About Kamloops
FLIGHTS
DRIVING ROUTES
COACH SERVICES
TRAVEL PLANNING
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is located in Kamloops, British Columbia, at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers, within the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Secwépemc in Secwépemcúl’ecw.
If you’re visiting Kamloops for the first time—or for the first time in a while—we hope the journey, slightly off the beaten path, adds to the experience of CLO V.
The following information is provided solely for general informational purposes.
The CLO V conference organizers, Thompson Rivers University, and affiliated parties—including but not limited to their agents, servants, heirs, executors, and assigns—do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided, and accept no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or changes in travel conditions.
All individuals planning to travel to or from Kamloops are responsible for confirming their own travel arrangements and monitoring road, flight, and weather conditions. Please exercise appropriate caution when planning your journey.
Disclaimer:
Flying Direct to Kamloops (YKA)
-
Air Canada: connects via Vancouver (YVR)
-
WestJet: connects via Calgary (YYC)
-
Flight time: ~55 min from YVR; ~1 hr 10 min from YYC
-
Tip: Book minimum 2-hour layovers to reduce risk of missed connections.
Baggage Note:
Flights often use smaller aircraft (De Havilland Dash 8) with limited overhead bin space. Larger carry-ons may need to be gate-checked (usually free). Pack a small tote in your carry-on for essentials you’ll want in the cabin.
Departing Kamloops:
Morning flights are most reliable. We recommend:
-
WestJet 5:50 a.m.
-
Air Canada 6:00 a.m.
Alternative Airports
(Driving Distance)
Flying into a nearby city may offer more flight options:
-
Kelowna (YLW) – 2 hrs drive
-
Abbotsford (YXX) – 3.5–5 hrs drive
-
Vancouver (YVR) – 3.5–9 hrs drive (depending on route)
-
Calgary (YYC) – 7 hrs drive
Important: Mountain and highway driving can be hazardous. Check DriveBC, BC Highway Weather, and BC Traveller Information Map before departure.
From Kelowna (YLW)
Route 1 – Okanagan Highway (Hwy 97)
-
2 hrs, scenic lakes and vineyards
-
Kelowna → Vernon → Hwy 1 west → Kamloops
Route 2 – Okanagan Connector (Hwy 97C)
-
2 hrs via Merritt → Hwy 5 north → Kamloops
-
Notorious for poor weather, even in spring—avoid unless necessary.
From Abbotsford (YXX)
Route 1 – Coquihalla Highway (Hwy 5)
-
3.5 hrs, fastest route, high-altitude pass (~1,200m)
Route 2 – Fraser Canyon (Hwy 1)
-
5 hrs, scenic canyon views along the Fraser River
-
Food Tip: Stop at the Desert Hills Ranch Taco Stand in Cache Creek for Tex-Mex (cash preferred, card machine unreliable).
From Vancouver (YVR)
Route 1 – Coquihalla Highway (Hwy 5) – 3.5 hrs
Route 2 – Fraser Canyon (Hwy 1) – 5 hrs
Route 3 – Sea to Sky Highway (Hwy 99) – 9 hrs, most scenic
Note: Routes 2 and 3 pass through Abbotsford (good for carpool pick-ups) and/or Cache Creek (taco stop!).
From Calgary (YYC)
-
Stunning Rocky Mountain and Shuswap Lake views
-
May encounter snow, ice, or wildlife in higher elevations in late May
Operators:
-
My E-Bus – departs from Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)
-
Rider Express – offers direct service from YVR
Services are available from Kelowna, Abbotsford, Vancouver, and Calgary, but schedules vary—book in advance.
We look forward to welcoming you to Interior B.C.!
