Summer at Sun Peaks Resort

My experience at Sun Peaks has always been brief, but memorable. My first trip up to the Thompson Okanagan ski resort was in 2010 for their Winter Wine Festival and I soon realized just how much happens in this quaint resort village. From annual and seasonal festivals to sporting competitions, concerts, and of course some of the best skiing around. After years of having the every intention to visit the resort in the summer, we finally had the chance to check out a snow-free Sun Peaks last weekend.

Sun Peaks Resort, village

Mountain bike culture is alive and well in Sun Peaks as they open up an entire network of paths and downhill trails for riders in the summer months.

Take your bike up the chair lift to the head of the downhill trails

Something for all skill levels

If you’re into something with a little less impact, there is a series of hiking trails up and across the slopes. Be aware though, we took the wrong type of map with us on the trails and ended up climbing up much higher in the alpine than intended, luckily we were prepared for the trek.

Family out for a walk on the trail

Trails are marked, just don’t go down the bike paths

You’ll want to grab the official Summer Trail Map from the day lodge before you head out. Be bear and wildlife aware, wear sensible shoes, bring some water, and enjoy the incredible Eastern views. You can also take the chair lift up to another series of peak trails (which we did later in the day).

The arctic lupines powder the entire hillside with an aromatic floral scent, fiery red and yellow flowers pepper the wild green grasses, while the mountains in the distance look like waves rolling onto a beach – it’s breathtaking.

I’m not doing anything rude here, just smelling the flowers

Not up for hitting the mountain? You can also stay in the village and hit the driving range or head out by car or bike to a nearby lake for canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, or kayaking.

Driving range in the village, up the slopes

After a long day of hiking however, we found relaxation down at the Delta’s pool — even the hut tub felt amazing on our tired muscles in the warm weather.

Delta Sun Peaks lobby

There are a few dinner options in the village (from pizza and pub fare to fine cuisine) and we went down to Mantles at the Delta Sun Peaks. The best part of the meal was the appetizers, which were crisp and fresh with local ingredients, and the impeccable service with a smile. If you’re having wine, I highly recommend the “Flight of Wine” for $15. You get 3 wine pairings of your choice (with the 3-course prix-fixe dinner) which ends up being a really good deal (at least 50% off if you ordered win with each course alone).

John’s watermelon salad

During our stay the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra performed an outdoor concert and this weekend you can catch Retro Rock on the Mountain.

Kamloops Symphony Orchestra

Upcoming events include the Biggest Break Golf Challenge at Sun Peaks Golf Course, the Sun Peaks & Region Farmers Market (every Sunday until September), and the legendary Classic Car Gathering happening September 24th.

It takes about 4 and a half hours to get to Sun Peaks and it’s about 40 minutes outside of Kamloops. It’s my sister’s new favourite destination in the winter for her family (she’s actually still the mayor of a few places in the village on Foursquare) and it’s great to see so much going on in the summer as well.

All photos in this post were taken by John Bollwitt exclusively for Miss604.com. View all photos from our stay in his Flickr set.