Kamloops

From Halal Explorer

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Kamloops is a city of 90,000 people (2016, 104,000 in the metro area) in the central interior of British Columbia. It is billed as the Tournament Capital of Canada. It has hosted Strauss Canada Cup of Curling, Skate Canada, World Fly Fishing Championships, Tim Horton's Olympic Qualifying Bike Race, and World Junior Hockey Championships.

Kamloops Halal Travel Guide

"Kamloops" is the anglicised version of the Shuswap word "Tk'əmlúps", meaning "meeting of the waters". Shuswap is still spoken in the area by members of the Tk'emlúps Indian Band. An alternative origin sometimes given for the name may have come from the native name's accidental similarity to the French "Camp des loups", meaning "Camp of Wolves"; many early fur traders spoke French. One story perhaps connected with this version of the name concerns an attack by a pack of wolves, much built up in story to one huge white wolf, or a pack of wolves and other animals, travelling overland from the Nicola Country being repelled by a single shot by John Tod and then Chief Trader, thus preventing the fort from attack and granting Tod a great degree of respect locally.

Industries in the Kamloops area include primary resource processing, a copper mine (in Logan Lake). Royal Inland Hospital is the city's largest employer. Thompson Rivers University serves a student body of over 25,000 including a diverse international contingent mainly from Asian countries.

History

The first European explorers arrived in 1811, when David Stuart, sent out from Fort Astoria, a Pacific Fur Company post, spent a winter there with the Secwepemc people. Alexander Ross established a post there in May 1812 - "Fort Cumcloups".

The rival North West Company established another post - Fort Shuswap - nearby in the same year. The two operations were merged in 1813 when the North West Company bought the operations of the Pacific Fur Company. After the North West Company was forced to merge with the Hudson's Bay Company in 1821 and the post became known commonly as Thompson's River Post, or Fort Thompson, which over time became known as Fort Kamloops. The post's journals, kept by its Chief Traders, document a series of inter-Indian wars and personalities for the period and also give much insight to the goings-on of the fur companies and their personnel throughout the entire Pacific slope.

Soon after the forts were founded and the main local village of the Secwepemc and then headed by a chief named Kwa'lila, was moved closer to the trading post in order to control access to its trade, and for prestige and security. With Kwalila's death and the local chieftaincy was passed to his nephew and foster-son Chief Nicola, who led an alliance of Okanagan and Nlaka'pamux people in the plateau country to the south around Stump, Nicola and Douglas Lakes.

Relations between Nicola and the fur traders were often tense, but in the end Nicola was recognised as a great help to the influx of Europeans during the Gold rush, though admonishing those who had been in parties waging violence and looting on the Okanagan Trail, which led from American territory to the Fraser goldfields. Throughout, Kamloops was an important way station on the route of the Hudson's Bay Brigade Trail, which connected Fort Astoria with Fort Alexandria and the other forts in New Caledonia to the north (today's Omineca Country, roughly), and which continued in heavy use through the onset of the Cariboo Gold Rush as the main route to the new goldfields around what was to become Barkerville.

The Gold rush of the 1860s and the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which reached Kamloops from the West in 1883, brought further growth, resulting in the City of Kamloops being incorporated in 1893 with a population of about 500. The logging industry of the 1970s brought many Indo-Canadians into the Kamloops area, mostly from the Punjab region of India. In 1973, Kamloops annexed Barnhartvale and other nearby communities.

How is the Climate in Kamloops

The January mean temperature is −2.8 °C (27 °F). That average sharply increases with an average maximum temperature of 4.3 °C (40 °F) in February. The temperatures drop below −10 °C (14 °F) about 20 days per year.

Summers are warmer than in many places at lower latitudes, with prevailing dry and sunny weather. Daytime humidity is generally under 40% in the summer, sometimes dropping below 20% after a dry spell, which allows for substantial nighttime cooling. Occasional summer thunderstorms can create dry-lightning conditions, sometimes igniting forest fires which the area is prone to.

Kamloops lies in the rain shadow leeward of the Coast Mountains and is biogeographically connected to similar semi-desert areas in the Okanagan region, and a much larger area covering the central/eastern portions of Washington, Oregon and intermontane areas of Nevada, Utah and Idaho in the US.

