn wonderland, complete with a pumpkin patch and cozy corners for unwinding (or capturing a picturesque autumn Instagram shot!). The ultimate fall atmosphere is perfect for a peaceful afternoon of wine tasting, surrounded by the golden hues of the season.
Each stop along the Kamloops Wine Trail gives you a true taste of the region’s unique terroir, making it a must-visit for wine lovers, especially during the crisp and colourful fall months. Now is the time to fall for BC wine. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just exploring, Kamloops welcomes you to savour the season in every glass.
Eaglepoint Golf Resort
Mary Putnam
4. Enjoy crowd-free autumn golf
Fall is the ideal time to dust off those golf clubs – Kamloops has 8 courses calling your name. With our bonus fall days, you can enjoy the greens into September and even early October.
It's easy to spend a week golfing in Kamloops and not play the same course twice! Swing by world-renowned courses and nab those end-of-season rates.
Kamloops Golf & Country Club
Golf Canada – Candace Hansma
Special fall golf mentions:
Tobiano has been hailed as one of the top 100 courses in the world and offers sweeping views of Kamloops Lake.
The Kamloops Golf & Country Club is a parkland style course that is ideal for scenic fall colours.
Bighorn Golf & Country Club offers stunning views of the city and an excellent chance of seeing it's namesake herd wandering the fairways.
Check Golf Kamloops for tailored golf packages. Tee up, and let's go!
Rivers Trail
Dylan Sherrard
5. Take on a fall hike
Fall colours are in full glory across Kamloops – the distinctive semi-arid landscape offers stunning opportunities for fun fall activities. As summer waves goodbye and autumn colours paint the landscape with changing leaves, it's time to get in those fall hiking treks while the sun shines.
We've curated a list of our top 5 accessible trails for the fall season. It's time to break in those hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable Kamloops adventure in the crisp weather!
Isobel Lake
@katelyn.faulkner
Top three classic fall hikes in Kamloops:
Battle Bluff: this moderate-effort trek through the grasslands takes you high above Kamloops Lake for stunning panoramic views.
McConnell Lake: take a loop around this serene lake to catch the fall colours in all their original and reflected glory.
Tranquille River: time to add gold panning and rockhounding to your fall activities list – Tranquille River provides both as the water level drops, along with an easily-walkable trail and vibrant fall foliage.
Privato Vineyard & Winery
@emilymayphotographer
Privato Vineyard & Winery
Sandeep Takhar
6. Pick a peck of pumpkins
What kind of fun fall activities list would this be without a pumpkin patch? Get ready for classic fall fun as Kamloops transforms into BC's cozy autumn corner when September hits the Thompson Valley.
Pick your own pumpkins and lose (then find) yourself in corn mazes, backdropped by BC's picturesque scenery. So, gather the crew for some unforgettable classic fall activities!
Pumpkin picking in Kamloops
Check out Spookloops for more Halloween events in Kamloops!
Lac du Bois Grasslands
Dylan Sherrard
7. Get in some autumn biking in Kamloops
Is biking on your to-do list of fun fall activities? If not, you've got to try it Kamloops-style! As the birthplace of freeride mountain biking, Kamloops has all the flowy downhill and cross-country terrain you could hope for. With long days and cooler temperatures, fall is the ideal time to get some dirt on those tires.
Kamloops boasts legendary tracks, with pros often spotted at Kamloops Bike Ranch or racing down Harper Mountain trails. But if you're just starting out or prefer a chill ride, Lac du Bois Grasslands and Kenna Cartwright Nature Park have your back.
Ask any local rider – fall's cool vibes and smaller crowds make it the prime time to get on your bikes and ride. Get those beauty bikes off the pavement and into the wild this autumn.
Harper Mountain
@frenchdoorfilms
Top fall rides in Kamloops
Kamloops Bike Ranch: with a brand new all-wheels pump track and shuttle service on hand, the Ranch is the most technically advanced municipal bike park in Canada. With trails and areas for riders of all abilities, visitors quickly realize why Kamloops leads the way in mountain biking!
Harper Mountain: enjoy fast-flowing downhill in the forests of Harper Mountain. With a whole playground of woodwork and stunts, this isn't one to be missed.
