Once the sun starts shining — and it's going to for the next week — a patio is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a cool drink.
Whether it's a rooftop, on the water or a hidden gem in the middle of town, there are plenty of great spots to hit up in Kamloops this summer.
Storms
Just because we live in the desert doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a waterfront meal. Storms on the River is Kamloops’ only boat-access restaurant, with a magnificent patio overlooking the South Thompson River. With fresh seafood and great cocktails, you might forget you live in one of Canada’s driest cities. This upscale eatery is more special occasion than after-work beers, but a must-visit summer spot nonetheless.
Red Beard
Red Beard Cafe keeps it casual with its quaint outside watering hole, complete with characteristic picnic tables and great for chill afternoon drinks with friends. With 13 taps of exclusively craft beer, great share plates and a small but killer menu that’s always changing, Red Beard is definitely a local favourite.
Hoodoos
The Hoodoos patio showcases everything Kamloops has to offer in one visit: great views of the Thompson Valley and rivers, with Mount Paul just outside the front door and the greenery of Sun Rivers Golf Course in every direction. You might even see some wildlife as bighorn sheep often wander down the mountain. Hoodoos also mixes some of the best sangria you’ll ever taste.
Carlos
Right in the heart of downtown Kamloops, the Carlos O’Bryans rooftop patio is the place to be on a sunny Friday night. Pachos and beer are best enjoyed under blue skies and Carlos does it right with this cozy spot, just above Victoria Street. Its central location makes it a great addition to any downtown pub crawl.
PDK
PDK Cafe’s small street-front patio is perfect for people watching and enjoying one of its famous donuts. Though its specialty is still coffee and an afternoon snack, PDK recently picked up a liquor license and extended its hours. That means you can order a mimosa with your eggs benny or a Caesar with your flatbread — all while enjoying the sunshine and bustle of Victoria Street.
Brownstone
Also smack-dab in the centre of the city, Brownstone’s secluded garden patio is like nothing else you’ll find downtown. The eatery is set in the historic Bank of Commerce building and the quiet patio has a cozy brick aesthetic and a nighttime atmosphere that can’t be beat.
Noble Pig
The Piggy patio, as they call it, is the perfect place to cool down with a local brew on a hot day. Kamloops’ first brewpub is a local staple, with a drink menu stocked with Noble craft beers. Take your friends for a pint and then grab a growler for the weekend. The Pig’s patio is big enough for the whole family and provides just the right amount of shade on a 30-degree day.
