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Kamloops, British ColumbiaKamloops, located in western Canada, is a city of wonders; particularly of the natural variety. As the third largest city in the interior of British Columbia, this four-season paradise has something for everyone. The city is easy to reach, has the warmest weather in Canada, and boasts world-class sporting facilities and incredible recreational experiences. It is also a very affordable city which treats its visitors graciously. There are many reasons to visit Kamloops, British Columbia. The city has the warmest summers in the area with an average temperature of 72F during June, July and August. There are a number of beautiful parks throughout the city. At any time of year, there is some type of tournament taking place, giving Kamloops the nickname ※The Tournament Capital of Canada§. With a mild, dry four-season climate, visitors can enjoy summer and winter activities. Kamloops experiences over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year and only 10.62 inches of rain. In the winter, the area is transformed into a postcard-like effect with an average snowfall of 33.86 inches in Kamloops to 17 feet at nearby Sunpeaks, one of Canada＊s largest ski areas. Conveniently and centrally located in the heart of British Columbia's Interior, visitors can arrive via train, plane or automobile from all parts of the province. With such convenience, it＊s easy to take advantage of the many things to see and do, both in the city as well as throughout the entire area. Travelers to Kamloops will find a clean, lively city with an abundance of year round indoor and outdoor recreation activities and sports. The city offers a variety of museums, art galleries and live productions. Sports enthusiasts will find hiking, bicycling, fishing and golf in the summer and tobogganing, snow skiing, ice fishing and ice skating in the winter. Scenic views are another attraction to travelers. Visitors are lured to the city for a view of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Some of the major activities and sports in Kamloops include golf, hiking, and boating in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. A visit to the British Columbia Wildlife Park is well worth the time spent. Visitors can wander with the family through a unique wildlife facility. The park features over 70 local and endangered species, programs for children, and even a water park. For a unique adventure with spectacular scenery, take a trip on the Kamloops Heritage Highway by rail. Guests can ride the rails with the sights and sounds of the magnificently restored steam engine 2141, ※The Spirit of Kamloops§. Watch out for Billy Miner and his gang who are known to stop the train and re-enact the "Great Train Robbery." A truly unique attraction is the Sunmore Ginseng Factory. Here visitors can take a tour of the 18,000 sq. foot facility and learn about the healing powers of ginseng. This is the only professional ginseng manufacturing facility in North America. For the out of doors enthusiast, there are a variety of activities both in the city and nearby. Hyak Wilderness Adventures offers guests a fun and safe whitewater rafting experience. Depending on how much excitement a visitor desires, one can take a motorized raft trip or enjoy a paddle trip and really get involved with the river. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, no visit is complete without viewing the Adams River Salmon Run. Every year, nature's great story of birth, death and renewal takes place in the shallow waters of the Adams River, east of Kamloops. This annual reaffirmation of life is one of nature＊s most remarkable shows, witnessed by travellers from all over the world. Every year in late September to mid-October, hundreds of thousands of salmon make their way up the mighty Fraser and Thompson Rivers to spawn. It＊s a massive migration and a yearly ritual established well before humans settled the area. The Adams River is also the final home for Chinook, Coho and pink salmon. Of course there is nothing like a day of skiing and there is plenty available. One of the most noted ski resorts is the Sunpeaks Ski Area. The resort is internationally recognized and known for its abundant sunshine, dry and plentiful snow, friendly locals, superb grooming, and an award-winning trail and village design. There are over 3,600 skiing acres on three mountains and the highest peak soars nearly 3,000 feet above the village. Sunpeaks can entertain all from the most aggressive to the most cautious of skiers and snowboarders with its wide variations in terrain. Whatever the interest and whatever the time of year for a visit, visitors to Kamloops will leave rewarded with wonderful memories and wonderful pictures, so be sure to bring the camera. Population: 80,000 Elevation: 345 metres (1133 feet) above sea level Location: Located in the center of the Thompson Okanagan tourism region of south central British Columbia, approximately 3-1/2 hours by car from Vancouver, British Columbia and 5-1/2 hours from Seattle, Washington. The city lies in the heart of British Columbia＊s southern interior at the confluence of the North Thompson and the South Thompson rivers which join near the city center and flow together downstream as the Thompson River. Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (when it＊s noon in Kamloops, it＊s 2pm in Chicago, 3PM in New York City (EST), and 3pm in Toronto). Kamloops observes Daylight Savings Time from April 每 October Weather: Average Temperatures: ﹛
﹛ ﹛ ﹛ Local Seasons: ﹛ Kamloops has a mild, dry four-season climate which means visitors can enjoy summer and winter activities. Kamloops experiences over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year and only 270 mm (10.62 in) of rain. It also gets a fair amount of snow. The average snowfall is 86 cm (33.86 in) in Kamloops to 559 cm (17 ft) at Canada's 3rd largest ski area, Sunpeaks. ﹛ In a weather survey of cities in Canada conducted by Statistics Canada, Kamloops had excellent ratings: Here's how Kamloops ranked in the top 100. 1st - hottest summers 2nd - warmest spring 2nd - driest city 2nd - most sunny days in warm months 11th - warmest year round 13th - mildest winter 14th - most sunny days year round ﹛ How to Get There: ﹛ By Air ﹛ Kamloops Regional Airport 3035 Airport Drive Kamloops, BC, V2B 7X1 250 376-3935 Call for additional information The regional airport is served by a limited number of airlines ﹛ By Car ﹛ Take Trans-Canada Highway 1 eastbound from Vancouver. Take the Coquihalla Highway to Kamloops. Approx. 3 ¼ - 3 ½ hours. ﹛ By Bus ﹛
BC Transit Offers service to Kamloops, call for schedule and additional information ﹛ By Train ﹛ VIA Rail From anywhere in Canada or the United States, call toll-free: 888 842-7245 ﹛ Rocky Mountain Rail Tours From anywhere in Canada or the United States, call toll-free: 877-460-3200 ﹛ How to Get Around: ﹛ With so many things to see and do year-round, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car. ﹛ National Holidays: New Years Day: January 1 Good Friday: Varies ﹛ Easter Monday Varies Victoria Day: Monday preceding May 25 Canada Day: July 1. The Holidays Act provides that July 2 is Canada Day when July 1 is a Sunday. Labour Day: First Monday in September Thanksgiving Day: Second Monday of October Remembrance Day: November 11 Christmas Day: December 25 Boxing Day: December 26 Kamloops Art Gallery 465 Victoria Street Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V2C 2A9 250-828-3543 Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Free The Kamloops Art Gallery organizes or hosts up to 25 exhibitions each year. ﹛ British Columbia Wildlife Park 9077 East Trans Canada Hwy. Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V0E 2M0 250-573-3242 Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged Wander with the family through a unique wildlife facility. The park features over 70 local and endangered species, programs for children, and a water park. ﹛ Kamloops Heritage Highway #6 每 510 Lorne Street Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada U2C 1W3 250-374-2141 Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information Admission Charged Ride the rails with the sights and sounds of the magnificently restored steam engine 2141, ※The Spirit of Kamloops§. Experience the charm of vintage coaches or let the wind flow through your hair in the open air cars. Watch out for Billy Miner and his gang who are known to stop the train and re-enact the "Great Train Robbery." ﹛ Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park 202-355 Yellowhead Highway Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V2H 1H1 250-828-9801 Hours: Vary, call for additional information Admission Charged Visit the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park and experience the rich cultural history of the Shuswap People. Attractive museum exhibits incorporate the oral history and legends of the Secwepemc People along with historical photographs, illustrations and artifacts. ﹛
Kamloops
Museum & Archives Hours: Open year round, Tues - Sat, 9:30am - 4:30pm. Summer hours: May 24 - Sept 6th, Mon 每 Fri, 9:30am - 4:30pm. Admission by donation Three floors of permanent and changing exhibits which cover the exciting and varied history of this Wild West town and the landscape which shaped the People. See exhibits about the local Secwepemc nation, the early fur traders, the gold rush and the gold seekers, cattle ranching, paddle wheelers and railway construction, the coming of permanent settlers, and the making of a frontier town.
