Is Kamloops worth visiting?
Yes, Kamloops offers many reasons for a visit. It's a city everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave.
Whether you're a traveling as a family or a couple, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific skiing and great food.
Kamloops is a city that sits at the junction of the North and South Thompson Rivers. The area is filled with hiking trails and nearby ski resorts. There's also wildlife and many beautiful parks to explore.
6 Reasons to Visit Kamloops
1. Skiing
There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.
2. Food
You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.
3. Nightlife
You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.
4. Hiking
The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.
5. Shopping
Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.
6. Authenticity
Kamloops has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Kamloops worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (73°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (87°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Kamloops, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
This is a great time of year to discover the nearby hiking trails and enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Kamloops
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (73°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| August | 23°C (73°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| September | 17°C (63°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
Is Kamloops worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Kamloops. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 11°C (51°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to get out into nature.
Autumn Weather in Kamloops
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 11°C (51°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| November | 4°C (39°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| December | -1°C (30°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Is Kamloops worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Kamloops. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Kamloops can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -3°C (27°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Most visitors come during the winter for the terrific skiing and snowboarding, as it's the main activity here. During this season it's fun to experience the snow skiing, the cuisine, and the nightlife.
Winter Weather in Kamloops
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| February | 2°C (35°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| March | 7°C (44°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
Is Kamloops worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Kamloops, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops and grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Kamloops
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 12°C (53°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| June | 21°C (69°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Kamloops
Museums and Attractions: Kamloops isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Kamloops might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Kamloops here or see if Kamloops is expensive here.
Related
What is Kamloops most famous for?
Kamloops is most famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. People visit this impressive city for its great skiing. It's also known for food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping. It is often described as outdoorsy, nature-filled, and laid-back.
What is the most famous sight in Kamloops?
The most popular sight in Kamloops is Sun Peaks Resort. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Kamloops on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Sun Peaks Resort and other attractions here.
How touristy is Kamloops? Is it a popular city to visit?
Kamloops is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $15
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $8.08
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $8.08
- Scenic Kamloops Self Guided Audio Driving Tour to Lake Louise: $12
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21
- BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket: $15
How long should I spend in Kamloops?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Kamloops is one to two days. Since Kamloops has activities such as skiing, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Kamloops?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kamloops?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Kamloops?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
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