Up to snow good with the family in Kamloops

Bundle up and discover fun for the whole family this year. No matter your age, playing in the snow brings out the inner child in us all. A winter adventure in Kamloops will have you bonding over a snowshoe hike, pond skating, or an evening of star gazing together.

Here's how to embrace winter in Kamloops with the whole crew.

Enjoying (N)Ice Quality Time

Strap your skates on and enjoy a classic Canadian experience at one of Kamloops’ outdoor ice-skating rinks. Bring your own skates to enjoy volunteer-run rinks surrounded by snow-covered trees at Brocklehurst Arena & Pool, Westsyde Centennial Park, Pineview Valley Community Ice Rink, Juniper Ice Rink in Juniper Park, Dallas-Barnhartvale Church, and Heffley’s Len Haughton Park. Frozen lakes and ponds can also be skated on but be Adventure Smart and check for ice thickness. Albert McGowan Park, Stake Lake, Inks Lake, Little Heffley Lake, and Shumway Lake are popular skating spots in Kamloops.

Because I Said Snow

Head for the hills and let the family burn off pent-up energy in the snow. An exhilarating tube ride at the Snow Town Tube Park at Harper Mountain, located a 20-minute drive from Kamloops, is guaranteed to elicit belly laughs from all. Some of the best family winter activities don't require much gear — like making snow angels or breaking out into an impromptu snowball fight. Luckily, Kamloops has no shortage of outdoor space where you and your loved ones can run around, frolic and play freely in the region's signature light, dry snow. On the North Shore, stroll Aviation Way, a 3.7-km flat, dog-friendly trail that is part of the Rivers Trail route which winds around the city. Or if you're looking for a winter hike in the hills, head out to the Tower Trail in Kenna Cartwright Nature Park, a 1.8-km trail that leads to panoramic views of Kamloops and the Thompson Valley.

Santa's (Play)Shop

There's plenty of fun and games to be found this holiday season in Kamloops. Little ones will appreciate the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, which rolls into Kamloops on December 16th, decked out in bright lights and featuring live music. Or ring in the New Year together at Harper Mountain. This local resort hosts a family-friendly New Year's Eve event with activities for all ages. Make a day and night of it; strap on a pair of snowshoes and hit the local trails, or head to the snow park for an evening of night tubing under bright lights. Then, bundle up with a hot drink — cocoa for the kids, warm mulled wine for the parents — and settle in to watch the fireworks. Tickets for the New Year's event must be reserved in advance.

Treating Our S(elves)

Skip bedtime, strap on your skinny skis, and treat your 'elves to a nighttime adventure in a snowy forest. Kamloops is home to many cross-country ski trails, including the expertly groomed cross-country skiing tracks at Stake Lake, 6.5-km of which you can tackle after dark. Located just 20 minutes south west of Kamloops, here you’ll find family-friendly ski routes like the beginner-friendly Cartwheel Trail. Bonus: nighttime cross-country skiing won't stretch the family holiday budget either, with kids under nine skiing for free, juniors only $5 and adults $10. Furry family members can also join on 5-km of dedicated dog-friendly trails. Or try out downhill night skiing or tubing at Harper Mountain.

Hanging With My Superstars

There's nothing more magical than adventuring together under the stars. Grab a cup of hot chocolate to go from one of Kamloops’ cafes and head out for a night with your superstars. Kamloops Lake Viewpoint on Highway 1 is a popular spot to get away from the city lights and see star constellations sparkling in the night sky. Take advantage of early darkness and see the stars at Greenstone Mountain — bundle up and enjoy evening snowshoeing before settling in to gaze at the stars together. 4-wheel drive is recommended.

Whether you take your toddlers tubing, or tackle cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with your teens, there are plenty of cool winter adventures in Kamloops to keep your family entertained away from the house this winter.