Kamloops is a beautiful city in British Columbia that offers plenty of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions and culinary delights. But if you’re looking for something more than the usual tourist spots, you might want to check out these 10 under-the-radar or offbeat experiences that will make your visit to Kamloops more memorable and unique.
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Feed a bear at the BC Wildlife Park
One of the best things to do in Kamloops for animal lovers is to visit the BC Wildlife Park, where you can see over 200 animals native to British Columbia, such as cougars, wolves, moose and elk. But if you want to get closer to one of the most iconic animals of Canada, you can sign up for the Bear Encounter, where you can feed a black bear named Clover and learn more about his story and conservation efforts.
Taste wine from a barrel at Privato Vineyard & Winery
Kamloops is home to a thriving wine scene, with several wineries producing award-winning wines. One of them is Privato Vineyard & Winery, a family-owned boutique winery that specializes in Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. You can book a tasting tour at their cozy tasting room or their scenic patio, but for a more exclusive experience, you can join their Barrel Room Tasting, where you can sample wines straight from the barrel and learn about the winemaking process.
Ride a steam train at the Kamloops Heritage Railway
If you’re a fan of history and trains, you’ll love the Kamloops Heritage Railway, which operates a restored 1912 steam locomotive and vintage rail cars. You can hop on board for a scenic ride along the Thompson River and enjoy the views of the mountains, farms and wildlife. The railway also offers themed rides throughout the year, such as the Spirit of Christmas, Ghost Train, and Trick or Treat Train.
Admire local art at the Kamloops Art Gallery
The Kamloops Art Gallery is the only public art gallery in the Thompson-Nicola region and showcases the works of local, regional and national artists. The gallery has three exhibition spaces that feature rotating exhibits of contemporary and historical art, as well as a permanent collection of over 3,000 artworks. The gallery also hosts various programs and events, such as artist talks, workshops, tours, and film screenings.
Skate down a hill at the Kamloops Longboard Park
For some adrenaline-pumping fun, head to the Kamloops Longboard Park, the first longboard park in North America. The park has a 0.8-kilometre paved track that descends 90 metres down a hill, with twists, turns, and banked corners. You can bring your own longboard or rent one from the park and enjoy the thrill of skating at high speeds. The park is open to all skill levels and ages, but helmets and gloves are mandatory.
Learn about ginseng at the Sunmore Ginseng Factory
Did you know that Kamloops is one of the largest producers of ginseng in the world? Ginseng is a medicinal herb that has many health benefits, such as boosting immunity, energy and memory. You can learn more about this amazing plant at the Sunmore Ginseng Factory, where you can take a free tour of the facility and see how ginseng is grown, harvested and processed. You can also shop for ginseng products, such as tea, capsules, candy, and skincare.
Shop for fresh produce at the Kamloops Farmers’ Market
If you’re looking for some local flavour, you can’t miss the Kamloops Farmers’ Market, which runs every Saturday from April to October and every Wednesday from July to September. The market is located in downtown Kamloops and features over 100 vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, meats, cheeses and more. You can also find handmade crafts, jewellery, pottery and clothing. The market is a great place to support local farmers and artisans and sample some delicious food.
Watch a play in the park with Project X Theatre
For some outdoor entertainment, you can catch a play in the park with Project X Theatre, a local theatre company that produces innovative and accessible shows. Every summer, they stage two plays at the Prince Charles Park Amphitheatre, one for adults and one for families. The plays are usually adaptations of classic stories or fairy tales, with a modern twist. You can bring your own blanket or chair and enjoy the show under the stars.
Explore the unique landscapes of Kamloops
Kamloops is home to unique geographical landscapes, such as sagebrush, grasslands, and hoodoos. You can hike to see hoodoos formed by volcanic rock or go for a scenic drive to view silt bluffs from a glacial lake. Some of the best places to see these natural wonders are East Shuswap Road, Cinnamon Ridge, and Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park. You’ll be amazed by the diversity and beauty of Kamloops’ terrain.
Discover the history of Kamloops at the Kamloops Museum and Archives
The Kamloops Museum and Archives is one of the most popular Kamloops attractions as it features the rich history of the city and high Canadian standards. You can take a stroll and observe the artifacts or learn about Kamloops through other art forms. The museum has three floors of exhibits that cover various topics, such as the fur trade, the gold rush, the railway, and the First Nations. The museum also has a children’s gallery, a library, and a gift shop. The museum is certainly worth a visit for tourists staying downtown.
