Sun Peaks: Ski Terrain, Trails and Village Life

Sun Peaks offers activities with very different focuses depending on when you travel: from the seasonal farmers’ market in summer to the extensive ski terrain and winter offerings. Hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and sleigh rides are also among the options. When comparing hotels for Sun Peaks, first consider which activities matter for your travel dates. The following details about the area and activities can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Village Life and Trails

During the summer months, a farmers’ market takes place in the village of Sun Peaks. Local farmers, ranchers and artisans offer sustainably grown fruit and vegetables, local meat, seafood, crafts and other products. The market brings food and crafts together in a seasonal offering, making it a specific place to visit for anyone looking to connect their stay with village life.

The village has a trail reserved exclusively for pedestrians. Family-friendly valley trails connect the residential areas of the Sun Peaks community. You can start hiking right in the village: there are 22 trails in total, ranging from relaxing walks to challenging summit hikes. The hiking options thus span everything from shorter, peaceful outings to more demanding hikes, without all the trails having the same level of difficulty.

Winter: Skiing, Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

Sun Peaks’ ski terrain covers 4,400 acres and extends across Tod Mountain, Sundance Mountain and Mount Morrisey. This means three mountains are part of the ski area. For those looking for a different kind of winter outing in addition to skiing, there is an extensive snowshoe trail network. Both guided tours and options for exploring independently are available; winter activities are seasonal.

Groomed and track-set cross-country ski trails are also part of the offerings. They lead directly from the village and many accommodations. This is a useful distinction for planning: both the village and many accommodations are listed as starting points for accessing the trails. Since current grooming conditions are not specified, it is worth checking trail conditions before heading out. Mountain Man Dog Sled & Snowmobile Adventures is the named provider of dog sledding tours in Sun Peaks.

Summer: Bike Park, Hiking and Golf

The Sun Peaks Bike Park spans two mountains and two chairlifts. It features more than 89 kilometres of trails and 595 metres of lift-served vertical. For a different kind of biking, Mount Morrisey has a cross-country trail network that you can access under your own power. The details therefore distinguish between a bike park with chairlifts and a pedal-powered cross-country network. Bike park operations may vary seasonally; factor current conditions into your plans.

There are 22 hiking trails to choose from, ranging from relaxing walks to challenging summit hikes, and you can start right in the village. Golf is another notable summer activity: Sun Peaks is home to the highest-elevation 18-hole golf course in British Columbia. The fairways are at 1,200 metres above sea level; the highest tee is at 1,333 metres. These elevations describe different points on the course and help put its location into context.

Trail Rides, Sleigh Rides and Live Music

Sun Peaks Stables offers small-group trail rides. According to the offering, rides are suitable for beginners as well as advanced riders; advance booking is required. This makes it possible to choose the activity based on riding experience, while the group size and need to plan ahead are also specified.

Seasonally, horse-drawn sleigh rides travel at a leisurely pace through the village and then through open areas with views of the valley and mountains. The return route follows a gentle ski run. For live music, the Sun Peaks Centre is a covered outdoor stage. Alongside activities on the terrain, village offerings and a venue are also available as different elements of a stay.

Discover more destinations: Kamloops, Barrière, Spences Bridge, 70 Mile House, Monte Creek, Logan Lake, Blue River, Ashcroft.

For the broader travel overview: Thompson-Nicola.