Riverside Park Beach

Riverside Park Beach is a picturesque public oasis and a popular recreational area in the city of Kamloops. Located on the banks of the Thompson River at the confluence of its North and South branches, the park occupies the site of a former sawmill transformed into a modern leisure space. It is a place where natural tranquility harmoniously blends with active city life.

Today, Canada offers guests a sandy beach, vast green lawns, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The park is considered a favorite spot for residents and tourists alike thanks to its developed infrastructure: it features sports facilities, cozy walking trails, and modern playgrounds, making it ideal for family vacations and picnics.

Key features of the location include a rose garden, a refreshing splash park, and the famous "Hope" sculpture with a large red heart, which has become a popular backdrop for photos. The park is not just a beach but an important cultural center where the region's history intertwines with modern outdoor entertainment.

To plan your visit to Riverside Park Beach, you can use the following contact information. The area is managed by city services, ensuring a high level of maintenance and safety.

A visit to this place opens up many opportunities for a great time. You can start the day with a swim in the Thompson River or sunbathe on the clean sandy beach. For families with children, a must-visit is the splash park with interactive fountains, which provides coolness and fun on hot summer days.

Active travelers will appreciate the chance for a jog or a bike ride along the famous Rivers Trail that runs along the shore. Tennis and pickleball courts are also available within the park. If you prefer peaceful relaxation, head to the pier to admire the river views or walk under the railway bridge to the historic Red Bridge.

During the summer season, Riverside Park becomes the city's main musical stage. Free concerts titled "Music in the Park" are regularly held at the Rotary Bandshell. You can end the day with a cozy barbecue on one of the green lawns or a photo session by the art installations, enjoying the setting sun dipping behind the mountain peaks.

Getting to Riverside Park Beach is easy as it is located in close proximity to the city center and the Thompson Rivers University area. If you are traveling by car, there is convenient parking available near the park, which is often free during the summer season, making the trip very comfortable.

For those who prefer public transport, there are city bus stops within walking distance that connect the waterfront area with key districts. A walk from the central station or downtown takes only 10–15 minutes along well-maintained streets.

The location is also easily accessible by bicycle or on foot via the scenic Rivers Trail. If you are in another part of the city, you can always call a taxi, which will quickly take you to the main entrance or the nearby Sandman Centre stadium.

The history of this area began long before it became a park. In 1885, it was the site of a camp for Chinese laborers who participated in the massive construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Even earlier, in the mid-19th century, the banks of the Thompson River served as an important hub for trading forts, where canoes and steamboats arrived with goods.

The park's modern appearance began to take shape after 1901, when a major fire destroyed the Shuswap Sawmill. The authorities purchased the land, and in 1902, they officially opened the park for citizens. In 1935, this place became a stopover point for participants of the famous "On-to-Ottawa Trek" protest, who spent the night right on these lawns.

The park developed thanks to generous donations: in 1957, funds from Evelyn Pickerskill Cunliffe allowed for the construction of tennis courts and flower gardens, and in 1960, the Heritage House was established here. In the 1990s, the concert rotunda was built, and in 2003, the tourist paddlewheeler Wanda Sue even cruised near the shores, becoming a prominent local attraction for a time.

To fully enjoy the park territory and relax on the shore, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 4 hours. This is plenty of time to stroll along the waterfront, explore the rose garden, and enjoy the atmosphere by the river.

If you plan to have a full picnic, play tennis, or attend one of the evening open-air concerts, it is worth reserving half a day. Riverside Park Beach encourages leisurely relaxation, so it's easy to spend much more time here than originally planned.

The park is open to visitors daily, providing access to nature and recreation from early morning until late evening. Official working hours are set from 05:30 to 23:00, Monday through Sunday.

It should be noted that the operation of certain facilities, such as the splash park or Heritage House, may depend on the season and weather conditions. To check current information on events or seasonal schedule changes, it is recommended to visit the official website of the city of Kamloops.

Exploring the surroundings of Riverside Park can significantly enrich your experience of visiting this region. Thanks to its central location, many interesting sites are within walking distance, allowing you to combine relaxation by the water with cultural discoveries.

Below are nearby attractions worth including in your walking itinerary: