Every August, when Kamloops is bathed in warm golden light and the semi-arid hills glow with sage and grass, I feel a pull toward my camera. The city, tucked into British Columbia’s Thompson Valley, is a place of contrasts—dusty hills rolling into deep blue lakes, bustling downtown streets fading into quiet riverside paths, and sunsets that paint the sky in shades of lavender and fire.
I’ve come to realize that Kamloops is not just a place to experience; it’s a place to capture. Every corner of the city seems designed for a photographer’s eye, whether you’re a professional carrying lenses and tripods or a traveler snapping moments on your phone. Over the years, I’ve sought out spots that never fail to inspire me. Some are iconic, others are hidden, but all tell a part of Kamloops’ story.
Let me take you through my favorite photography locations in Kamloops—each with its own character, best times to shoot, practical details, and little tricks that have helped me make the most of my time behind the lens.
1. Riverside Park – The Heart of Kamloops
Location: 100 Lorne St, downtown Kamloops, right along the Thompson River.
Riverside Park is where I always start. It’s the city’s living postcard, with wide walking paths, tall trees providing shade, and the Thompson River stretching wide and calm.
Why It’s Special:
- In August, the sunsets over the river are breathtaking. The reflection of the sky on the water creates a natural mirror.
- Early mornings bring soft light and mist over the river—perfect for dreamy shots.
- Festivals and events often happen here, adding vibrant human moments to landscape shots.
Cost: Free.
Booking Note: If you’re visiting during the summer concert series, tickets for performances can be booked via Eventbrite Canada or Viator.
Photography Tips:
- Use a tripod for evening shots along the riverbank.
- Play with silhouettes—families walking, dogs playing, or bikers passing by.
- Golden hour is magic here; I often sit with my camera ready about 45 minutes before sunset.
Personal Reflection: I once spent nearly two hours at Riverside Park waiting for the light to hit just right. When the sun finally dipped low, a paddleboarder drifted into my frame, creating one of my favorite images of Kamloops to this day.
2. Kenna Cartwright Nature Park – The Hilltop Panoramas
Location: Hillside Drive, west of downtown Kamloops.
Kenna Cartwright is the city’s largest municipal park, with trails winding through grasslands and leading to hilltop lookouts.
Why It’s Special:
- The park overlooks the city, giving panoramic views of both the North and South Thompson Rivers as they converge.
- Summer sunsets here are spectacular—the rolling hills take on a golden glow.
- Wildflowers bloom along the trails in August, adding bursts of color.
Cost: Free.
Photography Tips:
- Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping landscapes.
- If you’re shooting portraits, late afternoon backlighting among the wildflowers creates soft, natural effects.
- Carry water—the trails are dry and exposed in August.
Personal Reflection: Hiking up one late afternoon, I remember pausing just to take it all in—the quiet of the hills, the faint hum of the city below, and the warm glow across the valley. My photos from that evening still feel alive with that sense of peace.
3. Peterson Creek Park – Hidden Waterfalls
Location: Entrance at Glenfair Dr or Columbia St, near downtown.
This park feels like a secret escape right in the middle of the city. Trails wind through a canyon, and if you follow the right one, you’ll reach Peterson Creek Falls.
Why It’s Special:
- Waterfalls framed by canyon walls make for dramatic shots.
- The trails give opportunities for both landscape and close-up nature photography.
- In summer, the green vegetation contrasts beautifully with the sandstone cliffs.
Cost: Free.
Photography Tips:
- A neutral density filter is invaluable for long-exposure shots of the waterfall.
- Early morning or late evening reduces harsh light in the canyon.
- Watch your footing—tripods can be tricky to balance on uneven rocks.
Personal Reflection: I once carried my gear into the canyon just as a storm cleared. The air was fresh, the water roaring, and I felt like I was photographing a scene far from the city—yet downtown Kamloops was only minutes away.
4. Kamloops Lake – Endless Horizons
Location: About 20 km west of downtown via Highway 1. Best spots include Savona (east end of the lake).
Kamloops Lake is vast, stretching for 29 km, surrounded by rugged hills. In August, the colors are stark: dusty brown hillsides meeting deep blue water.
Why It’s Special:
- The sheer size of the lake makes for breathtaking wide shots.
- Sunsets create a fiery glow across the horizon.
- Driftwood and rocky beaches add foreground interest.
Cost: Free.
Booking Note: If you’d like to combine photography with a lake cruise, GetYourGuide Canada sometimes offers boat tours from Savona.
Photography Tips:
- Use leading lines—shorelines or driftwood—to draw the eye into the lake scene.
- Midday can be harsh; aim for early morning or evening.
- A polarizing filter helps cut glare off the water.
Personal Reflection: Standing at the edge of Kamloops Lake at dusk, I often feel small in the best way. The water stretches endlessly, and when I look back at my photos, I remember that humbling sense of space.
5. Sun Peaks Resort – Alpine Beauty
Location: About 55 km northeast of Kamloops, along Tod Mountain Rd.
Though known for skiing in winter, Sun Peaks in August transforms into a lush alpine paradise.
Why It’s Special:
- Rolling meadows of wildflowers.
- Chairlift rides offering high vantage points over the valley.
- Crisp mountain air that gives clarity to every shot.
