As Kamloops prepares to be jam-packed with curling fans ready to rock the tournament capital for the 2023 Scotties Tournament Of Hearts, legendary rockstar of curling John Morris was joined by local curling superstar Erin Pincott to take on Kamloops in 24h.
Sneak a peek at their itinerary and be ready to be sweep-ed off your feet with a boldly unscripted taste of life in the 'Loops!
Swinging Big At Breaking Par Golf's 16' Screens
To kick off what can only be called a whirlwind 24h in the 'Loops, John and Erin stepped up to the largest screens in golf at Kamloops' Breaking Par Golf. With simulations of over 200 world-class courses, 40 plus PGA Tour venues, and 13 Par 3 courses, Breaking Par Golf offers all skill levels a unique golf experience even when the snow is still flying.
Kamloops and the surrounding area, described as one of Western Canada's premiere golf destinations, is home to 10 golf courses that are player favorites for their well-designed holes, idyllic course conditions, and most diverse golf landscape. While the local courses are closed for the winter, Breaking Par is a great option for pros looking to tighten up their game or casual fans looking to birdie their first holes like John and Erin.
Don't Panic, Kekuli Cafe Has Bannockwiches And Tipi Tacos!
Kekuli Cafe
Serving up Indigenous cuisine perfect for satiating the hunger pangs after a friendly round of golf, John and Erin's next stop took them to downtown Kamloops for a visit to Kekuli Cafe. As a locally owned Aboriginal restaurant, Kekuli Cafe puts a contemporary twist on fresh-made, First Nations-inspired dishes that all feature mouth-watering bannock and traditional ingredients like venison, smoked salmon, and fresh pebre.
During their visit, John and Erin got a behind-the-scenes opportunity to watch the mastermind chefs frying, baking, and grilling their bannock creations before they piled them high with toppings—fresh and savory or sweet and indulgent. Kekuli Cafe is a must-visit for mouth-watering authentic local Indigenous cuisine.
John Recommends: The Maple Glaze Bannock
Brew Hoppin' Across The City
The only thing better than a belly full of fried bread is adding a selection of locally crafted BC brews to the mix!
John and Erin met up with the team from Divine Tours to experience 3 of Kamloops craft breweries and take a flight (or 3) through all the seasonal offerings on tap. Stops included The Noble Pig downtown, Bright Eye Brewing on the North Shore, and Iron Road Brewing up the hill. With 5 microbreweries, 4 wineries, 3 distilleries, and 2 cideries, we’re positive you’ll find something to quench your thirst.
John Recommends: The deep-fried pickles from the Noble Pig and the Crispy Brussel Sprouts from Bright Eye Brewing.
A Must-Eat Kamloops Experience
John Morris Jacobs Noodle and Cutlet
As the sun set on their first day, John and Erin made their way down 4th street off Victoria to Jacob's Noodle and Cutlet for some post-beer nosh. For over a decade, Jacob's Noodle and Cutlet has been serving authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine to the Kamloops community, establishing itself as a go-to spot for food lovers, offering tasty dishes and energetic vibes.
Jacob's specializes in katsu, a Japanese dish consisting of a piece of pork, chicken, or fish cutlets covered in breadcrumbs, fried and then cut into strips with various sizes and sauces to match. For those looking to kick up the heat, Jacob's homemade Korean bulgogi and kimbap are sure to delight even the biggest spice lovers.
John Recommends: The deep-fried Downtown Roll stuffed with prawn tempura, crab meat, cucumber, spicy cream cheese and yam crunchies on top.
Rocking Out To Live Music At Nightshift on 5th
John Morris Sheepdogs at Nightshift
Kamloops is home to a vibrant local music scene and several eclectic venues. Experience a night of unforgettable live music at the newly opened Nightshift on 5th. With its state-of-the-art sound system, fog machines, and packed dance floor, it's the ultimate destination for music lovers seeking the thrill of a larger venue.
Canada's own Sheepdogs took the stage for John and Erin's evening. As the first unsigned band to make the cover of Rolling Stone, a multi-platinum album, and four Juno Awards, The Sheepdogs are a fan-favorite wherever they play! With exciting upcoming events and shows, take advantage of the fun at Nightshift on 5th.
Double Dippin' While Ice Fishing At Knouff Lake Wilderness Resort
John Morris Ice Fishing Kamloops
For John and Erin, day 2 of their 24h exploring Kamloops started early with a trip out to Knouff Lake Wilderness Resort via Heffley Creek Road, for a morning of tranquil ice fishing. With over 70 lakes within 30 minutes of the city, Kamloops is the ultimate fishing destination regardless of the season.
Established in 1904, Knouff Lake Wilderness Resort is one of the oldest 4-season resorts in Canada, with original cabins from the 1900s still in use. As a true all-season playground, visitors can partake in everything from fishing, boating, hiking, biking, ATVing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing to tobogganing and skating just steps from the resort. The reel problem at Knouff Lake Resort is finding things not to do!
Scratch Made Food and House Roasted Coffee at Red Beard Café
While John and Erin might be used to being on the ice while they're curling, warming up after a morning on the lake ice fishing was a must. A hidden gem tucked into the North Shore, Red Beard Café is a cozy Kamloops must-visit location with everything needed to warm up.
A coffeehouse that roasts its own beans in its basement by day (and a speakeasy by night!), in the evenings Red Beard is a bumpin' restaurant with rotating taps of craft beer and meals made from scratch in-house with locally sourced ingredients and surprising flavors. With lots of added seating on their enclosed patio, there is plenty of space for you to grab a meal with your 4-legged bestie too.
John Recommends: The Game Burger; local venison and duck, balsamic onions, smoked applewood cheddar, sauteed mushroom and house herb mayo.
After 24 hours of unexpected delights in Kamloops locked in the memory bank, John and Erin said their goodbyes till the next time
Whether you choose to follow John and Erin's itinerary to explore Kamloops or write your own adventure full of tasty food and drink options, winter activities, and local arts and culture Kamloops has to offer, you're in for an unexpected experience you're going to want to loop back and do again!
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