Top 10 things to do this winter in Kamloops
Kenna Cartwright Nature Park
Sean Jenkins
Find the bluebird days of your dreams this winter – Kamloops has the wide-open spaces and endless skies to backdrop the perfect winter getaway.
Break trails to outdoor adventures, whether you're waxing up skis and snowboards or strapping on snowshoes. End the day with comfort food at local restaurants, craft breweries, and family friendly activities. Visiting Kamloops in winter is the perfect place to pair outdoor activities with local art, craft beer, and more.
Kamloops boasts something for every outdoor enthusiast to explore, from snowy mountains to art exhibits and more. There's no shortage of ways to experience winter in Kamloops, so get those woolies out of storage and see how chill life can be with our top 10 things to do this winter in Kamloops.
Harper Mountain Ski Hill
Mary Putnam
1. Skiing + Snowboarding
Wax up the skis and boards, it's time to hit the slopes! Whether you're mastering the t-bar or shredding the back country, Kamloops has a run for you. Long renowned for dry, powdery snow, and sitting squarely between two ski hills, Kamloops is the ideal destination for ski-bums of all stripes.
Sun Peaks
Destination BC / Reuben Krabbe
Sun Peaks
Zuzy Rocka
Sun Peaks Resort
Located 45-minutes north of Kamloops, Sun Peaks Resort boasts 4,720 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains. As Canada's second largest downhill skiing area, Sun Peaks Ski Resort is a must-do for every powder hound. Skiing and snowboarding are just the beginning though – with snowmobile tours, snowshoe trails, ice skating, dog-sledding, and horse-drawn sleigh rides Sun Peaks Resort is the place to be this winter.
Explore the European style village, check out local cuisine, and get the best of the season. Sun Peaks is now open for the season, and day tickets can be purchased in advance online. New skiers can book a private lesson or join one of the ongoing learners programs.
Harper Mountain
Mary Putnam
Harper Mountain
Mary Putnam
Harper Mountain Ski & Snowboard
For the local experience, Harper Mountain is the family owned and operated ski hill, only 20-minutes from downtown Kamloops. Harper has been a staple of the community for over 50 years, and hosts a range of outdoor activities in addition to the ski hill and terrain park.
Skiing or snowboarding at Harper is one of the great local family friendly activities – as a smaller hill, you can skip the lines and crowds and get straight to the good snow. Harper offers affordable rates for tickets and rentals, so it's the perfect place to get the whole family out on the slopes. Book lessons on the bunny hill for the newbies, send the experienced skiers to the chairlift, and warm up together at the lodge after.
@wwwvalerywww
2. Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
Get your heart pumping and enjoy the fresh air. With plenty of sunshine, mild winter temperatures, and snow in the surrounding hills, hiking in Kamloops is a year-round activity. Explore 40 km of multi-use trails within city limits at Kenna Cartwright Nature Park. As one of British Columbia's largest municipal parks, Kenna Cartwright park boasts almost 800 hectares of natural terrain, offering panoramic views of the city and area from multiple locations, including the central Tower Trail. Kenna Cartwright Nature Park is also a pet friendly, designated off-leash dog area, so you and Rover both have plenty of space to roam!
Experience the unique local geology of Kamloops in the Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park. View the dramatic hoodoos and silt bluffs that define our region while hiking the frosty sagebrush hills. After a heavy snowfall, navigating the trails can be easier with a pair of snowshoes, and you can rent a pair from Runner's Sole.
Both Overlander Ski Club and Harper Mountain maintain designated snowshoe trails, so you can experience the best of winter hiking with the guarantee of a cozy lodge waiting at the end! Rentals are available at both locations so you can just show up and get started.
Stake Lake Ski Trail
Tamra Jaeger
3. Cross-Country Skiing
There's nothing quite like finding your flow in a peaceful forest blanketed in snow with only the sound of your cross-country skis beneath you. Cross-country skiing combines all the beauty and energy of winter hiking with the opportunity to glide around corners and grab some speed on the downhill.
