McArthur Island Park Kamloops
Kamloops' expansive island park offering sports fields, a riverside trail, skate park, and wildlife viewing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for wildlife spotting
McArthur Island Park Kamloops
Best Time
Ideal for wildlife spotting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kamloops' expansive island park offering sports fields, a riverside trail, skate park, and wildlife viewing.
"A massive, multi-use space that really feels like Kamloops’ backyard."
🚶♀️ Walk the Island Loop
Enjoy the 3km paved path for a scenic stroll or jog with river views. Great for all ages!
🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips
Look for turtles along the riverbanks, especially in warmer months. Early mornings are best!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Riverside Loop Trail
Around the island
A flat, paved 3km path offering scenic river views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Perfect for walks, jogs, or bike rides.
Sports Fields & Skate Park
Central areas
Home to numerous soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and a popular skate park, buzzing with activity.
Disc Golf Course
Northwest section
An 18-hole course suitable for all skill levels, offering a fun and free outdoor activity for families and friends.
Wildlife Viewing
Riverbanks and grassy areas
Spot turtles, marmots, and diverse bird species in their natural habitat. Best seen during quieter times of day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Wildlife Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Island Loop
Enjoy the 3km paved path for a scenic stroll or jog with river views. Great for all ages!
🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips
Look for turtles along the riverbanks, especially in warmer months. Early mornings are best!
⚽️ Sports Hub
Home to many sports fields; check for local tournaments to catch exciting games. 
🥏 Disc Golf Fun
Play a round on the free 18-hole disc golf course. Bring your own discs or rent them locally.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Island Loop
Enjoy the 3km paved path for a scenic stroll or jog with river views. Great for all ages!
🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips
Look for turtles along the riverbanks, especially in warmer months. Early mornings are best!
⚽️ Sports Hub
Home to many sports fields; check for local tournaments to catch exciting games.
🥏 Disc Golf Fun
Play a round on the free 18-hole disc golf course. Bring your own discs or rent them locally.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of free parking available throughout the park, making access easy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
McArthur Island Park is a highly versatile community space, praised for its extensive sports facilities and scenic riverside trail. Visitors appreciate the ample free parking and the opportunity for wildlife spotting. However, some note the absence of dogs and occasional overcrowding during events.
"It's an island not a park. The design of the park is good. There are a few big sport fields around the road.
If you are a visitor, you may drive a little half round of this island. There are many parking and washroom along the road.
We go there in the late evening so we didn't see any wild life.
If you have time, I think there are a good trail goes around the whole island. I see people using bikes to stroll around. It may take some time for a round stroll."
wah chi yip
"This park feels like a mix of sports hub and riverside escape. The 3 km loop trail is flat and easy, perfect for a morning walk or jog, and you’ll often spot marmots or ducks along the way. Families use the open fields for soccer and baseball, while the skate park and disc golf course keep things lively. What I liked most was how you can step off the busy fields and suddenly find yourself by the river, with quiet views and plenty of space to breathe. It’s not a polished “showpiece” park—it’s more of a community space where locals gather, which makes it feel welcoming and real."
BAHAR
"McArthur Island Park is a massive, multi-use space that really feels like Kamloops’ backyard. It’s got everything: soccer fields, baseball diamonds, a disc golf course, skate park, and even a butterfly garden tucked near the river. The loop trail around the island is flat and paved — great for walking, jogging, or biking. Parking is free and plentiful, and there are clean public washrooms near the sports facilities. It’s not a quiet nature park, but there’s enough green space and river views to balance out the buzz of activity. Families, athletes, and casual walkers all find their rhythm here. If you’re visiting Kamloops and want a spot that blends nature with community energy, this is it."
Sepideh Shams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McArthur Island Park is easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available throughout the island. Public transit options are also available, with bus routes stopping near the park entrances.
Yes, the park features a 3km paved loop trail that is perfect for cycling, rollerblading, and other wheeled activities.
Yes, there is a boat launch available at McArthur Island Park, making it convenient for water enthusiasts.
