Kamloops

When planning a trip to Canada, be sure to include Kamloops in your itinerary — a picturesque city in the province of British Columbia, known as the "Tournament Capital" and a hub for active leisure. Located at the confluence of the Thompson Rivers, it attracts travellers with its unique semi-desert landscape and welcoming atmosphere. Getting here is effortless: the city boasts a developed transport infrastructure, welcoming guests by plane, train, bus, and car.

The fastest way to reach the city is by air. The region is served by Kamloops Airport (YKA), which accepts regular flights and ensures convenient connections with the outside world. The airport is located quite close to the city limits, allowing you to minimise travel time after landing.

If a direct flight is not available, you may consider arriving at neighbouring aviation hubs. The nearest options are the airports in the cities of Kelowna (106 km) and Penticton (141 km), as well as in the city of Williams Lake (206 km). From there, you can comfortably reach your final destination by ground transport.

Enthusiasts of scenic rail travel can reach Kamloops by train, enjoying breathtaking views of Canadian nature. The route of the legendary train The Canadian, operated by VIA Rail and running between Toronto and Vancouver, passes through the city. Trains stop at the North Kamloops station, located on the northern bank of the river.

It is worth noting that rail service on this line is not daily, so it is necessary to plan the trip and book tickets in advance. A journey by train will be an excellent choice for those who wish to see the mountain landscapes of British Columbia from a unique perspective.

Bus services connect Kamloops with many settlements in the region. Trips from the city of Kelowna cover a distance of about 170–240 km (depending on the route) in an average of 2.5–3 hours, although some trips with transfers may take longer.

Routes are also available from the city of Penticton. The journey, covering approximately 295 km, will take roughly 4–5 hours. This is a budget-friendly and calm way to reach your destination while observing the changing landscapes outside the window.

A trip by car will grant you freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of local highways. The drive from the city of Kelowna (210 km) will take only about 2.1 hours, while the road from the city of Penticton (238 km) will require approximately 2.4 hours of driving time.

Travellers heading from the direction of Williams Lake will have to cover 288 km, which will take about 3.1 hours. The roads in this region are in excellent condition, and views of the valleys and mountains will make the trip unforgettable.

To ensure your stay in the city of Kamloops is as pleasant and safe as possible, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations. Considering the local climate and culture, these tips will help you better prepare for your trip.

1. Seasonal clothing. It can be very hot here in summer (up to +30°C and higher), so bring light, modest clothing, headwear, and sunglasses. In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, so a warm jacket and comfortable shoes are mandatory.
2. Transport. The city is quite spread out, so to comfortably move around and explore the surroundings, it is best to rent a car. Public transport exists, but a car will provide more freedom.
3. Currency. The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is useful to carry some cash for small purchases.
4. Safety in nature. If you plan on hiking, remember that this is wilderness territory. Bears can be encountered in the forests, so study the rules of conduct and carry a special bear spray.
5. Language. The main language of communication is English. The locals are very friendly, and basic knowledge of the language will be quite sufficient for comfortable communication.
6. Tipping. In restaurants and cafes, it is customary to leave a tip of 15–20% of the bill amount if you enjoyed the service. In taxis, it is also customary to round up the fare.
7. Sun protection. Due to the semi-desert climate, the sun here is very active. Be sure to use sunscreen with a high SPF, even if the weather seems cloudy.

By following these simple rules, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on your holiday. Enjoy the hospitality of British Columbia!