
Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park
Discover the rich history and resilience of the Secwepemc people through engaging exhibits and a traditional village.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective time

Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective time

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the rich history and resilience of the Secwepemc people through engaging exhibits and a traditional village.
"Jackie gave our group one of the best tours we’ve been on. Educational, insightful, meaningful and filled with passion."

🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for deep insights and passionate storytelling. Essential for understanding the history.
⏳ Allow ample time
The museum and park offer a lot to absorb. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore fully.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Traditional Village
Heritage Park
Explore a 12-acre park featuring a reconstructed traditional Secwepemc village, offering a glimpse into ancestral life.

Residential School Exhibit
Museum Gallery
A poignant and essential exhibit detailing the devastating impact of residential schools on Secwepemc families and culture.

Pre-Contact History
Museum Gallery
Discover the rich pre-contact history and culture of the Secwepemc people through engaging displays and artifacts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the History
Book a Guided Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for deep insights and passionate storytelling. Essential for understanding the history.
⏳ Allow ample time
The museum and park offer a lot to absorb. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore fully.
❤️ Prepare for emotion
The residential school exhibit is powerful and moving. It's an important part of history to learn.
📸 Respectful photography
Check for any restrictions before taking photos, especially in sensitive areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for deep insights and passionate storytelling. Essential for understanding the history.
⏳ Allow ample time
The museum and park offer a lot to absorb. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore fully.
❤️ Prepare for emotion
The residential school exhibit is powerful and moving. It's an important part of history to learn.
📸 Respectful photography
Check for any restrictions before taking photos, especially in sensitive areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park for its educational value and the passionate delivery of its important history. The guided tours are frequently highlighted as exceptional, offering deep insights into both pre-contact Secwepemc culture and the profound impact of residential schools. While the latter is emotionally challenging, it's recognized as a crucial part of understanding Canadian history.
"Jackie gave our group one of the best tours we’ve been on. Educational, insightful, meaningful and filled with passion, we are so grateful for our time with Jackie. Thank you Jackie for answering all our questions. Highly Recommend going on a guided tour!"
Hiking Time
"The best experience in Tk’emlúps. Sharing an important history that we must never forget. Thank you."
Caroline Adams
"A really lovely museum about the culture and way of living of the Secwepemc. The display is great and with a lot of explanations.
The 3rd room is all about the time where kids were brought to schools and taken from their families. Which is very sad to read but good explained as well.
We really loved this museum!"
Daniela Muff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park is located in Kamloops, British Columbia. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the area.
Information regarding wheelchair accessibility for the museum and park should be confirmed directly with the venue. Many modern museums strive for accessibility, but it's best to verify specific pathways and exhibit access.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
The Heritage Park, with its traditional village, is often accessible as part of the museum experience. It's advisable to confirm if separate park access is possible or if a museum ticket is required for entry to the park grounds.
Yes, typically there is ample parking available for visitors at the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary. It's best to check the official Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park website for current ticket prices for adults, seniors, children, and families. Group rates may also be available.
While walk-in visits are often possible, booking tickets in advance, especially for guided tours, is highly recommended, particularly during peak seasons or for larger groups. This ensures your spot and can save time.
Discounts may be offered for seniors, students, or children. Special rates might also apply for Indigenous visitors or members of certain organizations. Inquire directly with the museum for details.
An admission ticket typically grants access to the museum's galleries, including exhibits on pre-contact history and the residential school experience, as well as the Heritage Park and its traditional village.
Yes, tickets are generally available for purchase at the door. However, to guarantee entry and avoid potential disappointment, especially for popular times or guided tours, pre-booking is advised.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on Secwepemc pre-contact history, culture, and the impactful residential school era. The 12-acre Heritage Park features a traditional village.
Absolutely! Visitors consistently praise guided tours for their educational value, insightful commentary, and the passion of the guides. It's highly recommended for a deeper understanding.
To fully appreciate the exhibits and the park, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you're taking a guided tour, factor in that additional time.
Yes, visitor facilities including restrooms are typically available within the museum complex for your comfort during your visit.
Photography policies can vary. It's important to check signage or ask staff about restrictions, especially in areas with sensitive artifacts or exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can differ. Always look for signage or ask museum staff before taking pictures, particularly in areas with delicate artifacts or exhibits that may have specific restrictions.
The traditional village structures in the Heritage Park offer picturesque opportunities. The natural setting along the South Thompson River also provides scenic backdrops.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around cultural heritage sites and museums to protect the integrity of the location and for visitor safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
Given the sensitive nature of the residential school exhibit, photography may be restricted or prohibited to ensure respect for the survivors and the solemnity of the subject matter. Please adhere to any posted guidelines.
A standard camera or smartphone is perfectly adequate. Focus on capturing the stories and historical significance rather than technical photography. If photography is allowed, natural light is often best.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a guided tour, as guides can often tailor their explanations to different age groups, making the history more accessible and understandable for children. Encourage questions and open dialogue to help children process the information they encounter. The outdoor park setting can also provide space for children to move and explore.
📚 History Enthusiasts & Learners
This destination is ideal for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Canadian history, particularly the impact of colonization on First Nations. The combination of museum artifacts, personal stories, and the physical presence of the Heritage Park offers a comprehensive and impactful educational journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Residential School Exhibit
Through personal testimonies, artifacts, and historical accounts, the exhibit aims to educate and foster remembrance. It highlights the forced assimilation, cultural suppression, and trauma experienced by Indigenous children who were taken from their families and communities. The museum's commitment to sharing these stories is a vital part of the reconciliation process, encouraging visitors to reflect on the truths of colonization.
Many visitors emphasize the importance of engaging with this exhibit, even though it can be emotionally challenging. It serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Secwepemc people and the ongoing journey towards healing and understanding. Taking a guided tour can provide further context and a more profound appreciation of the stories shared within this critical exhibit.
Exploring the Heritage Park and Traditional Village
This outdoor space is not just about historical reconstruction; it's an opportunity to experience the landscape that has sustained the Secwepemc people. The park is situated along the South Thompson River, offering scenic views and a sense of the territory's natural beauty. It’s a place for quiet reflection and appreciation of the Secwepemc's enduring relationship with their homeland.
Visitors often find the Heritage Park to be a peaceful complement to the museum's more intensive exhibits. It allows for a broader understanding of Secwepemc culture, moving from historical narratives to a more immersive, experiential understanding of their traditional way of life. It’s a space where history comes alive amidst the natural surroundings.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit