Things To Do in Kamloops

Kamloops is a sprawling city in a wide river valley flanked by high desert mountains. A major service center for agricultural industries, Kamloops isn't exactly a tourist town. The downtown core centered around Victoria Street, however, is a pleasant, tree-lined area. North of downtown along the Thompson is Riverfront Park, a lovely expanse of green in an otherwise arid landscape. The stern-wheeler Wanda-Sue (tel. 250/374-7447) plies the river waters, providing narrated sightseeing tours.

The Salmon Run & Other Special Events -- One of nature's most amazing phenomena, the Adams River Salmon Run ★, takes place in late October. Every 4 years, 1.5 to 2 million sockeye salmon struggle upstream to spawn in the Adams River. Trails provide riverside-viewing, with trained staff ready to interpret the spectacle. From Kamloops, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy. 1) to Squilax, about 10km (6 1/4 miles) east of Chase. Follow the signs north to Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park. The next expected run of sockeye is in 2010.

In January, the Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet (tel. 250/832-7740) attracts cross-country skiers from across North America to the Larch Hills Cross-Country Ski Hill, east of Kamloops in Salmon Arm.