Hikes in North Thompson Valley

The Hoodoo Mara Mountain Connector is a challenging 7.6 km lollipop hiking route within Lac du Bois Grasslands Provincial Park that will take up a steep, rocky route to reach viewpoints at two different peaks on Mara Mountain. Along the trail, you will experience some amazing views of the nearby hoodoo rock formations before climbing further uphill for an amazing view stretching out across the valley. The upper portions of this hike are very steep and exposed, so make sure to wear proper hiking footwear and take your time on the way to the summits.

The Lac du Bois Tower Loop is a 6.4 km hiking circuit northwest of Kamloops that will allow you to experience the beauty of the rolling grassland landscape within Lac du Bois Grasslands Provincial Park. Along the trail, you will loop through the countryside around a hilltop tower surrounded by rolling green hills and the vast expanse of the open blue sky. This is a great hike with gentle inclines that is suitable for casual and experienced hikers alike.

The Cinnamon Ridge Trail is a 1.8 km lollipop hiking route in Kamloops that will take you uphill for some scenic views of nearby hoodoo rock formations and the valley below. While the route is short, it is also fairly steep in some parts and will require you to watch your footing. If you are looking for a longer and more difficult version of this hike, continue up along Cinnamon Ridge for some even more amazing views of the hoodoo rock formations that are set further back from the trailhead.

The Sun Peaks Hike is a 7.4 km lollipop route at the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort that will take you uphill along the ski slopes to experience some amazing views across the mountainous landscape. Timing this hike for the late summer months will produce even more stellar views as the grassy meadows covering the slopes will be bursting with wildflowers in full bloom. To hike in this area, you will need a hiking pass that you can purchase from the resort.

The Old Mills Trail is a 4.5 km out-and-back hiking route northeast of Kamloops that will take you uphill through the forest for some scenic views looking out over Heffley Lake. Made up of well-maintained trails with ample signage and a good amount of shade, this route is perfect for casual and experienced hikers alike. If you are looking for a longer hike in the area, try utilizing the adjacent network of trails to hike further up embleton mountain for even better views.

The Beacon Hill hike is a 64.0 km lollipop route just outside of Kamloops that traverses the picturesque terrain of Lac du Bois Grasslands Provincial Park and offers some amazing views that sweep across the North Thompson Valley. Hikers along this trail will experience vast blue skies and rolling green hills that are interrupted only by the small lakes and coursing rivers that dissect the landscape. With well maintained trails and easy to navigate terrain, this route is perfect for hikers of all skill levels.

The Gibraltar Rock from Paul Lake Hike is a 6.1 km out-and-back route north of Kamloops, BC, that will take you to the top of the distinctive rock formation for amazing views across the woodland landscape. Along the trail, you will make your way through slightly overgrown sections of bush and under the shady canopy of the trees to the viewpoint overlooking Paul Lake. With a gradual incline and easy-to-navigate route, this hike is perfect for casual adventurers and weekend warriors.

Hiking to Gibraltar Rock via the Bluff Trail follows a 4.0 km out-and-back trail that sets out from the Paul Lake Campground and climbs uphill to a scenic lookout point with views of the surrounding area. Along the trail, hikers will gradually work their way through the thick forest canopy before making the short but steep climb up to the rocky Bluff for an amazing sightline over Paul Lake. Remember to bring bear spray and make plenty of noise along the trail, as bears are often seen on and around the trail.

The trek to Gibraltar Rock follows a 3.2 km out-and-back trail that sets out from the Paul Lake Beach area and heads west to the lookout at the summit of Gibraltar Rock. Once there, you will be greeted with an amazing view overlooking the surrounding woodland valley and the calm waters of Paul Lake nestled within it. Remember to bring bear spray along for this hike, as the animals are frequently seen in the vicinity of the trail due to its proximity to the campsite.

The Raft Peak Trail is a 6.4 km out-and-back hiking route northeast of Clearwater, BC, that will take you up a steep ridgeline for some amazing views over the surrounding mountains and the North Thompson Valley. Along the trail, you will hike through a nice stretch of meadow and light forest cover before making the steep climb up the rocky, technical ridge. Although this is a challenging hike, your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the green valley below and Wells Gray Provincial Park to the north.

The Community Trail is a 13.4 km point-to-point hiking route just north of Kamloops, BC, that will allow you to experience the varied terrain and natural beauty of Lac du Bois Grasslands Provincial Park. Along the trail, you will traverse rolling grassland hills, hike past charming lakes, and make your way through the beautifully scenic forests that make up this gorgeous park. While this route description is for a one-way hike, you are more than able to complete the trail as a 26.8 km out-and-back if you feel up for a long-distance challenge.

The Embleton Mountain Loop is an 8.4 km lollipop hiking route northeast of Kamloops that climbs uphill through a beautiful forest to several lookouts with views across the valley and the calm waters of Heffley Lake below. Along the trail, you will make your way under the shade of the tree canopy and across several bubbling streams to a scenic viewpoint with a small hilltop picnic area and gazebo. The well-maintained nature of the trail and fairly easy terrain make this a great day-hike for both casual and experienced hikers.

The Doc Findlay Loop is a 2.6 km hiking circuit in Kamloops that passes through the Kenna Cartwright Nature Park for some amazing views overlooking Kamloops and the North Thompson Valley. The trail is made up of very well-maintained and easy to navigate dirt paths that cross forested and exposed terrain, making them ideal for hikers of all skill levels. Although children will have no problem traversing the landscape, some areas of the trail are uneven and narrow, which might make mobility a challenge for families with strollers.

The Altitude Trail is a 9.0 km lollipop hiking route at the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort that will allow you to explore the heavily wooded slopes in the area and visit the calm waters of Tod Lake. Along the trail, you will experience some scenic views across the valley and the beautiful subalpine setting around the lake with Tod Mountain in the near distance. Hikers will need to utilize the Sun Burst Chairlift or extend their hike up the mountainside in order to reach the trailhead. You will be required to purchase a hiking pass to utilize the trails in this area.

The Sun Peaks Loop Trail is a 9.0 km lollipop hiking route at the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort that will take you through the forest and into the backcountry to visit Tod Lake. Along the trail, you will hike from the top of the ski runs and through the forest to reach the lake at the foot of Tod Mountain. To reach the trailhead, you will need to either utilize the chairlift or make use of the many trails up the hillside; however, this will extend your hike by several kilometres. You will be required to purchase a hiking pass to utilize the trails in this area.

The Armour Mountain Trail is a 6.3 km lollipop hiking route that will take you into the hills above Barrier for an amazing view of the town and the surrounding valley landscape. This trail largely follows an old ATV path that is well-maintained, making for a pleasant uphill hike to the summit of the mountain. Remember to bring bear spray and make plenty of noise while on the trail, as bears are often seen in the area.