Kamloops is in a hotspot of locations that offer opportunities for one to experience the natural world. One of the major benefits of the local area is the opportunity to experience the outdoors while still being connected to a city setting. Kamloops itself is surrounded by numerous get-away locations that offer opportunities for the anyone interested in the outdoor world. This blog seeks to highlight some excellent opportunities that are close to home while still offering an opportunity to see and explore the wonderful nature that surrounds the city

1. Sun peaks resort

View of wildflowers found on a trail at Sun Peaks resort.

Located roughly an hour outside of the city proper Sun Peaks resort offers a glimpse into the beautiful wilderness British Columbia is known for. While it may be better known for its winter attractions the land surrounding Sun peaks resort offers myriad opportunities to explore and experience the greater outdoors at a level acceptable for any individual, regardless of confidence or commitment to hiking. The resort offers numerous attractions, from off trail hikes into the backwoods to more structured mountain bike rides down maintained trails. The resort has options sure to appease anyone looking to explore the outdoors.

British Columbia’s Bike, Golf & Ski Resort | Sun Peaks Ski Resort (sunpeaksresort.com)

2. Peterson Creek Nature Park

Located just off 6^th avenue, Peterson creek offers a wide range of activities to suit nearly anyone. The Park offers opportunities a a range of trail difficulty sure to meet the needs of nearly anyone who decides to explore it. In addition, the area is a well-known picnic spot and dog friendly, meaning that the entire family can experience what it has to offer. In addition, the park offers difficult trails sure to excite those who truly like to push themselves on their excursions. With the opportunity to also explore these paths while on a bike the park offers numerous opportunities to those interested while at the same time being accessible to nearly everyone involved, from families to hardcore hikers.

View from the top of the Peterson Creek trail, overlooking the city.

Peterson Creek Nature Park | City of Kamloops

3. Tower trail lookout

The Tower trail isn’t quite as long or deep as the other hikes mentioned on the list, but that doesn’t mean that it is without merit. While the hike itself isn’t the most challenging this trail offers some of the best views in the local area. Accessible to nearly everyone the trail still offers opportunities to those seeking challenges by the means of different trails off the beaten path that will put your footwork to the test. As mentioned before this trail offers unrivaled views and an excellent payoff for making it to the top, with views of the entire city opening to those who can make the quick hike. The trail is a must see, due to how quick and simple it is while still offering the same pay-off that other trails have within the area. Preferable to those that are more interested in the results than the journey it takes to get there while still offering opportunity to challenge oneself if interested.

View from the top of the trail and an overview of the lookout point.

Tower Trail Lookout (edan.io)

4. Lac du Bois Grasslands protected area.

This is an expansive park, with countless opportunities for one to explore it at their own pace. This location appeals to those who seek to immerse themselves in the location. With most trails lacking proper documentation the area offers opportunities for one to truly explore and lose themselves. With such an expansive area to explore the difficulty of the trails within it are also quite varied, allowing one to push themselves as little or as much as they’d like, with multiple options available for one to experience. The Grasslands are home to some of the best views hiking in the area has to offer, with expansive views of “Kamloops Lake, The Thompson Valley and distant mountains” serving as the reward for anyone who decides to finish any of the trails. The Grasslands offer an opportunity for someone to see an amazing selection of local plant life, along with providing numerous trails for one to explore the entire area at their own pace.

View of the expansive grasslands

Hiking Opportunities in Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area – BC Parks

5. Mission Flats Nature Park

Another Dog friendly trail, The Mission Flats Nature Park is home to a mile long looped trail that is easy enough for anyone to enjoy. The trail is relatively unpopular compared to the others listed, offering a more secluded and laid-back experience compared to the other trails listed. It offers views of the Thompson River and is easy enough to facilitate jogging/hiking. This trail is also dog friendly, and as such is  quite inclusive and family friendly. As mentioned, the trail is simple, short and easily accommodates a more laid-back family dynamic. This trail is perfect for those who wanted a smaller, bite sized experience or don’t have enough time to spend an entire day trekking.

View of a trail in the Mission flats park

Mission Flats Nature Park Loop – British Columbia, Canada | AllTrails

6. Rivers Trail

Mostly flat and paved, this trail offers scenic views of the North and South Thompson River. This trail offers a full package, with side trails offering opportunities for those seeking more of a challenge to go off the paved path and explore the side trails. Along with this, the path travels along a dyke, with trails leading down to various beaches allowing those interested to get to the water. This trail is very accessible but still takes the time to offer more difficult options for those interested, offering a range from leisurely walks to full blown hikes. The main views of this location are the beforementioned rivers, mountains, and beaches.

View of the Thompson River from the Rivers trail.

Rivers Trail – Kamloops Trails

Kamloops offers many trails and outdoor hiking locations that are not marked or officially recognized. The city is in prime natural real estate, with countless opportunities for one to explore at their own pace with the chance to experience and connect with the natural world. The trails listed above are not the end-all be-all options available but serve as some exciting ideas to start you on your adventure of the nature all around Kamloops.

Images taken from 1. https://www.sunpeaksresort.com/explore/stories-inspiration/our-5-favourite-scenic-hiking-trails-in-sun-peaks 2. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/canada/british-columbia/peterson-creek-nature-park 3. https://hikekamloops.ca/tower-trail/ 4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lac_du_Bois_Grasslands_Protected_Area 5. https://thedognetwork.ca/directory/mission-flats-nature-park-off-leash-dog-park-kamloops-bc/ 6. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/rivers-trail-from-riverside-park