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Things To Do In Kamloops: Vancouver To Kamloops Family Road Trip

Join our family on an inspiring road trip to Kamloops from Vancouver, British Columbia. Get tips on things to do in Kamloops with kids and on how to have tons of fun with your family.  

Many times a road trip from Vancouver to Kamloops is overlooked by many families, that more often than not are giving preference to have a Vancouver to Kelowna road trip instead. Too bad. As we have recently discovered Kamloops is grossly under-rated and has so much to offer, including many fun things to do with kids! Less than 3.5 hours North-East of Vancouver, Kamloops is one of the best-kept secret destinations for active outdoorsy families to explore in British Columbia. In this post, we will help you plan your awesome summer road trip to Kamloops.

Quick Links:

• Day 0: Getting There
• Day 1: Hikes, Horses, and Wine
• Day 2: Wells Gray Provincial Park
• Day 3: Old Trains and Wildlife
• Planning Tips: Where to Stay and To Eat in Kamloops

***This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. All product recommendations and feedback are ours and based on personal experience. Please refer to our Disclosure Policy. 

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Vancouver to Kamloops Road Trip | Day 0: Getting There

Kamloops is located just about 3.5 hours drive from Vancouver and is a perfect place for a long weekend road trip. It is a smaller city, with a population of only about 100k. As a result, it is much less crowded than the other popular destination for family road trips – Kelowna (and much cheaper). 

The way we decided on going to Kamloops was quite last-minute and out of the blue… A weekend was approaching and the weather forecast showed rain everywhere around Lower Mainland and within 2-3 hours drive. Everywhere except Kamloops. Well, we thought, it must be a sign. 

So we packed our car on Friday afternoon and were on our way as soon as the workday was over. We left at about 5:30 pm, and when we got to Kamloops it was already dark.

One thing you definitely want to do if you are driving in the evening is to pass the mountain stretch between Hope and Merrit before dark. That is about 120km of pure wilderness, high up in the mountains, with limited cell reception and no gas stations, or anything really.

The last gas stop and an opportunity to use the bathroom is in Hope. Make sure you have plenty of gas before you hit the road on your Kamloops road trip. 

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Vancouver to Kamloops Road Trip | Day 1: Hikes, Horses, and Wine

It proved to be a good idea to drive to Kamloops from Vancouver on Friday evening, spend the night and in the morning to start fresh and full of energy.

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Kenna Cartwright Park

Our first goal was to find a good viewpoint to see the whole domain of Kamloops. Kenna Cartwright Park proved to have just that. An easy hike up the hill led us to a beautiful viewing platform you can see the whole city from. 

Approx. 4km loop trail with 200m elevation took us a bit over 2 hours with our 4yo Cosmos. 

The best time to take the trail is the first thing in the morning before it gets too hot. There is very limited vegetation and not too much shade. Make sure to use plenty of sunscreens – only natural environmentally-friendly sunscreen of course.

If you have more time on your road trip to Kamloops or are traveling without young kids, you could explore Kenna Cartwright further. There are dozens of little hiking trails all around the park. 

Things to do in Kamloops: hike the Kenna Cartwright Park

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Erin Valley Riding Stables

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Next on our list of adventures was the “special request” from Cosmos to ride a horse. We thought it should be fun and were happy to find local riding stables that have already reopened after the COVID crisis! 

Erin Valley Riding Stables is located about 20 min East of Kamloops, British Columbia. It is owned by the family of an award-winning and one of the most famous North American horse-riding trainers – Doug Mills. His daughter Kelcie was very kind to show us around and had led our ride.

As we have found out, Erin Valley is an excellent place to learn horse riding or to take a few-hour ride on a beautiful mountain trail. Their ranch is right next to cool shady forestry hillsides, which made the whole outdoor activity super-cool experience. 

Did I say it was my 4yo son’s first experience riding a horse? Did I also say that I am personally terrified of horses?

