Kamloops travel Guide

Kamloops travel guide

National Airports

Kamloops has one major airport, the Kamloops Airport (YKA). It is located about 8 km from the city center and offers daily flights to several major Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. There are also seasonal flights to destinations such as Victoria, Toronto, and Cancun. The airport has several car rental agencies and taxi services available for transportation to and from the airport.

Trains in Kamloops

Kamloops is an important railway hub in British Columbia, Canada. It is served by both VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer, two of Canada’s major train services.

VIA Rail operates daily train services between Vancouver and Jasper, which stop at Kamloops. The journey takes about 8 hours and offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.

Rocky Mountaineer offers luxury train tours through the Canadian Rockies, with stops in Kamloops. The train offers several different tour packages, including one that travels between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper, and another that travels between Vancouver and Calgary.

In addition to these services, Kamloops also has a busy freight rail yard that handles goods and commodities shipped across Canada.

Buses in Kamloops

Kamloops has several local and regional bus services that provide transportation within the city and to nearby towns and cities. Some of the major bus services operating in Kamloops include:

BC Transit: BC Transit provides public transportation within Kamloops and the surrounding areas. The service operates several bus routes throughout the city, including express and commuter routes.

Greyhound Canada: Greyhound Canada operates intercity bus services between Kamloops and other major cities in British Columbia, such as Vancouver, Kelowna, and Prince George.

Rider Express: Rider Express is a new bus company that operates routes between Kamloops and other cities, such as Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg.

Tofino Bus: Tofino Bus is another intercity bus service that operates routes between Kamloops and several cities in western Canada, including Vancouver, Victoria, and Tofino.

Sun Peaks Shuttle: The Sun Peaks Shuttle provides transportation between Kamloops and Sun Peaks Resort, a popular ski destination near Kamloops.

These are some of the major bus services available in Kamloops. Most of these services operate from the Kamloops Transit Centre, which is located in the city center.

How to get to Kamloops

Kamloops is located in the interior of British Columbia, Canada, and is easily accessible by several modes of transportation. Here are some of the ways to get to Kamloops:

By air: The Kamloops Airport (YKA) is the major airport serving Kamloops, with daily flights to several major Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. There are also seasonal flights to destinations such as Victoria, Toronto, and Cancun.

By car: Kamloops is located at the intersection of several major highways, including the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), Highway 5 (Coquihalla), and Highway 97. It is about a 3.5-hour drive from Vancouver, a 4.5-hour drive from Calgary, and a 5.5-hour drive from Seattle.

By bus: Greyhound Canada, Rider Express, and Tofino Bus are some of the intercity bus services that operate between Kamloops and other major cities in western Canada.

By train: VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer are the two major train services that operate in Kamloops. VIA Rail operates daily train services between Vancouver and Jasper, which stop at Kamloops, while Rocky Mountaineer offers luxury train tours through the Canadian Rockies with stops in Kamloops.

These are some of the ways to get to Kamloops, depending on your preference and location.

What is the best time to travel to Kamloops

The best time to travel to Kamloops depends on what you plan to do and see. Kamloops has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm and activities. Here is a breakdown of what to expect in each season:

Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Kamloops, with warm and dry weather perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports. There are also several festivals and events during this time, such as the Kamloops International Baseball Tournament and the Kamloops Cowboy Festival.

Fall (September to November): Fall in Kamloops is characterized by cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage, making it a great time for hiking and scenic drives. There are also several fall festivals, such as the Kamloops Wine Festival and the Rotary Fall Wine Festival.

Winter (December to February): Kamloops is a popular winter destination, with several ski resorts in the area, including Sun Peaks Resort, which is just a 45-minute drive away. Other winter activities include snowshoeing, ice skating, and winter festivals such as the Kamloops International Hockey Tournament.

Spring (March to May): Spring in Kamloops is marked by milder temperatures and blooming wildflowers, making it a great time for hiking and exploring the outdoors. There are also several spring festivals, such as the Kamloops Film Festival and the Kamloops Cowboy Festival.

Overall, the best time to travel to Kamloops depends on your preferences and interests. If you enjoy outdoor activities, summer and winter are great times to visit, while fall and spring offer milder temperatures and scenic beauty.

How to get around Kamloops

Kamloops has several transportation options for getting around the city and the surrounding areas:

Car rental: Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Kamloops and exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace. There are several car rental companies located at the Kamloops Airport and throughout the city.

Public transit: Kamloops Transit System provides bus service throughout the city, with several routes and schedules to choose from. The transit system also offers a Bike ‘n’ Bus program that allows you to transport your bike on the bus.

Taxi: Taxis are available throughout Kamloops and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. There are several taxi companies in Kamloops, including Kamloops Taxi and Yellow Cabs.

Bike rental: If you prefer to explore the city on two wheels, several bike rental companies are available in Kamloops, including Bicycle Café and Spoke Bike & Ski.

Walking: Kamloops is a walkable city, and many attractions and amenities are located within walking distance of each other. The city also has several parks and trails that are great for walking and hiking.

Overall, Kamloops offers several transportation options to suit your preferences and needs, whether you prefer to explore on your own or use public transit.

Accommodations in Kamloops

Kamloops offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some popular options:

Hotels and motels: Kamloops has several hotels and motels located throughout the city, ranging from budget-friendly to upscale options. Some popular hotels in Kamloops include Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kamloops, and Hotel 540 Kamloops.

Bed and breakfasts: Kamloops has several bed and breakfasts located throughout the city, offering a cozy and personalized experience for guests. Some popular bed and breakfasts in Kamloops include The Ranchland Inn and Riverland Inn & Suites.

Vacation rentals: Kamloops also offers vacation rentals, including apartments, condos, and houses, that can be rented for short-term stays. Airbnb and Vrbo are popular platforms for finding vacation rentals in Kamloops.

Campgrounds and RV parks: For those who prefer the great outdoors, Kamloops has several campgrounds and RV parks located in and around the city, including Kamloops RV Park and Campground and Sunnyside Heights RV Park.

Overall, Kamloops offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets, making it easy to find a place to stay that meets your needs.