Kamloops

Kamloops sits at the junction of two branches of the Thompson River in British Columbia's dry interior. Hot summers turn the surrounding hills brown, while winter brings cold air and snow to nearby mountains. You move through the city best by car, as public transit runs on spread-out suburban schedules. Expect high temperatures in July and quiet, trail-focused days year-round.

Kamloops sits in a cool-climate wine region known as the Thompson Valley. Vineyards here specialize in crisp whites like Riesling and Pinot Gris. Downtown features a dense cluster of craft breweries along Victoria Street and 3rd Avenue. Local menus rely heavily on Okanagan produce and regional beef.The North Shore along Tranquille Road hosts Indian, Vietnamese, and Mexican kitchens that cater to local residents. Casual dining dominates the city. Reservations are rarely required outside peak summer weekends at upscale winery restaurants.

• Patio season

  Summer outdoor dining fills up by 17:30 downtown. Arrive early for spots along Victoria Street.

• Winery tasting fees

  Tastings at Thompson Valley wineries cost $10–15 CAD. Fees are waived if you buy a bottle.

• Sunday closures

  Independent downtown cafes often close by 16:00 on Sundays. Plan early coffee runs accordingly.

The Secwépemc Nation lived along the confluence of the North and South Thompson rivers for thousands of years. They called the area Tk'emlúps, meaning where the rivers meet. European fur traders arrived in the early nineteenth century and established trading posts to buy pelts from local hunters.The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 transformed Kamloops into a transportation hub. Ranching, forestry, and mining drove the regional economy for decades. Today, healthcare, education, and sports tourism form the backbone of the city's economy.

1. 1812

   Fur Trade Established

   Pacific Fur Company establishes Fort Cumcloups, launching European commerce in the Thompson valley.

2. 1885

   Railway Arrival

   The Canadian Pacific Railway connects Kamloops to coastal Vancouver, accelerating settlement.

3. 1893

   City Incorporation

   Kamloops officially incorporates as a city with a population under one thousand residents.

Choose your location based on how you plan to travel. Downtown offers walkability to craft breweries, restaurants, and river parks. Sahali and Aberdeen cater to highway drivers needing quick access to Trans-Canada Highway 1 and chain amenities.

• Walkers & craft beer fansDowntown — Walk to Victoria Street taprooms and Riverside Park without touching your car keys.
• Road trippersSahali / Aberdeen — Direct access to Highway 1 with free parking and modern chain properties.

Kamloops stretches across wide valleys divided by rivers. While downtown is easy to walk, getting to trails, shopping districts, or neighbouring parks requires wheels. BC Transit operates local buses, but frequencies on suburban routes can drop to once per hour on weekends.

• BC Transit buses require exact change in cash or fare payment via the Umo mobile app.

• Download the Umo app before riding to buy digital single rides and day passes.

• Rent a car at YKA if you plan to visit trailheads outside city limits.

• Bus service reduces significantly after 21:00 on weeknights across all lines.

Kamloops is generally cheaper than Vancouver or Kelowna. Hotel rates peak during summer road trip season and winter ski weekends at nearby resorts. Food and drink costs match standard Canadian regional prices.

• Pint of local craft beer: $8–10 CAD

  Pints at downtown breweries cost around $8 to $10 before sales tax and tip.

• Casual lunch: $16–22 CAD

  A burger or bowl at a downtown pub runs between $16 and $22 CAD.

• BC Wildlife Park entry: $18 CAD

  Adult single admission to the wildlife park costs roughly $18 CAD.

• Day transit pass: $5.00 CAD

  An all-day BC Transit pass costs $5.00 CAD on the bus or via the Umo app.

• Dry heat warning

  Summer temperatures often exceed 35°C. Carry ample water when hiking sageland trails.

• Rattlesnake safety

  Western rattlesnakes inhabit dry grasslands. Stay on marked trails in Lac Du Bois.

• Sales taxes

  BC adds 5% GST and 7% PST to most retail purchases at checkout.

• Pacific Time Zone

  Kamloops operates on Pacific Time (UTC-8) and observes daylight saving time.

• Wildfire season

  July and August can bring interior wildfire smoke that affects air quality.