October in Kamloops has its own rhythm. The mornings are crisp, with a chill that makes you draw your jacket tighter, while afternoons often warm up enough to tempt you into lingering outdoors. By early evening, the sun sets in hues of amber and rose, painting the Thompson Valley in shades that seem too perfect to be real.
Every time I step off the train at Kamloops Heritage Train Station in October, I feel an immediate connection with the city. The air is tinged with wood smoke from nearby chimneys, fallen leaves crunch underfoot, and there’s an unmistakable sense of calm that contrasts sharply with the bustle of Vancouver or Calgary. The station itself—an elegant heritage building—feels like a proper introduction, hinting at Kamloops’ layered history and easygoing charm.
What makes Kamloops particularly enjoyable is how accessible everything is from the train station. Within a short walk or quick drive, you can find art galleries, riverside parks, historical landmarks, and cozy cafés. In this guide, I’ll take you through my personal walking (and short-driving) tour of the best attractions near the station, sharing not only the facts but also the emotions and small discoveries that make Kamloops so memorable.
Along the way, I’ll also recommend some reliable Canadian booking platforms—like Booking.com Canada for accommodations, Viator and GetYourGuide for tickets, Skyscanner Canada for flights, and OpenTable Canada for dining—so you can easily plan your visit.
The Heritage Kamloops Train Station
Location & First Impressions
The Kamloops Heritage Train Station, located on Lorne Street in downtown Kamloops, is itself a destination worth lingering at. Built in 1927, its classic brickwork and preserved details make it more than just a transit hub.
When I first arrived here in October, I noticed how the warm tones of the building seemed to blend with the golden leaves scattered across the ground. There’s something comforting about stepping off a train into a station that feels like it has a story of its own.
Features & Activities
The station often hosts heritage train rides during the summer, but in October, the atmosphere is quieter, almost contemplative. I usually take a few moments just to walk around the building, admiring its structure, before venturing into downtown.
- Cost: Entry to the station is free, though heritage train experiences are ticketed events.
- Booking Tip: Check Viator or the Kamloops Heritage Railway official site if you want to join one of their themed rides (sometimes special events run into autumn).
Riverside Park: Nature at Your Doorstep
Location
Just a 10-minute walk from the station, Riverside Park (100 Lorne Street) stretches along the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers.
My Experience
I remember my first October walk through Riverside Park vividly. The trees were ablaze with fall color, reflecting in the calm waters of the river. Families strolled with dogs, joggers passed by with rhythmic footsteps, and couples sat on benches sipping coffee. I joined them, taking out my thermos of hot tea, just to sit quietly and soak it all in.
Features
- A wide riverside trail, perfect for walking or cycling.
- A sandy beach area—though in October it’s far too cold for swimming, it’s still lovely for a quiet sit.
- Sculptures and monuments scattered throughout, giving the park both artistic and cultural dimension.
Costs & Tips
- Free entry.
- Bring a camera—October sunsets from Riverside Park are some of the best I’ve ever seen in Kamloops.
Kamloops Art Gallery
Location
Right in the heart of downtown, 465 Victoria Street, about 12–15 minutes on foot from the train station.
My Experience
As someone who adores art, I can’t resist stepping into the Kamloops Art Gallery whenever I’m nearby. In October, the quieter tourist season means you can enjoy the exhibits at your own pace. The gallery often features thought-provoking contemporary pieces by both Canadian and international artists.
On one visit, I stood transfixed before a large canvas depicting a surreal version of the Thompson Valley. The colors mirrored the real autumn scenery outside—reds, yellows, deep oranges—but the artist had twisted them into dreamlike shapes. It reminded me that art, like travel, transforms the familiar into something extraordinary.
Costs & Booking
- Admission: Around \$10 CAD per adult.
- Tickets: Purchase directly at the gallery, or check Viator for bundled cultural tours.
Tip
Stop by the gallery’s gift shop. I once found a handmade ceramic mug there, painted with mountain motifs—it still reminds me of Kamloops whenever I sip my morning coffee.
Riverside Market and Local Cafés
Atmosphere
Around the station and especially along Victoria Street, you’ll find a collection of cafés and small restaurants. October mornings are perfect for warming up inside one of these spots before or after exploring.
