Trail Name: Mara Loop

Location: North Kamloops

Difficulty: Easy/Medium

Distance: 3.5 km

Mara Loop is a personal favourite of mine especially when I need to fit some trail time into my busy schedule. It is a hike suitable for everyone as it offers lots of trail systems within the loop. If you choose to stick to the main route, it will take you approximately 45 minutes to one hour and 15 minutes to complete, but if you have the time, check out some of the connecting trails to make your adventure a little longer!

Directions

Located around 20 minutes from the downtown core, Mara Loop trail is located in North Kamloops. From wherever your starting point may be, head towards the Kamloops airport along Tranquille Rd. You will want to pass the airport and the Kamloops Golf and Country Club and continue along Tranquille until reaching a fork in the road. Once you reach the fork in the road, take the right fork and cross the train tracks. Shortly after the railway crossing, about 210 metres, you will reach the parking lot which is on the right-hand side. There will be signage for Mara Trail and the trailhead.

Once you begin your hike, going left or right to start is entirely up to you. Choosing to go right at the gate will test your legs right away and if you choose to go left, you will follow a dirt road for a nice gradual start. Regardless of your choice, you will either be following a trail or a road system throughout the loop. Note: If you prefer going up a steep shale section rather than going down it, I would recommend starting your hike by going right after the gate.

Things you’ll see

There is a rest point at the one-kilometre mark which consists of a bench and great views every which way you look. If you look in the South West direction once you have reached the highest point on the trail, you will see Padova City, an old tuberculosis facility that is now deserted other than a few residents — it’s pretty creepy and cool! If you look South, you will see the Thompson River flowing into Kamloops Lake and in the North West is Mount Mara.

One thing to remember is that the area is surrounded by farmland. When you look directly below from the bench, there are farmers’ fields. In the spring the fields become flooded creating beautiful little islands. If you are lucky, during the spring/summer months you will see the snow pelicans hanging out down there. Depending on the time of year you may share the hills with the cattle, deer and mountain sheep.

Trail tips and things to bring

• Always pack water and a few snacks to hold you over in case of emergency.

• Dress appropriately. Make sure you are wearing proper footwear susceptible to all types of weather. It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you head out.

• The trail is dog-friendly but beware of cacti.

Hope to see you in the hills. Take only photographs and leave only footprints!