It’s not just about skiing, it’s about the experience.

Morning was a bad time to write this….

As I’m reliving my trip to Kimberley and reviewing pictures, I’m realizing morning was a bad time to write this.  Recently, I spent time in Kimberley in what we refer to as ‘the off season’, meaning we’re a hot minute away from winter and being a popular ski base for skiers and snowboarders travelling here from all around the county and the world.  As my last visit was in the off season, a lot of time was spent eating out since many of the towns attractions are in between their summer and winter seasons, which made me realize, a ski vacation isn’t just about skiing, food (just like skiing the exhilarating slopes) is good for the soul and a ski vacation is about the whole soul soothing experience.

While visiting Kimberley on your vacation, staying on the mountain to eat is easy to do with so many options, however if you do decide to venture into town, it might not  look like it as first, but it’s home to lots of delicious food.  And, no we don’t mean schnitzel (although that’s good here too).

The heart of Kimberley is the Platzl.  A pedestrian street – park your car in the nearby free lot and enter in the centre to find a variety of places to eat day or night.

Sullivan Pub (and drive thru liquor store!!)
Ross Street
One of my personal favourites (seriously, I can’t visit Kimberley and not eat here, sometimes it’s even more than once in one trip).  The Sullivan Pub looks unassuming from the outside, you may be tempted to think its menu follows the generic pub menu format, well, it doesn’t.  It’s actually a hidden gem of delicious dishes.  This menu presents not only indulgent options like Lobster Tacos, Wild Boar Bolognese and Roast Prime Rib – it also has a whole Poutine section.  For a fun meal, try going full on Canadian trying a few poutines – none of which will disappoint in the least.
Did I mention the drive thru liquor store?  Even if you’re just stocking up to hole up at the resort and not come back to town, the drive thru liquor store is the novel place to stock up.

Stonefire Pizza
In the Platzl, 136 Deer Park Ave.
Stonefire is the perfect place to eat with a family or a group of friends.  The large restaurant is comprised mostly of large tables, while there is also a bar to sit at.  The bar is situated right in front of Stonefire’s wood fired pizza oven which was hand built in Naples, at the bar you can watch as the busy (pizza master chefs) assemble and toss the pizzas in the oven and then out to the tables at lightning speed.  http://stonefirepizzeria.ca/ 

Pedal & Tap
In the Platzl
The name is meant to encourage people to bike to the restaurant and offers free locks as an added incentive, the inside of the restaurant offers a vintage feel with interesting decorations and awesome bartenders who base your drink off your personality and mood.  My first visit to Pedal and Tap was later at night after already eating dinner earlier.  This was definitely a mistake.  The ‘Alba (hard)core Tuna we had was so delicious it made it difficult to watch other extremely appetizing looking meals come out of the kitchen while being too stuffed to try any of them.  The Carbonara looked particularly popular and delicious, with at least half the restaurant seeming to have ordered it.  Pedal and Tap is arguably one of the most famous restaurants in Kimberley, it was featured on The Food Networks You Gotta Eat here in 2013 showcasing its care and attention to the food it produces using locally sources ingredients (you can still watch the episode featuring Pedal and Tap on the Food Network’s website).  On the wall are Pedal & Tap tshirts, which are in high demand, if your size isn’t available it gives you another incentive to return (if the food wasn’t enough).  http://pedalandtap.com/

Eating On Mountain

***Update – Montana’s Grill is now Buckhorn & Main – get more information on Buckhorn & Main Mountain Eatery here.***
Montana’s Grill & Cookhouse
Located in Trickle Creek Lodge
Montana’s offers some of the best comfort food you’ll find at a ski resort, just look at the mac and cheese!  Plus new this season, they’re open for breakfast.  Visit the family friendly restaurant portion of Montana’s, where the extensive menu will please the pickiest of little (and big) eaters or après in the lounge and enjoy the comfortable seating (don’t miss trying the bacon caesar for a truly Canadian experience).

Stemwinder
Located in the plaza
The Stemwinder is the most popular Apres spot in Kimberley!  With live bands every weekend and theme nights like local jam nights and college nights, the Stemwinder is definitely the place to be.  Stemwinder also offers a full menu with daily specials, stop in to see what they are and for a great time.

Meanwhile, please excuse me, I’m off to eat lunch…

Looking for more to do in Kimberley?  Check out “The Top 6 Things to do in Kimberley this winter (aside from skiing)”.