The lifts are moving, the trails are groomed, and the wildflowers are just starting to bloom. Here’s why you should visit Sun Peaks now.

Ever thought to yourself, “I just need a bit of space right now”? Yeah, we’ve been there too. There are times we need some space to roam free or to simply lie back and stare at the stars. And if that space just happens to be in a place with super-sick lift-accessed mountain biking, then all the better.

Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops, British Columbia, is now open for the summer season and aside from some seriously scenic spaces in uncrowded terrain, the mountain destination also offers mountain biking, hiking, alpine sightseeing, paddling opportunities, and the highest elevation 18-hole golf course in the province. There are no less than three mountains surrounding the resort’s pedestrian-only village so there’s no shortage of places to play, plus you’ll find a wide range of full-service amenities that are all adhering to provincial guidelines currently in place for health safety.

Wanna Mountain Bike Sun Peaks? Here’s What To Expect.

Sun Peaks boasts one of the oldest bike parks in the province. In fact, 2020 marks its 21st anniversary and over the past two years the crews have been hard at work maintaining the rowdy trails of yore as well as creating new ones for all levels of riders. There’s now a beginner Progression Park that’s accessible by carpet lift, which is perfect for the youngest of shredders. And new trails such as “Bermalade” and “Canada Line” cater to those who prefer the fast, flowy, and super fun. And for those who like earning their turns, there’s a growing network of cross-country trails spread across the valley, compliments of the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Alliance.

Here are some more stats for you about the riding at Sun Peaks:

  • 65+ kilometres of trails, including a dirt jump park
  • Lift-accessed biking via the Sunburst Express chairlift
  • 595 metres (1,952 feet) of lift-accessed vertical + an alpine ascent
  • Cross-country riding can be accessed via the lift as well as on Mt. Morrisey, around the village, and out to McGillivray Lake
  • Open daily from 10am to 5pm until September 13th with bonus weekends on Sept 18-20 and Sept 25-27
  • Online tickets can be purchased in advance
Above photo by Blake Jorgenson. Top photo by Reuben Krabbe.

For Those Looking To Find Some Mellow, Here’s What Sun Peaks Delivers

Not everyone wants to hoon down singletrack chasing thrills. Some prefer wading through a sea of wildflowers, paddling a quiet lake, or chilling in a European-style village with a coffee or cocktail. The good news is wildflower season is just getting started at Sun Peaks and you don’t have to sweat your way uphill to see them if you don’t want. The same lift that whisks bikers to the top of the mountain also carries hikers, trail runners and alpine sightseers to the goods. You can spend part of a day wandering the slopes to get some floral face time and the rest of your stay can be spent enjoying any number of activities including:

  • hiking any of the other 18 designated trails at the resort
  • paddling the scenic McGillivray Lake (rentals available)
  • fly fishing with professional guides
  • golfing the 18-hole, 6,400-yard course that’s located 1,200 metres above sea level
  • paddlboarding on Heffley Lake
  • sightseeing via an organized walking tour, horseback ride, voyageur canoe, or horse-drawn carriage excursion
  • playing tennis on the pristine courts with Mt. Tod as your backdrop
  • wine touring with TasteFull Excursions
  • shopping in the village
  • dining at the many restaurants and cafés
  • relaxing in the sun. After all, the area receives over 2,000 hours of it annually

Escape The Crowds At Sun Peaks While Knowing Your Safety Is Priority #1

This year has been a very unique one and Sun Peaks has ensured there are safety protocols in place throughout the village and mountain resort to ensure you enjoy all that’s on offer without worrying about risk. Provincial guidelines are being adhered to and there is signage up throughout the resort explaining the regulations. Here are some other things you should know before you go:

  • a limited number of lift tickets are available for purchase each day and should be booked online in advance
  • accommodations are being cleaned more frequently and leaving guest rooms idle between bookings. It’s important to book in advance
  • summer activities look a bit different this year and while there are still many things on offer, such group-centric areas as the Kids Zone will be closed. To see a full list of what’s available, visit the resort’s summer activities page.
  • most dining establishments are open and additional patio space has been created in order to adhere to distancing practices. Here’s a list of all the restaurants and shops that are open

Summer is the perfect time for road tripping and given all that Sun Peaks Resort has to offer this season, it’s an excellent destination to put on your map. It takes just over four hours to drive from Vancouver, through the beautiful semi-arid city of Kamloops, and double that from such Alberta cities as Calgary and Edmonton. To easily plan your trip ahead of time, visit sunpeaksresort.com.