British Columbia is a province that is very much known for its hospitality and inclusion of locals, tourists, and other passers-by who are keen to get a sense of culture. Specifically, the city of Kamloops in BC is popular for how attractive it is due to its food and drink, performing arts, off-trail biking, other sports, and recreational parks – All the finest perks of any city in British Columbia. Even on a more competitive scale, Kamloops is known as the ‘Tournament Capital’ of Canada, having hosted many major-scale events over the years such as the 1993 Canada Summer Games, the 2006 and 2018 BC Winter Games, and the 2014 editions of the Four Nations Ice Hockey cup. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at what exactly the perks and pull factors of Kamloops are – Specifically, 7 perks to living in or near downtown Kamloops. 1. Fashion Stores, Boutiques, etc.   Looking to get a little fancy? Downtown Kamloops is home to a vast number of clothes, shoes, jewelry, and other types of fashion stores. Even if you’d lived in the city all your life, the chances are still very high that there’d be at least a dozen undiscovered gems left for you to find. Kennell’s Shoes is a family-run business that offers almost every style of footwear under the sun, ranging from women’s heels to men’s steel-toe boots. Or if you’re looking for premium comfort for your feet, the Big Boot Inn offers comfortable leather shoes for your feet to be encompassed in. Perhaps you want to dress with more vintage and ‘retro’ look, in which case, Jardine’s Domaine has you covered with an extensive array of elegant and well-preserved clothing from a bygone fashion era. For those looking to impress at job interviews or just their next big business meeting, McAllister & Howard Clothiers offer an extensive range of specially tailored suits for you. Finally, for that last little flourish on your attire, you can check out Ms. Whimsy’s Gift Emporium which offers a generous range of brooches – Hand-made Canadian jewelry, specialized self-care/hygiene products, and scarves and knitted apparel are just the icing on the cake of this fantastic spot. 2. Music And Memorabilia   Even if clothing and fashion are put to one side, downtown Kamloops still hosts a great many other undiscovered gems in the way of shopping. For instance, those who yearn for their younger years may find themselves in need of vinyl records, CDs, mixtapes, or even cassettes in order to access the vibes classic music once gave them. Barnacle Records is a well-stocked record store that sells both new and second-hand vinyl discs – As such, if you’re looking to buy an old record from a much-loved and missed era, then Barnacle Records may just have the key you need to feel yourself in the past again. From a similar era, you likely had your favorite toys as well. Maybe you secretly miss having those little action figures on your shelf, or maybe you want your kids to experience the same joy from toys that they once brought to you – Primarily crafting their own toys, Tumbleweed Toys may have just the action figure that appeals to your child’s need and will, in turn, become memorabilia for them one day in future. 3. Aberdeen Mall   Bringing the previous two perks together and adding even more, Aberdeen Mall is a great pride and joy of downtown Kamloops. Here you’ll find larger retailers such as Navy and Sephora, but also a great many locally owned and Canada-exclusive businesses such as Dolson’s and Bigfoot Trading Company. All your shopping needs are brought together here under one roof. There are over 70 stores and services here including food outlets and restaurants. Before you go, however, those living locally may want to consider signing up for Aberdeen Mall’s e-mails on the company’s website, as this may enable them to receive certain discounts at select stores. It may also be worth considering registering for a ‘Luv’n The Loops’ digital passport, which we’ll talk more about in just a second… 4. ‘Luv’n The Loops’ Digital Passport   Residents of Kamloops are eligible for a digital passport that allows them to win seasonal prizes and opt-in for certain discounts. Here’s how it works: Say, for example, you scanned your digital passport after making a purchase at a store in Aberdeen Mall. That purchase allows you to collect and redeem points that can be put towards future purchases. Each time points are used, your chances of winning the seasonal ‘Luv’n The Loops’ grand prize increase! Related Post Moving To And Living In Kamloops, BC Read More 5. Restaurants And Dining   The hustle and bustle of downtown Kamloops are most prominent on Victoria Street. You may be now wondering why exactly that is, and the answer is simple: The fine and prestigious restaurants propped up along the street. With a menu that changes seasonally, and an early 1900s building jazzed up with Canadian décor, Brownstone Restaurant offers quality services for affordable prices. Hefty portions of cheesecake for dessert, tender cuts of lamb for the main, exotic cherry drinks to wash it all down with – It's service with a smile for both the customer and the waiter here. If it’s earlier in the day and you’re just looking for something light, Victoria Street accommodates that as well! Sandwiches, toast, wraps, coffee, and orange juice are the kind of light cuisine you can expect to find at Hello Toast, and all without burning a hole in your pocket either – A half-benny costs no more than $14. 