Planning Your Visit to Sun Peaks

Discovering Sun Peaks Resort

Planning a visit to Sun Peaks means preparing for a mix of outdoor activity, walkable amenities, and mountain access. Located in British Columbia's Thompson-Okanagan region, Sun Peaks Resort is Canada’s second-largest ski area. Visitors are drawn by the combination of alpine terrain, a compact village, and year-round outdoor options.

The resort offers more than just access to the slopes. Its compact village includes grocery stores, restaurants, rental shops, accommodations, and medical services, all within walking distance. This setup makes it easy to park your car on arrival and forget about it until you leave. With Kamloops only 45 minutes away by car and the access roads well maintained, travel in and out is straightforward.

Winter Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding and More

During the winter, Sun Peaks delivers 4,270 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains: Tod, Sundance, and Morrisey. The 137 runs include a mix for all ability levels, with 10% rated beginner, 58% intermediate, and 32% advanced. Beginners often stay near the Sundance and Sunburst lifts, while intermediate and advanced skiers spread out across the longer runs and steeper terrain on Morrisey and in the West Bowl.

Nine lifts provide efficient access to the slopes, including high-speed chairs like the Sunburst Express and Crystal Chair. Alongside alpine skiing, the resort maintains 34 kilometres of groomed Nordic trails for cross-country skiing. Visitors can also book dog sled tours, go snowshoeing, try guided ice fishing, or spend time tubing at the Sundance base area. Equipment rentals and lessons for these activities are available through the main resort centre.

Summer in the Mountains: Trails, Golf, and More

When the snow melts, Sun Peaks becomes a summer base for mountain biking, hiking, and lake activities. The Sun Peaks Bike Park features over 2,000 vertical feet of lift-accessed downhill trails, with terrain ranging from beginner flow lines to expert tech routes. The Sunburst Express operates in the summer to shuttle riders and hikers up the mountain.

The Sun Peaks Golf Course is the highest-elevation 18-hole course in British Columbia. It winds along the lower slopes of Mt. Morrisey, offering a mix of elevation changes, forested edges, and open views. Other summer activities include guided horseback rides, Segway tours through the village, and downhill runs on Mountain Cross Carts—three-wheeled gravity-powered trikes. For those seeking a quieter pace, McGillivray Lake offers options for paddling and fishing.

Where to Stay in Sun Peaks

Accommodations are concentrated around the village, providing easy access to the lifts, restaurants, and shops. Full-service hotels such as the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Sun Peaks Lodge offer ski-in/ski-out access and on-site amenities, including dining, pools, and fitness rooms.

Vacation rentals offer condos, townhomes, and chalets equipped with full kitchens, laundry, and private hot tubs. These units are well suited for longer stays or families. Travellers with RVs can use the P5 parking lot, which allows overnight stays for a fee. Keep in mind there are no hookups, however washrooms and garbage disposal are available nearby.

Eating and Après-Ski

Sun Peaks has a range of places to eat, from sit-down restaurants to quick counter-service spots. Mantles Restaurant & Lounge offers seasonal menus and a relaxed dining room setting, while Bottoms Bar & Grill is known for casual meals and a view of the ski hill. Morrisey’s Public House provides another option with rotating taps and live entertainment.

Coffee and lighter fare are easy to find at places like Bolacco Café, a favourite for breakfast sandwiches and espresso. Vertical Café also serves snacks and hot drinks throughout the day. For something quick, Mountain High Pizza serves by-the-slice or whole pizzas.

Events and Seasonal Celebrations

Throughout the year, Sun Peaks hosts events that bring locals and visitors together. In winter, highlights include ski and snowboard demo days, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, and the Alpine Fondue & Torchlight Descent. In the summer months, events like the 5K Foam Fest, Summersgiving, and Canada Day feature music, family activities, and open-air stages.

The summer concert series runs weekly on the village stage, drawing small crowds to outdoor performances. Regular programming also includes farmers' markets, yoga classes, and road cycling weekends, adding more variety to a visit.

Getting There and Travel Planning

Reaching Sun Peaks takes about 45 minutes from Kamloops by car. The highway and mountain road are maintained year-round, though in winter, vehicles must have winter tires or carry chains. Parking is free in most lots, with the P2 day-use area offering the most space. Shuttle buses run between the resort and Kamloops Airport during peak travel times.

Once you're in the village, everything is within walking distance. The pedestrian-only core supports foot traffic and makes moving between lodging, dining, and lifts simple. The resort centre is the main hub for rentals, lift tickets, and activity check-ins. To avoid missing out, it’s a good idea to book accommodation, lessons, and gear rentals ahead of time, especially during busy weekends.

Final Notes

Sun Peaks suits travellers who want easy access to the outdoors without giving up comfort or convenience. Most services and amenities are steps away from lodging, and the range of seasonal activities keeps things varied. Whether skiing, biking, golfing, or attending a festival, everything at Sun Peaks is set up to be walkable and low-effort once you arrive. Planning ahead helps make the most of what the resort offers in every season.