Kamloops Best Hikes | Beginner to Advanced

Kamloops is a scenic and exciting place to live and visit. It is a bustling Canadian city with an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Kamloops lies right in the mountains with sparkling bodies of water peeking through. There are massive trees, fragrant sage bushes, and wildflowers covering the landscape. 

Hiking in Kamloops is a favorite pastime for many! It has a unique landscape and has hikes perfect for every level of hiker. However, before you set out on a hike in Kamloops, there are a few things you should make sure you have. 

Hiking Necessities:

• Lightweight backpack
• Hiking boots
• Snacks and water (enough to last through the entire hike)
• First-aid kit
• Map/compass 
• Sunscreen/Hat
• Light - even if you're not planning a hike during the night, it is a great emergency tool.
• Hand sanitizer
• Multi-tool/Pocket knife

Beginner Hikes In Kamloops

Beginner hikes are a great stepping stone to getting your feet wet in the hiking world. A beginner hike has fewer steep climbs and typically a shorter amount of time. Also, because Kamloops it's so beautiful, you will find incredible scenery from every corner.

Kenna Cartwright Tower Trail

The Kenna Cartwright Tower Trail is located right in Kenna Cartwright Nature Park. The park is dog-friendly, with public washrooms and free parking. The hike is 3.4km long with an elevation gain of 145m. It is very kid-friendly with many opportunities for bird watching and incredible views. The trail has cell service, and it's well-maintained. The trail is wide, which allows for larger groups easily. You'll find yourself walking at a slight incline to the top, and at the top, a picnic table with stunning views awaits you!

Pussy Willow, Ranger Bob, and Hoodoo Loop

The Pussy Willow, Ranger Bo and Hoodoo Loop are suitable for beginners. It is a loop-style trail and has an elevation gain of 138m. This trail is used for walking, running, hiking, and simple nature enjoyment. It is accessible year-round. This hiking trail gives the treat of eye-catching views and stunning landscapes. The Pussy Willow, Ranger Bob, and Hoodoo Loop are kid-friendly and perfect for a family adventure!

Moderate Hikes in Kamloops

Deep Lake Extended Loop

The Deep Lake Extended Loop is 6.9 km in length. It takes two and a half hours to complete. This hiking trail is a loop style that has a moderate amount of traffic. The Deep Lake Extended Loop is best enjoyed from April - October. During this time, wildflowers are abundant to spot along the hike. In addition, this trail is dog-friendly and beautiful.

The Hugh Allen Trail

The Hugh Allen Trail is located in a very forested area. It is 13.4km in length and is a loop-style trail. The trail is heavily treed but does have some incredible views along the way. This trail has an elevation gain of 446 meters. It is best enjoyed from March - November.

Hard Hikes in Kamloops

Hoodoo Mara Mountain Connector

The Hoodoo Mara Mountain Connector is a challenging but thrilling hike. It is a 7.6 km loop-style trail. This exhilarating hike has an elevation gain of 683 meters. In the Hoodoo Mara Mountain Connector Trail, you'll find an abundance of rocky terrain, so proper hiking footwear is essential. The entire hike should take anywhere from 3-4.5 hours. It is hard and will challenge the body in every way, but it offers breathtaking views. Upon making it to the second peak, you'll get a treat of an incredible panoramic view of the valley. Hoodoo Mara Mountain Connector is a thrilling hiking trail. Make sure to pack a bag and wear proper shoes, though. Its rugged terrain makes this necessary.

Dallas Barnhartvale Nature Park South Loop

The south loop trail at Dallas Barnhartvale Nature Park is an unbelievable experience. It features a 6.4 km loop-style trail with an abundance of gorgeous wildflowers everywhere you look. This trail is suitable for walking, running, hiking, and mountain biking. The trail is very open, offering very little shade. Ensure you pack sun protection in your bag when you hike this trail.

Unique Climbing Hikes in Kamloops

Of course, every hike in Kamloops is stunning, but there are a few that have a couple of extra things that we think make it that much more unique and beautiful. 

Bridal Veil Falls

The Bridal Veil Falls trail is an easy trail that has a moderate difficulty rating. It is only 1.4km and is an out and back trail style. The beautiful part about the Bridal Veil Falls trail is the waterfall you'll find along the way! It's perfect for cooling off in, but be sure to be cautious on slippery rocks!

Rivers Trail Through Westsyde

The Rivers Trail Through Westsyde is an easy hiking trail. It is 4 km in length and is an out-and-back style of trail. The trail has a 62-meter elevation gain and gives beautiful river views. The trail features a beach-entrance location to cool off in the river. It's a kid-friendly hike that is gorgeous and fun. 

Cinnamon Ridge

Cinnamon Ridge offers an exhilarating and challenging hiking trail where you end up viewing incredible rock formations, a dried-up canyon, and breathtaking views. It is 4.9 km long and takes roughly 2 hours to complete. The Cinnamon Ridge hiking trail offers a significant chance of seeing wildlife. This trail has plenty of loose rock and gravel, so hiking footwear is necessary. 

New to hiking?

If you're new to hiking, don't worry about it! Here are two hiking trails that you can start within Kamloops, B.C., that present the right amount of difficulty for beginners.

McArthur Island Loop

The McArthur Island Loop is a short trail. It is 3.2km in length and is a loop-style trail. It has a beautiful river offering the hiker beautiful views. The elevation gain is only 43 meters, making this hike simple and accessible for many.

Rivers Trail from Riverside Park

The Rivers Trail from Riverside Park is a wheelchair-accessible hiking trail. It is 3.4 km long and is an out-and-back style trail. It's best enjoyed from April to September and has an elevation gain of just 27 meters. This hiking trail is kid-friendly and offers delightful views.

Quick Recap

Hikers of any skill level can enjoy hiking in Kamloops. The city has a lot to offer all-out enthusiasts! Because of its diverse landscapes, you can find yourself viewing incredible mountains, desert-like valleys, and sparkling rivers all in one hike. When planning a hike, be sure to pack a lightweight bag with everything you need.