While it might seem overwhelming to choose the best activities for you, your friends and your family, Omega has chosen seven you can’t miss.
Skiing or Snowboarding in Sun Peaks
It’s hard not to mention Sun Peaks when talking about the perfect winter day. Located 45 minutes north of Kamloops, enjoy 4,720 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains at Sun Peaks Resort, Canada’s second-largest ski area. The resort is now open for the season, and day tickets can be purchased in advance online.
Ice Skating
Keep the tradition alive and skate your way into the holidays. Kamloops is home to frozen lakes and drinks where you can take part in one of winter’s greatest hobbies. Ice skate amongst snow-covered trees at Inks Lake, or if you want to stay indoors try the McArthur Island or Sandman Centre. If you’re new to this activity, don’t worry; indoor rinks offer different accessibility features.
Try the local food scene
Cozy up inside for winter and try a brew from one of Kamloops’ many local craft breweries. Each serves up its own unique, innovative flare in the form of great food and beer. Located throughout the city, these restaurants will let you enjoy different wineries while staying warm.
Kamloops Farmers Market
Fans of this weekly attraction will not have to say goodbye once the cold hits, as the market is moved indoors to the Purity Feed Greenhouse (471 Okanagan Way, Kamloops). Enjoy your morning, and scout any local goods you might need to make this season even sweeter.
Live performances
Get that spark of magic with Western Canada Theatre’s rendition of Beauty and the Beast, and experience the dazzling spectacle perfect for any age. The show will run from Nov. 21 to Dec 8. This production promises to be filled with wonder, romance, and stirring songs.
Parades
It’s not a Holiday without a parade. Don’t miss Santa Claus, who will be arriving downtown at the end of the month. On Nov. 24, downtown Kamloops will transform into a Christmas village for its 44th season. This year’s parade theme, Holiday Movie Magic, will welcome the Christmas season. Not feeling Santa Claus? The Krampus Parade is full of jangling bells, shaggy fur pelts, curved horns and scary masks. It will take place on Dec. 7 at Riverside Park.
Gingerbread Houses
Feeling up to some competition? Running from Dec.1-24, the Coast Kamloops Hotel in partnership with the Kamloops Y Women’s Emergency Shelter will host a Gingerbread House competition. The public is invited to view and judge some creative and festive gingerbread house entries at Uptown Chefs Catering + Events and ROMEOs Kitchen + Spirits.
Guests are encouraged to “bring a toy or gift donation for the Kamloops Y Women’s Shelter,” while “[h]ampers will be available on-site for drop-off, and your contributions will help brighten the holidays for families in need.”
The houses will be displayed daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission will be free for all.