Kamloops
British Columbia
Part
of the BC Adventure Network. Over 5 million web site visitors annually
!
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Downtown
Kamloops Photo: Alan Forseth
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Kamloops,
BC
The
popular interior city of Kamloops is in the heart of Thompson Nicola
region.
Visitors
to the "Tournament Capitol of Canada"
can choose to learn more about the intriguing history of the area or
take advantage of the abundance of recreational facilities and opportunities
for outdoor adventures in the Kamloops area.
The
Kamloops area is famous for rainbow trout fishing, and a variety of
modern and rustic fishing resorts offer an unforgettable fishing experience.
Guest ranches make great family vacations, introducing the guest to
a taste of the real west on working cattle ranches.
The city
itself is located where the South and North Thompson Rivers meet, hence
the name "Kahm-o-loops", the Shuswap Indian word for "meeting
of the waters". The surrounding countryside is a combination of
dry forests, grasslands and desert like hills. While forestry has now
surpassed ranching as the primary industry, ranching is still an important
component in the makeup of the area.
Kamloops
can be used as a headquarters for exploring nearby wilderness areas
such as Wells Gray Park to the north and the grasslands of the Nicola
Valley in the south or the numerous fishing and recreational lakes surrounding
the entire area.
| Accommodation/Adventure
Providers |
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Alpine Wilderness Retreat:
Retreat from the bustle of the city to our fly-in resort on Elbow Lake! Our snow fed lakes in the North Thompson are home to world-famous Kamloops Trout, and our resort has everything you’ll need. There’s lots of wildlife too so don’t forget to bring your ca... more |
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BC Fishing Resorts & Outfitters Association:
The BC Fishing Resorts & Outfitters Association is the voice of the Freshwater Tourism Fishing Industry. Whether fly-fishing, trolling, or river fishing our resorts & guides will help you discover the many vacation experiences that await you in our beautiful ... more |
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British Columbia Guest Ranchers' Association:
Our guest ranch membership offers a variety of ranch holidays. Some are working ranches, others remote lodges in pristine back country areas and some are luxury resorts. You're sure to find something to fit your taste with the help of our assocation. more |
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Central Mountain Air:
Central Mountain Air currently offer scheduled and charter airline service to over 19 communities throughout BC and Alberta including Vancouver Internationals main terminal, Campbell River, Comox, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Prince George, Kelowna, Kamloops, Smith... more |
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Delta Sun Peaks Resort Hotel:
Our spectacular 4 Diamond luxurious jewel, at Sun Peaks, in the Thompson Okanagan region. We offer feature a health club, restaurant, bar, patio, pool, hot tubs, sauna steam room. Ski-in ski-out access with the beauty of Sun Peaks outside your window. more |
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Douglas Lake Ranch:
Canada's largest working cattle ranch, between Merritt and Kamloops, is the perfect vacation getaway. Enjoy the finest resort accommodations, some of the most exclusive stillwater fly fishing anywhere, superb hiking & mountain biking, ranch tours & more. more |
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Heffley Lake Fishing Resort:
Enjoy a lakeside vacation retreat- welcome to HeffleyLake Fishing Resort in B.C.s Interior High Country. Go swimming, fishing, biking, hiking and riding in quiet peaceful harmony with your surroundings. We offer lakeside housekeeping cottages campsites. more |
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HiHium Resort:
Enjoy the call of a Loon, and the splash of fish in our natural setting. Stress flows away as you watch an eagle soar - the fiery sun reflects off mirrored waters – and darkness brings a quiet so powerful your heartbeat will lull you to sleep. Experience end... more |
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International Stage Lines:
Charter group motorcoach operator for skiiers, schools, clubs, teams, tour operators. Vancouver Whistler Victoria Calgary AB, Seattle WA, Okanagan Valley. Licenced to travel to any BC Alberta USA destination. Types 56 47 28 20 seat cap. Professional safe court... more |
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Jandana Ranch:
We offer an affordable personal ranch vacation experience for families, individuals, and small groups of up to 20. Take part in the operation of a working horse ranch, take in trail riding, natural horsemanship lessons, fishing, nature walks, & winter activit... more |
