Discover Kamloops' Top Hiking Trails
Kamloops, a city of contrasts with its cold winters, hot summers, and semi-arid climate, has evolved from its ranching and Indigenous roots to a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The city's landscape is now traversed by locals in hiking boots rather than cowboy boots, thanks to an abundance of trails within the city limits.
![Rivers Trail at Riverside Park](/media/canada-british-columbia-kamloops-best-hiking-trails-intro-paragraph.jpg)
The scent of sagebrush after a summer rain is quintessentially Kamloops. The confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers defines the city, which was named by the Tk'emlups Te Secwepemc people. A stroll along the downtown Rivers Trail is a perfect start to any hiking adventure in the area.
1. Tower Trail, Kenna Cartwright Park
![Tower Trail](/media/canada-british-columbia-kamloops-best-hiking-trails-tower-trail-kenna-cartwright-park.jpg)
Kenna Cartwright Park, the largest municipal park in British Columbia, offers over 40 kilometers of trails. The Tower Trail, a 3.4-kilometer return hike with a 145-meter elevation gain, provides stunning views of Kamloops and its rivers. For a longer hike, combine it with the Ridge Trail and loop back on the Ponderosa Trail, a 5.1-kilometer route starting from the Hillside Road parking lot.
2. Tom Moore Loop Trail, Peterson Creek Park
![Trailhead for Tom Moore Loop at Peterson Creek](/media/canada-british-columbia-kamloops-best-hiking-trails-tom-moore-loop-trail-peterson-creek-park.jpg)
The Tom Moore Loop Trail in Peterson Creek Park is a 4.8-kilometer moderate hike that takes you through grasslands and offers views of downtown and the Thompson Valley. The trail features switchbacks and a spur to Bridal Veil Falls.
3. Rim Loop Trail, Valleyview Nature Park
![Valleyview Rim Loop Trail](/media/canada-british-columbia-kamloops-best-hiking-trails-rim-loop-trail-valleyview-nature-park.jpg)
The Rim Loop Trail, a 2.5-kilometer easy hike, offers panoramic views of the South Thompson River and downtown Kamloops. The trailhead is located at the Valleyview Arena parking lot.
4. Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park Loop
![Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park Loop](/media/canada-british-columbia-kamloops-best-hiking-trails-dallas-barnhartvale-nature-park-loop.jpg)
This six-kilometer loop in Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park features a moderate 183-meter elevation gain and scenic river overlooks. The park also includes a wetland area and a picnic gazebo.
5. Mara Trail, Lac Du Bois Grasslands Protected Area
![Mara Trailhead](/media/canada-british-columbia-kamloops-best-hiking-trails-mara-trail-lac-du-bois-grasslands.jpg)
The Mara Trail is a 3.5-kilometer loop with a 221-meter elevation gain, offering views of the Thompson River and diverse ecological zones. Nearby, the 5.3-kilometer Battle Bluff Trail is another option for hikers.
6. Gibraltar Rock Trail, Paul Lake Provincial Park
![Gibraltar Rock summit](/media/canada-british-columbia-kamloops-best-hiking-trails-gibraltar-rock-trail-paul-lake-provincial-park.jpg)
The Gibraltar Rock Trail in Paul Lake Provincial Park is a 2.6-kilometer return hike with a 182-meter elevation gain, offering stunning views of Paul Lake.
7. McArthur Island Loop Trail, McArthur Island Park
![McArthur Island Loop Trail](/media/canada-british-columbia-kamloops-best-hiking-trails-mcarthur-island-loop-trail.jpg)
The McArthur Island Loop Trail is a 3.4-kilometer paved path ideal for families and offers views of the Thompson River and the Gregson Butterfly Garden.
8. West Highlands Park Loop Trail
![West Highlands Park](/media/canada-british-columbia-kamloops-best-hiking-trails-west-highlands-park-loop-trail.jpg)
The West Highlands Park Loop is a 1.8-kilometer paved trail in a suburban area, perfect for an evening walk with views of the city lights.
9. McConnell Lake Trail, McConnell Lake Provincial Park
![Fall colors at McConnell Lake](/media/canada-british-columbia-kamloops-best-hiking-trails-mcconnell-lake-trail.jpg)
The McConnell Lake Trail is a 3.7-kilometer loop around a lake, suitable for summer or fall hikes and swimming.
10. Isobel Lake Interpretive Trail
![Isobel Lake](/media/canada-british-columbia-kamloops-best-hiking-trails-isobel-lake-interpretive-trail.jpg)
The Isobel Lake Interpretive Trail is a 2.9-kilometer loop that's wheelchair and stroller friendly, offering lake views and educational signs about local flora and fauna.
Whether you're seeking a challenging hike or a leisurely walk, Kamloops' trails offer something for everyone, with stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems to explore.