Kamloops is a city of 98,000 people (2021, 114,000 in the metro area) in the central interior of British Columbia. It is billed as the Tournament Capital of Canada. It has hosted Strauss Canada Cup of Curling, Skate Canada, World Fly Fishing Championships, Tim Horton's Olympic Qualifying Bike Race, and World Junior Hockey Championships.
"Kamloops" is the anglicised version of the Shuswap word "Tk'əmlúps", meaning "meeting of the waters"; it is where the North Thompson and South Thompson rivers join to form the Thompson. Shuswap is still spoken in the area by members of the Tk'emlúps Indian Band. Kamloops is also where rail and road routes across the Rockies meet; the Trans-Canada Highway and CPR rail route come from Calgary via Banff while one branch of the Yellowhead Highway and the former CNR route come from Edmonton via Jasper.
Industries in the Kamloops area include ranching, some forestry, and a copper mine (in Logan Lake). Royal Inland Hospital is the city's largest employer. Thompson Rivers University serves a student body of over 25,000 including a diverse international contingent mainly from Asian countries.
In 1811 David Stuart, sent out from Fort Astoria, a Pacific Fur Company post, spent a winter there with the Secwepemc people. Alexander Ross established a post there in May 1812 - "Fort Cumcloups". See fur trade for background information.
The gold rush of the 1860s and the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which reached Kamloops from the West in 1883, brought further growth, resulting in the City of Kamloops being incorporated in 1893 with a population of about 500. The logging industry of the 1970s brought many Indo-Canadians into the Kamloops area, mostly from the Punjab region of India. In 1973, Kamloops annexed Barnhartvale and other nearby communities.
The January mean temperature is −2.8 °C (27 °F). That average sharply increases with an average maximum temperature of 4.3 °C (40 °F) in February. The temperatures drop below −10 °C (14 °F) about 20 days per year.
Summers are warmer than in many places at lower latitudes, with prevailing dry and sunny weather. Daytime humidity is generally under 40% in the summer, sometimes dropping below 20% after a dry spell, which allows for substantial nighttime cooling. Occasional summer thunderstorms can create dry-lightning conditions, sometimes igniting forest fires which the area is prone to.
Kamloops lies in the rain shadow leeward of the Coast Mountains and is biogeographically connected to similar semi-desert areas in the Okanagan region, and a much larger area covering the central/eastern portions of Washington, Oregon and intermontane areas of Nevada, Utah and Idaho in the US.
WestJet, toll-free: +1-877-952-0100. Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in Calgary and Toronto. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. (updated Apr 2022)
Train stations at the north end of Kamloops. While there is an old train station in downtown Kamloops, it is now a steakhouse and no longer serves passenger trains. The Rocky Mountaineer train passes through here on its way to and from Banff and Lake Louise, but does not stop.
50.71822-120.348282Kamloops North station (8 km north of downtown Kamloops via Hwy 5). (updated Oct 2023)
VIA Rail Canada, toll-free: +1-888-842-7245. Operates The Canadian up to three trips per week between Toronto and Vancouver with stops in both directions in medium to large cities and tourist destinations such as Sudbury, Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper, and Kamloops. This route can offer a scenic view of the Canadian Rockies, depending on the train schedule, as the train operates day and night. Travel time to Kamloops from Toronto is 3.5 days, from Sudbury is 3.25 days, from Winnipeg is 2 days, from Saskatoon is 1 day 8.75 hours, from Edmonton is 19.5 hours, from Jasper is 10 hours, and from Vancouver is 9.25 hours. This service connects with another route that travels between Jasper and Prince Rupert. This rail operator also offers services that enable travelers to reach Canada's east coast. (updated Mar 2022)
50.731476-120.3420593Rocky Mountaineer (Stops at their own rail yard north of Kamloops North station), toll-free: +1-877-460-3200. Luxury sightseeing trains run by private company Rocky Mountaineer make overnight stops in Kamloops when travelling between Vancouver and Banff, or Vancouver and Jasper. Passengers travelling on these trains are transferred to hotels by bus to spend the night, and asked to make their own dinner arrangements in town. (updated Oct 2022)
British Columbia roads have been vulnerable to natural disasters such as major flooding in November 2021 and wildfires in August 2023. You can check with DriveBC for up-to-date road conditions and road restrictions after clicking the Major Events tab.
