Top 10 things to do in Kamloops during summer
Kamloops Lake
Kathryn McLaren
In Kamloops, our expansive landscapes invite you to embark on your ultimate summer adventure. From thrilling outdoor pursuits to popular attractions, our vibrant city is the perfect backdrop for explorers of all kinds. Make this season unforgettable and create your summer story in the Thompson Valley.
Here’s our list of the top 10 Kamloops adventures to cross off your summer bucket list.
Kamloops Lake
Kathryn McLaren
1. Paddleboard on Kamloops Lake
Kamloops has over 100 lakes within an hour drive from the city. That means plenty of options for serene paddling that'll make outdoor enthusiasts swoon. Whether you love to glide on the paddleboard, kayak or canoe, we've got the space to play. Pack up your gear and take in the scenery on one of our pristine lakes.
Kamloops Lake is a paddler's paradise with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. As you glide across the water, you can admire stunning views of the surrounding mountains, rugged canyons, and old stone train bridges. Lake access and watersport rentals for Kamloops Lake are available at Bruker Marina.
Where to paddle in Kamloops
Looking to expand your paddling adventures? Discover more of our stunning locations perfect for exploring on the water. Beyond the beauty of Kamloops Lake, be sure to check out these local spots to paddle for a memorable day on the water:
- Heffley Lake
- Paul Lake Provincial Park
- McConnell Lake Provincial Park
- Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park
- South Thompson River
For more information to plan your paddle adventure, check out our Guide to Paddling in Kamloops.
BC Wildlife Park
Tamra Jaeger
2. Explore BC Wildlife Park
Family friendly fun at BC Wildlife Park
Searching for an adventure the whole family will love? Learn about wild animals indigenous to British Columbia at the BC Wildlife Park. The park is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, offering an educational experience on over 65 different species including Clover the Spirit Bear, Marble Foxes, Mountain Goats, Arctic Wolves, and Birds of Prey.
Learn about BC wildlife conservation
BC Wildlife Park is more than just a place to see animals. It’s a journey into wildlife conservation and sustainability. Learn about the crucial roles each species plays in the ecosystem and the efforts to protect their future. With nearly 200 animals, from majestic bears to stealthy bobcats, the BC Wildlife Park provides a unique and educational glimpse into the lives of these incredible creatures.
BC Wildlife Park
Tamra Jaeger
Things to do at the BC Wildlife Park
Begin your journey through The Discovery Centre and visit the Eco Gallery and the Wildlife Education Centre for family-friendly interactive learning about British Columbia's Ecosystems and wildlife species. Don't forget to stop by the Reptile Exhibit for a closer look at some of the park’s scaly residents.
Venture into the outdoor portion of the park and stroll through its accessible walkways to discover the park's larger residents. Use the Park Map to plan your own route or enhance your visit with a 45-minute guided walking tour with a Park Educator to hear the unique stories of the animals in the Wildlife Park. If you're interested in a guided tour, visit the BC Wildlife Park website to book in advance.
For the chance to meet an animal up close, you can also book a Private Animal Encounter with a Burrowing Owl, Snake, Painted Turtle, or Red Footed Tortoise. Private Animal Encounters must be booked 7 days in advance, so be sure to visit their website to book your experience. You can also meet farm animals up-close at the Home Hardware Family Farm. It's a chance to say hello to llamas, goats, miniature donkeys, sheep and more.
If all the excitement has your stomach growling, grab a delicious bite at the Blue Heron Cafe to refuel for more adventure! You can also rest your legs with a ride on the Wildlife Express miniature train for a fun way to discover the park.
The BC Wildlife Park is ready to welcome you into a wild world of discovery, open daily from 9:30 am-5:00 pm. Visit their website to learn more about seasonal events happening at the park!
Local Tip: Use your 'Loops Explorer Pass to purchase one regular admission to the park and receive one free admission!
Kamloops Bike Ranch
Ollie Jones
3. Ride Canada's largest municipal mountain bike park
The Kamloops Bike Ranch
Shred the trails at the Kamloops Bike Ranch to get your adrenaline fix in the birthplace of freeride mountain biking.
Known as "The Ranch," this iconic spot boasts professionally crafted jump lines that have been featured in numerous freeride mountain biking films. As Canada's largest municipal bike park, The Ranch is a great destination to catch some air. From small jumps to massive booters, The Ranch caters to all skill levels.
