Kamloops may not be the first place that springs to mind for tours, but this city in British Columbia offers surprisingly diverse ways to explore its natural beauty and local culture. Whether you’re interested in getting up close with wildlife, cruising scenic routes, or adding a bit of fun with scavenger hunts, Kamloops has options to suit all tastes. We particularly like the Kamloops BC Wildlife Park, where seeing over 200 animals in naturalistic habitats makes for a fulfilling family outing. The park’s emphasis on conservation and education makes it more than just a zoo — it’s a place that reconnects visitors with BC’s wildlife. Plus, the chance to watch a grizzly feed or ride a miniature train makes it all the more memorable.
Another great option is the Smartphone Audio Driving Tours, which let you explore the region at your own pace with engaging stories about the area’s history and environment. These tours are perfect for travelers who prefer flexible schedules and want to mix learning with a scenic drive. For a lighter, family-friendly activity, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a fun, app-based holiday scavenger hunt around the city, blending festive cheer with outdoor exploration. For those craving a bit more adventure, the Crazy Dash or Operation City Quest scavenger hunts turn sightseeing into an interactive game that’s perfect for friends or families.
Quick Overview
Our list features a range of experiences, from wildlife encounters to self-guided scenic drives and interactive city scavenger hunts. Each offers a different way to see Kamloops and its surroundings:
- Family-friendly wildlife parks and educational centers (Kamloops BC Wildlife Park)
- Scenic audio-driving tours that highlight the area’s history and natural beauty (Kamloops to Revelstoke)
- Festive holiday scavenger hunts (Holly Jolly Hunt)
- City exploration through interactive treasure hunts (Crazy Dash)
- Extended scenic drives to iconic destinations like Lake Louise (Scenic Kamloops Self Guided Audio Driving Tour)
Now, let’s take a closer look at each experience.
1. Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket
At number 1, the Kamloops BC Wildlife Park stands out as a top choice for families and animal lovers. This CAZA-accredited facility is committed to conservation and education, housing over 200 animals in spacious habitats. With a ticket price around $15.57 and flexible duration, visitors can spend anywhere from an hour to an entire day exploring. The park’s highlights include close encounters with small and large mammals, colorful birds, and even the chance to watch grizzly bears during scheduled feeds.
Kids will love the miniature train ride, climbing the playground, or cooling off at the spray park, making this a well-rounded outing. Accessibility is also a priority, with wheelchair-friendly paths and rental options for strollers and wheelchairs. Guests highlight the authenticity of the experience, with one reviewer noting, “The work they put into caring for the animals is obvious — you can see the love.”
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its balance of leisure and learning, perfect for families seeking a meaningful outing without sacrificing fun. Plus, the park is easy to access, whether you drive or take city transit.
Bottom line: The Kamloops BC Wildlife Park offers excellent value for families wanting an interactive, educational day with plenty of engaging activities.
2. Kamloops: BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket
For those who want a deeper dive into British Columbia’s native species, the Kamloops Wildlife Park Entry Ticket provides access to an 18,000-square-foot Discovery Centre. This experience complements the outdoor exhibits by featuring the Eco Gallery, Wildlife Education Centre, and Reptile Exhibit. It’s ideal for visitors wishing to combine indoor and outdoor experiences, especially on rainy days.
The highlight here is the chance to learn about rescued animals like grizzly bears, black bears, and the rare Kermode Bear (or “Spirit Bear”). You’ll also meet Arctic wolves Sijja and Marraq and red foxes Raven and Mia, with plenty of opportunities for interactive learning. The Reptile Exhibit broadens the scope with British Columbia’s native reptiles, appealing to kids and adults alike.
Guests appreciate the educational aspect, with one reviewer mentioning the artifacts and activities that make learning about wildlife fun and engaging. The admission price of $14 per person makes it a budget-friendly option for families or school groups.
Bottom line: This tour is suited for visitors interested in a comprehensive, interactive wildlife education experience that goes beyond just seeing animals.
3. Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke
Number 3 introduces a flexible way to explore the stunning landscape between Kamloops and Revelstoke with the Smartphone Audio Driving Tour. For around $8.16, you get a self-guided experience that lasts approximately 2.5 hours, perfect for road trip days. This tour is designed to activate your curiosity about the area’s scenic highlights, local history, and environment, with over 32 points of interest.
What makes this tour unique is its self-paced nature — you can start and stop wherever you want and enjoy the audio automatically as you drive. The content covers everything from Shuswap Lake to the Last Spike and the transcontinental railway, giving you a richer understanding of the region’s past and present. It’s great for travelers who prefer to avoid rigid schedules but still want insightful commentary along the way.
Reviews note the ease of use and educational value, with some wishing for a musical option between stops. The tour’s flexibility makes it suitable for independent explorers or families wanting to add context to their drive.
Bottom line: This is a smart choice for road trippers wanting an informative, low-cost way to enhance their scenic journey.
$8.16 per group (up to 15)
4. Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in Kamloops
At number 4, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a festive twist on exploring Kamloops during the holiday season. For $20 per group, you can play a holiday-themed scavenger hunt using an app on your smartphone. It’s a fun and active way to see the city’s holiday decorations, stores, and landmarks while competing for points.
This tour takes about an hour and is perfect for families or friends looking for a light, engaging activity that combines outdoor exploration with holiday cheer. You’ll seek out traditional and non-traditional holiday items, with points awarded for each item found. The goal is to climb the leaderboard and feel a sense of accomplishment — all while enjoying Kamloops’ festive displays.