Sunmore
Ginseng Factory
Kamloops,
British Columbia, Canada V2C 6N9 Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged Take a tour of this 18,000 sq. foot facility and learn about the healing powers of ginseng. This is the only professional ginseng manufacturing facility in North America. ﹛ Kamloops Farmer＊s Market Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V2C 6H3 250-573-3981 Hours: Open from May 20 to Oct 28; May 20 to Oct 28: Saturday 8:00am 每 noon, May 24 to Oct 25: Wed. 8:00am - 2:00pm Admission Free Shop for locally grown produce, fresh baking and local cheeses from May to October, every Wednesday and Saturday mornings in downtown Kamloops. ﹛ Kenna Cartwright Park Located in southwest Kamloops. Take the Trans Canada Highway to Exit #366 north along Copperhead Drive and then west along Hillside Drive to the main entrance Hours: Open year round dawn to dusk Admission Free The park offers an extensive network of gentle nature trails for hiking or cycling with panoramic views of the city, the Thompson Valley, Kamloops Lake and the convergence of the North and South Thompson Rivers.
Kamloops Rock Works 29 - 450 Lansdowne Street Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V2C 1Y3 250-554-2930 Hours: Open April 每 October, call for additional information Admission Charged Tours leave from any local hotels or motels and consist of a 2 hour walking tour with an experienced tour guide who will explain the various geological processes that formed the beautiful Kamloops region. All walkers will leave the tour with a sample of a unique local rock or fossil. ﹛ Airdance Hang Gliding School
Kamloops,
British Columbia, Canada V2B 6J6 Hours: Call for additional information
Admission
Charged ﹛ Stake Lake Cross-Country Ski Trails Overlander Ski Club Kamloops, BC, V2C 6H3, Canada 250-372-5514 Hours: Winter season, call for additional information Admission Charged This popular ski area is located 25 minutes south of Kamloops on Lac Le Jeune Road. Stake Lake has 45 km (28 mi) of well-groomed classic and skating tracks, some with shelters and outhouses. There are trails for all abilities and a heated day lodge. Open daily and lessons are available. ﹛ Nearby: ﹛ Lake City Casino
907 - 1708
Dolphin Avenue Hours: Call for additional information Admission Free A taste of New Orleans can now be found in the heart of sunny Kamloops BC. The Kamloops casino reflects the excitement and energy of Mardi Gras with brightly coloured masks, beads, confetti and streamers. ﹛
Hyak
Wilderness Adventures Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5C 6N5 800-663-7238 Hours: Call for reservations and additional information Admission Charged Whitewater rafting is a safe, well-managed sport. Even before getting onto the water guests learn paddling skills, water safety and have a dry land practice. Then, with experienced guides leading the way, the guests and their crewmates head down the river aboard stable, inflated rafts designed to provide the kind of adventure they will never forget. In Kamloops Country, visitors can take a water rafting trip suited to their interests〞extreme, casual or novice. Take a motorized raft trip or enjoy a paddle trip and really get involved with the river. There are three rivers to raft in Kamloops Country, the Thompson, Adams, and Clearwater. A variety of companies〞some with 20 years or more experience〞spend six months a year guiding rafters of all skill levels. ﹛ Adams River Salmon Run Directions: From Kamloops, head east on Hwy 1 to the Scotch Creek turnoff at Squilax. Roderick Haig Brown Park is located 5 km from Squilax (66 km from Kamloops)
250-679-8315 ﹛ Sunpeaks Ski Area RR #1
Clearwater,
