Through the Lens of a Local in Kamloops B.C.
Riverside Park, Kamloops B.C.
Have you ever visited a destination and wanted to avoid the popular tourist attractions while still experiencing all of the highlights it has to offer?
Follow along as I spend a day doing my absolute favourite things in Kamloops, B.C. Being a local in this city for 21 years, I have gotten the chance to experience the good and the bad. Instead of wasting your time trying to sift through articles of what you should and shouldn’t do, I have provided you with some noteworthy stops to make during your time in Kamloops.
STOP #1: HELLO TOAST
428 Victoria St, Kamloops
A glimpse into the cozy atmosphere at Hello Toast.
I have yet to find a better breakfast place than Hello Toast. This cozy, locally owned restaurant is positioned in the heart of downtown and is the best place to dine if you are looking for a good quality breakfast or lunch. The menu will be sure to satisfy your sweet and salty desires while providing many vegan options for the people out there with food restrictions.
MENU RECCOMDENATIONS:
1. Eggs Benedict
2. Cayenne in the Rain
Interested in checking out the rest of their menu? https://hellotoast.ca/whats-cooking/#more-77
STOP #2: RIVERSIDE PARK
100 Lorne St, Kamloops
Views from the pier at Riverside Park.
If you are looking to get some fresh air after breakfast and enjoy a scenic walk through downtown Kamloops, Riverside Park is located only five minutes away from Hello Toast. A perk of this walk is the neat bridge that takes you right above the train tracks. Once you arrive at Riverside Park you have the option to follow the trail that takes you right along the water or go off and explore on your own. Be sure to say hi to the Canadian geese taking a dip beside you. I would recommend walking out onto the pier and enjoying the views of Mt.Paul from there. If you’re coming with kids the park has an awesome playground to keep them busy as you enjoy your surroundings.
STOP #3: BACK ALLEY ART MURALS
Victoria Street, Kamloops
Just one of the many back alley art murals located downtown.
One of my favourite past times in Kamloops is walking throughout downtown and photographing the back alley art murals. On your way back to the car from Riverside Park, take a detour and swerve in and out of the back alleys located along Victoria Street to admire some of the artistic masterpieces located in the most unexpected places. Over 30 art murals can be found exhibiting unique artistic styles.
Check out this link for a suggested tour route:
https://infotel.ca/newsitem/in-photos-take-the-back-alley-tour-of-kamloops-downtown-murals/it76591
STOP #4: LAC LE JEUNE LAKE
Meadow Creek Rd, Logan Lake
Scenery surrounding Lac Le Jeune Lake!
One of the best things about Kamloops is the opportunity it provides you to easily immerse yourself in nature. On this day I decided to take the 30-minute drive to Lac Le Jeune with my dogs to walk along the lake and get some fresh air. Did you know there are 100 lakes located within an hour from Kamloops? Check them out and choose one for yourself here:
https://www.kamloopstrails.net/paddling/kamloops-area-lakes/
Stop #5: ALCHEMY BREWING
650 Victoria St, Kamloops
A couple tasty IPA’s at Alchemy Brewing.
Although there are multiple options for breweries in Kamloops, if you’re looking for a quieter place to enjoy a glass of craft beer this is the spot to go. Alchemy is also located in downtown Kamloops and is the perfect place to avoid any crowds while still enjoying the innovative flavours that are constantly rotating on tap. Alchemy also has a delicious food menu that boasts unique pizza and burger options. A list of all the breweries Kamloops has to offer can be found here: https://www.tourismkamloops.com/foodanddrink/breweries-cideries-distilleries/
STOP #6: BUBBLE TIME TEA & WAFFLES
106-775 McGill Rd, Kamloops
Two taro smoothies from Bubble Time Tea & Waffles.
Located right across from the University, Bubble Time Tea & Waffles is truly a hidden gem. I like to go here whenever I am craving something sweet and different. Between their large selection of bubble tea and mouth-watering waffle list, your taste buds will not be let down.
Fan Favourites:
1. Taro Smoothie/ Black Pearls
2. Extreme Mango Smoothie/ Black Pearls
STOP #7: LOWER SAHALI VIEWPOINT
610 West Columbia Street, Kamloops
Views from the Lower Sa-Hali Lookout at night.
After my days spent exploring in Kamloops, I like to unwind at one of the multiple viewpoints Kamloops has to offer thanks to its unique landscape. This viewpoint is accessible by car and looks over the part of Kamloops known as, “The Shore”. Recline your seat, throw on some good tunes and end your day by soaking in the city lights.
