Looking to upgrade your social media game? Visiting Kamloops for the first time and wanting to capture the experience? Kamloops is home to some gorgeous scenery that makes an ideal Instagram post, spanning from desert landscapes to rushing creeks and waterfalls. In this post, there are sites for both casual site seers and avid adventurers alike.

My top photography spots in Kamloops are:

Kamloops Rest Area/Viewpoint
Jamieson Creek Falls
Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Grasslands
Cinnamon Ridge
Kenna Cartwright Park
Tranquille Slots Trail/Tranquille River Canyon

 

A view from the Kamloops Lake Viewpoint overlooking the lake and mountains on the other side

Credit: Mandee Mitchell

Kamloops Rest Area/Viewpoint –

Located about a half-hour drive from downtown Kamloops, off of Highway 1, the Kamloops Lake Rest Area/ Viewpoint has one of the most beautiful, panoramic views in the area. Overlooking wide views of the lake on one side, and the Tobiano Golf course on another, the views from the parking lot alone are a prime spot for pictures. There are a few trails that lead up some rocks to a higher point that overlooks the Northeast side of the area, and the Kamloops Balancing Rock and Hoodoos. The Rest area is also home to rock climbing points, as the lake’s side of the outlook has a vertical drop (so be careful!). Trains can be watched passing by on both sides of the lake which can make some interesting pictures on their own.

 

 

A road leading out of the picture, with a snowy lake on the right side

Credit: Mandee Mitchell

Lac Du Bois Protected Grasslands

The Lac Du Bois Protected Grasslands cover a large area that is home to a variety of landscapes. The grasslands themselves have numerous hiking and biking trails (motorized-vehicle friendly, too!), plenty of small lakes (obvious and hidden), and it overlooks Kamloops from a distance. It is the perfect place to have a crazy adventure or a peaceful exploration. This site encourages photography of all sorts, from city shots to nature landscape photos.

 

 

A rocky, desert canyon/slot with dried bushes on the right side on the trail.

Credit: Factotum Photography on Twitter @FactotumBC

Cinnamon Ridge

A perfect representation of Kamloops’ desert landscape, Cinnamon Ridge is an other-worldly looking area that showcases hoodoos and slit buffs. It is called Cinnamon Ridge due to the colour of the soil, making a great contrast against the blue skies. Perfect for a cool day, this location can be explored in a couple of hours or all day!

The trails loose rocks and clay make it a more difficult trek (watch out for the cacti!), but the landscape is unique to Kamloops.

 

 

A picture overlooking the North section of Kamloops and mountains

Credit: Mandee Mitchell

Kenna Cartwright Park

For the hiking enthusiasts out there, Kenna Cartwright Park is known for its extensive network of trails that range in difficulty from easy to moderate. There are stunning views of Kamloops throughout the park, with several trails including a picnic and viewing area.

The two most popular trails are:

The Tower Trail ends at a viewpoint and picnic area that overlooks almost all of the city. This trail is the steepest trek of the three but is still considered an easy hike.

The Sunset Trail is accurately named as it ends at a lookout that is pointed towards sunset. It is an easy trek that is beginner and family-friendly.

 

 

A fast flowing creek with a bridge in the background. There are lots of logs on the right side of the creek bank

Credit: Mandee Mitchell

Jamieson Creek

A little further out of town, there is a gravel road that follows Jamieson Creek, a route that is full of photo opportunities. The road has tree-covered cliffs, rushing creeks, and some wildlife. There are plenty of places to pull over onto, with some rest spots close to the river, making it easy to snap some great photos.

There is a short trail about 30 minutes down the road that leads to a waterfall. With no cell phone or internet service for most of the road, this is a location that requires a plan to get there beforehand. Teresathetraveller has a detailed how-to for getting directly to the falls.

 

 

A river with steep cliffs on either side

Credit: Kamloops Trails – https://www.kamloopstrails.net/tranquille-slot-canyons/

Tranquille Slots Trail

For the adventurer, the Tranquille Slots Trail is about 35 minutes Northeast of Kamloops and is home to a small waterfall, river canyons, and the odd fossil. The terrain is recommended for people with more experience, as it has some challenging terrain of rock and water, but it is worth the trouble. Find the striking picture through the shallow streams, or get an underwater shot between the rocky cliffs.

 

 

Go Take Some Pictures!

Now you have the locations around Kamloops that are ready and waiting to be explored and captured!
So, if you’re ready to go out on your next adventure, consider making a stop at any of these locations for an incredible view and unique photo opportunities.