With the Fall semester behind us, winter is well and truly upon us. Although there are lots of lovely things about the winter season, it’s easy to forget them in light of darker, shorter days, and cold weather. So if you’re looking for some fun ways to beat the winter blues, here’s a list of four things to do in Kamloops this winter. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, or you’re new to the city, you’re sure to find something that will give you an excuse to go out, grab some friends, and have some fun this winter!
1. Go to a hockey game
Kamloops is home to the Western Hockey League’s Kamloops Blazers. The Blazers are currently ranked second in the Western conference and have only lost 4 games so far, so it’s sure to be an exciting season. Home games are played at the Sandman Centre Downtown right by Riverside Park. Aside from a chance to watch a good ole hockey game, you can also get some cool Blazers swag at the Blazers Corner Store, grab a snow cone or fresh mini donuts during the intermission, and enjoy a night out with friends. Student tickets are $21.90 and can be purchased online or from the Box Office (phone 250-828-3339). Check out a home game and experience what it’s like in #blazernation.
2. Go skating
Winter and skating go hand in hand. We’ve got five skating rinks in Kamloops that offer Public Skate times. Rates are $6.25 and you have to register online or over the phone by calling 250-828-3500. If you need to purchase skates you can check out Dolson’s Source for Sports in Aberdeen Mall, Consignor Sports on Notre Dame, as well as places like Canadian Tire. There are also a few outdoor rinks in the city, plus we’ve got some small lakes and ponds nearby that are great for outdoor skating once it gets cold enough. But remember: no matter how cold it gets the river in Kamloops never freezes over; it’s very deep, and it has a strong current, so don’t ever try walking out or skating on the river in Kamloops. Whether you choose an indoor or an outdoor rink, bundle up, get some hot chocolate, and have some fun! For everything you need to know about skating in Kamloops, check out Tourism Kamloops’s page.
3. Wildlights
This winter marks the 24th anniversary of Wildlights. Wildlights are a holiday tradition for many in Kamloops, as well as a fun way to support the BC Wildlife Park during the winter. You can head out to the Wildlife Park to experience the Wildlights every night (excluding Christmas) from December 10th until January 3rd. Tickets are $14.95 and the times are 4:00pm to 9:00 pm. With almost 1 million lights this year there are sure to be some beautiful displays and plenty of photo ops. The lights will turn on at 5:00pm and for one dollar you can ride the Wildlife Express Train and get a good look at all the displays—and maybe see some animals too! And if you’re looking for a laugh, Uncle Chris the Clown will also be there most nights. Be sure to bundle up, and enjoy the light show! Click here for more info and to purchase tickets
4. Tubing
If you want to have some fun outdoors this winter, but you aren’t the best skier or snowboarder, then tubing at Harper Mountain is for you. The Snow Town Tube Park is set to open December 12th, and tickets are $20 for two hours. You’ll want to bundle up with snow pants, boots, a warm coat, a hat, and some gloves. You can tube during the day or go Night Tubing on Fridays and Saturdays (be sure to double check the website here for dates and times). There’s even a fire pit to warm up at between trips down the hill.
So what are you waiting for? There’s plenty to do in Kamloops this winter! The only question now is: what are you going to do first?
Written by Cassidy – 4th year Bachelor of Arts student and Future Student Ambassador