My Experience
One of my favorites is Caffe Motivo (299 Victoria Street). Their pumpkin lattes in October are a seasonal delight, and I love sitting by the window watching leaves drift down outside. Another time, I grabbed a sandwich from Hello Toast (428 Victoria Street)—a cheerful breakfast and lunch café—and carried it back to Riverside Park for a picnic.
Booking Platforms
For restaurant reservations in Kamloops, I often use OpenTable Canada, especially for dinner spots that can get busy on weekends.
Riverside Trail to Pioneer Park
Location
Starting near Riverside Park and stretching east, the trail leads to Pioneer Park within 15–20 minutes on foot.
My Experience
This walk is one of my October rituals. The air smells faintly of leaves and river water, and the trail is dotted with joggers and cyclists. Pioneer Park itself is open and grassy, with views of the South Thompson River flowing by.
Sometimes I’ll sit here with my journal, writing down impressions of the day. The sound of geese overhead, honking as they migrate south, becomes the background music of autumn.
Costs
Completely free, and a great way to stretch your legs before catching your train.
Kamloops Museum & Archives
Location
Located at 207 Seymour Street, just 15 minutes on foot from the train station.
My Experience
For a deeper dive into Kamloops’ past, I always recommend the Kamloops Museum & Archives. The exhibits cover Indigenous history, pioneer life, and the development of the city.
I was particularly struck by the storytelling around Secwepemc traditions. Standing in front of artifacts and reading personal accounts, I felt a profound respect for the people whose culture continues to shape this region.
Costs & Booking
- Admission: Around \$6 CAD.
- Bookings: Tickets can be purchased on-site. Occasionally, cultural passes including this museum are available on GetYourGuide.
Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park
Location
About a 10-minute drive (or 30-minute walk) from the station, at 200-355 Yellowhead Highway.
My Experience
This museum and park are essential if you want to understand Kamloops beyond its modern façade. In October, the outdoor heritage park is quieter, making it easier to imagine what life was like centuries ago. The reconstructed winter pit house left a lasting impression on me; stepping inside, I felt both humbled and curious about the resilience of the Secwepemc people.
Costs & Booking
- Admission: Approximately \$12 CAD per adult.
- Tickets: Available directly at the museum or via Viator for combined tours.
Tips
Bring comfortable shoes for walking the heritage park. Even in October, the ground can be slightly muddy.
Evening at The Noble Pig Brewhouse
Location
650 Victoria Street, a short walk from the station.
My Experience
Kamloops is known for its craft beer scene, and The Noble Pig is one of my go-to places after a day of exploring. The atmosphere is lively yet cozy, with wood-panel interiors and a menu that balances hearty Canadian dishes with creative twists.
In October, I once tried their seasonal pumpkin-spiced ale—it felt like autumn in a glass. Sitting with friends at a long wooden table, the conversations carried as easily as the laughter.
Costs
Expect about \$20–30 CAD per person for a meal with drinks.
Booking Platform
I often reserve a table through OpenTable Canada, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings.
Practical Travel Tips
- Walking Shoes: The downtown area is compact, but comfortable shoes are essential. October streets can be slippery with fallen leaves.
- Weather Prep: Dress in layers. Mornings can be near freezing, but afternoons warm up quickly.
- Booking Ahead: For accommodations near the station, I recommend Booking.com Canada or Expedia.ca. Staying downtown means you can explore everything on foot.
- Flights: If you’re arriving from another Canadian city, check Skyscanner Canada or Expedia.ca for affordable options to Kamloops Airport, then connect to the train or local transit.
- Tickets & Activities: Platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide are excellent for pre-booking museum passes, cultural tours, or seasonal events.
Exploring around Kamloops Train Station in October feels like stepping into a perfectly balanced world: a blend of history, culture, art, nature, and community spirit. I love how easy it is to transition from standing inside a contemporary art gallery to sitting by the river watching geese, or from sipping a pumpkin latte downtown to wandering through Indigenous heritage sites.
The station may be the entry point, but it’s also the anchor to a series of discoveries that feel deeply personal. Every time I leave Kamloops—whether by train, car, or plane—I carry with me not only the sights but also the sensations: the crunch of leaves underfoot, the glow of autumn sunsets, the warmth of a café latte, and the echoes of history that continue to shape this beautiful city.
Kamloops may not shout its charms loudly, but when you arrive by train and wander its surroundings, you quickly learn that it doesn’t need to. The city whispers its stories, and if you listen closely, you’ll fall in love with them, just as I have.
