Tk'əmlúps

Situated in the Okanagan Valley in southern British Columbia, the city of Kamloops derives its name from the native Shuswap word Tk'əmlúps, meaning 'the meeting of the waters'. Although it centres around the formidable Thompson River, Kamloops is known for its semi-arid climate and protection by the Rocky and Columbia Mountains from the extreme Canadian winters. It's also a mecca for outdoorsy-types, and in October 2015, for this girl.

 

The city is built on the banks of the river and surrounded by mountains, so everywhere you go, there is a view. Everywhere.

 

 

 

 

 

That's great for me, because I have no sense of direction so it helps to be able to see my destination from wherever I am standing!

 

The desert climate means you get to see things you don't expect to see in Canada as well: tumbleweeds, cacti, and dry thorny spaces, all of which make for beautiful photographic opportunities.

 

 

 

 

From the top of the mountains, though, there are some pretty stellar reminders of just where you are...
 

 

 

... and below, of course, the city itself is picture perfect.

 

 

 

Within the town, the native heritage is obvious

 

 

 and the semi-annual onslaught of seasonal tourists means parks and greenspaces abound. I'm looking forward to rafting the Thompson myself one day soon.

 

 

 

 

With a population of about 85k, Kamloops is a bit bigger than I imagined, but its distinctive beauty and easygoing lifestyle have placed it near the top of my shortlist of places I want to live someday.