6. Biking Trails   Grab the family, grab the bikes, and go outdoors! Although not quite in downtown Kamloops, many of the city’s biking trails can be accessed from the city center and also provide a good reference point if traveling in the dark due to all the bright lights. Exploring along Paul Lake, Monte Creek, or Pineview will give you a concrete example of just how beautiful Kamloops really is. You’ll likely see downtown from some of the higher points of the biking trails, and this in itself is one of the greater perks of living near to it. Furthermore, as of 2021, Kamloops is now becoming an increasingly popular attraction for both tourists and residents moving into British Columbia, with the city’s population increasing by 10,000 between 2016 and 2019 – The views of downtown, from a biking trail at night-time, make it clear just exactly why so many are flocking to this beautiful corner of the world. Related Post 20 Best & Fun Things To Do in & Around Kamloops, BC Read More 7. The Seasons   Now, this final perk is technically more of a feature as opposed to a physical ‘thing’. However, if you’ve been researching Kamloops for any amount of time, you’ll likely have seen this coming on our list. Kamloops is widely regarded as being a viable vacation and residential spot due to how habitable its season can be. Each summer in Kamloops is hot and dry, and the days last longer. Rainfall during the summer in this city is often at a low, but not low enough to cause drought or any concern at all. On the contrary, winters in Kamloops are nothing like the horrible snowy, cold, and dark ones that are often present in other parts of the country, for example. Instead, winter days are relatively bright, and although nowhere near as hot and sunny as the summers, the temperature often remains mild and bearable enough to perform outdoor activities still. Overall… If you're currently living in or near downtown Kamloops, British Columbia, or are entertaining the idea, and don’t know what to do with your free time, take a look at this list of seven perks that come along with it. You can enjoy everything from restaurants and dining to biking trails to the seasons here! Kevin Scharfenberg takes pride in guiding you through the buying or selling process, making himself available is a top priority. If you are looking for a Realtor® that will ensure you receive the best possible experience and that always puts your needs first, then Kevin Scharfenberg is the Real Estate Professional for you!  Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s get in touch! Call Today!  

  Kamloops, BC  attracts people from all across the world for many reasons. For some, it’s the beauty of the province while for others, it’s the work and business opportunities available. For a few lucky thousand, it’s even a place to call ‘home’. One thing that all these groups have in common, however, is that they’ll likely lean towards the ‘human desire’ to go shopping! We all love to treat ourselves here and there whether it be a nice day out with food, clothes, collectibles, cosmetics, and so on with our loved ones or our friends. Shopping is also an essential part of life with the need for groceries, clothes, and more.  Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at the best shopping spots in Kamloops and just what exactly it is they house that makes them stand out as the shopping pinnacles in the city. 1. Valleyview Square Located just off of the Trans-Canada Highway, is the Valleyview Square shopping center. One of the area’s popular shopping locations, Valleyview is a go-to stop for many residents of the city. Offering up both big-brand stores and smaller retailers, Valley View features a wide assortment of options for shoppers.  From a pet store to a pharmacy, and a mix of restaurants and services, Valleyview Square is perfect for residents who live to the east of Kamloops as they can quickly find many necessities without heading into the downtown district.  2. Westsyde Shopping Centre Wanting to shop on a budget? But most of the money is towards the flights and the hotels. Whatever the case may be, Westsyde Shopping Centre – And yes, ‘Westsyde’ is how the name is spelled – has got you covered with discounts and all-around cheap stores.   The infamous Dollarama chain has a store open here for you to browse through with a light wallet. Filled with everything from snacks to stationery, toys, and more, there is always a reason to run in!  For those living in local neighborhoods, residents have sung praises about this shopping mall due to just how close and accessible it is from their homes. With many closures happening to other centers over the years, Westsyde is all that is left, but it certainly excels at getting the job done. With click-and-collect available for groceries and alcohol, friendly and welcoming staff, and a brand new Pita Pit restaurant, residents have just about everything they need and are all within walking distance. 