Watch our video on how it all went (mixed Russian-English content with English subtitles):

In addition to an array of gorgeous horses, Erin Valley Riding Stables had the most adorable donkeys and ponies! We utterly enjoyed feeding them and petting them. Don't know how was excited most: Cosmos or his mom 🙂

Things to do in Kamloops: ride a horse at Erin Valley Riding Stables

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New Exciting Wine Destination

Once everyone was safely off their horses, you may need to chill a bit. 

Did you know that Kamloops is producing award-winning wines? We didn’t. But it is true! No wonder Kamloops is now slowly but steadily earning a title of a new and exciting wine destination. Its wineries are not many yet, but the wine is superb. 

Harper’s Trail Estate Winery and Monte Creek Ranch Winery are just within 10-15 min from Erin Valley Riding Stables. Both have already reopened their tasting rooms and wine stores post COVID, although on a limited schedule and with new rules. Sagewood Winery is not far too, yet it hasn’t reopened its tasting room yet. 

Another cool winery located a bit further is Privato Winery – they are the proud owners of double-gold award winners for their delicious Pino Noir. They are open too! 

If we hadn't traveled with a toddler, we would have definitely checked out all of the wineries.

Things to do in Kamloops: taste wine at Kamloops award-winning wineries

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Vancouver to Kamloops Road Trip | Day 2: Wells Gray Provincial Park

Wells Gray is a Provincial Park located in British Columbia, Canada about two hours north of Kamloops. It does mean you’d add four extra hours of driving on this day to your Kamloops road trip. But I assure you – the journey is totally worth it.

Wells Gray is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Canada: Helmcken Falls, Spahats Falls, and Dawson Falls.

I have first found out about Wells Gray and its waterfalls treasures a few months after we moved to Vancouver from Toronto. It was instantly added to our bucket list and a must-go-to map. I used this road trip from Vancouver to Kamloops as a nice excuse to actually get to Wells Gray and see those magnificent waterfalls with my own eyes.

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Getting There

To get to Wells Gray, you take the highway North towards Mt. Robson and enter the park from Clearwater. 

As said, it takes about 2 hours, but if you have to make a stop to eat – well, count in all 3. 

In addition, some areas of the road are undergoing repairs, and are open as one-way lanes only. So expect to wait in line. We probably spent a good 15 min waiting just like that.

A word of warning:
If you are visiting Kamloops in late summer – in July or August, there is a higher chance of wildfires in the area. Check the local news and emergency alerts before heading out. You could face a situation of getting to Wells Gray, but not being able to get back to Kamloops in the evening. 
On the road from Kamloops to Clearwater, we have seen a number of areas where burned trees are right next to the highway. 

The road itself from Kamloops to Wells Gray is spectacular. All I wanted to do is film-film-film. Next time will fix my GoPro onto our car roof for sure.

Note that with so much filming and photo-stops, you can run out of juice on your devices really quickly. Best cars for road trips have many charging plugs. If that's not the case for your car – get a USB hub!

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Early Lunch at Clearwater

We did make a stop near Clearwater to have an early lunch before heading into the Wells Gray wilderness.

Our place of choice was the Wells Gray Inn Restaurant. Google reviews looked good, but the place seemed sketchy at first: it was completely empty (expected I guess, due to COVID situation). We decided to give it a try anyway…

We were not disappointed at all! 

For one, they had the most delicious and very reasonably priced burger options – something that kept us full until very late that night. 

Secondly, they had a well-developed kids menu. Kudos! But of course, since my son is a “plain pasteritta” type of a picky toddler, he wanted pasta which was not on the menu (surprise!). 

Kevin, our server, literally became our superhero on that day. Watching my son about to throw a tantrum, he calmly said “ok”, and found us some pasta! Cosmos finished the whole bowl and even a hot dog off the regular kids’ menu. I mean: wow. If I could give them a 10-star instead of 5, I would as they fed my picky toddler! Any mom would understand me right now. 

