Kamloops City Guide

The food scene has good variety with international options like Italian, Indian, and Asian. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available. Late-night food is mostly fast food and some pubs.

Nightlife is modest with mostly pubs, bars, and a few clubs downtown. Not a big party city but good for casual evenings.

Coffee scene includes local shops and chains. Specialty roasters are growing.

Tipping is standard. 15-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for rides, and 15-20% for services. Coffee shops often have tip jars but it's optional.

SIM cards can be bought at provider stores like Telus, Bell, Rogers, Freedom Mobile, Koodo, and Virgin Plus. A passport ID is required. Telus, Bell, and Rogers give the best coverage.

City is clean with regular waste and recycling services.

24/7 options are limited. Some pharmacies have extended hours but rarely open all night. Gas station stores offer most late-night food.

Supermarkets carry international products reasonably well. Save-On-Foods, Safeway, Superstore, and Walmart are main stores. Local farmers' market is seasonal. Stores usually open 7 or 8 AM to 9 or 10 PM, including Sundays.

Credit and debit cards work everywhere. Cash is rarely needed for daily expenses.

ATMs are common at banks, grocery stores, and malls. Non-bank machines may charge $1.50 to $3.00 CAD fees.

Local schools are mostly English-speaking within School District No. 73. There are no dedicated international schools but some private options like St. Ann's Academy.

Remote workers live here but community is small and informal. Nomad meetups are rare. Cafés with Wi-Fi exist.

Excellent parks and trails like Riverside Park and Kenna Cartwright Park offer good green space access.

Good running routes along Rivers Trail and Kenna Cartwright Park. Runners groups exist. Smoke may affect air quality in summer.

Multiple gym options including community and specialized fitness centers.

Public and club tennis courts are available; equipment rentals are rare.

Padel courts are not common here.

Several studios offer various styles and drop-in classes with English-speaking instructors.

Dojo options include BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Karate with English-speaking instructors.

Sun Peaks Resort and Harper Mountain nearby offer skiing from late November to April with rentals available.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are popular on local rivers and lakes with rental options.

No ocean access or surfing opportunities.

Limited freshwater diving; no major dive centers.

Royal Inland Hospital has English-speaking staff. Public healthcare is good; private clinics exist. Pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart and London Drugs are common with extended hours. Emergency number is 911.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Kamloops.

Parks like Riverside and McArthur Island have playgrounds. Cafés often welcome kids and grocery stores stock baby supplies. Attractions include BC Wildlife Park and Big Little Science Centre.

Generally accepting with legal protections and some local safe spaces. Pride events are modest.

Pet-friendly city with many parks allowing dogs, vets, and supply stores. Some accommodations and restaurants welcome pets.