Surrounded by rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and the dramatic landscapes of British Columbia’s Thompson Valley, Kamloops is an adventure destination that sometimes gets overlooked… and that’s actually part of its charm. With a laid-back atmosphere, welcoming community, and endless opportunities to get outside, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a summer getaway as a family.
Kamloops holds a special place in our hearts. Cayleigh’s mom grew up just outside the city, so this area has always been familiar in some way, but last spring was the first time we really slowed down and explored Kamloops as a travel destination.
We came for the hiking, paddleboarding, and local food scene, but left with a whole new appreciation for everything Kamloops has to offer.
Between the endless outdoor adventures, more than 100 lakes within an hour of the city, colourful street art, and one of the friendliest downtowns we’ve ever experienced, Kamloops quickly became one of our favourite summer road trip destinations.
If you’re planning a couples getaway or looking for a more adventure-packed itinerary, be sure to check out our original 4 Days in Kamloops Guide, where we share some of our favourite hikes, viewpoints, wineries, and outdoor adventures from that trip.
Shortly after our last visit, we found out we were expecting Henry, and from that moment, we knew we wanted to come back and experience Kamloops with him someday. Now that he’s here, it felt like the perfect time to slow things down and see this place through a completely different lens as a family.
We still spent plenty of time outside, but the pace was slower, with more time to enjoy simple moments together as a family. We discovered rescued BC wildlife, spent an afternoon paddling and swimming at a quiet lake, celebrated Canada Day with the local community, and found some incredible family-friendly places to eat along the way.
If you’re looking for the best Kamloops family activities, here’s exactly how we spent four unforgettable summer days exploring the city with our little adventure buddy.
*This post is sponsored by the Local Tourism Board in Kamloops, all opinions and experiences are our own!*
Day 1: Road Trip Stops, Great Food & A Warm Welcome
Monte Creek Winery
If you’re arriving in Kamloops from the east, make sure to add a stop at Monte Creek Winery to your route. It’s a great place to do a wine tasting or enjoy lunch on the terrace.
The winery sits above the South Thompson River, about 25 minutes from Kamloops, and the views are reason enough to visit. We grabbed a table on the terrace for lunch, and the staff were so accommodating, helping us find a spot where we could keep Henry in the shade, park the stroller, and still enjoy the incredible view.
The food and wine were both highlights. We loved the Living Land Foch and Living Land Sparkling Rosé, and for food, we’d recommend the Mediterranean Dipping Plate and the Monte Creek Pizza. It was the perfect way to kick off our Kamloops getaway!
If you’re travelling with kids who want to run around (or you just want a more relaxed option), you can grab a bottle of wine and bring your own picnic to enjoy on the property. They have picnic tables and a beautiful grassy area out front that’s perfect for spreading out, letting your kids stretch their legs and soaking in those valley views.
Check into the Sandman Signature Kamloops
Our home base was the Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel again, and it did not disappoint! The location is hard to beat, sitting directly across from Riverside Park and just a short walk from downtown.
Since we were visiting over Canada Day, being right next to Riverside Park was a huge bonus. We could easily walk back to the room for Henry’s naps, to cool off, or to take a break from the busy festivities without missing too much or worrying about parking. The hotel also has a great pool, hot tub, and outdoor deck overlooking the park, which quickly became one of our favourite spots to relax.
One of the coolest parts was being able to watch the Canada Day celebrations and fireworks right from our window. If you’re visiting Kamloops for a festival, holiday, or event, we’d highly recommend booking a room with a balcony so you can still be part of the action while your little ones are sleeping!
The team went above and beyond to welcome us. We arrived to find a bottle of wine and a snack basket waiting in our room, and once we got settled, they sent up a hot plate of shrimp and calamari from Moxie’s. After a day of travel, it was such a thoughtful touch and the perfect way to unwind.
Dinner at Rebo’s Argentine Restaurant
Our first meal in Kamloops set the bar high. Rebo’s Argentine Restaurant serves authentic Argentine cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From perfectly grilled meats to homemade empanadas and fresh pasta, the entire menu looked delicious.
We would highly recommend any of the homemade pastas, Rebo’s Lomito or the Milanesa Sandwich.
Day 2: BC Wildlife & Beautiful Lakes
Breakfast at Hello Toast
Hello Toast is one of Kamloops’ most popular breakfast spots, and after visiting, it’s easy to see why. This colourful, quirky café serves seriously good breakfasts, with generous portions and a menu that has something for everyone.
We loved that the atmosphere felt relaxed and welcoming, even with a baby in tow. The outdoor patio is dog-friendly, and there was lots of space for our stroller!
One thing to keep in mind: Hello Toast is popular for a reason, so make sure to arrive early if you want to avoid a lineup… especially on a summer weekend!
Morning at the BC Wildlife Park
As people who love seeing wild animals in their natural habitats, we’re usually a bit hesitant to visit zoos. What made the BC Wildlife Park different was its focus on wildlife native to British Columbia and its commitment to caring for rescued animals that can no longer survive in the wild.