Adams River Salmon Run
Ben Verwey
8. Witness the fall salmon run
Experience a true marvel of nature at the Adams River salmon run in Tsútswecw Provincial Park. Between late September and mid-October, the river transforms as countless salmon return to spawn.
Round out your experience with learning along the Story Trail, which offers insights into indigenous tales and the region's rich flora.
Before you go:
Be aware that wildfires have damaged the area, so be sure to check BC Parks for updates before you go. Please respect area closures and stay safe!
Kamloops Symphony Orchestra, Sagebrush Theatre
Dylan Sherrard
9. Fall for arts and culture
It's time to add the arts to your fall activities list! Catch Town & Country: Narratives of Property and Capital at Kamloops Art Gallery before the show wraps on Sept 21st.
Sept 21st will see the Kamloops Children's Art Festival return to Riverside Park. This free event provides a fun-filled day of art, music, and theatre for kids and families.
The Kamloops Symphony kicks off their 2024/25 season in September with acclaimed Canadian cellist Elinor Frey playing Bach's Cello Suites. Check out their full calendar for more symphony events, including musical fairytales for kids!
The Paramount Theatre
Dylan Sherrard
Between Sept 27th -29th you can catch the 3rd annual Indigenous Film Festival at the Paramount Theatre. Presented in partnership with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, this festival features an exciting lineup of contemporary indigenous filmmakers, actors, artists, and more.
Riverside Park
Dylan Sherrard
10. Ditch the car and explore by eBike
From breweries, shops, and restaurants, to trails, gardens, and art installations, there’s no better way to explore the town of Kamloops than on two wheels, especially when those wheels are electric-powered. Park the car and power up an eBike with one of these great rental options.
Riverside Park
Dylan Sherrard
Red Collar Brewing Co.
Ollie Jones
Spoke N’ Motion eBike Rentals
Conveniently located just outside the city center and right across the street from Rivers Trail at Riverside Park, Spoke N’ Motion has a full fleet of Townie® Go! 5i eBikes ready to rent. These powerful cruiser bikes are perfect for cruising the trail between Riverside and Pioneer Park. Stop to check out the Japanese gardens and public art displays along the way.
DoubleTree by Hilton eBike Rentals
If you’re staying at or near the DoubleTree hotel in the city center, stop by the front desk to rent one of their new eBikes. From the hotel, you’re smack back in the middle of a multitude of great shops,restaurants,pubs and breweries to fuel your ride and quench your thirst.
Brewloops
Frank Luca
Bonus: Check out the fall events calendar
Looking for an exciting fall shindig? It's on in Kamloops! Check out the entire calendar, or just hit these key events:
Harper Mountain
@frenchdoorfilms
Harper Mountain
@frenchdoorfilms
Oktoberfest at Harper Mountain
Head to the hill on Sept 21st for the 2nd annual Oktoberfest at Harper Mountain Ski Hill – Kamloops style! With an exciting "funduro" mountain bike race, food and drink from some of best food trucks and local breweries, and an amazing lineup of bands, this family-friendly festival is sure to become your new favourite.
Brewloops
Candace Hansma
Brewloops Fall
Don't miss Brewloops Fall on September 28th – this celebration of local brewing is a Kamloops classic, drawing crowds in support of the BC craft beer and microbrewery scene. Not to brag, but you'll find Kamloops Tourism's own "Room to Roam White IPA" on tap, and it's pretty special – if we do say so ourselves!
Firefit World Championship
Shauna Coulter
Kamloops Firefit Championships
Catch the Kamloops Firefit Championships on September 25th to 29th. See some of the best firefighters in the world compete in tests of strength and fitness. This thrilling display of skill and bravery is a great opportunity to support some of our fearless first responders.
Mary Putnam
North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo
For a classic fall festival, head north to Barriere for the North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo. You'll find all the thrilling traditional rodeo events and 4-H competitions, plus family dances and an exhibit hall full of talent.
Get ready to fall for Kamloops
Your fall travel plans shouldn't break the bank. Good thing we've secured the best hotel deals and discounts available in Kamloops so that you can spend your money on more important things.
Can't make it this fall? Here are the top 10 things to do this winter in Kamloops.