Travel to Kamloops

50.6761|-120.3408

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kamloops

By Rail

Via Rail's The Canadian passes through Kamloops en route to Vancouver heading west, and Jasper, Edmonton and eventually Toronto to the east. Service is three times a week May to mid-Oct and twice a week otherwise. Kamloops North train station GPS 50.7182,-120.3484 ☎ +1-888-842-7245 CN Junction Road 11 kilometers north of downtown Kamloops via Highway 5.

By car

Both major highways in western Canada pass through Kamloops. The mainline Trans-Canada Highway passes through the Fraser valley from Vancouver in the west, and continues east through Hope, Lytton, Cache Creek and the rest of BC via Salmon Arm, Revelstoke and the Rogers Pass and Golden (British Columbia) | Golden. From there it carries on through the Rockies into Alberta via Banff and Calgary.

The Yellowhead #5 highway heads north from Kamloops to Jasper and Edmonton. This road is a branch; the main Yellowhead Highway (#16) runs east-west from Prince Rupert through Edmonton to Portage la Prairie. Highway #5 is not part of the signed Trans-Canada Highway system.

The Coquihalla #5 provides a much quicker route from Vancouver to Kamloops (4 hours by car). This route takes you through Hope and Merritt, it is considerably less scenic than the Trans-Canada route. The downside of the high altitude road is that it can become dangerous in the winter as sudden weather changes may make the road icy, snow covered or impassible. Check the road conditions before you set out.

Travel on a Bus in Kamloops

How to get around in Kamloops

Kamloops is served by /kamloops/home BC Transit. Getting around to almost anywhere in town is feasible on the adequate, if not stellar, bus routes. The cash fare is $2, or $5 for a day pass (2022). As with BC Transit throughout the province have exact change or ticket fare ready and the drivers do not carry change.

What to see in Kamloops

Kanada-British Columbia-Kamloops Lake - Kamloops Lake

  • BC Wildlife Park - 9077 Dallas Dr 50.6538, -120.0801 ☎ +1 250 573-3242 Opening Hours: March - October daily 9:30AM Monday - 4PM (open until 5PM during summer), November - Feb: weekends & holidays 9:30AM Monday - 4PM $11-15 (child-adult). Rates $3 cheaper in winter Local zoo with many animals from around BC, such as bears (black & grizzly), wolves, cougars, bighorn sheep, and rattlesnakes. There's also a miniature train ride ($1 per person), birds of prey demonstration and playground with splash park for the kids.
  • Thompson Rivers University - McGill Road & University Dr 50.670, -120.365 main entrance "Westgate" is at Hillside & McGill (Hillside becomes University Dr W), "Eastgate" is McGill & University Dr E Summer campus tours daily, and Wednesday night 'Friends of the Gardens' tours of the largest botanical collection in the interior of BC.
  • Two River Junction Musical Revue
  • Kamloops Blazers | Competitive Western Hockey League team. The Blazers play at the Interior Savings Centre.
  • Kamloops Heritage Railway - ☎ +1 250-374-2141 Opening Hours: July: Thursday Friday Saturday 7:30PM; Aug: Thursday Friday Saturday 7PM Spirit Of Kamloops Railtour: adults $25, seniors $22, children $15, family $70 A one of a kind steam locomotive pulls you on a one-hour excursion from the historic former CNR station. On the 8-km round trip, you may encounter a visit from feisty Saloon Girls, seasoned First Nation Storytellers and possibly Billie Miner and the infamous train robber, and her Bad Land Bandittas. Fares include train ride, entertainment, drink, and Snacks.
  • Kamloops Art Gallery | 5th Avenue and Victoria Street Opening Hours: Monday - Wednesday to Friday Saturday 10AM Monday - 5PM, The 10AM Monday - 9PM Adults $5, seniors (62+) $3, children and students free, admission free on Thursday Wheelchair accessible.
  • The Kamloops Museum and Archives
  • The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra
  • Western Canada Theatre
  • Kamloops is also well-known for its public art including numerous pole carvings and murals.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kamloops

