Sun Peaks, British Columbia, offers outdoor activities across every season, drawing hikers, bikers, skiers, and paddlers to its mountains and lakes. Built for movement and exploration, this destination shifts seamlessly between winter and summer rhythms, with every trail, slope, and shoreline providing new ways to stay outside and active.
Summer Activities in Sun Peaks
Hiking: Explore Alpine Trails and Wildflower Meadows
Hiking at Sun Peaks connects visitors to 17 designated trails that range from beginner-friendly walks to advanced summit climbs. Trails start from the Sunburst Express chairlift, allowing hikers to gain elevation quickly and begin their journey with sweeping mountain views. The "Top of the World" trail is a highlight, especially during mid-July when alpine wildflowers are in full bloom.
Trail maps are available at the base area and online, helping visitors navigate terrain that shifts from dense forest to open meadows and rocky slopes within a few short kilometres. Staying aware of weather updates is encouraged, as conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.
Mountain Biking: Ride the Sun Peaks Bike Park
Stretching across Tod and Sundance mountains, the Sun Peaks Bike Park offers 84 kilometres of trails and 595 metres of lift-accessed vertical. Riders can choose between smooth, machine-built flow tracks or technical singletrack, with options designed for all skill levels.
Beginners can practice at the Progression Park near the village, while advanced riders take on steep descents and larger jump lines. The layout encourages progression, with plenty of opportunities to refine skills and build confidence.
Golfing: Tee Off at British Columbia's Highest Elevation Course
Sun Peaks Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 course set against a mountainside backdrop. The course's high elevation affects ball flight, adding a technical element to each round, while fairways follow the natural contours of the landscape.
Tee times can be booked online or in person at the golf shop, with summer packages often bundling rounds with village accommodations. Many players choose to stay for a few days to fully enjoy both the course and the surrounding activities.
Water Activities: Paddleboarding and Canoeing on McGillivray Lake
McGillivray Lake offers a quiet retreat for paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking. Rentals are available in the village, making it easy to bring equipment to the lake's calm waters.
Families and beginners often favour McGillivray for its no-wake zone and easy shoreline access. Guided tours provide extra insight into the area's wildlife and natural features, adding to the experience.
Unique Summer Experiences: From Ziplining to Mountain Cross Carts
Visitors seeking extra excitement can experience ziplining over Chase Creek Canyon, soaring above forest canopies and waterways. The zipline course is set up to be completed within a few hours, making it easy to combine with other outdoor activities.
Another popular choice is Sun Peaks' Mountain Cross Carts, North America's first gravity-powered cart track. Riders control their speed as they descend winding mountain courses, offering a different way to experience the terrain.
Winter Activities in Sun Peaks
Skiing and Snowboarding: Canada's Second-Largest Ski Area
In winter, Sun Peaks becomes a ski and snowboard destination with 4,270 acres of terrain spread across three mountains: Tod, Sundance, and Morrisey. The mountain layout supports natural progression, helping beginners advance while providing challenges for experienced riders.
With an average of six metres of snowfall each season, conditions often favour light, dry powder. Terrain parks, gladed runs, and steep pitches offer a wide range of choices for visitors of all ability levels.
Snowshoeing: Explore Scenic Winter Trails
Snowshoeing at Sun Peaks allows visitors to move through the quiet winter landscape at a relaxed pace. Trails begin close to the village and extend outward into the surrounding forests, with options for both guided and self-guided exploration.
Rental equipment and trail maps are readily available, making it simple for newcomers and experienced snowshoers alike to access the trails.
Ice Skating: Glide on the NHL-Sized Outdoor Rink
The NHL-sized outdoor rink near the village offers public skating sessions and occasional hockey games under a covered but open-air structure. Skaters can move across the ice while still enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Rental skates are available on-site, and the rink frequently hosts family-friendly themed events throughout the winter season.