British Columbia, Canada V0E 1N0 Hours: Open year round, call for additional information Admission Charged Over 20 years of outdoor hospitality & professional wilderness guiding in Wells Gray Provincial Park & area, British Columbia＊s Outdoor Adventure Paradise. The resort is internationally recognized and known for its abundant sunshine, dry and plentiful snow, friendly locals, superb grooming, and an award-winning trail and village design. There are over 3,600 skiing acres on three mountains and the highest peak soars nearly 3,000 feet above the ski-in, ski-out village. Sun Peaks Resort can entertain the most aggressive and cautious of skiers and snowboarders with a wide variety of terrain. Experienced skiers can look for the expert runs on Mt. Morrisey and everyone can enjoy the illuminated tube park next to the village. British Columbia Wildlife Park 9077 East Trans Canada Hwy. Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V0E 2M0 250-573-3242 Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged Wander with the family through a unique wildlife facility. The park features over 70 local and endangered species, programs for children, and a water park. ﹛ Kamloops Heritage Highway #6 每 510 Lorne Street Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada U2C 1W3 250-374-2141 Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information Admission Charged Ride the rails with the sights and sounds of the magnificently restored steam engine 2141, ※The Spirit of Kamloops§. Experience the charm of vintage coaches or let the wind flow through your hair in the open air cars. Watch out for Billy Miner and his gang who are known to stop the train and re-enact the "Great Train Robbery." ﹛ Kenna Cartwright Park Located in southwest Kamloops. Take the Trans Canada Highway to Exit #366 north along Copperhead Drive and then west along Hillside Drive to the main entrance Hours: Open year round dawn to dusk Admission Free A Hiker's Paradise. The park offers an extensive network of gentle nature trails for hiking or cycling with panoramic views of the city, the Thompson Valley, Kamloops Lake and the convergence of the North and South Thompson Rivers.
Kamloops Rock Works 29 - 450 Lansdowne Street Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V2C 1Y3 250-554-2930 Hours: Open April 每 October, call for additional information Admission Charged Tours leave from any local hotels or motels and consist of a 2 hour walking tour with an experienced tour guide who explains the various geological processes that formed the beautiful Kamloops region. All walkers leave the tour with a sample of a unique local rock or fossil. ﹛
Hyak
Wilderness Adventures Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5C 6N5 800-663-7238 Hours: Call for reservations and additional information Admission Charged Whitewater rafting is a safe, well-managed sport. Before getting onto the water guests learn paddling skills, water safety and have a dry land practice. With experienced guides leading the way, the guests and their crewmates head down the river aboard stable, inflated rafts designed to provide an unforgettable adventure. In Kamloops Country visitors can take a water rafting trip suited to their interests〞extreme, casual or novice. Take a motorized raft trip or enjoy a paddle trip and really get involved with the river. There are three rivers to raft in Kamloops Country, the Thompson, Adams, and Clearwater. A variety of companies〞some with 20 years or more experience〞spend six months a year guiding rafters of all skill levels. ﹛ Adams River Salmon Run Directions: From Kamloops, head east on Hwy 1 to the Scotch Creek turnoff at Squilax. Roderick Haig Brown Park is located 5 km from Squilax (66 km from Kamloops)
250-679-8315 ﹛ Stake Lake Cross-Country Ski Trails Overlander Ski Club Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V2C 6H3 250-372-5514 Hours: Winter season, call for additional information Admission Charged This popular ski area is located 25 minutes south of Kamloops on Lac Le Jeune Road. Stake Lake has 45 km (28 mi) of well-groomed classic and skating tracks, some with shelters and outhouses. There are trails for all abilities and a heated day lodge. Open daily and lessons are available. ﹛ Sunpeaks Ski Area RR #1
Clearwater,
