Hit the trails in Kamloops and find yourself surrounded by amber-hued landscapes, where deep gorges and sandstone canyons frame every adventure. If it’s space you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the expansive views of the Thompson Valley—delivered in abundance on the many hiking trails that fan out across the land.
Traverse the desert-like terrain, soaking in views of wide-open grasslands; the fragrant scent of sage and the sound of crickets guiding your journey. From laid-back paths to rugged terrain, there's a route here that's perfect for whatever challenge calls.
Start wandering
Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park
The Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park connects the Barnhartvale and Dallas neighbourhoods via a series of trails through the grassland and ponderosa pine forests. Take in views along the South Thompson River and admire the vineyards across the river and silt cliffs below.
Kenna Cartwright Nature Park
Covering almost 800 hectares of terrain, Kenna Cartwright Park is one of BC's largest municipal parks. This Kamloops gem boasts 40km (25 mi) of multi-use trails for hikers and mountain bikers of all ages. Viewpoints offer breathtaking views of Kamloops and the Thompson Valley, as well as benches and picnic tables where you can catch your breath. Kenna is delightful any time of the year and is off-leash dog-friendly.
Lac du Bois Protected Grasslands
The expansive park is home to a wide variety of hikes with sweeping vistas of the Thompson Valley. You will hike amongst chiselled hoodoos, and panoramic views of Kamloops Lake and the Thompson River from the Battle Bluff, Dewdrop, or Cinnamon Ridge trails. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the resident California Bighorn Sheep.
Peterson Creek Nature Park
Peterson Creek Nature Park is situated in the heart of the city along a natural creek corridor. The park encompasses almost 100 hectares and features over 10 km (6 mi) of varied trails for every skill level. Peterson Creek is widely used during the summer months, is off-leash, dog-friendly, and features a remarkable view of downtown Kamloops.
Sun Peaks Resort
From mid-June to September, traverse 18 designated hiking trails at Sun Peaks Resort. Options range from sightseeing strolls to an awe-inspiring summit with a break at Tod Lake. Visit during the stunning alpine blossom season, which occurs between mid-July and mid-August, to witness rolling alpine meadows in their kaleidoscope of wildflower brilliance.
Valleyview Nature Park
High above the silt bluffs of Valleyview, east of the city, explore the trails of the Valleyview Nature Park as they wind through the desert sagebrush and ponderosa pine trees. Discover the hidden beauty that awaits in this small, uncrowded park. You might even catch a glimpse of mountain bikers tackling the Kamloops terrain in the famous Kamloops Bike Ranch next door.