Kamloops has so much to offer within its city limits, but sometimes you just want to go somewhere new. While there is no shortage of scenic areas in the city to spend your time, going for a little road trip to see something unfamiliar is always exciting too!
If you’re looking to get out and explore the outskirts of the Tournament Capital, look no further.
Here are the best tourist attractions outside Kamloops city limits, as voted by you and presented by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union.
Bronze – Monte Creek Ranch Winery
It’s no secret that Kamloopsians love their wine, so it’s not a surprise that Monte Creek Ranch Winery was voted as one of the best tourist attractions near Kamloops.
Just 10 minutes outside of city limits, Monte Creek offers a wide variety of wines grown and prepared on-site. You can sample some of their offerings in the tasting room, or take a glass out to their beautiful terrace and enjoy indulging in a locally inspired alfresco artisan meal with your wine.
Monte Creek is focused on sustainability, and it shines through in everything they do. They believe in the importance of permaculture and sustainable farming, which is why they practise organic farming methods and are looking to be fully certified organic by 2023. They are also Ocean Wise certified in their winery and restaurant.
The winery is a working ranch home to cattle, horses and honey bees, so if you’re looking for local honey, beef or other farm-fresh products, you can buy them right from their Tasting Room!
Check out the biggest winery in Kamloops, Monte Creek Ranch Winery, at 2420 Miner's Bluff Rd, Monte Creek or order some of their delicious wines from their website by clicking here.
Silver – Wells Gray Provincial Park
With iconic waterfalls, plentiful accommodations and exciting activities, Wells Gray Provincial Park has everything you need to have an invigorating experience.
Wells Gray offers such a wide variety of things to do, so there is something for the entire family to appreciate. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try out some whitewater rafting and kayaking, tandem paragliding or even take a scenic flight.
If you want to have more of a relaxing experience, you can go for a hike and take in the scenery, go for a horseback ride, view some wildlife or cast a line out into the lake and see what you can catch.
The provincial park offers plenty of choices of where to stay, so you can get a comfortable night’s sleep to reenergize for tomorrow's adventure. Check out their hotels and resorts, cabins and ranches, bed and breakfasts, or if you’re feeling outdoorsy stay at one of their camping and RV sites!
Visit the land of 41 named waterfalls (and counting), and get off the beaten path this summer at Wells Gray Park!
Gold – Sun Peaks
Whether it’s summer or winter, Sun Peaks has countless adventures waiting for you.
Known for being Canada’s second-largest ski area, there are 138 trails for you to tackle across the three peaks. The mountainsides boast deep steeps, long cruisers, glade zones, powder stashes and corduroy groomers across the 4,270 acres of skiable terrain.
At the bottom of the mountains is a European-style, ski-through village that is filled with cozy shops, cafes, and restaurants. So if skiing isn’t your thing, you can be pulled by a team of huskies on a dog sled tour through the village, or you can go for a horse-drawn sleigh ride!
In the summer, the resort exhibits gorgeous hiking and biking trails, as well as a variety of other activities like fly fishing, geocaching, golfing and even horse-drawn carriage tours.
The resort offers plenty of accommodations to make your stay comfortable, including hotels, lodging, chalets, suites, RV sites and campsites!
Sun Peaks is found 45 minutes outside of Kamloops and is fun for the whole family. Check out everything they have to offer at their website here!