Where to cross-country ski in Kamloops:
Located 20 minutes from downtown Kamloops, Stake Lake features more than 60 km of meticulously groomed and set trails perfect for day skiing, 7 kms of lit trails for night skiing, and a 5 km dog-friendly loop for your four-legged friends. Nordic skis aren't exactly carry-on sized, but don't worry — you can rent a pair from the Overlander Ski Club at Stake Lake. Never skied before? They also offer lessons to get you started! Stake Lake is open now, and you can keep an eye on their website to check conditions.
Harper Mountain maintains a gorgeous 3 km loop through the forest around the base of the ski area. This track is ideal for both classic and skate skiing, and rentals are available at the lodge. Warm up afterwards at one of the firepits, or hit the lodge for a hot lunch.
Remember to be Adventure Smart and bring plenty of water and snacks. Note: some trails have limited to no cell service. Make sure to leave a trail plan with someone you trust.
@fishingwithrod
4. Ice Fishing
Kamloops is well known as a hot spot for freshwater fishing — even in the chill of winter. With over 100 lakes in the region, you can reel in Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout or Brook Trout, all about an hour from Kamloops. Notable locations for ice fishing are at Tunkwa Lake, Monte Lake, Edith Lake, and Walloper Lake. These lakes are well stocked and have a reputation for yielding huge catches!
Just north of Kamloops you'll find Paul Lake Provincial Park open year-round and considered one of the best ice fishing locations in the region. Paul Lake is stocked with Kokanee and Rainbow Trout, and its higher elevation means it ices over reliably in the cold months. Book your stay at Paul Lake with The Spot, and end your day on the ice with a sauna to warm up!
If you're new to ice fishing, Kamloops offers a great place to learn. Consider heading out with Elevated Fishing Adventures; they'll supply all the gear, local insight and know-how you need to haul up your first fish through the ice. Be ice aware with Adventure Smart before stepping onto any frozen surface.
Harper Mountain
Mary Putnam
5. Tubing
For the ultimate in high-speed family fun, check out the Snow Town Tube Park at Harper Mountain. With a tube lift to tow you uphill and a heart-pounding downhill run, tubing at Harper is the skill-free, no gear needed winter activity to put on your to-do list. Fire pits are maintained near the bottom of the hill, so pack some marshmallows for the warmup, or grab a hot lunch at the lodge.
Only 20 minutes from Kamloops, Harper Mountain offers outdoor activities for the whole family, so stop by the Snow Town Tube Park this winter for some thrills, belly laughs, and lasting memories.
Shumway Lake
Olsen Imaging
6. Skating
Strap on a pair of skates and enjoy Canada's age-old winter tradition. In Kamloops, you can find frozen lakes, ponds and indoor rinks where you can take part in one of the season's great pastimes.
Pond skating
Get some fresh air and enjoy a day on the ice like a local at Inks Lake, Shumway Lake, or Lac du Bois. Closer to home you can visit Gambles Pond in Arthur McGowan Park so the littles can enjoy the playground and the convenient bathroom access!
Ice Rinks
If the weather isn't cooperating, you can find public skating at one of our local arenas. Skate rentals are available at the Valleyview Arena during public skate times, and if you bring your own, get them sharped at Consignor Sports or Dolson's Source for Sports.
Sandman Centre
Candice Ward & CHL
Bonus: Catch a hockey game
Looking for the good ol' hockey game? Catch the WHL Hockey action at the Kamloops Blazers' home ice. Watch as these potential NHL prospects play against teams such as Vancouver Giants, Kelowna Rockets, Prince George Cougars, and Victoria Royals. The Kamloops Blazers always play a great game, so get ready for a thrilling experience at the rink! The Blazers play home games at the Sandman Centre in Riverside Park.
For Junior A hockey, catch the Kamloops Storm on home ice at MacArthur Island Sport Centre. Cheer on the up-and-coming talent and get the real home-town hockey experience.
District Bicycle Co.
