As the weather conditions change here in Kamloops, so do the activities and events. With temperatures rising, hobbies such as skiing, sledding, and skating are replaced by activities like hiking and biking. To help keep you full of ideas to implement into your social calendars, a list of things to do in Kamloops over the spring season has been compiled by the Future Student’s Office here at TRU!
Hiking Trails
KENNA CARTWRIGHT
Entrances to the park: Connective trail off of lot N at TRU, parking lot at Home Depot, park’s main entrance off Hillside Drive.
Dog-friendly: Yes
The largest municipal park in the province, Kenna Cartwright is a dog friendly park that contains 40 km of trails that are frequently used by those looking to walk, hike, and mountain bike. Almost 800 hectares of Mount Dufferin has been used to hold the intricate trail system. Available at the park are panoramic views of the city of Kamloops, a picnic area, washrooms, and free parking.
MCARTHUR ISLAND PARK
Entrance to the park: Multiple entrances located behind neighbourhoods off of Tranquille Road, on Kamloops’ North Shore.
Dog-friendly: No
This park includes a large, fully paved walking loop that passes soccer fields, baseball diamonds, a disc golf course, outdoor exercise equipment, playgrounds, and a butterfly garden. Being paved and well-maintained, the walking loop is easy in difficulty and can be used by novice hikers and bikers. Wildlife is frequently spotted during this walk including geese, deer, and marmots.
XGET’TEM’ TRAIL
Entrance to the park: Behind Sa-hali Secondary School or from the bottom entrance at Peterson Creek Park downtown.
Dog-friendly: Yes
This park is a paved walkway connecting Sa-hali to Downtown Kamloops. Although a decent climb, the walkway isn’t too steep, allowing for novice hikers and bikers to reasonably use the path. The park’s name, Xget’tem’, means “deep valley” in Secwepmc to acknowledge the Indigenous group’s ties to the area.
Kamloops Outdoor Farmers’ Market
Location: 200 block of St. Paul Street
Starting April 15th, the outdoor Kamloops Farmers’ Market returns and runs every Saturday, with Wednesdays joining too as of May 5th. At the market you can find local vendors selling homemade pastries, carefully crafted jewellry and artwork, as well as homegrown vegetables and fruits.
Boogie the Bridge
Location: Run starts at McDonald Park on the North Shore
On April 24th, after a two year break due to Covid, the annual Boogie the Bridge run returns to Kamloops for its 25th anniversary. The paid event raises money for local charities – this year the recipient being the Western Canada Theatre, specifically it’s First Nation’s Youth Theatre Program. The run typically has over 2,000 participants, as runners with all levels of experience can join by choosing the distance right for them (whether that be the 5K, 10K, or 21K). Alongside the run, this event also includes entertainment, a merchandise stand, and chalking of the route in the days before the run.
Kamloops’ Back Alley Art Gallery Tour
Location: Downtown Kamloops
Hidden in Kamloops’ city centre, there are over 30 art murals that have been painted on back alley walls. Online lists allow for viewers to look at these pieces in a specific order, including important information about the murals and their artists.
We hope this has inspired you to explore Kamloops during the spring! If you’re coming for a visit, make sure to also book a TRU campus tour while you’re here.
-Hailey, Future Student Ambassador 🙂