British Columbia, Canada V0E 1N0 Hours: Open year round, call for additional information Admission Charged Over 20 years of outdoor hospitality & professional wilderness guiding in Wells Gray Provincial Park & area, British Columbia＊s Outdoor Adventure Paradise. The resort is internationally recognized and known for its abundant sunshine, dry and plentiful snow, friendly locals, superb grooming, and an award-winning trail and village design. There are over 3,600 skiing acres on three mountains and the highest peak soars nearly 3,000 feet above the ski-in, ski-out village. Sun Peaks Resort can entertain the most aggressive and cautious of skiers and snowboarders with a wide variety of terrain. Experienced skiers can look for the expert runs on Mt. Morrisey and everyone can enjoy the illuminated tube park next to the village. January Ice Fishing Tournament Held in late January Location: Shumway Lake Ice fishing tournament at Shumway Lake, 10 min. south of Merritt on Hwy 5A. $60,000 in total prizes, 1st prize $10,000 cash for largest fish by length. ﹛ March AA Provincial Basketball Championships Held in March Location: Sport Mart Place 300 Lorne Street Kamloops, BC Canada V2C 1W1 250-928-3451 Call for additional information ﹛ Kamloops Cowboy Festival Held in mid March Location: Calvary Temple Church 250-374-3511 Call for additional information ﹛ April International Women＊s Show Held in late April 每 early May Location: Sport Mart Place 300 Lorne Street Kamloops, BC Canada V2C 1W1 250-374-6222 Call for additional information ﹛ May May Meet Boogie Held in May Location: Kamloops 250-376-1213 Call for additional information Billed as the biggest, best, and longest running skydiving boogie in Canada, this annual meet shows why Kamloops is a great place for parachuting. The meet focuses on boogies skydiving for freeflyers, belly flyers, solo flyers, and birdpeople. The Kamloops Skydivers Sport Parachute Club is affiliated with the Canadian Sport Parachute Association. ﹛ International Women＊s Show Held in late April 每 early May Location: Sport Mart Place 300 Lorne Street Kamloops, BC Canada V2C 1W1 250-374-6222 Call for additional information ﹛ July Merritt Mountain Music Festival Held in mid July Location: City of Merritt 604-525-3330 Call for additional information The Merritt Mountain Music Festival lives up to the honor of Country Capital of Canada as it wraps up six days and nights of hot summer festivities, an outstanding line-up of entertainment and an estimated crowd of over 100,000. ﹛ August Impulse Car Show Held in mid August Location: Sport Mart Place 300 Lorne Street Kamloops, BC Canada V2C 1W1 250-928-3451 Call for additional information ﹛ October HRI Food Show Held in late October Location: Sport Mart Place 300 Lorne Street Kamloops, BC Canada V2C 1W1 250-928-3451 Call for additional information ﹛ Autumn Leaves Held in late October Location: Sport Mart Place 300 Lorne Street Kamloops, BC Canada V2C 1W1 250-928-3451 Call for additional information ﹛ December Fulton Cup 每 Basketball Tournament Held in mid December Location: Sport Mart Place 300 Lorne Street Kamloops, BC Canada V2C 1W1 250-928-3451 Call for additional information ﹛ Entertainment: Akimbo Dance Company 765 Lansdowne St.
Kamloops, BC.
V2C 5S2 Call for additional information Akimbo Dance came alive in 1993 as a joint project of Kamloops dancers Kim Harris and Bonnie McLean. Their vision was to create awareness of and appreciation for modern dance in Kamloops. This vision has been realized in the form of annual productions; presenting a lively mixture of traditional and experimental dances, and providing a forum for local dancers to learn and perform. ﹛ Western Canada Theatre
1025 Lorne
Street 250-372-3216 Call for performance schedule and additional information The Sagebrush Theatre is a 710 seat Proscenium Theatre, jointly owned by the City of Kamloops and the Kamloops/Thompson School District. ﹛ Sports: Kamloops Golf 888-232-6603 Call for tee times and additional information Visit Kamloops and discover a golf paradise offering 4 diverse and challenging courses, with more on the way. The dry climate & long days of sunshine make Kamloops a Fairway to Heaven. ﹛ |
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