Activities

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Leap, an affordable way to socialise and explore the Kamloops area.

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Arriving at Thompson Rivers University means starting a whole new life. Especially for international students, everything is new, the campus, the city, the people, the academic requirements. At Thompson Rivers University, Leap trips help students discover places, people and activities around Kamloops. At Leap office, located in the International Building, we can find James, working to create great memories with students.

Participants work together during a rafting activity organized by Leap Trip at Interior Whitewater Expeditions, Clearwater. September 2025 (Interior Whitewater Expeditions)


Making social connections is one of the major advantages of Leap Trip. Rafting, for instance, is a team-building activity that requires communication. Aylin Yoamy Zuniga, international student for four years at TRU, says that “Leap enables students to meet new people while having fun”. Moreover, there is no pressure of making formal introductions, and students are able to make connections through shared activities, making it very easy to make friends on the first weeks at Thompson Rivers University.

Students explore natural landscapes near Kamloops after doing zipline with Leap Trip. September 2025 (Manon Marcelet)


In addition to creating great bonds during activities, Leap also assists students in finding their way around the natural environment of British Columbia. The rivers, mountains, and parks form the backdrop of the first experience at university. The discovery of these environments is an important part of the process of helping the students feel at home and less stressed after the challenges of university life, particularly those from other countries. Aylin adds “there are a bunch of different activities from free match to cheap sportive activities, everyone can find a cool leap trip that they’ll like”.

Waterfall view during outdoor activities organized by Leap Trip. October 2025 (Manon Marcelet)


For most students, nature-based activities like rafting, ziplines or guided trips are way too expensive. But Leap provides an alternative to this problem by giving students the opportunity to participate in such activities at a lower cost. Thanks to Leap, students can easily enjoy during weekends, and have an access to activities they initially are not able to afford. For Aylin, this is perhaps the most interesting point : “For example, you can ski at Sun Peaks or go to Vancouver at a very affordable price with Leap, it’s very cool. You just have to be quick to get a ticket before they all sell out”.

By combining social connection, outdoor discovery and affordable activities, Leap helps students adjust to university life in Kamloops. Students interested in discovering activities and community may want to learn more by visiting the Leap website.

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The Free Winter Hangout You Didn’t Know You Needed

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Photo: Emersyn Wenzel
The centre of the Kamloops Riverside Park skating rink, showcasing food trucks and fire pits, February 12.

The City of Kamloops unveiled the brand new hangout spot, a skating rink within Riverside Park that is a blast for people of all ages.

On January 7th, 2026, the city opened a free community skating rink in downtown Kamloops, right in the centre of the beautiful Riverside Park. Surrounded by nature and warm glowing string lights, the rink features fire pits, food trucks, bumping music, and a 400-foot long skating loop.

A free alternative to other drop-in skating rinks and activities in town, the rink is a great option for students who want to get outside, enjoy nature, and get active in an entertaining way. Amarah Mahal, a student of Thompson Rivers University herself, says, “It doesn’t matter if you suck at skating like me, or if you’re like a pro like all of the little kids that gap me all of the time, it’s such a good experience.”

Photo: Emersyn Wenzel
The Kamloops Riverside Park skating rink at night, with skaters gliding beneath warm string lights that curve along the pathway, February 12.

Open Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, and after a long day of studying or working, the rink is a perfect way to unwind and have a good time solo or with friends. The rink is situated inside of Riverside Park, just 10 minutes from Thompson Rivers University, and “the fact that you get to be at the park, be in nature, and still do something that’s super fun but not super out of the way is awesome”, Mahal states.

The rink has brought the Kamloops community together, with hundreds of people, young and older, attending every weekend. “You see all kinds of ages there,” says Mahal when asked about how the rink brings the people of Kamloops together. “All different ethnicities, just everybody looking to have a good time, get their skates on, try something new, or do something that they’ve been doing for years. It’s awesome to see.”

Photo: Emersyn Wenzel
Skaters glide past the Thompson River next to a decorative winter light display at the Kamloops Riverside Park skating rink, February 12.

Whether you are from Kamloops and want to try the city’s newest attraction, or a student new to the area who wants a place to go with friends and connect with the community, the Riverside Park Skating Rink is sure to bring out laughs, a few falls, and fun memories for years to come. Still, visitors should be mindful of timing. As Mahal explains, “There can be sometimes a lot of people, it’s just a hit or miss depending on the time you go.”