Karpluk was born in Jasper, Alberta to a mother who was a high-school principal and a father who was a railway engineer.

Her work during this period included "Voice of Sylan" in the final episode of Dark Angel and the TV movie Family Sins.

[6][10] In 2009, Karpluk won the Gemini award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role for her portrayal of the titular character.

[11] She also had a recurring role as Alice the radio station manager during the first season of The CW's Life Unexpected.

Karpluk has also had recurring roles on Rookie Blue and Slasher,[13][14] and starred in the web series Riftworld.