If you want to earn your turns, explore their diverse XC trails to carve through the perfect singletrack, ride into berms, and along the rolling hills of sagebrush. To skip the uphill battle, grab a shuttle with Mostly Mental Shuttles and save your energy for the trail.
Scheduled for completion this July, The Ranch will also feature three paved pump tracks.
Kamloops' rugged landscape and rolling hills create diverse and dreamy terrain to ride. From flowy cross-country trails to gnarly downhill, our mountain biking has it all.
Bighorn Golf & Country Club
Mary Putnam
4. Swing into summer at scenic golf courses
Kamloops is renowned for its outdoor activities, and golfing is no exception. Ever teed off a canyon? Or played on an award-winning course? Kamloops offers a wide range of golf courses where you can enjoy uncrowded fairways and friendly vibes.
Kamloops golf courses
Whether you want to tee off at one of BC's oldest courses or its boldest, Kamloops has the perfect golf terrain for every occasion. Popular destinations include the scenic Tobiano Golf Course, a par 72 course built on a historic ranch and ranked the best public golf course in BC.
Play alongside rolling fairways and scenic views that make each round feel like a relaxing stroll through nature. With a total of eight unique golf courses, each offers its own challenges and charm, perfect for both leisurely rounds and skill-testing tee offs.
Don't forget to pack your clubs this summer and swing into the Kamloops' golf scene. You'll experience breathtaking landscapes, pristine fairways, and a welcoming community of golf enthusiasts ready to share the love of the game.
Local Tip: Visit Golf Kamloops to book local golf packages for less!
Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos Trails
Taylor Burk Photography
5. Hike through towering hoodoos
Kamloops is renowned for its unique desert landscape and sprawling hills. Discover its beauty on our endless hiking trails through rolling grasslands, vast canyons, and towering hoodoos.
Scenic hiking trails
Whether you want to adventure back in time among geographical wonders, wander through ponderosa pine forests or find that picture-perfect viewpoint, we've got a trail for that.
Known for our iconic hoodoos, Kamloops has three unique hoodoo hikes to see these ancient formations in all their glory. For a more dynamic trail through forests to mountain-top views, mark hiking Battle Bluff as a must-do on the adventure list. If chasing sunsets is more your vibe, our city also has the ultimate viewpoints to snap those Instagramable moments.
Kenna Cartwright Park
Dylan Sherrard
Kid-friendly hikes
Kamloops is brimming with epic adventures and natural playgrounds perfect for families to explore. There are several accessible, family-friendly hikes to discover, such as the scenic Panorama Trail at Kenna Cartwright Park or the winding loop at McConnell Lake. With our region's diverse trails, you can plan your trip to cater to all fitness levels. For more information on where to hike with little ones, see our full guide on kid-friendly hikes in Kamloops.
Local Tip: Kamloops has an arid desert climate, be AdventureSmart when hiking. Plan your trip, bring the essentials, and be mindful of exercise during peak heat conditions.
McConnell Lake
Olsen Imaging
6. Cast into serene lakes
Anglers take note: Kamloops has some of the finest stillwater fishing in the world. With our abundance of lakes, there's a wide variety of accessible fishing docks and lake fishing areas ready for casting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or teaching the little ones to cast a line, Kamloops' is the ultimate destination for those seeking the thrill of the catch.
Accessible dock fishing
Discover public fishing docks in the Kamloops area, where calm waters and picturesque surroundings provide the perfect setting for a family day out. These easily accessible spots are ideal for teaching kids (and future anglers!) the joys of fishing in the beautiful landscapes of the Thompson Valley.
@wwwvalerywww
Kamloops lake fishing
For experienced anglers, Kamloops has a wealth of blue-ribbon lakes just a short distance away. These renowned waters are the chance to tackle some of the largest and most energetic trout species.
Prepare to cast into our local lakes this summer and discover all that fishing in Kamloops has to offer.
Local Tip: Visit gofishbc.com to review regulations for local fishing bylaws, safety tips, and purchase your BC Fishing License!
Red Beard Cafe
Kathleen Fisher
7. Discover delicious local eats
Kamloops is home to many great restaurants and cafes that highlight locally grown food and international flavours. With options ranging from casual family eateries to fine dining, there’s somewhere for every occasion.