Most of the animals are permanent residents because they were rescued, had injuries, or had circumstances that prevented their release. Learning their stories added a whole new level of appreciation to our visit and made it feel much more educational than entertaining.
If you’re searching for meaningful Kamloops family activities, this is one we’d recommend. It’s a chance for kids to learn about the wildlife they may one day encounter while exploring BC, while supporting an organization dedicated to conservation and rehabilitation.
Afternoon at Paul Lake Provincial Park
After the wildlife park, we drove to Paul Lake Provincial Park for a slower afternoon by the water. The lake is about 30 minutes from Kamloops and was the perfect place to cool off and relax after a morning of walking in the heat.
Before leaving Kamloops in the morning, we grabbed some treats from Brynn’s Bakery (conveniently located right beside Hello Toast), and you guys… everything was SO good. We brought our goodies to enjoy as a picnic by the lake and would highly recommend the vegan pesto croissant, cookies, and scones. It was such a simple little addition to the afternoon, but honestly, one of the highlights.
Once we arrived, we spent a few hours paddleboarding across the calm water, swimming, and soaking up the sunshine. Henry was happy dipping his toes in the water and watching the paddleboards glide by.
There’s a small beach area where older kids can build sandcastles and play in the water, plus plenty of shady shoreline to spread out with a picnic blanket, snacks, and all the things that come with a family day at the lake.
Dinner at Jacob’s Noodle & Cutlet
We wrapped up the day with dinner at Jacob’s Noodle & Cutlet, and it turned out to be one of our favourite meals of the trip. The food was unreal, the service was fantastic, and we loved the cozy little individual booths! It was such a perfect setup for travelling with a baby because we could both sit comfortably on one side with him.
Don’t miss the Gyoza, Croquette, Chicken Karage Mayo Don, Veggie & Prawn Tempura, and Yum Yum Roll. You can thank us later.
Day 3: Explore the City & Celebrate Like a Local
Breakfast at Chook Eatery
Saturday started bright and early with breakfast at Chook Eatery. This cozy and modern place offers a creative menu with something for everyone. Their veggie omelette with bacon and house-made potatoes stood out, but the chef’s special was impressive as well. Don’t miss this breakfast spot during your time in Kamloops!
Canada Day Festivities
We happened to be visiting during Canada Day, and spending it in Kamloops was one of the highlights of the trip.
Riverside Park was buzzing from morning until night with live entertainment, cultural performances, local vendors, family activities, and food from around the world. It had such a welcoming community feel, and it was so fun to see families spread out across the park, enjoying the celebrations together.
We grabbed lunch and dinner from a few local food vendors, cooled off with ice cream from Scoopz (we actually went here multiple times since they are right at the base of the hotel and the ice cream is SO good), and stayed for the evening fireworks over the river.
If you’re visiting Kamloops outside of Canada Day, there are still plenty of great Kamloops family activities to fill your itinerary. One of our favourite ways to spend a slower afternoon is exploring downtown. The city has such a fun, creative energy, with colourful murals and public art tucked around nearly every corner.
Pair that with a walk along the waterfront at Riverside Park, where you can follow the pathways along the Thompson River, watch the boats go by, and let the kids burn off some energy while enjoying the views.
We also loved browsing the Kamloops Farmers’ Market (open Wednesday and Saturday mornings throughout the summer), which is a great place to experience the local community. You’ll find fresh produce, flowers, handmade goods, and plenty of tasty treats from local vendors. We always love chatting with the people behind the products, and all of the vendors were incredibly welcoming and passionate about their work.
The Kamloops Museum is another great stop, with rotating exhibits that showcase different stories from the city’s history, culture, and community.
These are all within walking distance of the hotel and fantastic options with children of any age! A few delicious lunch and dinner options if you are not here during a festival include: Peter’s Pasta, Red Beard Cafe, Maaza Indian Kitchen Bar, Hacienda Cielito Lindo, Brighteye Brewing, and Dorian Greek House.
Day 4: One Last Adventure Before Heading Home
Breakfast at Kekuli Café
Before heading home, we made sure to stop at one of our favourite Kamloops cafés, Kekuli Café. After visiting on our last trip, we knew we couldn’t leave town without coming back for another bannock breakfast!
This proudly Indigenous-owned café is known for its incredible bannock, which is crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and unlike anything else we’ve tried. We ordered the Canadian Back Bacon BLT Breakfast Bannock and a Matcha Lavender Latte again, and it was all just as good as we remembered.
Explore Valleyview Nature Park
On our way out of town, we stopped for one final walk at Valleyview Nature Park. This area offers quick trails with a big payoff. We took the Pussy Willow Trail and looped into the Hoodoo Trail, which gave us panoramic views of Kamloops and a good look at the hoodoos Kamloops is famous for!
We hope you enjoyed this 4-day Kamloops itinerary. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comment below with your favourite things to do in this part of bc!
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