A little bit of everything: 5 best walking locations in Kamloops, British Columbia.
Being born and raised in Kamloops, British Columbia, I have experienced all the city has to offer. Since it is not that big compared to other cities in Canada, I have walked around the whole area, and each area of Kamloops has something different to offer. For the Kamloops area, there are various terrains to walk on. From dirt trails, to riverside walkways, or even tight back alleys, Kamloops has great options for a good stroll. The five areas I list offer a different experience from one another, and all are great options for people that are new to the Kamloops area. The list is in no particular order, so the rebellious readers don’t have to go in order when they are actually going to experience these locations for themselves.
Number 1: Peterson Creek
Waterfalls in the city.
In the middle of Kamloops, awaits a rural group of trails with some leading to waterfalls, tucked away in the heart of the city. Peterson Creek has led to the highs of weddings taking place there, to the lowest of lows of suicides taking place, due to the highway bridge that sits on top of the trails. Peterson Creek has a beautiful forest landscape, which makes it feel fresh and miles away from the city, yet it is accessible downtown, behind the Kamloops Royal Inland Hospital. The best trail at Peterson Creek is the one that leads to the large waterfall, which is a great tourist traction. On the path to the waterfall, you will be taking paths that include wooden bridges, and walk along the water’s current. The path is a little rocky, with areas that include climbing over rock barriers. While on the path, you will stumble across a cave. The cave is accessible, but do not wear anything fancy, as clothes will get very dirty. The cave doesn’t have much in it, but it is still a cool thing to experience. By the cave, there will be a small pool of water that sits beside the path to the waterfall, and right around the corner sits the waterfall. Peterson Creek is a beautiful part of Kamloops that should not go unnoticed.
Number 2: Airport Trail
A peaceful runway.
On the turnoff beside the horse riding area, there will be a roadway that goes around the Kamloops airport runway, which will eventually come to a deadend. Keep following the road until the end, and you will eventually reach the Kamloops airport trail. The Airport Trail is a less crowded walk area, which is basically a straight path along the Kamloops river. In the summertime, the water may become shallow, which creates a beach at the area as well.The path leads to multiple paths, which all lead to the same end. The Airport Trail is a peaceful walk area, which is dog friendly. On your left side, the landscape overlooks the Kamloops river, along with the Kamloops garbage dump. On the right side of the Airport Trail, includes the desert landscape overlooking the airport runway and beautiful mountains. The Airport Trail is easy on the legs compared to other entries on the list, and can produce some quiet relaxed walks.
Number 3: Kamloops Lake Viewpoint
A view from above.
The majestic Kamloops Lake can be seen at its best at the Kamloops Lake Viewpoint. The Kamloops Lake Viewpoint offers outhouses and benches that overlook the lake. What some travellers may not realize, is that the Kamloops Lake Viewpoint offers a great hiking experience. Climbing the hills will result in pathways that overlook the Kamloops lake. The terrain is mostly rocky, but is easy to maneuver around. The trails at the Kamloops Lake Viewpoint lead away from the busy highway, where a quiet panoramic view of the whole Kamloops lake awaits. A good workout can be done by hiking this beautiful area, which most people just think is a rest stop.
Number 4: Downtown Kamloops
The concrete jungle.
Downtown Kamloops is an underrated area to enjoy a walk. Downtown Kamloops has many options of trails including Riverside park, Pioneer park, the yellow bridge, the main streets on victoria, and the back allies full of art. Just because it is not the conventional place to go for a walk outside of the parks, the main streets of downtown Kamloops has lots to offer. Walking up to the parkades can give an exciting perspective of Kamloops, as you can people watch society from the rooftops. Kamlloops is full of creative atmospheres and the back alleys of downtown Kamloops expresses that in the best ways. Almost each building has a different mural on the side of it. Downtown Kamloops is just small enough to walk around the entire area without being too exhausted.
Number 5: Padova
The wild desert of Kamloops.
By driving on Tranquille Rd, the road will lead to Padova. Padova is an area of mostly mountains, and a desert landscape with a creek leading to Kamloops lake. On the other side of the lake to the Kamloops Lake Viewpoint, lies Padova. There are many locations within the area of Padova that are walkable, but my favorite is along the railroad which leads to a small mountain overlooking the Kamloops Lake. The mountain has a carved tunnel inside it, which allows the trains to go through it. The area of Padova creates a beautiful desert view, along with a solid hike that leads to one of the best views that is offered in Kamloops. In the summertime, the water becomes high, which allows rock jumping into the water. Some of the cliffs are extremely high up, the adrenaline the jump creates going into the water is unimaginable, talking from experience.
Something for everyone.
The landscape of Kamloops B.C, offers a different experience for multiple personal tastes. There is more to Kamloops than meets the eye, and it is waiting for you to explore it. While Kamloops may get overlooked when talking about areas to visit in British Columbia, Kamllops has a wide range of landscapes that are unique to the Kamloops area, in which you will not find anywhere else in British Columbia.
Link to YouTube video of top 5 walking locations in Kamloops, British Columbia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAseUrj3SPw&t=2s