Dog Sledding and Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Embrace Traditional Winter Fun
Dog sledding tours give visitors a chance to experience backcountry trails in a unique way, guided by skilled mushers and energetic sled dogs. Tours typically include time for guests to interact with the dogs and learn more about traditional sled travel.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides offer a quieter experience, gliding through open fields and along forested trails, often accompanied by warm blankets and local stories.
Snowmobiling and Fat Biking: Adventure Beyond the Slopes
Guided snowmobiling tours take riders onto groomed trails and through open snowfields, providing an exhilarating way to explore the landscape beyond the main resort areas. All gear and safety equipment are provided.
Fat biking, with its oversized tires designed for snow, allows cyclists to access trails even during heavy winter months. Rentals and trail maps are easy to find in the village.
Family-Friendly Activities: Year-Round Fun for All Ages
Winter: Tubing, Tobogganing, and More
Families visiting in winter can enjoy Tube Time, where groomed lanes allow for solo and group tubing runs. The tubing park's proximity to the village makes it a convenient choice after skiing or snowboarding.
Tobogganing hills and beginner ski areas give young adventurers a chance to play and learn, with group and private lessons available through the resort's snow sports programs.
Summer: Tennis, Pickleball, and Festivals
In the summer, families take advantage of free tennis and pickleball courts located close to the village centre. Active days often combine court time with hiking or biking trips.
The resort's summer events, including Canada Day celebrations and the Alpine Blossom Festival, bring music, food, and entertainment to the village streets.
Sun Peaks Village: The Centre of It All
Sun Peaks Village is a pedestrian-only community where visitors can walk between cafes, restaurants, shops, and activity hubs without needing a vehicle. The village layout keeps everything within easy reach.
Accommodation options vary from hotels and lodges to condos and vacation homes, many offering ski-in/ski-out access. Visitors also find spas, yoga studios, and fitness centres operating throughout the year.
Getting to Sun Peaks: Travel Information
Located about 45 minutes from Kamloops, Sun Peaks is accessible by car or shuttle services connecting to Kamloops Airport and the city centre. During peak seasons, expanded shuttle options help visitors move easily between the resort and major transportation hubs.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Summer Festivals and Events
Summer in Sun Peaks is filled with events like free outdoor concerts, Canada Day festivities, and the Alpine Blossom Festival, timed with the peak of wildflower season. The Retro Concert Weekend draws music fans with throwback hits and themed events.
Winter Events and Experiences
Winter brings community celebrations such as the Holiday Kick-Off Weekend and First Tracks New Year's Eve events, complete with fireworks and evening ski sessions. The Wine & Dine series highlights local cuisine and regional wines through rotating events.
Day Trips and Outdoor Excursions Nearby
Whitecroft and McGillivray Lake
Whitecroft, located just south of Sun Peaks, offers easy access to McGillivray Lake. The area is popular for canoeing, birdwatching, and winter snowshoeing, providing a quieter outdoor experience.
Backcountry and Nordic Skiing at Stake Lake
Stake Lake, operated by the Overlander Ski Club, sits about 30 minutes from the resort. The area maintains over 60 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails, along with snowshoe routes and night-skiing options.
Planning Tips for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The best months for summer activities are from mid-June to late September, with wildflower blooms reaching their peak in July. Winter activities run from late November through mid-April, with the heaviest snowfall often between January and March.
Visitors can rent equipment for skiing, biking, and paddling directly from the village, making it easy to travel light. Booking accommodations and lift tickets early is recommended during peak holiday periods, and the free village shuttle helps visitors access activities without a car.
Conclusion
Sun Peaks is built around outdoor experiences that stretch across every season. Visitors can hike wildflower meadows, ride mountain trails, paddle calm waters, carve through winter powder, or explore quiet snowy forests. The resort's combination of natural terrain, year-round activities, and welcoming village atmosphere makes it a place where outdoor plans easily turn into full days and new traditions. If you're looking for a summer afternoon or a winter holiday, Sun Peaks offers a variety of ways to stay active and connected to the outdoors.
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Sun Peaks Resort: A Year-Round Destination for Outdoor Enthusiasts
