Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kamloops is a city in south-central British Columbia, Canada, known for its sunny weather and outdoor recreational activities. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 90,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CAD ≈ 0.75 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, sourced from the local water treatment plants. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telus, Rogers, and Bell. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include TD Canada Trust and RBC; many accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rental apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit/debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property management services. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Howard Johnson or budget hotels are available. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Kamloops offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Sahali area is known for its quiet residential vibe and close proximity to amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Kamloops located at 205-360 Nicola St. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bliss Bakery & Cafe offers a cozy atmosphere with good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out Kamloops Chamber of Commerce events and local meetups on Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Kamloops Expats Facebook group for community events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Kamloops; local taxis include Kamloops Taxi. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services available at local shops like The Bicycle Cafe. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Riverside Park Beach is around 10 minutes from downtown Kamloops. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | WestJet and Air Canada provide flights to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada and WestJet also serve international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) provides major road access. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kamloops Train Station, serving VIA Rail and Greyhound. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes available through BC Transit, including monthly options. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Kamloops with cities like Kelowna and Merritt. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Royal Inland Hospital is the main healthcare facility in Kamloops. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Breathe Yoga Studio offers various classes in downtown Kamloops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local options include Fitness 365 and the YMCA. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at Suds 'n' Duds Laundromat. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | SkipTheDishes and DoorDash operate in Kamloops. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try local salmon dishes at The Rustic Kitchen. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Zen offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sweet Spot has an array of delicious baked goods. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kamloops Farmers' Market on Saturdays offers local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon, eBay, and local shops have online ordering options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery deliveries are available through Save-On-Foods and Walmart. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The downtown area features various bars and live music venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Iron Road Brewing offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Noble Pig Brewhouse features local wines and a casual setting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food trucks appear at local events. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Greek Taverna offers authentic Greek dining options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Kamloops Heritage Museum and Riverside Park. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Kamloops Art Gallery regularly features local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the history at the Old Courthouse. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Andrew's on the Square offers a glimpse of local architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Kamloops Cowboy Festival takes place every March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Kamloops has various art installations and community art events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Sandman Centre hosts various concerts and community events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | In addition to the farmers' market, the Kamloops Artisans Market takes place in the summer. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues like the Blue Grotto feature live music regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found throughout the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Take classes at Kamloops Foodie for local culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit the Art Gallery of Kamloops for rotating exhibits. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Kamloops Courthouse is a notable historic building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kamloops celebrates its Indigenous history with various events and exhibitions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Valleyview Nature Park provides scenic trails and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nearby Wells Gray Provincial Park is about an hour's drive for hiking and waterfalls. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Rivers Trail offers a scenic pathway along the Thompson River. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Take a drive to the top of Mount Paul for a panoramic view. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular at the Kamloops Wildlife Park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated fire pits available at local provincial parks. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services include Canada Post and FedEx. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Visit iFixIT in downtown for phone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often provide tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language instruction services available at Kamloops Language Centre. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Kamloops Library serves as a study and community center. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Westsyde Community Centre offers recreational activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Legion Gaming Lounge offers games and community nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Kamloops Casino provides gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 120,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 100,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 138,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 208,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 176,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 27%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Canadian tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is around 54%. |
| 🧾 VAT | GST rate is 5%, and PST is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Canada has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on municipal assessment. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer tax is set at 1% on the first CAD 200,000 and 2% thereafter. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Canada does not tax foreign income for non-residents. |