Top 5 spring hikes in Kamloops

As the days grow longer and warmer in Kamloops, so does the desire to get out and enjoy the spring weather. Stretch your legs, and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine on these top 5 spring hiking trails.

McArthur Island Nature Park

McArthur Island is a hub of activity for sports enthusiasts with soccer fields, baseball diamonds, free mini-golf, disc golf, curling rink and hockey arena. It also offers a 2-3km paved walking loop around the Island where you're likely to see local wildlife including marmots, deer, and plenty of ducks, geese and swans. Located off MacKenzie Avenue on the North Shore, McArthur Island is one of the first trails to dry out in the spring and is a great early season stroll for the whole family.

Depending on your desired walk length, choose from either the 2.3km inner loop or the 3.1km outer loop. 

West Highlands Park

Located in the Aberdeen neighbourhood, the West Highlands Park Trail is a multi-use paved pathway featuring sweeping views of the city and numerous benches to enjoy along the way. The trail has some gentle slopes but is perfect for the whole family. You can even enjoy this loop in the late evening or early morning as the pathway is illuminated.

The loop is 1.8km and takes about 30 minutes.

Aviation Way - Rivers Trail

Located near the Kamloops Airport, this section of the Rivers Trail is popular with dog owners as it is an off-leash area. The flat, packed gravel trail follows the berm along the South Thompson River and down past the airport. The Rivers Trail is extensive, which means you can make this hike as long or as short as you wish. Be prepared for numerous canine greetings.

The route we took was about 3.7km and took about 1 hour to complete.

Oak Hills Trail - Rivers Trail

Located in the Westsyde neighbourhood, the Oak Hills trail is also flat, packed gravel and follows the dyke along the North Thompson River. Similar to Aviation Way, the Oak Hills trail continues endlessly as part of the larger Rivers Trail network, which means you can make your hike as long or as short as you’d like. Parking for this trail is at the Westsyde Centennial Park, which offers a number of recreational opportunities, including a petting zoo for the kids. 

This trail is about 3.25kms and takes about an hour to complete.

Xget'tem' Trail

Located in Peterson Creek Nature Park, the Xget'tem' Trail is Kamloops' newest multi-use trail. Xget'tem', pronounced Hawk-tum, means 'deep valley' in Secwépemc and pays tribute to the area's historical ties to the Shuswap people. The trail connects downtown Kamloops to the Sahali neighbourhood via a paved, multi-use pathway and features LED lighting, making it perfect for an early morning or late evening walk.

This trail is about 3.4km and takes under 1 hour.

Enjoy the fresh spring sunshine on the trails in Kamloops. Wondering which trails will be suitable to hike next? Check out a complete list of 13 spring hiking trails in Kamloops.