Cost: Free for hiking; chairlift rides around \$25 CAD (tickets bookable via Sun Peaks official site or Viator).
Photography Tips:
- Macro lenses are perfect for capturing wildflowers.
- Use the chairlift as a unique framing device—shoot the valley below with dangling feet in the shot.
- Midday light is harsher at altitude; early morning hikes are best.
Personal Reflection: I remember crouching in a meadow, surrounded by purple lupines, with Tod Mountain rising behind me. My camera captured the scene, but what I hold onto most is the smell of pine and the silence of high places.
6. Thompson Rivers Confluence
Location: Near MacArthur Island Park, north of downtown.
Kamloops is defined by water—the meeting of the North and South Thompson Rivers is one of its iconic features.
Why It’s Special:
- From above, the confluence looks dramatic, especially with drones.
- Evening light reflects off the water, creating soft ripples.
- Wildlife, like herons, sometimes appear in the frame.
Cost: Free.
Photography Tips:
- Drone photography here is incredible, but respect flight regulations.
- Long exposure shots at dusk capture the flow of both rivers.
- Use higher ground viewpoints for dramatic perspective.
Personal Reflection: The first time I saw the rivers meet, I felt like I was looking at the city’s heartbeat. Capturing it felt like telling Kamloops’ story in one frame.
7. Downtown Kamloops – Urban Texture
Location: Victoria Street and surrounding blocks.
Sometimes the best photos aren’t of landscapes but of life. Downtown Kamloops offers murals, street cafés, and heritage buildings.
Why It’s Special:
- Colorful murals on building walls make vibrant backdrops.
- Street life in August is lively, with patios full of people.
- Heritage architecture adds charm.
Cost: Free, unless you’re dining.
Photography Tips:
- Street photography is all about timing—be ready to capture fleeting expressions.
- Use reflections in shop windows creatively.
- Evening neon signs on Victoria Street add character.
Personal Reflection: One of my favorite photos isn’t of a mountain or lake, but of an old man playing guitar on a Victoria Street corner. It’s a reminder that Kamloops’ beauty is in its people too.
8. Stake Lake – Reflections and Serenity
Location: 23 km south of Kamloops, along Lac Le Jeune Rd.
Stake Lake is a peaceful retreat, surrounded by forest and often glassy calm in summer mornings.
Why It’s Special:
- Mirror-like reflections of trees and sky.
- Canoes on the lake make excellent focal points.
- Misty mornings feel like stepping into a painting.
Cost: Free.
Photography Tips:
- Go early—before the wind breaks the surface.
- Incorporate foreground elements like reeds for depth.
- Use slower shutter speeds to enhance reflections.
Personal Reflection: I once woke at 5 am to catch Stake Lake at sunrise. The stillness, broken only by a loon’s call, made every click of the camera feel reverent.
9. McArthur Island Park – Sports and Nature
Location: 1655 Island Parkway, Kamloops.
This large riverside park blends recreation and natural beauty.
Why It’s Special:
- Bridges and riverbanks create dynamic compositions.
- Sports events provide energetic human subjects.
- Fall colors arrive early here, even in late August.
Cost: Free.
Photography Tips:
- Capture motion—kids on bikes, players mid-game.
- Use the pedestrian bridges as framing elements.
- Look for contrasts between manicured sports fields and wild riverbanks.
Personal Reflection: Shooting a local soccer game at McArthur Island, I loved catching the energy of the players with the calm river behind them. It felt like two sides of Kamloops—active and serene—meeting in one place.
10. Sunsets from Harper Mountain Lookout
Location: About 20 km east of Kamloops via Highway 1 and Harper Mountain Rd.
Harper Mountain is known for skiing, but in summer, it offers quiet lookouts perfect for sunset photography.
Why It’s Special:
- Elevated views across the Thompson Valley.
- Skies that burn orange and pink in August.
- Sparse crowds—peaceful moments with your camera.
Cost: Free.
Photography Tips:
- Bring a telephoto lens for compressed sunset layers.
- Scout the location in daylight to avoid stumbling in the dark later.
- Stay after sunset—the “blue hour” creates dreamy tones.
Personal Reflection: One evening I sat at Harper Mountain until stars appeared. My sunset shots were lovely, but the real gift was capturing the transition into night.
Booking and Travel Notes
- Flights: I use Skyscanner Canada or Expedia.ca to find affordable flights into Kamloops Airport (YKA).
- Hotels: Central stays on Booking.com Canada or Hotels.com make early-morning photography easier.
- Restaurants: After long shoots, I often book dinner at places like Brownstone or Jacob’s Noodle & Cutlet via OpenTable Canada.
- Tours/Tickets: Adventure tours, like Sun Peaks chairlift passes, are easily booked on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Kamloops is more than a backdrop—it’s a living canvas. Every August, the city glows with warmth, both in its landscapes and in the people who call it home. Through my lens, I’ve found not just images but stories: of rivers meeting, of hills glowing at sunset, of people creating life and art downtown.
If you come here with your camera, come ready to look beyond the obvious. Wait for the light, explore the corners, and let Kamloops reveal itself slowly. Because the best shots aren’t just about scenery—they’re about connection. And Kamloops, with all its contrasts, offers connection in every frame.