  • Lac Du Bois Grasslands Protected Area - Lac du Bois Road or Tranquille Road 50.787, -120.462 For Lac du Bois and the middle of the park, head north on 8th Street (from Fortune Dr in town, or from Halston Ave if you're on Highway 5) and it becomes Bachelor Hills Road and then Lac du Bois Rd; for the southern areas (which have most of the hiking), head west on Tranquille Dr and then Red Lake Road (sometimes called the Tranquille-Criss Creek FSR) - No user fees A park northwest of town that protects a large area of the region's natural grassland. There are a handful of trails for hiking and mountain biking inside the park and an area for ATVs at the southern boundary (ATVs are not allowed inside the park). The scenery and flora are spectacular — many small lakes, wildflowers in early summer, red lava cliffs, bighorn sheep, deer and moose — but be watchful of your step while hiking, this is rattlesnake country. The roads in the park are gravel (some 4x4 only) and can be used by logging trucks so be aware of road conditions and on-coming traffic.
  • MacArthur Island Park - Island Parkway 50.695, -120.374 accessed from the southern end of 12th Street or the western end of MacKenzie Ave Large park with many sports facilities (sports fields, curling and skating rinks), skatepark and short 9-hole golf course. There's a paved trail around the perimeter of the island that provides views of the river and city.

Kamloops Riverside Park - Riverside Park

  • Riverside Park - 100 Lorne Street 50.6783, -120.3388 between Lansdowne Street and the river, next to the Interior Savings Centre Where the North and South Thompson rivers meet. Stroll along the beach, swim or bring the kids to the playground and water park. There is a water park for children and an enclosed swimming area on the river. The Thompson is, however, swift and cold and the swimming area is not always patrolled.
  • Climb -- While not as popular among the rock climbing crowd as Squamish or Penticton and there are several areas that offer climbing in and around the Kamloops areas. Climbing information can be found in a free online guide available at CLIMBKamloops.ca.
  • Ski -- Sun Peaks is a 45-minutes drive north of Kamloops along Highway 5.
  • Golf (roughly 11 18-hole courses, with "Tobiano" being the latest opened June 2007)
  • Mountain bike -- With the hilly and mountainous terrain that varies from wide open to thickly wooded, Kamloops is one of the more popular locations for mountain bike riding in western Canada.
  • Sunmore Ginseng SPA
  • Fish
  • Kamloops Brewery Tours
  • Siwash Lake Ranch - luxury dude ranch - nr. 70 Mile House 51.33313214, -120.91621398 2.5 hours north of Kamloops ☎ +1 250 395-6541 Opening Hours: 8AM to 9PM PST Canada's top luxury guest ranch and eco-friendly destination, offering the world's best horseback riding and fly-fishing adventures in a wilderness paradise.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kamloops

  • Aberdeen Mall 1320 West Trans Canada Highway 50.655099, -120.371332 - A large two-floor upscale mall. It has quite a few attractions, mainly clothes stores. Navigation is also somewhat easier than other malls.