Highway 5 (Coquihalla Highway portion of Yellowhead Highway) provides a much quicker route from Vancouver to Kamloops (4 hr by car). This freeway takes you through Hope and Merritt; it is considerably less scenic than the Trans-Canada route. The downside of the high-altitude road is that it can become dangerous in the winter as sudden weather changes may make the road icy, snow covered or impassible. Check the road conditions before you set out.
Ebus, toll-free: +1-877-769-3287. Operates several bus routes:. (updated Jan 2023)
Daily between Kamloops and Vancouver with stops in Merritt, Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Surrey. Travel time to Kamloops from Vancouver is 4.5-4.75 hours, from Abbotsford is 3.25 hours, and from Hope is 2 hours.
Daily between Kamloops and Kelowna with stops in Chase, Sorrento, Salmon Arm, Enderby, Armstrong, and Vernon. Travel time to Kamloops from Kelowna is 2.25-3.25 hours (some trips do not make all stops), from Vernon is 1.5-2.25 hours (some trips do not make all stops), and from Salmon Arm is 1 hour 20 minutes.
Between Kamloops and Prince George with stops in Savona, Cache Creek, Clinton, 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, Lac La Hache, Williams Lake, Quesnel, and Hixon. Travel time to Kamloops from Cache Creek is 50 minutes, from 100 Mile House is 2.25 hours, from Williams Lake is 3.25 hours, from Quesnel is 5 hours, and from Prince George is 6.5 hours.
Rider Express, toll-free: +1-833-583-3636. Multiple days per week service along the Trans-Canada Highway from between Calgary and Vancouver with stops in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Golden, Revelstoke, Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Chase, Kamloops, Merritt, Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Surrey. Travel times to Kamloops from Calgary is 8.5 hours, Banff is 7 hours, from Lake Louise is 6.25 hours, from Golden is 4.5 hours, from Revelstoke is 3 hours, from Salmon Arm is 1.5 hours, from Hope is 2.25 hours, from Abbotsford is 3.75 hours, and from Vancouver is 4.75 hours. Also offers service from Kelowna. (updated Mar 2022)
Thompson Valley Charters, ☏ +1 877-769-3287. In partnership with Ebus, operates twice per week service between Kamloops and Edmonton with stops in Barriere, Little Fort, Clearwater, Avola, Blue River, Valemount, Mount Robson Provincial Park, Jasper, Hinton, and Edson. Travel time to Kamloops from Clearwater is 1.75 hours, from Valemount is 3.75 hours, from Jasper is 5 hours, from Edson is 7 hours, and from Edmonton is 9.5 hours. (updated Mar 2022)
Inter-city buses stop at the Petro Canada truck stop:
50.65968-120.39754Kamloops Travel Centre (5 km from downtown on Trans-Canada Highway), ☏ +1 250-374-6263.
BC Transit (Kamloops Transit System), ☏ +1-250-376-1216. Getting around to almost anywhere in town is possible on the adequate, if not stellar, bus routes. The cash fare is $2, or $4 for a day pass (2020). Drivers do not carry change. (updated Apr 2022)
50.6538-120.08011BC Wildlife Park, 9077 Dallas Dr, ☏ +1 250 573-3242. Mar-Oct: daily 9:30AM-4PM (open until 5PM during summer), Nov-Feb: weekends & holidays 9:30AM-4PM. Local zoo with many animals from around BC, such as bears (black & grizzly), wolves, cougars, bighorn sheep, and rattlesnakes. There's also a miniature train ride ($1 per person), birds of prey demonstration and playground with splash park for the kids. $11-15 (child-adult). Rates $3 cheaper in winter. (updated Nov 2015)
50.67-120.3652Thompson Rivers University, McGill Rd & University Dr (main entrance "Westgate" is at Hillside & McGill (Hillside becomes University Dr W), "Eastgate" is McGill & University Dr E). Summer campus tours daily, and Wednesday night 'Friends of the Gardens' tours of the largest botanical collection in the interior of BC. (updated Nov 2015)
50.67857-120.333053Kamloops Blazers, 300 Lorne Street, ☏ +1 250-828-1144. Competitive Western Hockey League team. The Blazers play at the Sandman Centre. (updated Mar 2023)
50.67545-120.330044Kamloops Art Gallery, 5th Avenue and Victoria Street, ☏ +1 250-377-2400. M-W F Sa 10AM-5PM, The 10AM-9PM. Wheelchair accessible. Adults $5, seniors (62+) $3, children and students free, admission free on Th. (updated May 2018)
50.787-120.4621Lac Du Bois Grasslands Protected Area, Lac du Bois Rd or Tranquille Rd (For Lac du Bois and the middle of the park, head north on 8th St (from Fortune Dr in town, or from Halston Ave if you're on Hwy 5) and it becomes Bachelor Hills Rd and then Lac du Bois Rd; for the southern areas (which have most of the hiking), head west on Tranquille Dr and then Red Lake Rd (sometimes called the Tranquille-Criss Creek FSR)). A park northwest of town that protects a large area of the region's natural grassland. There are a handful of trails for hiking and mountain biking inside the park and an area for ATVs at the southern boundary (ATVs are not allowed inside the park). The scenery and flora are spectacular — many small lakes, wildflowers in early summer, red lava cliffs, bighorn sheep, deer and moose — but be watchful of your step while hiking, this is rattlesnake country. The roads in the park are gravel (some 4x4 only) and can be used by logging trucks so be aware of road conditions and on-coming traffic. No user fees. (updated Nov 2015)
50.695-120.3742MacArthur Island Park, Island Parkway (accessed from the southern end of 12th St or the western end of MacKenzie Ave). Large park with many sports facilities (sports fields, curling and skating rinks), skatepark and short 9-hole golf course. There's a paved trail around the perimeter of the island that provides views of the river and city. (updated Nov 2015)
Riverside Park
50.6783-120.33883Riverside Park, 100 Lorne St (between Lansdowne St and the river, next to the Interior Savings Centre). Where the North and South Thompson rivers meet. Stroll along the beach, swim or bring the kids to the playground and water park. There is a water park for children and an enclosed swimming area on the river. The Thompson is, however, swift and cold and the swimming area is not always patrolled. (updated Nov 2015)
50.67452-120.400324Kenna Cartwright Nature Park (access trails near Aberdeen Mall or Walmart). Hiking and mountain biking trails up Mount Dufferin with great views of the city. (updated Aug 2020)
50.65904-120.333065Peterson Creek Nature Park (access trails from downtown near 6th Ave). Hiking trails under the Trans-Canada Highway and up to Bridal Veil Falls. (updated Aug 2020)
Climb -- While not as popular among the rock climbing crowd as Squamish or Penticton, there are several areas that offer climbing in the Kamloops area. Climbing information can be found in a free online guide available at CLIMBKamloops.ca.
Ski -- Sun Peaks is a 45-minute drive north of Kamloops along Highway 5.
Golf (approximately 11 18-hole courses, with "Tobiano" being the latest opened June 2007)
Mountain bike -- With the hilly and mountainous terrain that varies from wide open to thickly wooded, Kamloops is one of the more popular locations for mountain bike riding in western Canada.
50.655099-120.3713321Aberdeen Mall, 1320 West Trans Canada Hwy, ☏ +1 250-374-3400. A large two-floor upscale mall. It has quite a few attractions, mainly clothes stores. Navigation is also somewhat easier than other malls. (updated Dec 2021)
50.696996-120.359212Treasures, 12-700 Tranquille Rd (Inside the Northills Shopping Centre), ☏ +1 250-376-4643, [email protected]. 10am-5pm. Treasures sells native designed items such as wraps, gloves, boots, blankets and wallets. For jewellery they sell abalone/glacier pearl, B.C. jade, hematite/Alaska black diamond, gold plated stainless steel, etc. If you want knives, lamps, or other interesting items they have that too. (updated Dec 2021)
50.6756-120.32771Frick and Frack Tap House, 577 Victoria St (across from the casino), ☏ +1 250 851-2030. Tu-Th 11:30AM-11PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-midnight, Su-M 11:30AM-10PM. Lively atmosphere with a large menu, including a kids menu. There are a variety of beers on tap (mostly Canadian beers, with a couple of imports). Starters $10-20, mains $15-30. (updated Nov 2015)
50.6773-120.28692Harold's Family Restaurant, 1771 Trans-Canada Hwy, ☏ +1 250 372-2135. M-Sa 6AM-9PM Su 7AM-9PM. A local favourite for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This place doesn't look like much but has a great feel, awesome service, and tasty home cooked meals. $7-16 (breakfast), $10-20 (lunch & dinner). (updated Nov 2015)
50.69177-120.359323Jamaican Kitchen, 451 Tranquille Rd. Good Jamaican food on the north shore. Several vegan options. (updated Aug 2020)
50.67586-120.337564Peter's Pasta, 149 Victoria St, ☏ +1 250 372-2135. Tu-Sa 5PM-9PM. All pastas and sauces are handmade on-site. Peter is often present and is always happy to answer any questions or even just make pleasant conversation. Very popular with the locals — arrive early as they do not take reservations. (updated Nov 2015)
There are a range of lower end and mid-range chain motels in Kamloops, particularly on Columbia St West (exit 369 if heading east on Hwy 1, Summit Dr exit 370 if heading west).
50.67605-120.328731Delta Hotels Kamloops, 540 Victoria St, ☏ +1 778-766-4071, toll-free: +1-800-663-2837. In the heart of the city. On-site restaurant and lounge, outdoor rooftop pool, hot tub, modern fitness centre. From $160. (updated May 2018)
50.67257-120.313992Scott's Inn and Restaurant, 551 11th Ave, ☏ +1 250-372-8221. In a quiet residential area. On-site family restaurant, pet-friendly rooms, free parking, airport shuttles, high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi access, indoor pool, hot tub, laundry machines. From $124. (updated May 2018)
50.6719-120.35313Knights Inn Kamloops, 625 West Columbia St, ☏ +1 250 374-6944, toll-free: +1-888-372-7487. Fairly basic clean rooms although a bit dated. Most rooms have a small fridge and microwave. $70 and up. (updated Nov 2015)
50.6738-120.36744Thompson Rivers University Residence & Conference Centre, University Dr (enter campus at Westgate (McGill & Hillside), at the traffic circle take the third exit (North Gate) and the residences will be on your right), ☏ +1 250-828-8999, toll-free: +1-877-225-8664, [email protected]. Check-in: 4PM-midnight, check-out: 11AM. Offers accommodations for groups and individuals on the TRU campus from May through Aug. Two and four bedroom options. Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and fitness center. The rooms have kitchenettes, full kitchens are also available on the 2nd, 5th and 10th floors. Excellent transit connections to all areas of the city direct from campus. $99 for double occupancy, $10 per additional person. (updated Mar 2023)
Vancouver is approximately 355 km (220 miles) to the south west via Hwy 5. There are trains, flights from the Kamloops airports, as well as two major highways connecting the two cities.
Sun Peaks - an alpine ski resort 50 km north of Kamloops.
Cariboo-Central Coast, BC's cowboy country and dude ranch region is a one-hour drive west of Kamloops
This city travel guide to Kamloops is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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