F or barbecue lovers in British Columbia, few destinations capture the spirit of smoke, fire, and feast quite like Valhalla Smoke House in Kamloops. Inspired by Norse mythology and Viking culture, the restaurant has built a loyal following by combining a bold Viking-themed atmosphere with authentic slow-smoked barbecue that keeps guests coming back for more. From the rustic décor to menu items named after legendary Norse warriors and feasts, dining here feels like stepping into a modern-day great hall where smoked meats reign supreme. The restaurant first earned its reputation as a food truck in 2020 before expanding into a full smokehouse experience in 2024. That food-truck heritage remains a key part of its identity, with customers continuing to seek out both the restaurant and mobile operation for expertly prepared barbecue. Every cut of meat is smoked in-house for hours using house-made rubs and marinades, creating the deep smoky flavour that has become the Valhalla trademark. Among the must-have eats, the smoked brisket consistently tops our readers’ recommendations. Diners praise its rich smoke ring, tender texture, and bold flavour. The pulled pork is another fan favourite, frequently described as “juicy, flavourful, and perfectly smoked.” Readers and visitors alike also rave about the pork belly burnt ends, smoked chicken, and the massive sharing platters that allow guests to sample a variety of meats in one sitting. Signature
offerings such as Odin’s Feast, the Royalty Platter, and the Raiding Party platter have become legendary among regulars looking for a true Viking-sized meal. The restaurant’s cornbread, baked beans, mac and cheese, and poutines provide the perfect companions to the smoked meats. Readers’ reviews frequently describe the smokehouse as a “hidden gem” worth seeking out, applauding the generous portions, friendly service, and authentic barbecue flavours. Many readers highlight the brisket and pulled pork as some of the best they have experienced, while others praise the welcoming staff and relaxed atmosphere. Food truck patrons have also spoken highly of the quality and consistency of the menu, noting that the same dedication
to slow-smoked barbecue is evident whether dining at the restaurant or ordering from the truck. Community discussions regularly recommend Valhalla when conversations turn to great barbecue, smoked brisket, and standout poutine in Kamloops. With its Viking-inspired branding, commitment to traditional smoking techniques, and reputation for generous portions of expertly crafted barbecue, Valhalla Smoke House has carved out a place as one of Kamloops and British Columbia’s most talked-about barbecue destinations. Whether you’re tackling a platter fit for a Norse king or grabbing smoked meats from the food truck, every visit delivers a feast worthy of Valhalla itself, and why they are one of Canada’s Best BBQ Joints.
by Ryan Myson LOW & SLOW Canada’s Best BBQ Joints! There’s no shortcut to great barbecue. It starts with quality meat, seasoned with care, then transformed through hours of patience, smoke, and craftsmanship. Across Canada, a growing community of dedicated pitmasters is embracing the time-honoured tradition of cooking low and slow, producing mouthwatering brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and smoked specialties that rival the best barbecue found anywhere south of the border. In this feature, we reached out to our readers from coast to coast in search of the country’s most outstanding smokehouses, celebrating the pitmasters whose passion, skill, and commitment to authentic barbecue have earned them loyal followings and rave reviews. From traditional Texas-style brisket and Kansas City-inspired ribs to uniquely Canadian takes on smoked classics, these are the barbecue destinations proving that great BBQ has a home in Canada.
Kamloops, BC
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