For one day in Kamloops city centre, pair the Kamloops Art Gallery with Riverside Park beside the Thompson River. From Alpine Motel, the city centre is about 13 minutes by car, or about 65 minutes on foot.
- Morning: Start downtown at the Kamloops Art Gallery.
- Midday: Head to Riverside Park for riverfront paths, gardens or a picnic.
- Afternoon: Choose a park activity that suits the day, from the beach to the courts and playground.
Start with a city-centre morning
The Kamloops Art Gallery makes a downtown starting point, with changing exhibitions spanning regional, national and international art and contemporary and historic focus. It sits at the corner of Victoria Street and 5th Avenue.
Give the gallery the first part of the day, then walk around the city centre before heading toward the river. The gallery’s official visit page provides visitor information and holiday hours; opening times and admission details should be checked before you plan your stop.
Choose a midday stop after checking current hours
Riverside Park is a good midday choice if you want to combine open space and riverfront time without leaving the city. The park is at 100 Lorne St. on the Thompson River, beside the Sandman Centre and minutes from downtown Kamloops.
Its regular hours are 5:00 am–11:00 pm. The park includes a beach with a designated swimming area, an inclusive playground, tennis and pickleball courts, a multi-use pathway, washrooms, water fountains, picnic tables, Uji Friendship & Rose Gardens and a Rotary Bandshell.
The accessible water park operates seasonally. The City gives June 1 to Labour Day as its operating period, weather permitting, with daily hours of 10:00 am–9:00 pm; the season may be extended during extended warm weather. Check the official site before you go for current operating information.
Leave time for an afternoon city visit
Keep the afternoon flexible at Riverside Park: follow the multi-use pathway, spend time in the gardens, or choose a court or playground stop. The range of amenities makes it easy to build a relaxed stretch of park time into a Kamloops day itinerary without adding another destination.
If swimming is part of your plan, stay within the beach’s roped area; swimming is at your own risk. Lifeguards are available during summer months but may not always be on duty.
How do you get between Kamloops city-centre stops?
The gallery is in downtown Kamloops, while Riverside Park is minutes from downtown, making the two practical stops to group in one day. BC Transit’s Route 6 is the Downtown Loop; route schedules and maps are available from BC Transit. You can plan your city-centre journey with how to get to Kamloops city centre from Alpine Motel.
Route options include Routes 1 Tranquille, 2 Parkcrest, 3 Westsyde, 4 Pacific Way, 5 Pineview, 6 Downtown Loop, 7 Aberdeen, 9 Gleneagles and 10 North Shore TRU Express, among others. Check current schedules and service information with BC Transit before setting out.
Return to Alpine Motel
After your city-centre stops, the drive back to Alpine Motel takes about 13 minutes. Walking from the city centre takes about 65 minutes, so account for that longer return if you’re travelling on foot.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed at Riverside Park?
Dogs are not allowed in the park except on the southern portion of the Rivers Trail multi-use pathway, where they must be kept on leash.
Can you have a campfire or smoke at Riverside Park?
No. Smoking, drugs and campfires are not allowed at Riverside Park.
Where is responsible liquor consumption allowed in the park?
It is allowed only in the Bandshell Area from May 15 to October 1, between 12:00 and 9:00 pm.