get out2018 outdoor adventure Guide

BRIT ISH COLUMBIA CANADA

Cody Roy

Cover:Sunset trail | kenna cartwright parkCorry Hall

Using this guide

beginner experiences

casual adventurers

Serious wanderers

expert explorers

be bold. Kamloops is more than a city, it’s a state of mind. It’s a small-town kind of friendly with metropolitan

fl avours on the side. Far from the hustle and bustle, it’s a place where you skip the crowds, stretch

your legs and expand your horizons. Resting on the shores of two picturesque rivers, the landscapes

invite a sense of improvised adventure.

Be amazed by twisty single-track bike trails and winding walkways. Tee off on award-winning golf

courses. Cast a line on trophy stillwater. Poke around local shops and boutiques. Engage with the

vibrant arts and culture scene. Sample an assortment of food that promises to satisfy and satiate

even the most discerning of palates. Indulge in a burgeoning bevy of wineries, craft breweries,

restaurants and cafés that are overfl owing with culinary enthusiasm and intensity.

Kamloops is a city for every season. It’s a place for families, urban and rural adventurers.

Don’t just escape, explore. Go off the grid, get lost and discover the unexpected along the way.

@tourismkamloops | #explorekamloopstourismkamloops.com

tourism KamloopsVisitor Centre1290 Trans-Canada Highway West (Exit 368)

Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

1.800.662.1994

greenstone provincial parkAlex Mey

adventure on your own terms.Hike through Kamloops’ desert-like valley setting surrounded by

wide-open grasslands, fragrant sagebrush, ponderosa pine

forests, deep gorges, sandstone canyons, and chiseled hoodoos.

From meandering strolls through grasslands to hiking rugged,

steep valleys, there are trails for every level of adventurer.

Cinnamon Ridge@ryan_fi ddyhd

kenna Cartwright Park

Trails: 44 | 6 31 7

Total Distance: 40 km of trails over 800 hectares

Kenna Cartwright Nature Park is the largest accessible municipal

park in BC. The park off ers stunning panoramic views of

Kamloops as well as a number of picnic areas for families. Kenna

is a great park any time of the year, for any level of hiker, and is

off -leash dog friendly.

locals choice: Sunset Trail: A local favourite. At the end of the trail, watch a

fantastic sunset with views over Kamloops Lake.

Tower Trail: A trail for everyone. A slow and steady climb to

the top. The views of Kamloops at the top are beautiful and

there’s even a picnic area for lunch.

Peterson Creek Park

Trails: 18 | 7 7 4

Total Distance: 30 km of trails over 100 hectares

These trails vary in diffi culty and many off er spectacular city

views. There is a picnic area at the downtown entrance to the

park if families wish to take a break or have lunch. This park is

used by hikers, dog walkers, and mountain bikers. Most trails

are either climbing up or down the ravine, so be sure your hiking

buddies are up to the task. The park is off -leash dog friendly, just

please pick up after your dog.

locals choice: Grasslands Loop: Start on Grasslands Trail and continue onto

Grasslands Loop. Continue following the trail as it loops

around and joins the main Grasslands Trail again.

cinnamon ridge

Distance: 4.25 km | Time: 1 – 2 hoursLocated in Lac Du Bois Grasslands, this hike is a moderate to

hard trail that ascends up a ridge and partway up Mara hill. This

area features hoodoos and if you’re lucky, you may be able to

spot the California Bighorn Sheep.

Battle Bluff

Distance: 4.8 km | Time: 1.5 hrsBattle Bluff is a longer trail that passes through pine trees

and grasslands with a steeper rocky section closer to the top.

Be rewarded with panoramic views of Kamloops Lake and

Thompson River Valley and maybe an amazing sunset.

Dew Drop Trail Distance: 12 km | Time: 3+ hrsLocated in Lac Du Bois Grasslands, this trail has sections of

loose rock on steep slopes. The views on this hike are some of

the best in the area. Roughly 600m to the top of the dewdrop

ridge, the panoramic views of the Kamloops Lake and the

Thompson Valley are magnifi cent.

