Kenna Cartwright Nature Park Kamloops
Expansive all-season park with diverse trails for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing, offering breathtaking city and lake views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom!
Kenna Cartwright Nature Park Kamloops
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Expansive all-season park with diverse trails for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing, offering breathtaking city and lake views.
"The view from the top was great and I felt a good sense of accomplishment when I made it up."
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Many trails are steep and can be challenging. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
Shade can be scarce on some trails, so staying hydrated is crucial, especially on warmer days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Viewpoints
Various summits
Breathtaking vistas of Kamloops Lake, the city, and surrounding mountains. A true reward for your hike!
Lava Flow Trail
Main trail system
A popular, well-maintained trail offering stunning panoramic views, perfect for a rewarding hike.
Wildflower Blooms
South side of the park
In spring, witness vibrant Balsamroot and Saskatoon flowers painting the grasslands.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Difficulty & Preparation
Wildlife & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Many trails are steep and can be challenging. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
Shade can be scarce on some trails, so staying hydrated is crucial, especially on warmer days.
🗺️ Download a trail map
While trails are generally well-marked, a map ensures you won't get lost and can explore diverse routes.
☀️ Pack a wide-brimmed hat
Protect yourself from the sun, as exposed sections of the trails offer little natural shade.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Many trails are steep and can be challenging. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
Shade can be scarce on some trails, so staying hydrated is crucial, especially on warmer days.
🗺️ Download a trail map
While trails are generally well-marked, a map ensures you won't get lost and can explore diverse routes.
☀️ Pack a wide-brimmed hat
Protect yourself from the sun, as exposed sections of the trails offer little natural shade.
🐶 Leashed dogs welcome
It's a great spot for dogs, but owners are expected to be responsible and keep them under control.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kenna Cartwright Nature Park for its stunning panoramic views and well-maintained trails, making it a rewarding destination for hikers and bikers. While many appreciate the variety of routes and the free access, some find the steepness of certain trails challenging, particularly for families with young children. The park offers a great outdoor escape with amenities like restrooms and parking, though some noise from nearby highways can be noticeable.
"A great walk with stunning views. You can choose your difficulty level. Watch out for trail bikes coming down. Easiest way was to park off hillside. Beautiful views."
Kimberly Code
"There are quite a few trails here. Most are steep so be ready to go up. The view from the top was great and I felt a good sense of accomplishment when I made it up. We took the main viewpoint trail. It took about 1 hour to go up, hang out a bit at the top, then go down. I would not take my kids. They would have complained a lot. It is all up! There was parking, it was easy to find, there was a bathroom and garbage can at the base of the trail and this was a good trail to try if you are looking for a good little hike and aren’t from town - it was easy to find and it is well marked, you won’t get lost."
Lyndsay Van Achte
"Trail is well maintain! Our dog love it.
We walked in black diamond trail and its doable if you walked alot before.
Nice view in the top!
Free parking, toilet pit in the area, there is a bike repair station near in the parking lot.
There is a lot of trail in the area too."
Adette Balot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is easily accessible by car, with free parking available at the main trailhead. It's located on the west side of Kamloops.
While direct public transport to the trailhead might be limited, you can check local Kamloops transit routes for options that get you close to the park's vicinity.
The main parking lot at the base of the park is convenient and offers access to restrooms and a bike repair station.
Yes, Kenna Cartwright Park has multiple access points and trailheads, allowing for various starting points for your hike or bike ride.
The main parking lot can accommodate standard vehicles. Larger RVs might find parking more challenging, especially during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Kenna Cartwright Nature Park is free to enter and explore. Enjoy the natural beauty without any admission cost.
The park is generally open year-round from dawn until dusk. Specific hours can vary slightly by season, but it's accessible for most of the day.
There are no tickets or reservations required to visit Kenna Cartwright Park. It's a public space open for all to enjoy.
Generally, no permits are needed for hiking, cycling, or snowshoeing. However, for organized events or commercial activities, permits might be necessary.
Yes, Kenna Cartwright Park is a popular destination for snowshoeing and winter hiking, offering a beautiful snowy landscape.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Lava Flow Trail for views and Tower Trail for a steep challenge. Many interconnected trails offer diverse experiences.
Absolutely! The park boasts over 40km of diverse trails suitable for mountain bikers of all skill levels.
Yes, there are restrooms located at the base of the main trailhead, which is convenient for visitors.
Expect stunning panoramic views of Kamloops Lake, the city of Kamloops, and the surrounding grasslands and mountains.
Some trails are quite steep and challenging, which might be difficult for very young children. However, there are gentler sections, and the main viewpoint trail can be manageable for older kids.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints at the top of the trails offer incredible panoramic shots. The Lava Flow Trail is particularly scenic.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the landscape. Spring offers colorful wildflowers.
You might encounter various birds and small mammals. Always maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check with the City of Kamloops Parks Department for current rules regarding drone usage in municipal parks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for a workout. The park is also a popular spot for dogs, so your children might enjoy seeing other well-behaved pets on the trails.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Dog Walkers
It's a popular spot for off-leash dogs, and most owners are conscientious about keeping their pets under control, making it a pleasant experience for both you and your furry companion.
🚴 Mountain Bikers
You'll find a mix of climbs, descents, and flowing singletrack that make for an exciting ride. There's even a bike repair station located near the main parking lot, which is a thoughtful amenity for cyclists.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
If you're seeking a more strenuous challenge, Tower Trail offers a direct, steep ascent to a prominent viewpoint. Trail maintenance is generally excellent, with paths being well-kept and clearly marked, reducing the risk of getting lost.
In winter, these same trails transform into a picturesque landscape for snowshoeing and winter hiking, making the park a year-round destination. Wildlife and Nature
Keep an eye out for other native wildflowers like Yellowbells and Buttercups, which often appear earlier in the season. While exploring, you might encounter various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Visitors have noted the presence of coyotes and bears, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially during early morning or late evening hikes.
Photography Opportunities
For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The warm, soft light at these times can dramatically enhance the beauty of the landscape.
Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a telephoto lens if you hope to photograph any local wildlife from a safe distance. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit