19 things to do in Kamloops BC: Kamloops Date Ideas
Kamloops is such a wonderful community — if you’re a local, you already know that. No more of you and your partner going back and forth “What do you want to do?” “I don’t know, what do you wanna do?” My husband and I love to do date night, and if you’re looking for the same, check out this list of 19 things to do in Kamloops!
First things first: Download the Luv’n the Loops Passport
If you’re a local I highly recommend downloading the latest “Luv’n the Loops Passport'“. The Luv'n the Loops Pass is a digital, interactive pass delivering primo discounts to your phone to explore Kamloops' restaurants, breweries, attractions, and more! It’s a quick and easy way to save money at all your favourite Kamloops businesses and they usually update the pass with every season. Get yours here.
1. Go to the Art Gallery & Library
Check out the latest exhibit at the Kamloops Art Gallery or wander through the public library.
The Kamloops Art Gallery offers inspiring, provocative, and transformative art experiences of national caliber. Located in Secwepemcúl’ecw, it is the largest public art gallery in the Interior of British Columbia and boasts a collection of over 3,100 works of art. With more than 12 exhibitions every year sharing the work of local, national, and international artists, the Gallery offers diverse, accessible, and affordable experiences including talks, tours, and studio-based programs for people of all ages and abilities.
2. Tackle an Escape Room
There’s only one escape room I recommend in Kamloops and that’s EXIT Escape Rooms. Head in as a couple for date night or bring some friends and get ready to have some fun (and probably get way too into it like me).
Their real-life escape games give visitors a chance to enter another world, then use their wits, creativity, speed and teamwork to escape. Forget about virtual reality games, this escape game is real life. Show off your smarts and imagination when you navigate a unique universe that takes you through space and time.
3. Sign up for an Art Class at Kamloops Art Party
Kamloops Art Party is a locally owned and operated company which offers paint lessons and workshops, private painting parties, birthday parties, and team building events. They started in pubs and restaurants in 2017 and have since grown into the most fun and creative studio in town.
They offer classes including:
Acrylic painting
Watercolor painting
Ceramics
Pottery
Resin pouring
Macrame
Paint pouring
Wood burning
Sculpting
Register for a class here. It’s the perfect date night for those with creative minds!
4. Head down to the Farmer’s Market
Find their website and information here. It’s the perfect Instagram-worthy date!
Saturdays 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
April 23 - October 29
200 block of St Paul St. and the Stuart Wood schoolyard
Wednesdays 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
May 4 - October 26
400 block of Victoria St. (in front of the TNRD Library)
Winter Market
November - March
471 Okanagan Way (in the Purity Feed Greenhouse)
5. Catch an independent film at the Paramount Theatre
The Kamloops Film Society (KFS) is the umbrella organization that operates the Paramount Theatre and runs two main events: The Thursday Film Series and the annual March Kamloops Film Festival (KFF), which includes the Kamloops Independent Short Shorts (KISS) Festival.
6. Be a kid at Ruckers
Head to Ruckers in Sahali and spend the afternoon playing arcade games or virtual reality. Open daily from 10am-11pm!
7. Go for a walk around McArthur Island or the Grasslands Loop (or another one of the many walking paths throughout the city)
There are SO MANY amazing walking/hiking trails here in Kamloops. One of my personal favourite in the Grasslands Loop in Peterson Creek Park (find the trailhead here). It’s off-leash dog friendly and as a former SK girl, I love the flatness and ease of this loop. McArthur Island is also a great walking path as well as the Rivers Trail which goes through the entire city. Keep in mind that McArthur island is not dog-friendly.
8. Go for a Wine Tasting (or two or three)
Sip and savour on your date night at one of Kamloops’ four wineries and discover their award-winning wines. Explore the Thompson Valley wine region on your own or with a guided tour.
Monte Creek Winery — Privato Winery & Vineyard — Harper’s Trail Winery — Sagewood Winery
9. Go for Ice Cream at a Local Shop
YUM! If it’s the heat of the summer and you’re looking to cool off after your hot date, check out one of Kamloops’ local ice cream parlors.
The Frozen Paddle — Scoopz — The Ice Cream Social
10. Take in The BC Wildlife Park
The BC Wildlife Park is a non-profit organization and registered charity located in Kamloops, British Columbia since 1965. The BC Wildlife Park is home to nearly 200 animals and 65 different species that are native to British Columbia including cougars, bears, wolves, reptiles, birds of prey, and the only Kermode bear in human care in the world.
11. Check out the Hoodoos
Check out this blog post from tourism Kamloops on where you can find hoodoos in and around the city!
12. Have a beach day on the river or at Paul Lake Beach
Soak up the sun and have a relaxing date day with your boo at Paul Lake Beach. The views are stunning and the water is so clear and calm. Definitely a must-see!
13. Take a Day-Trip to Sun Peaks
It doesn’t matter what season it is, Sun Peaks has something for everyone! Click here for winter events and things to do and here for summer events. There’s golfing, biking/hiking trails, skiing & snowboarding, and so many other activities to explore. Make it a weekend trip and stay at one of Sun Peaks stunning hotels and be sure to check out some of the restaurants while you’re at it! In the summer, Sun Peaks also hosts a weekly Sunday Market.
14. Go Golfing
Kamloops has so many wonderful golf courses to explore including the beautiful Tobiano — BC’s #1 rated golf course! Click here to explore the other courses around the city.
15. Try your Luck at the Casino
If you’re ready to spend some extra cash (and possibly win some too) then head to one of Kamloops’ two casinos for an evening of fun! Cascades Casino also often has live music and places to eat as well! Chances Casino is another good one to try in Kamloops.
16. Bloom Flower Festivals
Bloom Flower Festivals is a must-see during their events in May and August/September. Located just outside of Armstrong BC, they host the tulip festival in May which features 2.5 acres of tulips and the sunflower festival in August/September which features 8 acres of stunning sunflowers. Plan your date day or your trip to Kamloops during their festival dates!
17. Kamloops Lake Lookout
This spot is the perfect place for a picnic lunch! Take the scenic drive out towards Savona and Cache Creek on the #1 Trans Canada Hwy and pull off past Tobiano Golf Course. The views are seriously stunning, there’s picnic tables for your ease and convenience, and enjoy a nice picnic surrounded by the huge lake and mountains. A must-see if you’re visiting Kamloops area!
18. Road Trip to Wells Gray Park
My husband and I recently did this day-trip out to Clearwater and Wells Gray Provincial Park. Not only is the drive so beautiful, but there’s a plethora of sights to see in the area. We checked out Helmcken Falls and Spahats Falls, but check out this list of more waterfalls to see and activities/things to do in Wells Gray Park.
19. Book a Photography Session!
Last but of course not least, booking a photo session is a great idea for date night! You get to dress up, spend some uninterrupted time together, and have a blast with your chosen Kamloops photographer.