NOTE:Kamloops can reach temperatures over 30˚Celsius in summer, so bring lots of water as many trails have little shade. Good hiking shoes are recommended for most trails, and don’t forget to bring your camera!

bike ranchSam Egan

get shredding.The rugged Kamloops landscape, formed from ancient lava fl ows

and volcanic debris, is a mountain biker’s paradise. The semi-arid

climate creates the perfect landscape for three season riding. Riders

can choose from vast, open sage hills, lush green forests, winding hills

and dusty trails.

Bike RanchDylan SHerrard

kenna Cartwright Park

Trails: 46 | 28 15 3

Total Distance: 46 km

Enjoy cross-country riding through pine trees and sagebrush.

The trails are draped over and around a hilltop that overlooks

the city with many routes to get your sweat on. Nothing technical

to worry about in this park, and all the trails are well-marked

at intersections.

Popular Trails: Upper Doug Daws Distance: 2.8 km

Big Pine Distance: 1.8 km

Pineview valley

Trails: 46 | 15 23 6 1

Total Distance: 61 km

A perfect place to enjoy fantastic cross-country trails in Kamloops.

Fun for all abilities. Great climbs and awesome descents.

Note: The East side is open all season and the West side opens

July 1.

Popular Trails: Whiskey Traverse Distance: 1.1 km

Spin Cycle Distance: 2.91 km

lac dus bois grasslandsTrails: 15 | 9 5 1

Total Distance: 59 km

A cross-country trail network for new to intermediate riders.

Enjoy fast fl owing trails through the sagebrush and sweeping

views of the Thompson River Valley.

Popular Trails: Tower Classic Distance: 2.91 km

Bighorn Distance: 5.1 km

kamloops bike ranch Trails: 12 | 4 3 3 2

Total Distance: 10 km

Spread over 26 hectares, the Ranch is the most technically

advanced municipal bike park in Canada. Enjoy downhill trails,

race courses, cross-country climbs, dirt jumps, large natural

steeps and drops. Shuttles rides are available.

Popular Trails: Tumbleweed Distance: 0.9 km

Rattlesnake Distance: 1.1 km

harper mountainTrails: 13 | 5 5 3

Total Distance: 38 km

An all-mountain, downhill freeride playground. Known for the

more advanced technical trails, this area also off ers some

intermediate trails. Shuttling to the top with a 4x4 vehicle is

recommended as the bike ride to the top is challenging.

Popular Trails: Easy Rider Distance: 2.6 km

Ket-R-Done Distance: 8 km

The City of Kamloops and mountain bike clubs work hard to maintain our extensive trail network. Stay on open, marked trails. Be respectful of wildlife and cattle by closing all fences and leaving no trace.

Jeremy Koreski

hook, line + Sinker.When fi shing in Kamloops you would expect to

catch mostly Rainbow Trout, Eastern Brook Trout,

Kokanee, Bull Trout and even burbot. Many of

the lakes are stocked with trout, including the

Kamloops trout, that attracts anglers from around

the world. There are more than 100 lakes within a

one-hour drive of Kamloops, with so much fresh

water around Kamloops, you would have to be

curious about the fi shing.

roche lakeHooké

edith lakeApprox. Time: 15 mins A picturesque lake nestled within rolling hills of native grasslands.

Fish from shore using the dock located along the SW shore of the

lake. Rainbow and Brook Trout are caught from here all season

long. Three boat launches make it easy to get your cartop boat

or small trailered boat in the water. Edith is also a very good ice

fi shing lake.

Jacko LakeApprox. Time: 20 minsOne of the most productive stillwaters found in B.C. The lake is

stocked annually with Rainbow Trout that can grow up to 10 lbs.

This very popular lake has a gravel boat launch and a day-use

only access site. Jacko Lake is open to fi shing during the open

water season but closed to ice fi shing.

Paul LakeApprox. Time: 30 minsThe recent stocking of Kokanee and ongoing releases of

Rainbow Trout into Paul Lake has increased the popularity of this

larger lake. Access is through Paul Lake Provincial Park where a

small cartop boat launch, camping and day-use sites await the

visiting angler. The trout fi shing is best during the spring and fall

months while Kokanee fi shing heats up during the summer and

again in the winter months.

