Kamloops

Introduction

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 40 °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.

Sights and Activities

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 7:00 - 8:30pm.

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.

Weather

Getting There

By Train

TheCanadian is operated by ViaRail and travels between Vancouver, British Columbia to Toronto, Ontario also stopping in Kamloops.

Sleep

Upscale

You can use the form below to search for availability (Travellerspoint receives a commission for bookings made through the form)

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet usage is wide-spread in Canada. Wi-fi is available in many locations in larger cities, sometimes free and sometimes at a cost. You will find Wi-Fi in coffee stores, some restaurants and also hotels and motels more and more offer this service for free, but with a code usually. Internet cafes are common along major streets, and and in larger cities, charge between $3 and $4 for an hour, usually in 20-minute increments.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

The country calling code to Canada is: 1. To make an international call from Canada, the code is: 011. Emergency services can be reached by dialling 911. This number will give you free access to Police, Fire and Ambulance services and can be used from landlines, phone booths and cell phones.

The populous areas of Canada along the border with the USA have excellent cellular and wired telecommunications, meaning that travellers are never fair from an international phone call home, a WIFI connection or an internet cafe. Depending on the mobile phone provider, coverage could be either CDMA and GSM coverage. Travellers wishing to purchase SIM cards for GSM phones should look for Rogers Wireless, Telus Mobility and Bell Mobility, which all offer nationwide availability.

Post

Postal service is provided by Canada Post, a crown corporation owned by the government but run as an independent business. Most post offices keep hours from 9:00am to 5:00pm though in bigger places longer hourse might be available.

To format the envelope of a letter sent within Canada, put the destination address on the centre of its envelope, with a stamp, postal indicia, meter label, or frank mark on the top-right corner of the envelope to acknowledge payment of postage. A return address, although it is not required, can be put on the top-left corner of the envelope in smaller type than the destination address.

The lettermail service allows the mailing of a letter. The basic rate is currently set at $0.63 for one standard letter (30 grams or less). The rates for lettermail are based or weight and size and determine whether the article falls into the aforementioned standard format, or in the oversize one. The rate is the same for a postcard. Mail sent internationally is known as letterpost. It can only contain paper documents. The rate for a standard letter is of $1.10 if sent to the United States, and $1.85 if sent to any other destination. Oversize or overweight letters may be charged a higher fee. Larger parcels can be shipped via Canada post both domestically and internationally, the rate is dependent on the weight and destination. ^[1]

Federal Express, TNT, UPS or DHL also provide interntional shipping from Canada and are usually very quick and reliable though might cost a little more compared to Canada Post.