by Turo
posted on April 8, 2025
Tucked between the grasslands and mountain ranges, Kamloops is where road trips meet wide-open adventure. This laid-back city in BC’s interior is all about variety – paddleboarding one moment, hiking a ridgeline the next, and grabbing a local craft beer to close out the day.
Whether you’re in town for a weekend or just passing through on a longer trip, Kamloops has a way of making every stop feel worth it. Here are the top five things to do in Kamloops to make the most of your time in this beautiful city
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Hiking and wildlife at Kenna Cartwright Nature Park
- Paddleboarding on Kamloops Lake
- Touring the BC Wildlife Park
- Kamloops’ downtown art and food scene
- Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park
- What to do in Kamloops, British Columbia: FAQs
- Hit the road and see the top attractions in Kamloops
What to do in Kamloops: must-see attractions and activities
Kamloops is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place – you can be deep in nature in the morning and sipping coffee downtown by noon. If you’re wondering what to do in Kamloops, these five experiences should be on your list!
Hiking and wildlife at Kenna Cartwright Park
With over 40 kilometres of trails and sweeping views of the gorgeous Thompson Valley, Kenna Cartwright Nature Park is the city’s largest green space. Whether you’re out for a quick walk or a longer loop, this park puts nature right on your doorstep.
Why it’s great
The trails here lead to wildflower-covered hills, shady forests, and lookouts that give you a full view of the city and its surroundings. You might even spot deer or marmots along the way!
Practical tips
There are several trailheads, but the Hillside Drive entrance is a popular starting point. Trails are well-marked, with maps posted throughout the park.
How to get there
Kenna Cartwright is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Kamloops. Book a Kamloops airport car rental and pick something made for outdoor adventure – an all-wheel drive vehicle like a Jeep or Subaru model will be perfect.
Paddleboarding on Kamloops Lake
On a calm summer day, Kamloops Lake looks like it’s made of glass. Surrounded by dry hills and rugged cliffs, it’s the perfect place to slow down, paddle out, and take in the wide-open scenery.
Why it’s great
The lake stretches nearly 30 kilometres, with plenty of quiet coves and shoreline to explore. It’s also less busy than other popular BC lakes, which means more space to float, drift, and soak up the sun.
Practical tips
Rentals are available in town or at nearby resorts – just be sure to book ahead in the summer. Pack sunscreen, water, and a dry bag for your phone and keys.
How to get there
The Thompson River widens into Kamloops Lake after about a 20-minute drive west of the city. A truck rental gives you all the cargo space you need for boards and beach gear, while a roomy SUV will keep your passengers comfortable on the winding roads out to Tobiano or Savona.
Touring the BC Wildlife Park
The BC Wildlife Park gives you a chance to get up close to the animals that call this region home. It’s part zoo, part rescue center, and fully focused on conservation.
Why it’s great
Most animals here, over 60 native species from grizzly bears and cougars to owls, were rescued or rehabilitated and can’t return to the wild, so every visit supports their long-term care. There’s also a splash park and mini train, so it’s perfect for families.
Practical tips
Admission is under $20 for adults, and kids under two get in free. The park is open year-round, but hours vary by season. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and bring water.
How to get there
The park is just a 15-minute drive east of Kamloops along the Trans-Canada Highway. Choose a minivan, like models from Toyota or Chrysler, as your Kamloops rental car for a comfortable ride with plenty of room and entertainment options for the whole family.
Kamloops’ downtown art and food scene
Downtown Kamloops is the kind of place where you can stroll a few blocks and discover something new around every corner. You’ll find local coffee shops, public art exhibits, boutique shops, and a growing list of spots to grab a craft beer or something sweet.
Why it’s great
The back alleys are lined with murals from the Kamloops Back Alley Art Gallery project, and the streets are dotted with patios, bakeries, and craft breweries. Stroll down Victoria Street for window shopping and live music in the warmer months.
Practical tips
Downtown is walkable, but parking can fill up quickly on weekends. Street parking is available, along with metered spots and a few public lots.
How to get there
Downtown is about 10 minutes from most areas in Kamloops and easy to navigate. If your rental car in Kamloops is a Tesla or another electric vehicle, you’ll find convenient charging stations near the main streets.
Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park
Visit the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park to get a deeper connection to the land and its history. Located along the South Thompson River, this site shares the stories, traditions, and resilience of the Secwépemc people.
Why it’s great
The museum features exhibits on traditional knowledge, language, and Indigenous history, and the heritage park includes a reconstructed winter pit house and remnants of a 2,000-year-old village.
Practical tips
Check the museum’s website for current hours and event listings – they often host cultural workshops and guided tours. Plan to spend about an hour or two here, and bring good shoes if you want to walk the riverside park trails around the site.
How to get there
The museum is just five minutes from downtown, with free parking on site. It’s easy to visit between other stops in a sedan-sized car rental – choose a model from Ford or Nissan for a comfortable city drive with reliable handling and space to spare.
What to do in Kamloops, British Columbia: FAQs
Where is Kamloops?
Kamloops is in the Thompson-Nicola region of southern British Columbia. It’s located about 355 km (220 miles) northeast of Vancouver and 165 km (100 miles) northwest of Kelowna, right along the Trans-Canada Highway.
Most visitors arrive via Kamloops Airport, which offers daily flights from major Canadian cities. Renting a car on Turo gives you the freedom to explore the city and surrounding areas on your own schedule, with delivery options available right at the airport!
What is Kamloops best known for?
Kamloops is a top spot for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling. It’s also called the “Tournament Capital of Canada” thanks to its many sports facilities and events.
What’s the best time to visit Kamloops?
Late spring through early fall in Kamloops is the best, with warm, dry weather that’s perfect for hiking, lake days, and exploring the area. Fall offers quieter trails and stunning colours, and winter draws snow lovers to nearby Sun Peaks Resort.
What is the best type of car for a Kamloops road trip?
The best ride for your BC road trip to Kamloops depends on your plans. A truck or SUV rental is great for lakeside stops and trailheads, while electric vehicles are ideal for city driving with easy charging access downtown. Turo gives you plenty of options to match your route and style.
Is Kamloops worth visiting?
Absolutely! Kamloops gives you all the natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences you’re after in one easygoing destination. It’s well worth a stop – whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip through British Columbia.
Hit the road and see the top attractions in Kamloops
Kamloops is made for exploring. From lakeside afternoons to cultural stops that connect you to the land and its people, every part of the city invites you to slow down and take it all in.
Skip the rental counter and book a rental car in Kamloops with Turo for a smooth start to your trip. With flexible delivery, airport pick-up options, and the freedom to choose exactly what you want to drive, it’s the easiest way to make your road trip your own!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
