Written by Jillian Hearn, Fourth Year Psychology and Sociology Student, SWAT Member
There are so many benefits to getting active. This includes reducing risks of illnesses/diseases, strengthening bones and muscles, improving both mental health and mood, and so much more. Luckily there are many ways for students at TRU to be active without even leaving the campus: there are intramural sports teams, free fitness classes, free access to the TCC swimming pool, and half off a gym membership at the TCC as well. However, now that the weather is starting to turn into warm sunshiny days, you may find yourself wanting to get active outside to take advantage of this. If this is the case, then this is the blog for you. Kamloops has so many beautiful and scenic hikes to offer and these are just a few of them:
Kenna Cartwright- Sunset Trail
Within Kenna Cartwright there are several trails you can take. One of the many good things about this park is that the trails are very well marked. An excellent trail within Kenna Cartwright is the Sunset Trail.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Distance: approximately 5 kilometers
Starting point: Kenna Cartwright Park – Hillside Drive Entrance, 2000 Hillside Drive
To get to Kenna Cartwright Park from TRU, drive up Hillside Drive toward Aberdeen Mall. Continue along the road past Canadian Tire and Dufferin Elementary School. The parking lot will be clearly marked on your right hand side.
To begin your hike, follow Tower Trail from the parking lot, turn left onto Prickly Pear Cactus. Follow the fence up the hill and turn left as the trail merges onto Powerline Trail. The path then merges again onto Ponderosa, turn left. The next left will be Sunset Trail, continue down this path. There will be a picnic table and patio deck overlooking Kamloops Lake. You have reached your destination!
View of Kamloops Lake – Battle Bluffs
This hike has one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. There are several nice viewpoints the whole way up but by far the nicest is the view when you reach the top.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Distance: approximately 4 kilometers
Starting point: Frederick Road
Starting from TRU, drive down Summit Drive and take the Overlanders Bridge. Continue down Fortune Drive. Fortune will turn into Tranquille Road as you go through the lights. Keep driving straight until you see the Kamloops Airport. Then reset your odometer once you are on the main road at the turnoff for the Kamloops Airport. Now you go west, towards the Tranquille Farm. After 5.6 km, at the junction to the farm, stay right and cross over the railroad tracks and head up Criss Creek Road. Continue on the gravel road and cross Tranquille Creek. The road starts to climb out of the valley, over a cattle guard and continues upward 9.9 km (from the Airport turnoff). Go straight, onto Frederick Road, and enter the Dewdrop Valley. Continue on Frederick Road for another 1.5 km (from the Frederick Road turnoff), and park your vehicle well off the side of the road. You have reached the beginning of the hike!
The trail starts at a flat field and leads into a gully between two small hills. It then opens up into a grassland where you are able to see Kamloops Lake. Follow the trail down the to the flat grassy area. A neat spot along the way is the body of an old vehicle on the side of the trail. The path will then start to climb up to the lookout, steeply at first and the terrain will turn from dirt to rock. Once at the top there is a beautiful 360-degree view of the Thompson Valley and Kamloops Lake. A great place for a picnic!
Bridal Veil Falls in Peterson Creek
This trail is to use at your own risk, as it is not monitored. The hike is a quick one, but it involves walking along the rocks of the creek bed. For this reason I would recommend wearing some good rain boots as well as going in pairs as it is nice to have an extra hand! The hike begins in the very accessible downtown location and the view is magnificent!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 30-50 minutes
- Distance: approximately 1 kilometer
Starting point: Peterson Creek, Downtown entrance
To get here from TRU drive downtown via Columbia Street. Stay in the right lane. Turn right on 5th Avenue toward the courthouse. Drive through the parking lot to the left until you see a bridge with a sign that says “Peterson Creek”. Cross the bridge and turn right, follow the semi gravel road until you reach the parking lot. The trailhead is at the end of the lot. There is a sign with a trail map near the entrance, take a look to familiarize yourself with the area. To get to the waterfall, follow Tom Moore Trail (stay to the left) until you reach a caution sign. This marks the start of the Bridal Veil Falls trail. The trail leads into a small valley, follow this from here on out. The trek from here to the falls is quite rocky and wet so be careful where you step. There are also some steep steps so you may need to do a little bit of climbing. The walk is a little bit difficult but the falls are very much worth it. Close to the falls there is also a small cave that you may explore. Around the bend are the gorgeous waterfalls!
Remember to bring water on these outdoor adventures to stay hydrated, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of it all. Also, let someone know where you are going in case you have troubles on your journey.
Now get active outdoors and ‘take a hike’!
References/Resources:
The Benefits of Physical Activity- http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/
Battle Bluff- http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Battle-Bluffs-near-Kamloops-BC-718
