With spring in full force and summer just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than by picking up some delicious ice cream? While ice cream is appetizing year-round, the longer, warmer days are bringing us some serious cravings for a sweet treat to enjoy out in the sun after a long day.

Will you get one scoop or two? Do you prefer your ice cream in a bowl or waffle cone? What flavour will you choose? The options are endless!

If you’re looking for the coolest spot in town to enjoy the finest gelato, check out the best ice cream joints in town, as voted by you and brought to you by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union. 

Bronze – The Ice Cream Social

Family-owned and operated, The Ice Cream Social is the latest and greatest ice cream parlour addition to Kamloops! 

The North Shore hangout has a cute, inviting, pastel-themed interior with a massive freezer big enough to house all of their delicious offerings. 

They host a large assortment of flavours to suit everyone's tastes, including Belgian Hazelnut, Burgundy Cherry, Caramel Toffee, Cream Soda Float and their newest addition – Cereal Bowl, a Froot Loops inspired fare that has locals raving.

Their inclusive menu incorporates lactose-free options such as Oh Macaroon, no-sugar-added options like Caramel Coffee Macchiato, as well as sherbets and sorbets.

The shop loves adding new flavours and that’s what keeps locals coming back.

They are officially open for the season, so if you’ve got a sweet tooth, check out the cute at 388 Tranquille Road, from noon to 10:00 pm all week long.

Silver – Frozen Paddle

Located right in the heart of downtown, Frozen Paddle is a craft ice creamery that focuses on creating memories with the community. 

Their ice cream is made locally in small batches to ensure the highest quality, and use local ingredients whenever possible to create unique and full-bodied flavours for the whole community to enjoy!

Wondering where the ice cream shop’s name came from? It was inspired by the history of the paddle steamers that went up and down the Fraser River combined with the "churn paddle" that is used to make ice cream.

The name Frozen Paddle is a play on words to keep things fun, the way ice cream is supposed to be, and it also emphasizes the sense of community that the brand is about. 

To try out a scoop or two of their delectable dairy, drop by their location at 359 Victoria St location on Tuesday to Thursday from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm or Friday through Sunday from noon to 8:00 pm.

Gold – Scoopz Ice Cream Parlour

Coming in first place is none other than local favourite – Scoopz Ice Cream Parlour!

Located across from Riverside Park in the Sandman Hotel, this spot is a must-try for anyone spending a day downtown out at the beach in the sun. 

The locally owned and operated parlour is the place to be this summer. With 48 scrumptious flavours that include dairy-free, sugar-free, peanut-free and gluten-free options, it’s the perfect place to bring friends and family together to enjoy a summertime staple.

Try out your favourite flavours in a regular or waffle cone, or have it in a milkshake or float if you’re feeling adventurous. 

Grab a scoop and take a beautiful walk down by the stunning Thompson River!

The shop is open every day of the week from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm and that includes holidays, so if you’re downtown and want to try a Kamloops classic, check out Scoopz Ice Cream Parlour.