Location
Canada
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
July to September (evenings)
About Mission Flats
Mission Flats is a stretch of river beach on the south bank of the Thompson River in the south-west corner of Kamloops, across the water from the airport and just downstream of the city's industrial edge near the Domtar pulp mill. It is Kamloops' only nude-friendly beach, described by the Federation of Canadian Naturists as Kamloops Beach and by Tourism Kamloops as the city's own clothing-optional beach. The size of the beach changes through the year. During spring freshet the river is high and only a strip of land is usable; from mid-summer the water drops and a wide sandbar emerges. The sand reflects the strong interior heat, so afternoons in July and August can be brutally hot, and evenings are often the most pleasant time to go. It is a wild, unmanaged spot with no toilets, water or bins, and dogs are common, so watch your step and pack everything out. The City of Kamloops warns that the Thompson has strong currents and sudden drop-offs, so take care in the water.
Getting there
Drive west from downtown Kamloops on Mission Flats Road. There is a small lot near the beach, but the FCN recommends parking along Mission Flats Road, especially with larger vehicles. From the road you walk across land owned by Domtar and Kinder Morgan; the FCN says neither company has objected. The walk is short and flat over dirt tracks and sand, but there are no formal paths or facilities and it is not wheelchair accessible. There is no direct transit to the beach.
What visitors say
Visitors describe a laid-back, local scene on a big sandy beach that only really appears once the river drops in summer. Common advice is to go late in the day to avoid the heat, bring water and shade, and expect no services. Dogs are common, and the industrial land you cross to get there is part of the experience.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
There is no bylaw designating a nude beach, but Tourism Kamloops promoted Mission Flats as the city's clothing-optional beach in a 2024 blog post and the FCN lists it as an unofficial nude beach. The City warns that only Riverside Park is a designated river swimming area and that the Thompson has dangerous currents.
Naturism at Mission Flats sits under Canada's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Canada public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 50.6939, -120.4232
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Canada
Frequently asked questions
Is Mission Flats an official nude beach?
Not by bylaw, but Tourism Kamloops describes it as Kamloops' clothing-optional beach and the Federation of Canadian Naturists lists it.
When is the beach biggest?
Late summer and early autumn, once the Thompson River falls after the spring freshet.
Where do I park?
Along Mission Flats Road, then walk across the industrial land to the river. A small lot near the beach fills quickly.
Are there facilities?
No. There are no toilets, water, bins or lifeguards; pack everything out.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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