Kamloops Lake
Lake Long glacial lake in British Columbia's Thompson region
A long, narrow reservoir on British Columbia’s Thompson River, Kamloops Lake offers fishing, boating and roadside viewpoints along Highway 1; anglers and paddlers use lakefront access points for recreation and camping.
Kamloops Lake is a long, narrow body of water in south-central British Columbia, formed where the Thompson River widens west of the city of Kamloops. It is part of the Thompson River system and lies along the river’s course toward the Fraser River.
The lake is used for recreational boating and fishing and is appreciated for its shoreline scenery and backcountry access points. Several small communities and access roads lie along its shores, and the lake is commonly encountered on regional road and rail routes.
The lake has formed part of the riverine corridor used historically for travel and trade in the Thompson River valley. It also sits within the traditional territory of regional First Nations.
Kamloops Lake stretches west of the city of Kamloops in British Columbia and is reached from the city and nearby highways; it lies in a semi-arid interior landscape framed by river valleys and rolling hills.
How to Get to Kamloops Lake #
Kamloops Lake is reached from the city of Kamloops via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) heading west toward Cache Creek; local access roads lead to campgrounds and boat launches along the lake’s shores.
Tips for Visiting Kamloops Lake #
- Drive the Trans-Canada Highway along the lake's southern shore for dramatic viewpoints - stop at pullouts for photos.
- Book trout-fishing charters in advance during peak season (May-September).
- If planning a long road trip, plan to cross the Mount Paul area for alternate scenic routes and wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit Kamloops Lake #
Best in summer for boating and fishing, shoulder seasons for quieter visits.
Weather & Climate near Kamloops Lake #
Kamloops Lake's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 11 mm.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 41 mm of rain.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.
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