Knouff LakeApprox. Time: 45 minsThis is a clear-water lake with abundant shallow areas and

insect life. The good fi shing for Rainbow Trout starts mid-May

and continues through to late fall. Knouff Lake is also open to

ice fi shing.

monte lakeApprox. Time: 45 minsA well-known Kokanee fi shery during both the open water and

winter ice fi shing season. The fi shing is good from late spring to

early fall with trolling as the best method for consistent success.

Small boat launches are situated at the north and northeast

corners of the lake.

roche lake Approx. Time: 45 minsThe lake is managed for quality fi shing and anglers can

catch fi sh up to 6 lbs. Roche lake is one of the more popular

fl y fi shing lakes in BC. The Provincial Park includes rustic

campsites and a fi shing resort.

Tunkwa and Leighton LakesApprox. Time: 1 hourThese two lakes are located within Tunkwa Lake Provincial

Park. A fi shing dock is also located within the provincial park

campground on Tunkwa Lake. Both lakes off er great fl y and

spin fi shing for Rainbows up to 3 lbs. Well-maintained gravel

boat launches are present on both lakes and there is also a 10

hp motor restriction on Tunkwa Lake. Ice fi shing is also popular

at both locations.

Need a rod?The Tourism Kamloops Visitor Centre is a Go Fish BC – Rod Loan

location. This program allows families and other groups to try

fi shing and ice fi shing without having to purchase gear. Borrow

spinning rods with reels and a basic box of tackle for free.

paul lakeKelly Funk

wet + wild.In Kamloops there are boating, paddling and

beach opportunities galore. Grab your bathing

suit, bring your canoe, get upright on a stand up

paddle board, or experience the high speed rush

of wakeboarding. There are plenty of ways to get

wet, stay cool, and enjoy the water.

Riverside ParkLocated downtown on the South Thompson River, this park

is the top spot in the summer and shoulder season for beach

access and kid friendly play time. The beach has a playground,

waterpark, tennis courts, lawn bowling, concession and

marked swimming areas. In July and August it’s the home of

Music in the Park.

Pioneer Park A short walk down Rivers Trail from Riverside Park, this locals

favourite park has change rooms, washrooms, picnic tables and

park benches. It’s also a great beach for volleyball, football or

fetch with Fido.

Overlander park Beach This beach is located on the North Shore where the North

and South Thompson Rivers meet. This beach is the largest in

Kamloops, dog friendly, and perfect for the family. It’s also great

for skim boarding, football, volleyball, soccer and more.

Paul LakeA popular day-use area 30 minutes from Kamloops with

a beach and cartop boat launch. This lake is a popular spot for

kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

kamloops lake

In mid-summer Kamloops gets hit with 30+ degrees and the

locals know exactly where to go to beat the heat. Kamloops Lake

is the biggest body of water in the Kamloops area. With Bruker

Marina and Beach Club, right on the lake, it makes it easy to

enjoy a day on the water.

Boat launch Access:Bruker Marina: Concrete Slab, fee required.

Savona: Gravel launch at the far west end of the lake.

Both launches are trailer accessible.

Thompson RiverThe Thompson River is also a great place to cool off in the

summer with two rivers running through the middle of Kamloops.

Boat launch Access:Pioneer Park: Concrete launch, limited parking.

River Road in Valleyview: Concrete slab launch, limited parking.

McArthur Island Park: This launch is only accessible when the

water is at a high level.

kamloops lake@itsshelgettingcreative

skate + longboard parksThe Kamloops Longboard Park is the fi rst of its kind with over

350m of track, including both an intermediate and an expert

run. Start at any point along the hill to vary the diffi culty level.

Located at the top of Pacifi c Way in the Aberdeen area

of Kamloops.

Located at McArthur Island Park, the Kamloops Skatepark is

a 2,000 square metre concrete paradise that holds some of

the best features in BC. Four foot quarter pipes line the upper

decks for maximum speed and fl ow while mega obstacles

will keep you busy all day long.

