Kamloops offers several distinct ways to shape your stay: Secwépemc culture, regional history, wildlife and landscapes. Museums explore different cultural themes, while parks add riverbanks, trails and viewpoints to the mix. When planning your trip, it helps to first choose what you want your time to focus on. The places range from exhibitions and hands-on experiences to multi-use trails and scenic viewpoints.
Cultural History from Different Perspectives
The exhibitions at the Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park showcase Secwépemc art, artefacts and knowledge. Interactive exhibits deepen understanding of Secwépemc history. The program also includes workshops, cultural events and guest lectures; offerings may vary. If you would like to include an event in your plans, check the dates in advance.
Founded in 1937, the Kamloops Museum & Archives houses more than 20,000 artefacts. The museum also includes the Children's Museum, which offers a hands-on way to engage with the region's heritage. In this way, the Kamloops Museum & Archives combines an extensive collection of artefacts with a hands-on approach to regional heritage. Together with the focus of the Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park, the distinction is clear: one focuses on Secwépemc knowledge and history, while the other features the museum's artefacts and hands-on exploration of regional heritage.
Wildlife and Landscapes
The BC Wildlife Park is home to almost 200 animals from 65 species native to British Columbia. It also operates the Fawcett Family Wildlife Health Centre, which rehabilitates orphaned and injured wildlife. This rehabilitation work adds a distinct conservation aspect to the park's care of animals.
Kenna Cartwright Park covers almost 800 hectares and has 40 km of multi-use trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Viewpoints offer views of Kamloops and the Thompson Valley. The park therefore offers both trails and scenic vistas. As trail conditions and access can change seasonally, check current conditions before your visit.
Riverbanks and Trails at Riverside Park
Riverside Park is located at the confluence of the North Thompson River and the South Thompson River. It has a water playground with barrier-reduced access and an inclusive playground. The water playground is seasonal; if you plan to visit, check in advance whether it is open during the season in question.
Riverside Park is also one of the main access points to the approximately 40 km-long Rivers Trail. The trail details for the Rivers Trail and Kenna Cartwright Park describe different offerings: the Rivers Trail is approximately 40 km long, while Kenna Cartwright Park has 40 km of multi-use trails for hikers and mountain bikers. This lets you choose between a trail accessed via Riverside Park and the trail network at Kenna Cartwright Park. When planning, it's worth checking current trail and access information.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
The cultural sites differ in their themes and offerings; outdoors, the riverside setting, trail and multi-use paths each have their own appeal. You can shape your trip around the interests that matter most to you.
Discover more destinations: Little Fort, Logan Lake, Clearwater, Clinton, Avola, Sun Peaks, Ashcroft, Barrière
See the overview of the wider region: Thompson-Nicola.