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Logan Lake Lodge:
Discover our reasonable rates & country hospitality. Our full service hotel style lodge has 21 comfy rooms, a restaurant, pub, & liquor store -- plus a warm and friendly atmosphere for rest & relaxation. It’s the perfect year round getaway for the entire fam... more |
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Pacific Coastal Airlines:
There’s daily scheduled service to Vancouver, Cranbrook, Williams Lake, Victoria, Comox, Campbell River, Penticton, Trail, Kamloops, Penticton, Terrace, Powell River, Port Hardy, Bella Coola, Anahim Lake, Masset, Klemtu & Calgary. Charter & cargo service also... more |
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Rocky Mountaineer Vacations:
The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World”® offers two-day, all daylight train excursions through Western Canada and the Rockies. Departures from Vancouver and Jasper, Banff and Calgary are available mid-April to mid-October. Visit online or call for a free... more |
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Sun Peaks Resort:
Our world-class, 4-Season resort destination has something for everyone. Three great mountains of terrain to explore, great dining and accommodations, shops, services, and more. Everything you need for a spectacular escape is at www.sunpeaksresort.com. more |
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Thuya Lakes Lodge:
Fishing as good as it gets! Our resort just north of Kamloops has over 30 lakes joined by streams, naturally reproducing with wild Kamloops trout, perfect for flyfishing and float tubing. Enjoy hiking trails into lakes, mountain biking, the wildlife or just t... more |
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Tunkwa Lake Resort:
Tunkwa Lake is a 3 ½ hour drive from Vancouver BC. For an affordable vacation include us in your plans. Clean housekeeping cabins, tent and RV sites, boat & motor rentals, hiking, biking and great fishing for Kamloops trout. Easy access by car or RV. more |
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Riverside
Park
Photo courtesy of Alan Forseth
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Access:
Access to the city is extremely convenient as it is at the junction
of three main highways and two railroads.
From
Vancouver, Highway 1 follows the historic and breathtakingly beautiful
Fraser Canyon, while the newest, shorter route is the Coquihalla Highway
which takes you through awe inspiring mountain passes (about 3 1/2 hours
from Vancouver/ 5 1/2 hours from Seattle).
From
Calgary in the east, it is about 7 1/2 hours on Highway 1.
From
the southeast, the scenic route from the Okanagan is another popular
way to reach this destination (from Kelowna two hours).
Along
with a train and bus station, Kamloops also has an airport that can
bring people from all over the province.
Population:
82,000.
Elevation:
377 meters (1,131 ft.)
Climate:
Moderate with hot summers.
Accommodations:
As well as numerous hotels and motels the Kamloops Old Courthouse Hostel
is also available to travellers. Campsites, fishing resorts, lodges
and guest ranches are in abundance to the west, east, south and north;
these include a number of Provincial Park campsites within an hours
drive. Guest ranches are a popular destination for many visitors, as
is the ski resort to the north.
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Photo courtesy of Victor Hamm
and Kamloops Tennis Association
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Recreation
Facilities & Activities: golfing; cross country and downhill skiing;
waterside park; Canada Games Pool; curling rinks; SportMart Place (home
of the Memorial Cup Champion Kamloops Blazers); horseback riding; swimming;
tennis; fishing; biking; hiking; boating.
Local
Attractions: numerous golf courses; Secwepemc Native Museum and
Heritage Park; Art Gallery; Kamloops Heritage Railway, Kamloops Wildlife
Park; Kamloops Museum & Archives; Western Canada Theatre Company; Kamloops
Symphony Orchestra; Kamloops Art Gallery; Heritage Walking Tours, Horse
Racing at Sagebrush Downs.
Events:
February - Performing Arts Festival
March - Cowboy Festival, Kamloops International Bantam Ice Hockey
Tournament, Performing Arts Festival
April - October: Farmers Market (Wed & Sat)
June - Annual Garden Tour, High School Rodeo Finals
July - Cattle Drive, River Family Festival, Alpine Blossom Festival
(Sun Peaks), Music in the Park
August - Alpine Blossom Festival (Sun Peaks), Music
in the Park, Kamloops Pow Wow, Pro Rodeo
September - 4H Provincial Winter Fair
November - Santa Claus Parade
December - Wildlights Display
For
Information:
Kamloops
Visitor Information Center
Phone: (250) 374-3377
Fax: (250) 828-9500
Toll Free: 1-800-662-1994
Thompson
Okanagan Tourism
2280-D Leckie Road, Kelowna, BC V1X 6G6
Phone: (250) 860-5999, Fax: (250) 860-9993