Beyond the Slopes: What Else to Do in Sun Peaks
This piece explores the non-traditional activities available in Sun Peaks for visitors seeking alternatives to skiing or snowboarding. While the resort is recognized for its terrain and elevation, many other experiences away from the lifts offer equal appeal.
Sun Peaks provides a range of year-round activities that move beyond the mountain. From quiet lake paddles and snowshoe treks to outdoor yoga and axe throwing, the resort delivers a broad spectrum of options for all interests. The sections below highlight standout experiences across the seasons, offering detailed examples of what to expect.
Winter Activities Beyond Skiing
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
Small group sleigh rides travel through snowy village trails, led by draft horses and available during the day and in the evening. Some rides include stops for photos, while others offer a peaceful experience under blankets without commentary.
These sleigh rides depart from the area near the Sports Centre and last about 30 minutes. They are organized by Sun Peaks Stables. Availability depends on snow levels and weather conditions, and advance booking is recommended.. Availability depends on weather and snow levels, and bookings are recommended.
Snowshoeing Tours
Marked snowshoe trails begin near the village and vary in length and difficulty. Guided tours are available through local operators who share wildlife tracking insights and point out forest rest stops where chickadees and nuthatches gather.
Independent visitors can rent snowshoes in the village and explore at their own pace. Trail maps are posted at key locations including trailheads and the base lifts, with routes that run separately from cross-country tracks.
Dog Sledding Rides
Mountain Man Adventure Tours also offers dog sledding excursions through wooded trails outside the resort. Rides begin with a short introduction to the dogs, followed by a scenic run through narrow forest routes with a musher at the helm.
The sled teams consist of trained Alaskan huskies suited for long-distance work. Tours are held daily throughout the winter, with limited capacity making advance booking essential.
Groomer Cabin Rides
The "Cat Trax" experience places guests inside a snowcat during the evening grooming shift. With large windows and a Sun Peaks staff member on board, the ride provides a behind-the-scenes look at how ski runs are maintained each night.
Each 45-minute ride accommodates only a few passengers. Riders need to climb into the groomer cab, and reservations are made through the resort's booking system.
Ice Fishing with Local Guides
Guided ice fishing trips are offered by local guides, with transportation, gear, and heated shelters all included. The focus is on catching wild rainbow trout using sonar and pre-drilled holes.
These trips often include underwater camera use, bait selection, and gear setup. Most sessions last around four hours, with snacks and pickup from the village provided.
Snowmobiling and Fat Biking
Snowmobile tours operated by local outfitters access trails and frozen lakes outside the main resort. Riders follow a guide on pre-determined routes, with gear and helmets supplied for all participants.
Fat bikes are also available for rent and can be used on packed trails near the village. Some trails are shared with skiers, but designated single-track routes are also maintained for solo exploration.
Toboggan Hills and Tubing Runs
Free toboggan areas are set up near the base of the Morrisey and Orient lifts, where families bring or rent sleds for repeated runs. These hills require walking back uphill after each descent.
For a more structured option, the Tube Time facility offers a groomed hill with a carpet lift, allowing easier access for multiple rides. Tubes are provided on-site, and tickets are sold in timed blocks.
Warm Season Options
Hiking and Lift-Accessed Biking
Trailheads for hiking begin at the village and stretch into alpine zones, flower-filled fields, and forested ridges. Some routes form loops, while others follow single-direction paths. Wildflowers tend to peak between mid-July and early August.
The Sun Peaks Bike Park features lift-accessed downhill trails across 595 metres of vertical, with over 84 km of mapped terrain. Passes, rentals, and lessons are available throughout the summer season.
Canoeing and Paddleboarding on McGillivray Lake
McGillivray Lake is located a short drive from the village and offers opportunities for paddling on calm waters. Rentals are available, provideing all necessary equipment including paddles, dry bags, and lifejackets.
The shoreline varies between forested edges and open stretches. Most paddlers stay close to the main access point, but the lake also allows for longer exploratory routes.
Disc Golf Course
Sun Peaks' disc golf course begins at the top of the Sunburst Express chairlift and follows a downhill path back toward the village. The course uses natural features like open meadows and forest clearings to shape each hole.
Elevation changes and tree cover increase the technical aspect of play. The course is free with a lift ticket and operates during regular summer lift hours.
Outdoor Yoga and Wellness
Sun Peaks Yoga runs seasonal alpine sessions near the top of the Sunburst lift. These sessions focus on breath, mobility, and calm in an outdoor setting. Participants bring their own mats and move through a series of guided movements.
Indoor yoga options are available year-round in village studios. Class times shift by season and day of the week, with drop-in spots available when space allows.
Sun Peaks Golf Course
The 18-hole, par-72 Sun Peaks Golf Course runs through forested valley terrain at 1,200 metres of elevation. Fairways weave under ski lifts and alongside creeks, offering steady pacing for a full round.
Rental clubs, carts, and lesson packages are available through the clubhouse. The season typically runs from mid-June to late September, with tee times available online or by phone.
Outdoor Concerts and Summer Festivals
During the summer, free concerts take place in the village plaza. The Retro Concert Weekend is one of the recurring events that draw large crowds to Sun Peaks, with styles ranging from blues to rock and electronic sets.
These events often include food trucks, beer gardens, and local vendor markets. The concerts are open to all ages and bring in visitors from Kamloops and nearby regions.
Choosing Something Different
Sun Peaks supports more than ski and snowboard culture. Visitors can build their stay around paddleboarding, yoga, disc golf, axe throwing, or dog sledding. These experiences appeal to those looking for slower activities, group fun, or alternatives to winter sports.
Each season brings a new reason to visit, and Sun Peaks continues to add options for travellers seeking something different. The variety available makes it easier for all visitors to find something that fits their pace and interest.
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