Kamloops Lake Lake

Address: Kamloops Lake, British Columbia, Canada - along the Thompson River valley

Hours: Open year-round

Admission: Free (boating and outfitters charge)

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.

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.

• 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.