Halal Food & Restaurants

  • D'Agastino Italian - 258 Victoria Street 50.67606, -120.33501 ☎ +1 250 372-1111 Opening from Monday to Saturday 4PM Monday - Close Pasta, Pizzas & mains $16-26 Delicious authentic Italian food in the downtown core.
  • Frick and Frack Tap House - 577 Victoria Street 50.6756, -120.3277 across from the casino ☎ +1 250 851-2030 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11:30AM Monday - 11PM, F-Sa 11:30AM Monday - midnight, Sunday - Monday 11:30AM Monday - 10PM Starters $10-20, mains $15-30 Lively atmosphere with a large menu, including a kids menu. There are a variety of soft drinks on tap (mostly Canadian soft drinks, with a couple of imports).
  • Harold's Family Restaurant - 1771 Trans-Canada Highway 50.6773, -120.2869 ☎ +1 250 372-2135 Opening from Monday to Saturday 6AM Monday - 9PM Sunday 7AM Monday - 9PM $7-16 (breakfast), $10-20 (lunch & dinner) A local favourite for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This place doesn't look like much but has a great feel, awesome service, and tasty home cooked meals.
  • Peter's Pasta | 149 Victoria Street 50.67586, -120.33756 ☎ +1 250 372-8514 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 5PM Monday - 9PM All Pastas and Sauces are handmade on-site. Peter is often present and is always happy to answer any questions or even just make pleasant conversation. Very popular with the local residents — arrive early as they do not take reservations.
  • Sanbiki Japanese Kitchen - 120 5th Ave 50.67652, -120.32979 ☎ +1 250 377-8857 Opening from Monday to Saturday 11:30AM Monday - 2PM and 5PM Monday - 9PM $15-30 Authentically prepared nigiri, sashimi and maki is elegantly presented. Build your own bento box. Featuring several popular favourites as well as local and seasonal specialties, this restaurant is reasonably priced and popular with the local residents. The itamae is very receptive to dietary restrictions. For the more ethically conscious, only free-range eggs and wild-caught fish (when available) are used.
  • Mountain-High Pizzas | Two locations: near the Sprott-Shaw college in Downtown, and at 1465 Trans-Canada Highway. Mountain-High Pizzas is a very good, locally owned and operated Pizzas shop with a great feel.

The legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19.

Pubs and lounges

  • The Duchess on Tranquille | 377 Tranquille Road North Kamloops - This is a combination pub, lounge and exotic nightclub. A great amateur exotic dance contest is held on Wednesday nights. During the evening the clientele is 50/50 men and women and there is a very active dance floor with a great lighting system and fogger.
  • Cactus Jack's | Seymour Street in the downtown core - This is a large facility with a distinct country & western theme. Featuring weekly wet T-shirt contests, bikini bullriding and occasional live music acts.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kamloops

Kamloops - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kamloops, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kamloops. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kamloops and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kamloops. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kamloops. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKamloops: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kamloops.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kamloops: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kamloops, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kamloops.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kamloops, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kamloops, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kamloops and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kamloops, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kamloops, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kamloops without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kamloops is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kamloops.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kamloops is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kamloops, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kamloops Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kamloops

eHalal Group Kamloops is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kamloops. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kamloops.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kamloops ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kamloops. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kamloops, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kamloops are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are a range of lower end and mid-range chain motels in Kamloops, particularly on Columbia Street West (exit 369 if heading east on Highway 1, Summit Dr exit 370 if heading west).

  • Scott's Inn and Restaurant - 551 11th Ave ☎ +1 250-372-8221 From $124 In a quiet residential area. On-site family restaurant, pet-friendly rooms, free parking, airport shuttles, high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi access, indoor pool, hot tub, laundry machines.
  • Hotel 540 | 540 Victoria Street ☎ +1 778-766-4071 +1-800-663-2837 From $160 In the heart of the city. On-site restaurant and lounge, outdoor rooftop pool, hot tub, modern fitness centre.
  • Knights Inn - 625 West Columbia Street 50.6719, -120.3531 ☎ +1 250 374-6944 +1-888-372-7487 $70 and up Fairly basic clean rooms although a bit dated. Most rooms have a small fridge and microwave.
  • Thompson Rivers University Residence & Conference Centre - University Dr 50.6738, -120.3674 enter campus at Westgate (McGill & Hillside), at the traffic circle take the third exit (North Gate) and the residences will be on your right ☎ +1 250-828-8999 +1-877-225-8664 Check-in: 4PM Monday - midnight / Check-out: 11AM $99 for double occupancy, $10 per additional person Offers lodgings for groups and individuals on the TRU campus from May through August. Two and four bedroom options. Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and fitness center. The rooms have kitchenettes, full kitchens are also available on the 2nd, 5th and 10th floors. Excellent transit connections to all areas of the city direct from campus.

News & References Kamloops


Travel Next

  • Vancouver is roughly 355 kilometers (220 miles) to the south west via Highway 5. There are trains, Flights from the Kamloops airports, as well as two major highways connecting the two cities.
  • Sun Peaks - an alpine ski resort 50 kilometers north of Kamloops.
  • Cariboo-Chilcotin, BC's cowboy country and dude ranch region is a one-hour drive west of Kamloops


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