Scenic Views · British Columbia
Columbia Lookout
A drive-up city lookout on Columbia Street West in Kamloops, BC, looking over downtown, the North Shore and the meeting of the North and South Thompson rivers. Best at sunset and after dark.
What visitors say
Columbia Lookout is a small city park and parking area on the hillside above downtown Kamloops. From the railing you look over downtown, across to the North Shore, and down to where the North and South Thompson rivers join. Many locals call it one of the best public views in the city.
You can drive right up, and reviewers say parking is usually easy. The car park and entrance are wheelchair accessible. There isn't much in the way of seating, so plenty of people simply stay in their cars.
People use it for a quick stop on the way through town, a picnic or takeout dinner with a view, and for sunsets and city lights at night. One visitor watched a storm roll through the valley from here, and another suggested dusk in July. It's also a spot to watch the Canada Day fireworks.
A handful of reviews mention people hanging around, rowdy teens at times, and the odd request for cigarettes. Most say they don't bother anyone, but it's sensible to lock your car and pick your timing if that worries you.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 96 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.