@reighanm

climb onTake things to the next level and view Kamloops from an

entirely diff erent elevation. Our rocks will ensure great

climbs to challenge all levels of adrenaline.

popular spotsThe BeachRoche LakeMarble CanyonOregon Jack Prickly Pear CanyonCliffside Indoor Climbing Gym

Find more information about routes and locations at tourismkamloops.com

longboard parkMary Putnam

the beachKelly Funk

treetop flyersLocated just 40 minutes from Kamloops in the Village

of Chase, Treetop Flyers is a thrilling family-friendly

eco-adventure! Awaken your inner adrenaline junkie amid

the natural beauty of Chase Canyon on one of the ziplines.

Open May to September, a Treetop adventure is a must do for

anyone visiting the Kamloops region.

If zipping doesn’t ignite you completely, strap into the

Screaming Eagle Swing, pull 2G’s and swing over 180 feet.

treetopfl yers.ca

@reighanm

fly highJust one free-fall is all it takes for people to get hooked on

skydiving. Kamloops is the place to try it as there’s nothing

quite like soaring over the vast, rugged landscape of the

area, taking in the views of the shimmering Thompson Rivers.

Qualifi ed coaches, certifi ed by the Canadian Sport Parachute

Association, are available to off er courses and instruction.

The Kamloops Skydivers Sport Parachute Club has been

operating in Kamloops for over 40 years and they provide a

safe and fun environment for those who want to join them.

The club operates on weekends from May to September.

skydivekamloops.com

Treetop Flyers

Kamloops Skydivers@ian_underhill

Peterson Creek ParkDave Markel

take a hike.

Kelly Funk

disc golfHave you tried disc golf? It’s a weird variation of traditional

ball golf. This is one of the fastest growing sports in Kamloops

and age doesn’t matter. Come play some of our best courses.

play atRose Hill West

Dick Hart Memorial Disc Golf Course

Copper Ridge Disc Golf Course

horsebackKamloops is the perfect backdrop for horseback riding. No

matter if you’re a newbie or a wrangler, there are tours to suit

your saddle.

Campbell Hills Guest Ranch

Erin Valley Riding Stables

Jandana Ranch

rose hill west@kenblunden

rentalsIf you don’t own, why not rent? Take a slow paddle on a lake or

whip down one of our winding tracks. From bikes to boats, to

kayaks and paddleboards, there’s something for everyone.

Waterpaddlesurfit | paddlesurfi t.com

bruker marina | brukermarina.com

bikedistrict bicycle co | districtbicyclecompany.com

spoke n motion | spokenmotion.net

cyclelogic | cyclelogicbikes.com

mostly mental shuttlesProviding downhill and XC shuttles for local biking hot spots

in Kamloops including the Kamloops Bike Ranch and Harper

Mountain. Guiding is also available to out of towners.

Contact for rates and shuttle times.

250.828.2558 | mostlymentalshuttles.com

camping + rvKamloops has lots of camping in and around the city. Whether it be

a fi shing spot, a family camping vacation or a quaint little spot by a

lake, there is camping for every adventurer.

within kamloopsKamview heights rv | kamviewrv.com

kamloops rv park | kamloopsrvpark.ca

knutsford rv park | knutsfordcampground.ca

silversage campground | silversagerv.ca

provincial parks close to kamloopsLac Le jeune provincial park

paul lake provincial park

steelhead provincial park

tunkwa provinical park

For more information on Provincial Parks or reservtions visit: discovercamping.ca

share your #explorek

Peterson Creek park@chicolavina_mtb @ksenia_obolenskaya @mountain_dixon

lac du bois grasslands@jessicazahnd

valleyview hoodoos @sjules

lac du bois grasslands trail@iceboxrunner

kenna cartwright park@chras_linhares

balancing rock@jt.dickie

adventureskamloops

heffley lake@jimhowarth1

battle bluff@beccawhite8 @seanj_photo

GIBRALTAR ROCK@martinlp96

kenna cartwright park@allanmcvicar

@dwbiss;

PAUL LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK@dano_haggard

pioneer park@jaeger_the_bernese

tourismkamloops.com