An added benefit is that it encourages walking around the city, soaking in the holiday atmosphere while getting some exercise. One reviewer noted, “It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and see parts of the city we might not have explored otherwise.”
Bottom line: Ideal for families and groups wanting a fun, seasonal activity that mixes sightseeing with friendly competition.
$20.00 per group (up to 10)
5. Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver
Number 5 is another flexible audio tour, this time for the drive between Kamloops and Vancouver. Priced at around $8.14, this tour offers a 360-mile journey packed with stories about Indigenous culture, mountain ranges, and local history. It’s perfect for travelers who want to make their drive more engaging without the hassle of guided tours or fixed schedules.
The tour’s content covers highlights like Coquitlam’s Coast Salish roots, the Serpentine River, and Fort Langley National Historic Site, providing context for the landscape and its history. You can start and stop at your convenience, making it ideal for customizing your trip. It also includes trivia questions to keep everyone entertained, making the long drive more interactive.
Reviews suggest the tour is a good way to learn while traveling, with some noting they’d appreciate more music between points. It’s best suited for curious travelers eager to enrich their road trip experience.
Bottom line: This tour provides a laid-back, educational way to enjoy the drive from Kamloops to Vancouver, especially for history buffs.
$8.14 per group (up to 15)
6. Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Kamloops by Crazy Dash
Number 6 features a Crazy Dash scavenger hunt that turns Kamloops into a playground. Using an app on your phone, you’ll submit photos of various objects and complete challenges around the city over approximately 2 hours. It’s a relaxed, fun adventure suitable for all ages and perfect for groups wanting to explore at their own pace.
The game is social and competitive, with a remote host providing chat support throughout. The goal is to rack up points by completing challenges and finding objects, then compare your score to others across the country. It’s a low-cost, engaging way to interact with Kamloops’ streets and landmarks while enjoying some friendly competition.
Reviewers note the easy-going nature and the fun surprises along the way, making it ideal for families or groups of friends looking for an active, team-building activity.
Bottom line: This scavenger hunt is a playful way to discover Kamloops, especially if you enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry and outdoor activity.
$10.27 per person
7. Unique Scavenger Hunt in Kamloops by Operation City Quest
For a slightly different experience, Operation City Quest offers a self-led scavenger hunt around Kamloops that combines exploration with challenges. Using an app, you’ll locate objects, complete tasks, and uncover clues while moving at your own pace. The game lasts about 2 hours and encourages curious, active travelers to discover hidden corners of the city.
What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to compete on a national leaderboard, adding an extra layer of motivation. A remote host provides guidance via chat, ensuring you stay on track. It’s suitable for families, couples, or groups looking for a fun, interactive way to learn about Kamloops’ streets and landmarks.
Although there are no reviews yet, the format is popular for its independence and challenge. It’s a budget-friendly option at just over $10 per person.
Bottom line: If you enjoy solving puzzles and competing for bragging rights, this scavenger hunt offers an engaging way to explore Kamloops.
$10.27 per person
8. Scenic Kamloops Self Guided Audio Driving Tour to Lake Louise
Our final pick is a scenic driving tour that takes you from Kamloops to Lake Louise through the Canadian Rockies. Priced at $11.99 per group, this route covers over 56 miles and features iconic landmarks like the Last Spike, Spiral Tunnels, and Rogers Pass. It’s designed for those who want to combine driving with storytelling about the area’s geology, history, and natural beauty.
What makes this tour special is its detailed narration, which turns a simple drive into an immersive experience. You’ll see breathtaking landscapes, learn about the engineering marvels, and arrive at Lake Louise, famed for its turquoise waters and mountain backdrop. The tour is flexible, with options to stop at points of interest along the way, making it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers.
Many users appreciate the well-organized audio content, which enhances the drive without overwhelming. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a scenic route with added context.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a self-guided tour that combines driving with storytelling, enhancing a memorable trip to Lake Louise.
$11.99 per group (up to 4)
How to Choose the Right Tour in Kamloops
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you have. If you’re traveling with family and want a relaxed but educational outing, the Wildlife Park (link) offers great value. For those seeking scenic beauty and history, the self-guided driving tours (Kamloops to Revelstoke) and the Lake Louise trip provide immersive landscapes and stories.
Festive seasons or holiday-specific activities like the Holly Jolly Hunt (link) are perfect for families or groups wanting a fun, seasonal experience. If you prefer a more active, game-based approach, the Crazy Dash (link) and Operation City Quest (link) make sightseeing into a challenge.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons or holidays. Think about what excites you most: wildlife, scenic drives, or interactive exploration. Choosing the right tour depends on your priorities — whether it’s education, adventure, or simply discovering new parts of Kamloops.
In summary, Kamloops offers a surprisingly diverse selection of tours for all kinds of travelers. From educational wildlife encounters to scenic drives and lively scavenger hunts, there’s something to match your style. For families, the Wildlife Park remains a top pick, while scenic audio tours provide a peaceful way to enjoy the landscape. Active explorers and game lovers will find plenty of fun with scavenger hunts, both classic and holiday-themed.
Whatever you choose, booking in advance will ensure you make the most of your time in this welcoming and scenic city. Enjoy your trip and get ready to explore Kamloops in ways you might not have expected!