Dear Wells Gray Inn Restaurant Manager, please know that Kevin is absolutely fantastic. In any business, it is the front-line staff who can make the experience an absolute disaster or a marvelous wonder. Kevin went above and beyond, exceeding our expectations and he deserves recognition. Huge Thank You to Kevin!

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Wells Gray Waterfalls 

Wells Gray Provincial Park is unofficially known as Canada’s Waterfalls Park. There are over 40 waterfalls within Wells Gray – that’s only the named ones. While there are hundreds of other little falls everywhere. We made it all the way from Vancouver to Kamloops and then to Clearwater with one road trip objective – to see the famous Helmcken Falls. Yet we found many more wonders within the Park worth exploring. 

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Helmcken Falls

Helmcken Falls is by far the signature of the Wells Gray Provincial Park. A whopping 141 meters high, Helmcken is the sixth highest waterfall in Canada. It is almost three times higher than Niagara Falls in Ontario!

The story goes that the park itself was created by the Province with the sole purpose of saving and protecting this natural wonder of Helmcken Falls. 

We got extremely lucky with good weather and some sunshine, so we had a rainbow over the waterfall all time that we were there. 

There is a trail along the canyon taking you to the other side of the cliff to get a good view of the river valley, but frankly, it seemed a bit scary to hike it with a 4yo in a grizzly territory once the wire-net is gone. As always, when hiking with our child safety comes first.

We later found out that there is another trail you can take to come out on the other side of Helmcken Falls and to stay very close to the actual water falling down. Next time we will make it there for sure. 

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Dawson Falls

Dawson Falls is the shortest of the three waterfalls and is only 18 meters high. Yet it is wide and powerful. The hiking trail from a parking lot is maybe 20 min or even less. It takes you right to the waterfalls, so you are standing next to the water rushing by. The thunder of rolling waters is roaring – you can’t hear anyone standing further than a couple of feet away from you. If not for the wire net, I would be very hesitant to come close.  

We lived in Ontario, Canada for 10 years before relocating to Vancouver, and have visited Niagara Falls a number of times. This Dawson Falls definitely gives you this “Niagara in the woods” feeling. 

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Spahats Falls

Last but not least is Spahats Falls, standing proud at 73 meters high.

This waterfall is unique as its waters come from underground. When I saw detailed aerial footage from my DJI drone once safely back home, I could not believe I agreed to walk on that trail. You can see there isn’t much rock between the walkway and the hole in the wall where the water comes from. It looks so fragile. Scary. 

Yet Spahats Falls is so stunning we could not stop by film-film-film it!

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Aerial Video

I wouldn’t be me if I did not have a video to share! Here it is fresh from our YouTube Channel.

The language in the video is Russian, but I have included English subs so you can understand the context. But honestly, you do not have to listen to me at all – just watch those EPIC waterfalls from a birds-eye view!

By the way, you can now get our aerial drone footage and photos on Shutterstock!

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Bear Spray Is a Must

When visiting Wells Gray, having a bear spray on you is an absolute must. Since the Park is pure wilderness and is far away from populated areas, wildlife roams free here. We only spent a bit over half a day within the park, but have seen two black bears. Wells Gray Park is the home to both – black bears AND grizzly bears. 

If you did not think of taking a bear spray with you on your Vancouver to Kamloops road trip, make sure to get it from a store in Kamloops. They sell bear spray in Canadian Tire, hunting, and fishing stores. Here is a video from my YouTube channel on How to Buy Bear Spray in Canada.

Oh, and make sure you and your kids wear proper hiking shoes!

Things to do in Kamloops: take a road trip to Wells Gray Provincial Park

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Vancouver to Kamloops Road Trip | Day 3: Old Trains and Wildlife

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Kamloops Heritage Railway

Kamloops Heritage Railway is located right next to Downtown Kamloops. It operates five historic train cars, with the sixth one undergoing restoration now. Its Spirit of Kamloops Steam Locomotive 2141is over 100 years old.