While specific routes can vary, Kamloops public transit generally serves areas near McArthur Island Park. It's recommended to check the local transit schedule for the most up-to-date information.
The park is accessible from multiple points, with main entrances leading to the sports fields and the riverside trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, McArthur Island Park is free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees for general access.
The park frequently hosts sporting events, tournaments, and community gatherings. It's best to check local event listings or the City of Kamloops website for current schedules.
McArthur Island Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities like the sports centre may have separate operating hours.
General park access is free. However, if you plan to use specific facilities for organized events or tournaments, booking or registration might be required through the event organizers.
Dogs are not allowed in McArthur Island Park, which is a key restriction for pet owners.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors often spot turtles, marmots, and a variety of bird species along the riverbanks and grassy areas.
Yes, clean public washrooms are available throughout the park, particularly near the sports facilities.
The park boasts numerous soccer fields, baseball diamonds, a skate park, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Absolutely! With its open fields, playgrounds, and recreational activities, it's a fantastic destination for families.
Yes, there are plenty of open green spaces perfect for picnics. While specific picnic tables might be limited, the expansive grounds offer ample room.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverside loop offers beautiful natural scenery and wildlife photo opportunities. The sports fields can be dynamic during events, and the general park landscape provides a pleasant backdrop.
Capturing wildlife like turtles or marmots, or the vibrant atmosphere during a sports tournament, can lead to unique shots. The changing seasons also offer distinct photographic potential.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. Midday can be good for capturing the energy of sports activities.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the City of Kamloops or Transport Canada for current bylaws and restrictions regarding drone operation in public parks.
While not a single iconic landmark, the expansive river views, the variety of sports facilities, and the natural elements like trees and water create many picturesque scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents will appreciate the ample free parking and readily available washrooms, making a day out more convenient. The park's welcoming atmosphere and diverse recreational options ensure that children of all ages can find something to enjoy, from chasing butterflies to watching local sports games.
🏃♀️ Active Individuals & Athletes
The skate park caters to urban sports enthusiasts, while the 18-hole disc golf course provides a unique challenge. Whether you're training for an event or just looking for a dynamic workout, the park offers diverse facilities to meet your fitness goals.
🌳 Nature Lovers & Wildlife Watchers
While it's a busy recreational hub, pockets of tranquility can be found along the riverbanks, offering a chance to appreciate the local flora and fauna. Early mornings are particularly recommended for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Riverside Loop
The trail is well-maintained and offers a refreshing experience in all seasons. During spring and fall, the changing foliage adds a vibrant palette to the scenery, while summer offers lush greenery. The accessibility of this loop makes it a favorite for locals and visitors alike, ensuring everyone can enjoy the riverside ambiance.
This loop is more than just a path; it's an invitation to connect with the environment. Whether you're seeking a moment of quiet reflection or a way to stay active, the riverside trail at McArthur Island Park provides a serene and scenic backdrop for your outdoor pursuits.
A Hub for Sports and Recreation
Beyond traditional field sports, the park also features a popular skate park that draws in skateboarders and BMX riders of all skill levels. For a more unique recreational activity, the 18-hole disc golf course offers a fun and challenging experience for enthusiasts. These diverse sporting amenities ensure that there's always something happening, catering to a wide range of athletic interests.
The park's commitment to recreation extends to its role as a host for significant sporting events, such as provincial championships. This positions McArthur Island Park as a key venue in the region for organized sports, contributing to Kamloops' identity as a tournament capital.
Wildlife Encounters
Beyond turtles, keep an eye out for marmots scurrying across the grassy areas and a diverse array of birdlife that frequents the park. Early mornings and late evenings are generally considered the best times for wildlife viewing, as animals are often more active during these cooler parts of the day.
While sightings are not guaranteed, the presence of these creatures adds an extra layer of enjoyment to a visit. It's a reminder of the natural beauty that coexists with the park's recreational facilities, offering a chance for a peaceful connection with nature.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit