The best walks and hikes in Tranquille Ecological Reserve

The Mara Hill Trail viewpoint sits at the farthest point of the trail and its end point. Be careful getting to the edge of this viewpoint as it is a cliff with no railings around it. The view is fantastic and different from the lower sections of trail as it brings you high above the lower canyon with a panoramic viewpoint of the wide, blue Thompson River valley and the eastern edge of Kamloops Lake stretching out to the west. In the distance, the Thompson Plateau is visible and peaks like Mara Mountain, Battle Bluff and Greenstone Mountain.

Wonderful view over Lake Kamloops

Kamloops Lake stretches nearly 29 kilometres, formed by the Thompson River as it widens between the city of Kamloops and Savona with semi-arid surroundings of open grasslands, rugged bluffs, and rolling hills that rise steeply above the shoreline. Known for calm water and sweeping valley views, the lake is a popular spot for boating, paddling, fishing, and lakeside hiking.

Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area is a roughly 15,700-hectare protected region north-west of Kamloops, preserving a rare mix of dry bunchgrass plains, sparse pine and fir woodlands, wetlands, and rocky cliffs. It supports a wide variety of wildlife, from mule deer, moose, and California bighorn sheep, to many bird species, including waterfowl, sharp-tailed grouse, and owls, making it a biologically rich and important conservation area. It includes a network of hiking trails, open-air vistas, small lakes and ponds, and beautiful views of the surrounding valley and lake, making it a popular destination for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing the distinctive grassland landscape.

This trail is a relatively easy path along the shore of Kamloops Lake that follows a mix of gravel shoreline, sandy beach, and low bluffs, with beautiful views of the lake, perfect for bird watching or simply enjoying the quiet waterside setting. The route is mainly flat and uncrowded, making it suitable for most hikers. However, the trail can be muddy or icy depending on the season, so be sure to plan accordingly and wear proper footwear as you explore this beautiful, quiet area. **The route crosses an active Canadian National rail line, so please exercise caution and only cross at designated points while staying alert for trains.

Best to take the tour counter-clockwise

Once you've made the rather steep climb to Battle Bluff, a breathtaking view of Kamloops Lake, the surrounding mountains, and Kamloops to your left awaits you alongside an imposing cairn. The light conditions are especially beautiful at sunset, but remember to descend before it gets really dark. Also, since cougars are native to this area. The name of the lookout rock probably goes back to First Nations battles. Below the lookout and about 15 meters above the water's edge of Kamloops Lake, red markers made of paint indicate the blood that is said to have been spilled here. The markers are only accessible by boat.

As you hike the trail to the popular Battle Bluff, you can see another mountain with countless uniform columns on its opposite side. These are made of ancient basaltic rock formed during volcanic activity. They resemble those of the famous Devil's Postpile in the Eastern Sierra in California.