Snowmobiling BC’s Interior Plateau

KAMLOOPS, BC

SNOWMOBILING BC’S INTERIOR PLATEAU

Memories well-made and snowmobile adventures well played. Let curiosity be your compass through snow-covered rolling ridges, meadow complexes, and playful bluffs chiseled by ancient glaciers. Or begin your journey on the 463 km historic Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail. Welcome to Kamloops - where there is always a local event or trail waiting to be explored.

The region scores top points with riders for its mild winters, 180km of award-winning trails, and one of the most active snowmobile clubs in the province. Come explore a three-day itinerary of family-friendly twists and turns on the Thompson Plateau.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN KAMLOOPS

TRAVEL TIME: 4 HOURS / 354 KM FROM VANCOUVER, 2 HOURS / 167 KM FROM KELOWNA, OR 2.5 HOURS / 212 KM FROM REVELSTOKE

Come as you are and from wherever you may be. Kamloops is centrally located in the heart of British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan region and less than a day’s drive from the province’s east and west borders.

The name Kamloops comes from the Secwépemc word Tk'emlúps meaning ‘Meeting of the Rivers’. It is here, at the convergence of the North and South Thompson Rivers, that the vibrant city sprawls over sagebrush and ponderosa pine-covered river banks. While life in the arid valley bottom may feel more like a scene out of an old Western movie, the terrain quickly rises into sub-alpine wetlands and vast old-growth forests full of high-altitude adventures.

To reach the staging area, head North of town on Lac Du Bois Road, drive up to the junction at 21km (note that at 19km the name changes to Sawmill Road), park at 22km, and unload for a family-friendly day of riding.

The Kamloops Snowmobile Association was awarded the prestigious title of Canadian Snowmobile Club of the Year in 2020. They maintain a vast network of groomed trails, 9 day-use warming shelters, and are the designated stewards for snowmobile trails within four BC Parks. Trail passes are required and available for purchase online via their website.

Arrive in Kamloops and unpack for the weekend at one of over 50 accommodation options available. The Coast Kamloops Hotel is a great choice with the indoor saltwater pool, hot tub, sauna, and wading pool for the little ones. If you’re a hockey family, the Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel might be more in your end zone. Walk right over and catch a Blazers game for a little WHL hockey action. Maybe your team has some energy to burn after the day’s drive? Play an away game of pick-up hockey on Inks Lake. This is the tournament capital after all!

For a relaxed evening with a view from the shoulders of Mt Peter and Mt Paul try Masons Kitchen and Bar. Fuel up for a weekend full of outdoor experiences with the schnitzel or 9 oz baseball steak! 

We say goodbye to the welcoming warmth of Wendego and head for the premier riding destination of Porcupine Meadows Provincial Park. Take Samson Blvd to reach Sam’s Cabin. Once you are in the park there are many kilometers of trails and meadows to boondock in.

No trip is complete without a ride to the 100-year-old fire lookout. The club has installed fog poles to follow in the event of low visibility to navigate up and back down to Sam’s Cabin. You can continue to explore the vast trail network or make your way via Watching Creek Road to Lyle’s Trail back to the staging area.

DAY 2 - RIDE PORCUPINE RIDGE & THE TRANQUILLE PLATEAU

TRAVEL TIME: 45 MINUTES TO STAGING AREA / 30KM

Leave the tumbleweeds, prickly pears, and hibernating rattlesnakes behind as we head north to explore the award winning snowmobile trails of Porcupine Ridge and the Tranquille / Bonaparte Plateau. The area includes over 2700 hectares of sub-alpine snowmobiling at elevations up to 6000ft. The snowfall here is light, dry and plentiful… averaging about 13 ft of accumulation between December to April each year.

Kamloops is all about unscripted adventure, but here is our highlight reel with a little coaching for rookies to the region.

Begin at the staging area. Ride to 23km and take Lyle’s Trail, then take the first left on Robin’s Marine Corridor up to 31.5km to reach the Main Phoenix shelter for lunch. Spend some time playing in the meadow. It’s a great place to meet new riders and for kids of all ages to practice skills. 

When you’re ready to get to the powder, take the Len Wood Blvd Trail, continue on Atlas Trail, and then to Rapid Cool Trail. Hop on the Wendego Lodge Trail. The lodge itself is a private off-grid fishing resort but its doors are always open for sledders to stop in and grab a cup of coffee.

Celebrate a great day on the snow with a little après at one of 5 exciting and unique microbreweries, 3 distilleries, or 2 cideries in Kamloops. Grab a pint and watch the game or play arcade classics in the Brewcade at Bright Eye Brewing. Check out the brewing process up close at Iron Road Brewing or Red Collar Brewing / Gin Lane Distilling.

Celebrate the local bounty of fresh herbs, produce, and regional wines at Cordo Resto & Bar. Try the Rigatoni Bolognese (add the braised meatballs of course) with dine-in, take out, or delivery options.

Cap off the day with family snow-tubing and a bonfire at local ski hill Harper Mountain. The tube park is open daily as well as Thursday to Sunday evenings until 9pm.

Set your compass for adventure today - the choice is yours!

Depart from your hotel in Kamloops to explore the snowmobile trails at Tod Mountain. Make a pit stop for a classically Canadian axe-perience at Cleavage Axe Co to sharpen your skills and forge memories with the family.

Or leave the sleds behind and visit the 200 rehabilitated and recovering animals that call the BC Wildlife Park home. The park has an incredible array of wildlife and exhibits to make a rewarding winter visit. If you visit in December, the annual Wildlights celebration is not to be missed.

If you take a detour along your way via East Shuswap Road, you can catch glimpses of Kamloops’ famous sandstone bluffs and weather-carved hoodoos on your way. Try your hand at angling for Kokanee Salmon or trout on one of many nearby frozen lakes. From laid-back paths to rugged terrain, put on your hiking boots and find a route that’s just right for you to stretch your legs.

Perhaps your journey is just getting started? Kamloops is the gateway to the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail which follows the historic traverse many pioneers made in the 1850's in search of the ultimate motherlode. Today, riders can set out from Kamloops to travel the 463 km trail linking the communities of Clinton, 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, Likely, and Wells, BC. If it’s not on your list this year, consider this an open invitation for a return visit to discover more of Kamloops next time!

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Sledder Resources For This Trip

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