Travel Guide > North America > Canada > British Columbia > Kamloops
Kamloops is rapidly becoming one of the vacation destinations in British Columbia.
Vacationers in search of an urban community and outdoor adventure will find it in Kamloops and the surrounding area. Although a small city of approximately only 100,000 people, Kamloops is a major economic hub for the interior of the province.
Climate is one on the biggest attractions in the Kamloops area. The semi arid conditions not only mean long hot summers, with temperatures sometimes reaching a high of 45 °C but have also contributed to forming some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada.
The rugged terrain featuring spectacular rock and sand formations are unique to the interior. Sagebrush and cacti abound in the hills above Kamloops.
Traveling from Vancouver via the Fraser Canyon you will leave the rain forest climate of the lower mainland and be treated to the sight of the wide open vistas of the river valley, the rolling hills and blue sky as you approach Kamloops.
The area is famous for it's skiing, and winter activities as well as mountain biking, hangliding, parachuting, hiking, fishing, rock hounding, golfing and of course tournaments,
Sweeping panoramic views, fertile green fields and orchards, amazing sunsets over Kamloops Lake, the stark beauty of the rock and sand cliffs, and strolling through the parks deliver a mellow and relaxing experience for the less adventurous traveler.
The North and South Thompson Rivers join right in the heart of the city, with Riverside Park being a popular area to sun bathe, picnic, stroll along the beach, swim, water ski, or try your hand at lawn bowling. Bring your little ones to the Variety Kids Centennial Water Park. There is free entertainment all summer long with "Music in the Park" from 7 - 8:30 pm.
While Kamloops is located on Kamloops Lake, it remains undeveloped, however a short hike into the "badlands" visible from the road to the lake is well worth your time.
McArthur Island park boasts tournament facilities, a golf course, bicycle paths, roller blading, skate boarding, areas to picnic, a lagoon, walking paths as well as wild flora and fauna reserve. The friendly marmot community of McArthur Island greet visiors and are always ready to pose for photos.
Other parks in the area promise a more natural setting. Peterson Creek Park features a waterfall tumbling from the cliffs above the ravine and is easily accessible for most people, no strenuous hiking required.
A day's drive from Kamloops can take you to the Shuswap Lakes, Sun Peaks Ski Resort, and into the Okanangan valley.
TheCanadian is operated by ViaRail and travels between Vancouver, British Columbia to Toronto, Ontario also stopping in Kamloops.
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott's Inn & Restaurant | 551-11th Avenue & Columbia St. | Hotel | 83 |
This is version 5. Last edited at 18:37 on May 22, 09 by Utrecht (+188). 1 article links to this page.

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