Kamloops

Kamloops is a city in the south-central interior of British Columbia, Canada. It sits at the confluence of the South Thompson and North Thompson rivers, where they form the Thompson River. It is the largest city in the Thompson-Nicola region and serves as a service and economic hub for the central Interior.

Long inhabited by the Secwepemc people for thousands of years, the area is known in Indigenous history as Tk’emlúps. The first non-Indigenous settlement began in the 19th century during mining and the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Kamloops was incorporated as a city in 1893.

Economy: Kamloops has a diversified economy anchored by healthcare, education, government services, forestry, mining, and tourism. The city hosts Royal Inland Hospital and Thompson Rivers University, which operates campus networks in the region. Agriculture and outdoor recreation also contribute to the local economy, and transport links support trade and visitation.

Geography and climate: Located in the wide Thompson Valley, Kamloops lies in a semi-arid region with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Precipitation is relatively low, and the surrounding area features a mix of sagebrush-steppe and forested hills.

Transportation: Kamloops is served by the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and Highway 5, with Kamloops Airport (YKA) providing air service. The city is a railway junction for freight lines.

Culture and attractions: Kamloops hosts cultural institutions such as the Kamloops Art Gallery and Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park, and nearby Sun Peaks Resort is a major year-round destination. The city maintains parks along the rivers, including Riverside Park.