6 Affordable Day Trips for TRU Students on a Budget
Students looking for TRU off-campus housing in Kamloops will love the amenities at Summit Village Residences and its convenient locale, within walking distance of the TRU campus and downtown Kamloops. The area around Kamloops, including the Thompson River beaches and lakes it feeds, is renowned for its world-class amenities and parks within day-trip distance to the city.
Once you’ve settled in at Summit Village and find some time to plan an excursion or two to take advantage of the surrounding landscape, you’ll be amazed at the number and quality of opportunities for fun, history, sport, and fitness that are within a few minutes’ drive, many being accessible year-round.
Here are just a few of the affordable and fun activities for anyone living in Kamloops on a student budget. Simply choose one that’s compatible with your interests, fitness level and appetite for adventure, and away you go!
For animal and nature lovers
BC Wildlife Park, 9077 Dallas Dr. Kamloops
Why: Here’s where you spend real time among BC’s legendary wildlife: bears, wolves, big cats, bison, elk, moose, and countless birds ─ from hawks and owls to swans and ducks ─ all protected in their natural habitat. The park also offers educational programs and guided tours.
Where: The BC Wildlife Park is on the Trans-Canada Highway, 15 minutes east of Kamloops city centre.
When: Open Daily 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, from May 1 to October 10, shorter hours in the winter months.
Cost: Adults, $15.50. Check the website for seasonal passes and packages and group pricing.
For adrenaline junkies
Kamloops Bike Ranch, off Highland Road at Qu’Appelle Blvd.
Why: You have a mountain bike sitting in your Summit Village storage space and just need the right place to start riding. Well, here it is.
Where: 26 hectare area located between Valleyview and Juniper Ridge neighbourhoods.
When: Spring through fall (May through October)
Cost: No cost if you’re on your own. Guided tours start at $45 per person.
Harper Mountain Snow Town Tube Park, 2580 Harper Mountain Rd.
Why: For many students, alpine ski and board passes are beyond your winter recreation budget. You can head to the tube park instead, for the most fun you can have on a hill for the least amount of cash, then warm up by the fireplace in the log lodge.
Where: Harper Mountain, 20 minutes outside of Kamloops.
When: All winter. Check the website for booking hours.
Cost: Adults: $15 for 2 hours. Check the website for group rates and tube rentals.
For summer hikers and Nordic skiers
Sun Peaks Resort Summer Hiking, 1280 Alpine Road, Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks Winter Cross Country
Why: Sun Peaks offers one of the most beautiful summer hikes in the province. And you can stop for cool drinks at the resort before heading home. In winter, simply pay for your Nordic ticket, and experience the same place in a winter wonderland, then warm up at the resort.
Where: 45 minutes north of Kamloops.
When: Summer hiking, winter skiing.
Cost: Adult hiking, $20 per day. Adult cross country, $18 for 1-2 days.
For history buffs (or those that like cool trains)
Kamloops Heritage Railway, 510 Lorne St #3, Kamloops
Why: The historic steam train, Spirit of Kamloops, has been restored for the last 3 years and is now open for excursions and events. Fun for everyone: train ride (about 1 hour), entertainment, drinks and snacks ─ and a history lesson included.
Where; Kamloops, Station Plaza at Lorne St.
When: July and August, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Cost: Adult, $25 per person. Check the website for groups and special events pricing.
Secwepemc Museum, 355 Yellowhead Hwy, Kamloops, BC
Why: Archeology lovers and anyone interested in the history of First Nations in BC will love this museum. You get to wander through a 2,000 year old Secwepemc village site and visit the reconstructed pit-houses and summer lodges. The museum also offers basket workshops and tours of the ancient village garden’s traditional plants used in cooking and medicine.
Where: Kamloops
When: 8am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, year-round.
Cost: Adult, $10 per person. Guided tours, $19 per person.
As you can see, there are many short day trips that offer TRU students fun, exercise and entertainment on a budget. For those who want to stay close to home, find out why Summit Village Residences provides ideal TRU housing with its great location, amenities, and nearby shopping and entertainment.
You can read more about housing options in our blog post titled, “TRU Housing – It’s Better at Summit Village Residences”.
