This is what spring and summer daydreams are made of...
Red Beard Cafe – Tourism Kamloops/BC Ale Trail
If you’re looking for a quick getaway that maximizes on sunshine and seasonal indulgences, look no further than Kamloops, BC. With four local breweries and a stunning new wine region, Kamloops is a must-visit destination for those craving extraordinary scenery and libations.
Similar to Vancouver, Kamloops has exploded as a craft beer hub within just a few short years. With four local breweries and another one set to open this summer, the scenic B.C. city is overflowing with unique tasting rooms and award-winning beers.
The Noble Pig Brewhouse – Tourism Kamloops/Mary Putnam
The Noble Pig Brewhouse is Kamloops’ first microbrewery that combines house-made craft-brewed beer and a “unique beer fusion and scratch kitchen cuisine” lead by Chef Jared Summers. Similarly, Red Collar Brewing doubles as a full-service restaurant that sources local ingredients for each of their in-house preparations. The community is growing too! Bright Eye Brewing is set to open before the summer, another welcome addition to the Kamloops scene.
If you’re looking for an excuse to visit soon, BrewLoops (a non-profit, beer, food, and live music festival), is taking place May 25 - 26. In partnership with FireFit Canada, the 2019 BrewLoops Spring Festival features craft beer, live bands, local food trucks, and fire fighting action.
That of course, isn’t all Kamloops has to offer when it comes to saying “cheers”.
Harper’s Trail Winery – Tourism Kamloops/Mary Putnam
Situated amongst the serene beauty of the North and South Thompson Rivers in Kamloops, BC’s newest wine region produces bright, acid-forward, premium wines. The semi-arid conditions and diverse microclimates are exceptional for growing award-winning Pinot Noirs, Maréchal Fochs, Chardonnays and Rieslings.
To celebrate the region, the annual Kamloops Wine Festival will offer visitors and locals a week’s worth of wine-inspired events and wine-related activities and concludes with a Grand Wine Tasting Party, featuring 50 exhibitors and over 150 products to sample including wines, ciders, spirits, and fabulous food. Special events include wine-paired dinners, tastings and even painting with wine at the Kamloops Art Gallery.
Kamloops Farmer’s Market – Tourism Kamloops/Mary Putnam
If you’re looking to create your own wine pairings, be sure to check out the Kamloops Farmer’s Market which starts the 2nd last Saturday of April of each year, with Wednesday markets starting up shortly after on the 1st Wednesday in May.
Featuring locally grown produce, hand-crafted items and gifts, honey, produce, fresh-cut flowers, local free-range meat, homemade treats and local food trucks, the Kamloops Farmer’s Market’s 100 diverse vendors are the first step in your wine, meat and cheese pairings of your dreams.
Should you prefer someone else to prepare your meals, head to Forno on 5th for a family-style meal inspired by the flavours of Italy and the Mediterranean. Similarly, Red Beard Cafe offers an elevated approach to casual dining with incredible burgers alongside 18+ craft beers on tap. Finally, Art We Are is a great spot for vegan, gluten-free sandwiches and baked goods made from local ingredients. With cheeses from Armstrong, BC and teas brewed from locally sourced ingredients, this is a great opportunity to experience Okanagan ingredients in simple, fresh preparations.
To learn more about all the things you can eat and drink in Kamloops, visit tourismkamloops.com