3. Aberdeen Mall We’ve spoken about this particular spot on another one of our lists, and we’re more than delighted to speak of it again here. Aberdeen Mall is striking enough to make it one of the many perks of living near downtown Kamloops, and therefore also easily qualifies for a place on this list. With more than 70 stores and services including restaurants, you can easily make a big day out of Aberdeen Mall with yourself and your family. With larger retailers like Navy and Sephora, you can fork out for the objects that you really need whilst also exploring what more local culture has to offer as part of Kamloops’ local businesses in the mall. One other thing that we mentioned on our ‘Downtown Kamloops’ list and should mention again here is, for those who live locally, that you may want to consider signing up for Aberdeen Mall’s e-mails on the company’s website, as you may receive special discounts dependent on seasons, sales, loyalty schemes, etc. Related Post Moving To And Living In Kamloops, BC Read More 4. Columbia Square Perhaps a rather cliché name for the province, Columbia Square is still a remarkable shopping center due to how ‘basic’ and straightforward it is. Whilst that may sound like total nonsense at first, allow us to elaborate on what we mean by this. Kids are hard to please, right? Every parent knows how fussy children can be. But here, at Columbia Square, the kids are easily preoccupied with a McDonald’s restaurant and a new pizza place, keeping them quiet whilst you go about your self-care shopping at Bed Bath & Beyond or browse for new footwear at Shoes Warehouse. Furthermore, one of the few remaining Toys “R” Us stores is located here in this spot. Unlike most other shopping centers as well, Columbia Square’s development history is available on its website, allowing you to see how and when things came about at this spot and also what is still to come in the future. 5. Sahali Mall Of course, one of the biggest problems that any shopper has is finding a place to park. Double parking, gridlocked lots, angry drivers – It’s never a pretty sight. But out of all our picks on this list, Sahali Mall easily has the biggest parking lot and is even three times the size of some of the other malls ones. As such, you’re unlikely to ever find yourself in the ugly situation of angry drivers and double parkers, etc. As with Valleyview Square, Sahali Mall is another unorthodox shopping center where you’ll find several things that’ll take you by surprise. For one, there’s a British ‘Fox N Hounds’ Pub, and for another, there’s a traveling flu guidance store, as if you’re not on vacation here already. There’s even a gym here where you can take up regular fitness classes to stay in shape. More in line with what you’d expect from a shopping mall, you can also find a hair spa, liquor store, pizza, and burger restaurants, a suit tailoring store, and much more. Sahali Mall is, by and large, one of the grandest places to visit in all of Kamloops, including peaceful parking, unique stores, and cheap food. 6. SmartCentres Kamloops Those who intended on coming to Kamloops for leisure should probably skim through this one, as SmartCentres is certainly better suited for locals. Now, first and foremost, there aren’t that many shops here, but that’s because this spot is very much a prime example of ‘Quality over Quantity’. You can do your weekly shopping at the supersized Walmart, with food & medicine and clothes & fashion both having their own entrances to easier navigate where they are in this expansive store. You can also enjoy a night out with friends or family at the Montana Cookhouse, get a little creative and artistic at Michael’s and Staples, or refurnish your home at Pier 1 Imports. There’s a lot here for locals to keep on returning for and all within a stone's throw of several neighborhoods. Related Post 20 Best & Fun Things To Do in & Around Kamloops, BC Read More 7. Northills Shopping Centre Our last pick on this list goes to a place that is rather friendly on the wallet, Northills Shopping Centre, with regular discounts and seasonal sales always active in at least one of the stores housed in this spot. For example, during the month of October, Supplement King hosts a ‘Sweater Weather’ event in which customers are able to order a brand-new sweater online and have it delivered to them no matter where in Canada they are. In certain provinces, including British Columbia, next-day delivery is also available. You’ll also find a pet store, a liquor store, and even a spices store. Some of these supplies aren’t exactly cheap to come by, so when discounts come to them, as frequently they do, you’d best get stuck in with this shopping spot whilst they last! Overall… Shopping is a modern-day necessity. Whether it be to find a special item, purchase a gift or spoil one’s self, Kamloops has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping. Whether you want to go big or small, take your time or grab what you need and get out of there as quickly as possible, Kamloops has it all!  Kevin Scharfenberg takes pride in guiding you through the buying or selling process, making himself available is a top priority. If you are looking for a Realtor® that will ensure you receive the best possible experience and that always puts your needs first, then Kevin Scharfenberg is the Real Estate Professional for you!  Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s get in touch! Call Today!  

