While Kamloops is known for its natural beauty and great outdoors, the downtown core offers a hidden gem that showcases the city’s artistic side – the Back Alley Art Gallery. As you stroll around the back alleys in downtown Kamloops, you will find over 30 art murals adorning the city, each with its unique style and theme.
The Back Alley Art Gallery is a mural program facilitated by The Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association (KCBIA) in collaboration with local artists and business owners. Over the past 20 years, this project has transformed the city’s alleyways into a vibrant outdoor art gallery, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area and fostering a sense of community pride.
While the murals are accessible year-round, you can enhance your experience by joining guided tours offered by Downtown Kamloops, which provide fascinating insights and hidden facts. Alternatively, you can opt for a self-guided tour using the map available on their website.
Primarily located on the backs of buildings in the alleys between Seymour and Victoria Street and between Victoria and Landsdowne from 2nd Ave to 5th Avenue, these murals depict a diverse range of subjects, from local history and scenic landscapes to imaginative portrayals of animals and famous personalities.
Some of the murals you can expect to encounter include:
No Parking – 258 Seymour St.
In 2018, during the KCBIA’s 2nd Back Alley Block Party, the community was invited to throw paint-filled balloons at the wall. Afterwards, artist Kelly Wright used the colour splatters as a canvas and painted the beautiful grizzly bear now visible across downtown Kamloops.
Winking Man – 322 Seymour St.
Painted in 2019 by artists Zach Abney and Nancy Kuchta, this mural conveys the wisdom and joy that come with age and experience, reflected in the man’s facial expression.
Downtown Scene – 263 Victoria St.
Painted in 2010 by artist Ken Wells, this mural, as suggested by its name, depicts unique activities around the city, particularly around the 200 block of Victoria Street.
Films on My Mind – 503 Victoria St.
Head out to the Paramount Theatre and you will surely be impressed by this mural, showcasing scenes from several films. Completed in 2019, this mural was painted by Zach Abney and Nancy Kuchta using spray paint. The mural depicts people recalling memorable movie scenes, shown by the shading from a person’s face to the movie.
Bonjour – 260 4th Avenue.
As the newest addition to the gallery, this mural was done by Revelstoke artist Claudia Simon to celebrate the Francophone communities of British Columbia. Completed in 2023 with the collaboration of Kamloops Francophone High School students, it features vibrant colours and Francophone-inspired imagery like the Eiffel Tower and Quebec’s sugar maples. Be sure to check out this unique mural when you visit the City Gardens Show Suite and Sales Centre just next to it at 238 4th Avenue.
These are just a few of the murals you can find as you stroll around the downtown Kamloops. The best part is that new murals are continuously added, ensuring that each visit offers a fresh experience.
With Spring in full bloom, it is the perfect time to stroll around the City Gardens neighbourhood and discover the beauty, creativity, and community spirit that define this city.
Photo credit: Tourism Kamloops/@turbobambi_design