On a good summer day, you can take a ride in the Spirit of Kamloops – an approx. 1.5-hour journey taking you 8km round trip with refreshments and entertainment included. The team at KHR even puts on regular costumed performances – super-exciting!

Our son looooves old trains. Everything trains really. 

Cosmos is only 4yo, but has already visited Summerland Steam Train near Pemberton, Fraser Valley Heritage Railroad in Surrey, Heritage CNR Station Museum in Fort Langley, Westcoast Heritage Railway Park in Squamish, BC Forest Discovery Centre, and Kinsol Trestle on Vancouver Island. And that is in BC alone in a span of only two years!

Of course, he was excited to add Kamloops Heritage Railway to his collection! Only to find out that unfortunately it was closed due to COVID. At this time the plan for reopening is not defined. 

Too bad. Next time.

Things to do in Kamloops [later]: discover the old train station at Kamloops Heritage Railway

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BC Wildlife Park

Well, we knew about one place in Kamloops where you can still ride an old train. ..and watch wildlife animals right from your seat. That’s the Wildlife Express Miniature train within BC Wildlife Park.

BC Wildlife Park is located about 15 min east of Kamloops, and definitely should be on your list of places to visit with kids in British Columbia. 

It is different from a regular zoo, as BC Wildlife park does not take animals from nature to use them as an attraction. It is a sanctuary for wild animals that had been injured or rescued from captivity and is undergoing rehabilitation. The Park uses visitor’s money to fully prepare the animals for their return into the wilderness. 

Most of the species living in the Park are local to BC. You will find bears, wolves, cougars, bobcats, mountain goats, bison, raccoons, many birds of prey, and even one Kermode Bear! Frankly, I didn’t even know such a bear existed until our Kamloops road trip. 

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BC Wildlife Park is open for business post COVID, with a reduced capacity, reduced services, no interactive activities, and a few restrictions.

We had a lot of fun watching the grizzlies and the white wolves. Didn’t have a chance to see the Kermode Bear, unfortunately, as it was too hot and it may have been sleeping somewhere in the middle of its little forest. 

Cosmos had particularly enjoyed the Miniature Train ride. Rides are only $1 per person, and are operating every 15-20 min or so, and everyone is asked to wear a mask while on the train. They close early too – the last ride was at about 2:30 pm. So if your kids have the mini-Express ride at BC Wildlife Park on your things to do in Kamloops' agenda, definitely come early.

Overall we had a very pleasant experience with BC Parks.

I specifically say thank you to BC Wildlife Park for very spacious outdoor enclosures. These seem to be not prioritized for the curious tourists, but rather meant to resemble the natural surroundings and [thanks to the gods!] leave poor animals some privacy! Great job!

Things to do in Kamloops [later]: support recovering wildlife at BC Wildlife Park

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Notes and Planning Tips

Where NOT to Stay in Kamloops

Everyone on our family is an avid traveler and is very flexible and accommodating. We are as equally comfortable in a 5-star luxury resort, as we are in a camping tent. Yet there are some things that can “make it or break it” for us. If there is a sanitation issue or something that prevents you from getting sleep – that is a no-go for us. 

As we have decided on our Vancouver to Kamloops road trip last minute, I was booking the hotel on the go from the car. As in many cities around the world, you typically can’t go wrong if you find accommodation near the city center. You would usually get a convenient location with close proximity to cafes and restaurants, and would typically have a good experience.

Well… not in Kamloops. 

The problem with Kamloops city center was that a major railroad happens to pass right through it. The railroad juncture is parallel to the central street. Therefore, since every hotel in the Kamloops City Center is located on the main street – Victoria Street – that means every single hotel in the city center is 100 meters away from the railroad. 

As a result, our first night at Kamloops was a complete disaster.

The hotel we chose was quite nice and clean, the rooms were spacious, the staff was pleasant and the price was good. Yet… the heavy train traffic started at around 4 am and went non-stop till about 8 am. None of us could sleep. I ended up making earplugs out of tampons. No kidding. Watch my video on YouTube. 

Soo… first thing in the morning we packed up our stuff and ran as fast as we could away from the Kamloops City Centre. 

Vancouver to Kamloops road trip tip: stay away from the city center

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Where to Stay in Kamloops

Our second night in Kamloops had the goal of getting enough sleep. Therefore I was specifically looking for something as far away from the railroad as possible. The location around Aberdeen Mall proved to be a good choice, even usually we prefer to stay away from major highways. 

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Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre

Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre is located further on the hill away from the highway, just a few minutes drive to Aberdeen Mall. When I saw pictures of their atrium and pool area – I was instantly in love. Yet, considering COVID times, we were not hopeful we could enjoy it. 

Wrong. Coast Kamloops Hotel had their pool re-opened! Limited to 8 people max, and with a few other rules, of course. Yet, the access to this awesome amenity literally made our impression of the Kamloops road trip so much better! ..and it added a cool checkbox to our things to do in Kamloops list, as we have spent a good three hours in the pool area having tons of fun.

I will be posting a detailed review and a YouTube video on our stay at Coast. For now, I’ll just say, that I strongly recommend the Coast Kamloops Hotel to anyone, especially if you travel with kids!

Special Thank You to Princewill and Haylea at Front Desk who welcomed us and made our stay enjoyable.

Vancouver to Kamloops road-trip tip: stay at a hotel with a pool

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Where to Eat in Kamloops

I confess, on this road trip food was somewhat challenging. As we traveled to Kamloops right at the time when hotels and restaurants started slowly reopening after COVID, many still had limited service. Hotel breakfast options were significantly reduced, and many sit-ins places were unavailable only serving take-out or delivery. It was indeed hard to find a no-hassle option.  

I am happy to report that Kamloops has Skip-The-Dishes service, and we ended up ordering food delivery to our hotel on both nights. 

In addition, I want to highlight two amazing places where to eat in Kamloops. Both serve fresh, delicious food and have great service. 

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Breakfast at Amsterdam

Amsterdam is by far the best local option to have a delicious breakfast. Their menu has everything from waffles to Eggs Benedict. Many kids’ options too.

The place is very popular. So come early, especially considering Amsterdam had to significantly reduce their sitting spaces in order to reopen post-COVID. We came in at 9:30ish and have taken the last table. When we were leaving, the line-up to get-in was over a dozen parties patiently lined up along with the building. 

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Lunch at Arigato Sushi

Arigato Sushi proved an excellent choice as well. The fish was fresh and portions large. Special thank you for the oyster motoyaki dish, by far one of the best-baked oysters I have had anywhere.

Same thing here in terms of seating. Call and reserve if you can, otherwise there is no guarantee you get a table as the place seems popular with locals. 

Where to eat in Kamloops tip: go where locals go

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Final Notes

Honestly, when planning Vancouver to Kamloops road trip we did not expect much at all but ended up pleasantly surprised. We have found the town to be quite charming. Kamloops had all you need for a perfect weekend getaway.  But if you have a few more days, it will totally be worth it to go a bit further and check out Mount Revelstoke National Park – it is only 2.5 hours drive away.

Have you been to Kamloops yet? Do you have other travel tips or questions on how to plan Vancouver to Kamloops road trip? Or any other exciting add-ons to our list of things to do in Kamloops? Comment!

We read all the comments and will be happy to help out!

Also check out our collection of funny road trip memes and jokes: 100++ Hilarious Road Trip Memes and Cartoons Speaking Truth About Family Travel.

Stay tuned for more of our road trips and travels through Canada, and highlights on family-friendly international destinations. 

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Latest on travel and outdoor experiences in British Columbia:

By the way, you can totally travel to Kamloops as a stop-over on your road-trip from Vancouver to Kelowna. Just plan a few additional days to fully enjoy the little town.

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Enjoy!

Cheerfully yours,

Alexandra, Alex & Cosmos

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