Kenna Cartwright Park
Sean Jenkins
7. Winter Biking
Kamloops is one of British Columbia's premier mountain bike destinations, and that doesn't end when the snow flies! Winter biking continues to gain popularity world wide, and Kamloops is leading the trend. Fat bikes are designed with special oversized tires to provide extra traction in the snow, so you can pedal year round.
Where to bike in Kamloops this winter:
Head out to Kenna Cartwright Nature Park to crush powder on natural slopes and trails. With gorgeous views of the Thompson Valley and city of Kamloops, Kenna Cartwright Nature Park offers multi-use trails for hiking and other activities, so be aware of other users as you ride.
If you prefer maintained routes, pack your fat bike out to the Isobel Lake Recreational Trails. Located 17 km northwest of Kamloops, this area is home to over 30 km of machine groomed single track trails.
While these trails are free to ride, consider making a donation at the Bicycle Cafe to the local bike organizations and trail builders who maintain Kamloops' trails for the enjoyment of all.
Fat biking is also permitted at Sun Peaks resort on designated shared-use trails, and rentals are available at the resort. Be aware of conditions to ensure the trails are left in good shape, and get some snow on those tires this winter!
Kamloops Symphony, Sagebrush Theatre
Dylan Sherrard
8. Arts & Culture
Get into the winter spirit with the latest events around Kamloops and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and culture scene unfolding this season. Kamloops offers something to captivate every wandering soul, from world-class theatre and music to art galleries and more.
Live music:
Join the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra on January 10th & 11th for a special concert presentation of the music of the Who and Led Zeppelin. Guest conductor David Bui, Jeans 'n Classics and the KSO join forces to bring some of rock's legendary anthems to life with the power of a full orchestra. You won't want to miss this one!
On February 8th, the KSO takes us on a journey across the misty highlands and through the depths of unrequited love with their signature series performance of Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony. Featuring innu soprano Elisabeth St-Gelais, this promises to be a profound experience for lovers of classical music and new fans alike.
Local theatre:
The Western Canada Theatre kicks off the new year with Liars at a Funeral, premiering on January 23rd. This Canadian comedy follows the coming together of a dysfunctional family following the death (or not) of their matriarch. Mix in a family curse, secrets galore, and a whole cast of eccentric characters, Liars at a Funeral promises raucous laughs, dark humour, and a twist or two. Get your tickets soon – WCT productions tend to sell out!
Kamloops Art Gallery
Mary Putnam
Art gallery:
In January, the Kamloops Art Gallery opens ithin-eh-wuk–we place ourselves at the center, a collaboration between James Nicholas and Sandra Semchuck. This exhibition explores colonialism through the dialogue present in the artist's intercultural marriage and family experiences as Rock Cree First Nations and Ukrainian-Canadian settlers respectively. Sometimes painful, sometimes humorous, the effort is always "to recognize the truth in each other's stories."
The Kamloops Art Gallery is also opening Dream; Nàte by artist-in-resident Casey Koyczan in the Cube, the Art Gallery's smaller, more intimate space. Koyczan's residency project brings together imagery and narratives from a dream that drew him from his home in Yellowknife, NWT to Kamloops. By combining digital and static elements, Koyczan creates an immersive experience that recreates a familiar, yet fantastical dreamworld.
Both shows open on January 18th at the Kamloops Art Gallery, found downtown Kamloops on Victoria Street. Admission to the gallery is free on Thursdays, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and regular admission is open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Stop by the Gallery Store for creative gift ideas and boutique art supplies!
Iron Road Brewing
BC Ale Trail
9. Explore craft breweries
Cozy up inside this winter with a brew from one of Kamloops' local craft breweries. Each brewery serves up their own unique, innovative flare in the form of great food and beer. Explore local ales with our self-guided craft brewery tour. Cheers to good local brews with good friends!
Noble Pig Brewhouse: A downtown Kamloops staple, the Noble Pig boasts a truly decadent Mocha Porter, among other in-house brews to delight every beer lover. You can't go wrong with their menu, but the crispy pickles are not to be missed!
