After the fur trade arrived in 1812, Kamloops became the crossroads for horse drawn pack trains.  In the years that followed, Kamloops’ reputation as a bristling locality for trade and commerce was greatly broadened by the gold rush of the 1850s, among other things.  Following the arrival of the first permanent ranchers was the railway, which came through in 1893; Kamloops continued to be the resting stop for the weary travelers.  Kamloops has continued to grow since then, and through cattle ranching continues to be an integral aspect of the economy, forestry and mining have also risen to economic prominence.  

Construction of the Plaza Heritage Hotel began in 1926 and was completed in 1928.  The hotel was modeled after the Spanish-American style which was popular at the time.

Owned by a group of local businessmen, the hotel was originally named Kamloops Community Hotel.  The official opening saw a grand banquet and rooftop dancing with many prominent citizens and dignitaries in attendance, including representatives of both Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway who kept the spirit of the evening lively with their friendly verbal sparring.

The original hotel consisted of fifty-six hotel rooms, four stores and offices, and in 1936 the Cube Cabaret was added and became a popular night spot.  The Plaza also hosted a rooftop tea garden that served the Queen tea on one of her trips to Canada.  Additional rooms were built onto the hotel in 1948 and again in 1959, indicating prosperous times for Kamloops.

The Plaza Heritage Hotel is Kamloops' oldest tall building and in 2000 was recognized as a heritage building by the Kamloops Heritage Society.

The Plaza Heritage Hotel... Stay in history.

      Kamloops Museum & Archives