There’s a certain kind of place that quietly exceeds expectations—and Kamloops is exactly that. With nearly two million visitors last year, this BC city is having a moment, yet still somehow flies under the radar. From rugged desert landscapes to a thriving food and wine scene, Kamloops offers a refreshingly unpolished, deeply local travel experience. We caught up with Lisa White of Tourism Kamloops to uncover what makes this destination so compelling right now—and why it’s one you’ll want to visit before everyone else does.
What surprises first-time visitors most? “The biggest surprise is often the scale,” says White. “Nearly 2 million visitors is not a number most people expect for a city of this size.” But beyond the numbers, it’s the feeling of the place that sticks. “Kamloops has real character—two rivers, wide open spaces, and a landscape that feels distinctly different from the rest of BC … approachable, welcoming, and rooted in how people actually live here.”
That authenticity carries through every part of the experience. Tourism here isn’t just about big-ticket attractions—it’s woven into daily life. “It’s the independent cafés, the small retailers, the restaurants that are part of people’s routines,” White explains. “It’s not a curated experience. It’s a functioning one, and that’s what gives it weight.”
For first-timers, the ideal day is equal parts adventure and ease. Think: a slow morning coffee downtown, a stroll along Riverside Park, followed by a scenic hike in Kenna Cartwright Park. From there, the day can unfold however you like—wine tasting along the Kamloops Wine Trail, a round of golf, exploring local shops, or simply soaking in the landscape. “You can move from downtown to trails, to a winery, to the river in a matter of minutes,” says White.
And while the outdoor scene is a major draw—especially with a booming mountain biking culture—Kamloops isn’t just for adrenaline seekers. “The riverfront, local wineries, the Secwépemc Museum, or simply spending time downtown all offer a strong sense of place without requiring a full outdoor itinerary,” she notes.
It’s also a city built on connection—to community, to culture, and to the land itself. Located on the traditional territory of the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, Kamloops invites visitors to engage more thoughtfully. “It’s about approaching the place with awareness … recognizing that this is a living culture,” White says.
Perhaps most telling is why people return. “Kamloops offers a high-quality experience without being complicated,” she explains. “People often arrive for a specific reason … and then return because they’ve seen how much more there is to explore.”
Her insider tip? Slow down. “Pay attention to the rhythm of the day … mornings and evenings are when the city is at its best.”
In a travel landscape often defined by overplanning and overexposure, Kamloops offers something different: space, simplicity, and the kind of experience that feels genuinely yours. —Noa Nichol
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