Red Collar Brewing: An IPA is the perfect complement to their special-ordered Tongdak Korean fried chicken, but you choose your own adventure with their bring-your-own-food policy. If you're more of dark ale fan, the Black Dog Quad offers a strong, rich tasting dark belgian ale.
Bright Eye Brewing: Revel in a seasonal brew directly from the tank, and don't miss the famous crispy brussel sprouts. Alongside their creative brews and mouthwatering menu, Bright Eye serves up fun times with their in-house arcade. You'll find them on Kamloops' North Shore along Tranquille St.
Iron Road Brewing: Indulge in their taqueria or nacho menu – featuring Kamloops' own Fresh is Best Salsa! – paired with the famous Locomotive Lager. Iron Road is located on Camosun Cres., near Thompson Rivers University.
Alchemy Brewing: Just a hop from Noble Pig, Alchemy features 9 rotating taps and 3 guest taps, with seasonal ciders and non-alcoholic options as well. Satisfy your taste buds with their smoked, dry-rubbed chicken wings, or explore a Canadian classic with the disco fries – Alchemy's take on poutine. Pair it with a local brew, shoot some pool, and enjoy one of Kamloops' best.
Wine, cider, and more
Beer not your thing? Kamloops has options!
Monte Creek Winery is open daily 11 am to 5 pm for tastings through the winter. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.
Woodward Cider Co shares space with Privato Vineyard & Winery so it's easy to please everyone in your party with a stop here. Both tasting rooms are open 10 am to 4 pm, Thursday to Monday.
Gin Lane Distillery shares space with Red Collar Brewing, so if you're looking for a great gin martini, it's worth stopping by.
Red Bridge Distilling welcomes visitors and serves up a phenomenal range of spirits, including infused vodkas, limoncello, and gins.
Book a tour with Route 1 Distillery and learn what goes into producing their range of vodkas, cream liquors and more.
ROMEOs Kitchen + Spirits
Mary Putnam
10. Dine in an igloo
Romeo's Kitchen + Spirits welcomes diners to their scenic patio all year long. Stay cozy and enjoy the panoramic views from your own private, heated igloo! Red Seal Chef Romeo Oloresisimo and team are committed to delivering a top-notch, culturally inspired and locally sourced dining experience. Reserve your igloo online and get ready for a meal to remember!
Explore local food
For the true local foodie experience, don't miss the Winter Kamloops Regional Farmers Market. On from November to March, the Winter Market opens every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Stop by the Mount Paul Community Food Centre (CFC) to support local vendors and find the freshest local ingredients around. With a range of community artisans and small businesses participating, the Kamloops farmers market is a great place to find unique and handmade gifts as well as supporting British Columbia food sustainability.
Stay tuned for Taste Around Kamloops, kicking off Jan 22nd. Local restaurants prepare special menus and features to celebrate local dining, making it easy to follow your outdoor activities with great food. Participating restaurants will be announced soon! In the meantime, check out our restaurant listings to find local comfort foods and adventurous menu combinations.
Kamloops Snowmobile Adventures
Bonus: Get that sled into the wild
Kamloops offers wide open spaces are the perfect place to snowmobile, so get that sweet ride out of the garage and into some deep powder. The Kamloops Snowmobile Association maintains trails at both Porcupine Ridge (on the Tranquille/Bonapart Plateau) and near Sun Peaks. With ten emergency warmup shelters and hundreds of kilometers of groomed trails, these sites provide access to family friendly loops and back-country riding.
For sled rentals and guided tours, Kamloops Snowmobile Adventures offers the best in back country adventure. Check out their convenient Bed & Sled Packages for an all in one experience.
Keep us in the Loop!
We can't wait to welcome you to Kamloops, so find a hotel deal, explore the events calendar, and explore everything the region has to offer. Keep an eye out for our Roam Rangers Visitor Service team to get the inside scoop – and reach out with any questions, we'd be happy to steer you in the right direction.
Be sure to tag us on social – we want to see your Winter Adventures! Use #ExploreKamloops or tag @tourismkamloops to share your memorable moments and snowy stories!
