4-Day Itinerary in Kamloops, BC for Adventure Lovers!

Nestled in British Columbia’s Thompson Valley, Kamloops is a sun-drenched city that flies under the radar compared to some other BC destinations—but that’s part of its appeal. Join us to explore this charming area where nature and urban life coexist in the best way possible.

Sometimes, all you need is a long weekend getaway to reset, explore the outdoors, and eat really, really well. That’s precisely what Kamloops offered on our recent 4-day trip, which was packed with local treasures, beautiful trails, great eats, and even better wine.

Kamloops is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by rolling hills, desert-like canyons, and beautiful waterways. There are countless hiking and biking trails in the area, and over 100 lakes within a 1-hour drive. This makes it a prime destination for fishing, paddling, swimming, and relaxing by the water.

We knew we’d find great food and wine in the city—Kamloops is home to a handful of charming wineries and a strong local food scene—but we didn’t expect to be swept away by the vibrant art and culture.

Colourful murals decorate alleyways and downtown walls, turning a simple stroll into a mini art tour. The Riverside Park waterfront was another surprise: peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a sunset walk or morning coffee by the water. It’s a slice of nature right in the heart of the city.

Another highlight was the local markets and small businesses that made the city feel warm and welcoming. We browsed farm-fresh produce and handmade goods while chatting with vendors who were happy to share their passion for Kamloops.

There’s a genuine sense of community here that’s hard to fake. Whether it was a breakfast sandwich from a family-run café or a locally brewed beer served with a smile, everything felt personal in the best way.

For a destination that offers both adventure and rest, Kamloops is the real deal. Let us show you around!

*This post is sponsored by the Local Tourism Board in Kamloops, all opinions and experiences are our own!*

Day 1: Arrival in Kamloops

We arrived in Kamloops on Friday evening. Our home base for the weekend was the Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel, and it did not disappoint! Located directly across from Riverside Park and within walking distance of downtown, the hotel strikes a balance between comfort and convenience in style.

Upon checking in, we were greeted with a bottle of local wine and a charcuterie board full of cured meats, cheeses, and berries. Thanks, Moxie’s!

Dinner at Dorian Greek House

Our first dinner stop was Dorian Greek House. The vibe here was very welcoming, and the menu made us want to try everything. Their moussaka was rich and layered to perfection, the Greek ribs were out of this world, and the baklava? Don’t leave without it.

Day 2: Farmers Markets, Hoodoos, Paddleboarding & Indian Fusion

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 also impressive. Fueled up, we walked to the Farmers Market.

Kamloops Farmers’ Market

The Kamloops Farmers’ Market opens at 8:30 a.m. all summer, and it’s a must-do if you’re in town on a Saturday. Local produce, fresh flowers, artisanal goods, and live music—what more could you ask for? We picked up a few snacks (shoutout to the vegan chocolate stand with salted caramel truffles!) and chatted with vendors who were all incredibly friendly and passionate about their craft.

Wide Angle Exhibit: Kamloops Museum

After the market, we headed to the Kamloops Museum to check out their temporary exhibit, Wide Angle. It offers a unique look at Kamloops through the lens of film, highlighting how the city’s landscapes and streets have played a role in movie-making over the years.

With a mix of vintage footage, local stories, and behind-the-scenes insights, it’s a great way to dive into a side of Kamloops you might not expect. Admission is by donation, and it’s the perfect spot to spend a quiet hour indoors, especially if you love film, culture, or discovering something new.

Lunch at Red Beard Cafe

For lunch, we decided to try Red Beard Cafe. With a cool, eclectic vibe and a focus on craft everything—coffee, beer, food—you really can’t go wrong. We went with the grilled Nashville chicken sandwich and the Asian noodle salad. Fresh and flavorful, it’s the type of spot that feels like a local hangout but remains welcoming to visitors.

Hike: Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoo Trail

1.6 km & 159m elevation

Next was the Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoo Trail, one of Kamloops’ hidden treasures. The landscape here is beautiful—towering hoodoos, sunbaked ridges, and sweeping views of the valley. It’s a short, moderate-level hike, so bring good shoes, water, and a camera. You’ll want to stop and marvel at the layered rock formations that resemble those found in Utah or Arizona.

More info on hoodoo hikes around Kamloops here: Tourism Kamloops: Hoodoo Trails

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

After working up a sweat, we decided to swap hiking boots for paddleboards and take advantage of one of the region’s biggest draws—its incredible access to water. With over 100 lakes within an hour’s drive, Kamloops is a low-key paradise for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or trying it for the first time, there’s no shortage of calm, scenic spots to launch from. One of the most convenient places to paddle is Kamloops Lake, just west of the city. Some other great options are Paul Lake, Heffley Lake, McConnell Lake Provincial Park, and Johnson Lake (where we went).

Dinner at Maaza Indian Kitchen Bar

For dinner, we experienced the bold, vibrant flavours at Maaza Indian Kitchen Bar. It’s a sleek, modern space with a menu combining traditional and inventive dishes. We shared the butter chicken, aloo goobi, and garlic naan (obviously), and each dish was vibrant and aromatic. The drinks were fantastic and the service was incredible.

Day 3: Bikes, Brunch, and a Brew or Two

Brunch at Hello Toast

We started our day on Sunday morning at Hello Toast, a cozy downtown brunch spot with a fun, welcoming vibe and a menu full of comfort food done right. We tried the mack daddy grilled cheese and big sweet potato bowl—both fresh, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying before a day of exploring.

Biking in the Lac Du Bois Grasslands

Next, we hit the trails with an e-bike ride through Lac Du Bois Grasslands. This area feels wide open and wild, with rolling hills, golden grass, and wildlife. We parked at the trailhead for Lazy Boy Trail, combining that with Arizona to make a beautiful loop. Both of these are beginner-friendly but still give you that feeling of escape. If you’ve never explored Kamloops by bike, this is a great place to start!

More trail info here: Trailforks: Lac Du Bois

Lunch at Hacienda Cielito Lindo

We stopped at Hacienda Cielito Lindo for lunch to enjoy a fantastic platter of tacos and house-made cocktails. The staff was lovely, and the atmosphere was bright and festive. Pro tip: Order the Quesabritas. You’re welcome.

Haus of Misfit Spring Pop-Up

After lunch, we went to the Haus of Misfit Spring Pop-Up. This little market features local artists, handmade crafts, funky vintage finds, and so much personality. If you’re into unique gifts or want to support local creators, this is a great place to wander and shop.

Explore Downtown & The Waterfront

From the hotel, we walked to Riverside Park, where the path along the Thompson River offers peaceful views and plenty of space to slow down and take it all in. Next, we walked through downtown Kamloops and loved how lively and charming it felt.

Colourful murals popped up around every corner, adding a fun, creative energy to the streets. The mix of historic buildings, local shops, and cafés gave the area a warm, welcoming ambiance. This casual afternoon stroll was an unexpected trip highlight between the street art, the riverfront breeze, and the laid-back atmosphere.

Dinner at Brighteye Brewing

We wrapped the day with a casual dinner, craft beer, and local wine at Brighteye Brewing. The vibe here is laid-back and local, with plenty of patio space and inventive brews. We devoured a wood-fired pizza (they’ve got vegan cheese!) and enjoyed seeing all of the arcade games. Brighteye is one of those spots that feels like it belongs in a much bigger city—but we’re glad it’s here.

Day 4: One Last Taste of Kamloops

Breakfast at Kekuli Cafe

Before driving home, we stopped at Kekuli Cafe, a proudly Indigenous-owned café with the best bannock around. Their breakfast sandwiches are built on bannock, which is fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. We’ve never tried it before, but the Canadian Back Bacon BLT Breakfast Bannock was absolute heaven. The staff were super friendly, and the smoothies and coffees were delicious.

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 another look at those magical hoodoos. Short and sweet—just enough trail time before a big drive.

Wine Tasting and Lunch at Monte Creek Winery

We made our last stop at Monte Creek Winery, and what a finale it was. With vineyard views, a gorgeous tasting room, and a relaxed patio, this is the ultimate send-off. We LOVED their wine, and the food was delightful.

Our favourites were the Living Land Foch and the Living Land Sparkling Rosé. But honestly, everything was fantastic and paired beautifully with the views.

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!