  It’s no secret, we all need a little bit of rest and relaxation from time to time. Whether it be work, family, relationships, or anything else, there’s always something that can drag on your mind and exhaust you both physically and mentally. In recognition of this fact, many companies across the world are beginning to abide by a 4-day working week, allowing for an extra day off alongside weekends for employees to take care of themselves. Already now, employees of both senior and junior levels in virtually any company are granted one or two wellness days a month. As such, we’ve put together a list regarding the five best spas across North America for you to pamper yourself at on your next Wellness Day – Get all that physical and mental stress off of your mind.  1. Aina Organic Spa Kicking off this list is a day spa located in the heart of Kamloops. This business prides itself on being the city’s only organic spa and its’ ability to revitalize the minds and bodies of all types of people, ranging from managers to interns.  There is a vast range of holistic therapies available here, including massages, facial scrubs, saunas, body sugaring, and more. Additionally, you can also undergo body enhancements here to help yourself both look and feel good coming out of your relaxation session at the end of the day.  The cost of a day session here will be dependent on what exactly your package specifies, though it may be worth mentioning the spa’s gift cards feature to your relatives in the hopes that perhaps the experience will be gifted to you at Christmas or on a birthday. Generally speaking, however, a 1-hour massage costs $90, with the price varying down to $65 for 45 minutes and up to $135 for 90 minutes.  Aina Organic Spa is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays but is not open at weekends, so it is certainly catered more towards mid-week Wellness Days.  2. Your Escape Day Spa This expansive spa is relatively new in comparison to others on this list, though the plus side to this is that treatments are very modern and ethical due to the business being established less than a decade ago.   The spa lives up to its’ name, as the professionals at this day spa will take you under their wing and pamper you until your time there is over. With premium facial scrubs, aromatherapy, body waxing, and more specialties in store, you can completely rejuvenate and reset your body from its’ worn-out work state.  We highly recommend this spa due to its’ premium manicures and pedicures, which are praised by customers for being exceptional in comparison to spas of a similar nature. A ‘Rejuvenating Manicure’ will set you back $45.  Waxing treatments will generally cost between $32 to $49, with different types of pedicures varying in the same range as well.  Your Escape Day Spa is open from 9 AM to 8 PM on weekdays but closes at 7 PM on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.                            Related Post 20 Best & Fun Things To Do in & Around Kamloops, BC Read More 3. La Dolcevita Spa & Day Salon  Rated highest by Kamloops residents, La Dolcevita is a day spa like no other with its’ generous variety of treatments and relaxation services.  With 20 years of experience under their belts, the staff at La Dolcevita certainly know how to treat customers’ hair and skin properly and put you right back at the top of your game again – After all, it’s a spa and a salon.  We, along with many Kamloops locals, recommend this spot for its’ variety of facial scrubs, including ‘Signature Facial’, ‘Exclusive Facial’, ‘Fresh Face’, and more. You can also have your eyelashes lifted or extended, undergo hair removal (waxing), as well as premium pedicures and makeup application for special events. Do keep in mind, however, that a classy day spa such as this one will cost you quite the premium; the Signature Facial scrub will set you back $115 alone, with the cheapest facial option still costing as much as $77. Like with Aina Organic Spa, however, gift cards are available – So be especially nice to your relatives this year!  La Dolcevita is open from 9 AM on Tuesdays to Saturdays, closing at different times between 5 PM and 7 Pm each day, but is closed on Mondays and Sundays.  4. Audra’s Image & Wellness Day Spa Possibly the longest-running spot on this list, Audra’s Day Spa won the Kamloops Reader’s Choice Award back in 2015 for its outstanding services.  Whilst you can stick to more ‘familiar’ relaxation methods such as aromatherapy, waxing, gel polishing, pedicures, and others, you can also try something a little different such as Yon-Kai facials and Reiki stress reduction.  Furthermore, let’s say your Wellness Day comes about and you’ve been unable to find or book anything for whatever reason – Adding even more stress and frustration to your mind – And you really need to relax for a little while… Well, this spa would be just the place for you, as they accept walk-in customers just as well as those who have scheduled over the phone.  We’ve picked this spa out for one of its enticing packages. For the combined price of $170, you’ll be put through the ‘Heavenly Treat’ package which includes a head, neck, and shoulder massage as well as a deluxe pedicure with nail polishing for after. Audra’s Image & Wellness Day Spa is open from Tuesday to Saturday each week. 5. Little Spa & Boutique  Our last pick on this list goes to one of Kamloops’ finest; a spa that caters equally to both men and women and even sells its own product line for you to almost take the spa home with you.    For men, there are the standard hair removal and skincare routines that you can undergo, but there’s also a somewhat unique hand and foot care routine; something that not many modern-day spas offer.  Women can book the same treatments as men, though can also choose eyelash or brow tinting and body treatments. As a general indicator of price, a 30-minute salt scrub will set you back $45 whilst a 60-minute moisturizing massage will cost as much as $80.  Little Spa & Boutique’s business hours are fluid, so it is best to phone in advance and check times. Evening appointments are also available if you so desire. Overall… It’s never shameful to admit that you need to take a break. You should always put taking care of yourself near the top of your list, and if that means ditching everything and everyone and heading straight to a day spa, then so be it. With our picks on this list, you can choose a place that best appeals to you in order to make your Wellness Day as useful and revitalizing as can be. Kevin Scharfenberg takes pride in guiding you through the buying or selling process, making himself available is a top priority. If you are looking for a Realtor® that will ensure you receive the best possible experience and that always puts your needs first, then Kevin Scharfenberg is the Real Estate Professional for you!  Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s get in touch! Call Today!  

  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. Related Post 5 Best Spas To Go To In Or Around Kamloops For Your Next Wellness Day Read More 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.  Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s get in touch! Call Today!