Two favorite summertime activities are camping and eating ice cream so its no wonder that many of us campers love to ‘hike’ to a nearby parlor.  I won’t say these are the 5 ‘best’…all ice cream is great ice cream…but these stand out as a “To Do”  list activities when you’re in these areas.Dutchman Dairy: Sicamous BC

The destination ice cream stop if you’re in the eastern Shuswap. They have their own dairy farm so you can visit the cows that provide fresh milk.  Time your visit to avoid the tour buses that stop by to enjoy their many unique flavors.

Edaleen Dairy: Lynden Washington

When travelling to Washingon State, or beyond, take the Pacific Hwy Truck Crossing at Aldergrove.  America welcomes you almost immediately with this popular dairy.  Your choice of soft or hard ice cream.  Expect generous portions for an attractive price, but also expect great taste.  This family run dairy produces their own product.

Edaleen also runs a retail shop in Sumas Washington just in from the Huntington/Abbotsford border crossing.

Montague Harbour Marina:  Galiano Island

Suspect this same experience occurs at any other Gulf Island marina: after a nice day of boating or beach combing, row/kayak/tender onto the dock where they very likely serve Island Farm’s delicious ice cream.

Random General Store: anywhere…the more remote the better

Tulameen, BC

These rural merchants remind me of simpler days gone by.   They sell pretty well anything: liquor, postal services, fishing gear, ice.  A great ‘hiking’ or biking destination from camp as a place for the gang to congregate.

Sheri’s Sweet Shop:  Winthrop Washington

We’ll blog later about camping near this Old West themed town.  You’ll want to wander around Winthrop so it’ll be impossible to not spend some time treating yourself at Sheri’s.  While there, saddle up for your favorite flavour.

While blogging about ice cream, I need to call out the Merritt Dairy Queen.  Merrit is in a hot valley half-way along the stunning, mountainous Coquihalla Highway between Vancouver and either Kelowna or Kamloops.  Everyone stops at Merritt for gas or a bite to eat.   Our family tradition is the DQ.  It reminds me of some resort towns like Parksville & Osoyoos where the Dairy Queen is still the king.

Where is your must stop ice cream spot?