Inspired by the food halls of the world, Yew Street Food Hall, brings together a unique mix of locally-owned restaurants under one roof. Here, you can sample dishes from Lemongrass Vietnamese Restaurant, The Greek Kouzina, Mittz & Co., Taco Alley, Breaktime Indian Street Food, Via Lattea Gelato, Drinks on Yew, and Harvest Moon Bakery. This food hall is perfect for those who want to experience a variety of flavours (or have diners with different palates!).
For a regional dining experience, Cordo Resto + Bar offers innovative and nutritious dishes inspired by the region, while Brownstone Restaurant, set in a century-old heritage building, serves dishes crafted from the freshest seasonal ingredients. If you're craving traditional Italian cuisine, Peter's Pasta brings the made-fresh taste of Italy to downtown Kamloops. Or for those craving a cold brew, The Noble Pig's inviting patio serves up innovative craft beer, living up to their hype as Kamloops' first microbrewery.
Whether you're seeking a casual meal or an elegant night out, Kamloops' restaurants have you covered.
Sagewood Winery
Tamara Jaeger
8. Sip through the valley on a wine tour
Sit back, relax, and sip on our award-winning wines on a guided wine tour. A guided tour provides a curated experience enriched with expert insights and local stories of one of BC's newest wine regions.
Choose from a 3-hour tour, half-day or full-day tour with one of four professional and knowledgeable wine tour companies in Kamloops.
Privato Vineyard & Winery
Royce Silhis
Our local wineries
Scattered throughout the valley are three unique wineries, each showcasing our region's unique terroir.
Monte Creek Winery captivates with its breathtaking tasting room views, iconic bell tower, scenic outdoor dining. While Privato Vineyard and Winery offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere on its sprawling 80-acre farm, complete with a sun-soaked patio, blooming garden, and family-owned cidery Woodward Cider Co. Meanwhile, Sagewood Winery is celebrated for its acclaimed wines and intimate tasting experience as a family-run boutique winery.
These three wineries together embody the diversity and richness of the Kamloops Wine Trail, providing a true taste of the local terroir with every sip. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or new to wine tasting, Kamloops invites you to taste the Thompson Valley.
Overlander Beach
Dylan Sherrard
9. Soak up the sunshine on our sandy shores
Local beaches
Located on the North Shore, Overlander Park Beach is Kamloops' largest beach with plenty of space for families (including the pup!) to make a splash.
If you're searching for more beach bliss, Riverside Park Beach in downtown Kamloops is also a popular spot for families. During July and August, it's also home to Music in the Park, where artists perform live music nightly beginning at 7 PM. The park also includes a playground, waterpark, tennis courts, and lawn bowling for more activities to make for the perfect summer day.
Overlander Beach
Dylan Sherrard
Dog-friendly beaches
On those hot summer days, cool down with Fido at one of Kamloop's dog-friendly beaches. If you're hoping to stay in the downtown core, Pioneer Park is the city's most popular dog beach. On the North Shore, Overlander Park is also a dog-friendly spot to take your pup for a swim. For those seeking more adventure, Paul Lake Provincial Park and Lac le Jeune Provincial Park also feature signed dog-designated beach areas.
For more local beaches to soak up the summer sun, check out our Sand + Swim page.
Kamloopa Powwow, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Special Events Facility (the Arbour)
Mary Putnam
10. Celebrate with Kamloops summer events
Summer in Kamloops is bustling with events! From large festivals like the Kamloopa Powwow to the Kamloops Ribfest to sports games like the Rivers FC and the NorthPaws, our community is ready to celebrate with vibrant events throughout the summer.
Want to discover our local events? View the Kamloops Events Calendar to see what's happening this summer.
Ready to plan your trip?
Visit our trip planning page to get started! Don't forget to check out our travel deals and discounts so that you can spend your money on more important things—like another round of golf.
Searching for more trip inspiration? Check out our Summer Activities Page to make the most of your time here!
Share your adventures with us!
We want to see where your adventures take you this season! Keep us in the Loop and share your favourites from our Top 10 Things to Do in Kamloops during Summer. Tag @tourismkamloops on social and use #ExploreKamloops.
Author: Tianna Dilley
As a self-proclaimed digital marketing nerd, Tianna manages the Tourism Kamloops website, blog, and paid digital advertising.
