72 Hours: Why Sun Peaks Should Be on Your B.C. Travel Bucket List

I’ve only visited Sun Peaks Resort in the winter. I never thought about this pedestrian-friendly town as a summer destination. Unbeknownst to me, this town has come into its own renaissance as a great year-round hot spot. As the second largest ski area in the country, this European-inspired resort goes from schussing down the slopes to hiking and biking them, while the resort is a base camp for all sorts of summer activities. Once you arrive, there’s no need to leave. Follow me on my epic three-day adventure as I discover its charms.  

Day One

Stop Along the Drive

The drive from Vancouver to Sun Peaks is less than a five-hour ride through the heart of our province’s breathtaking mountainous landscape. On these long drives, I like to stop on the way, stretch my legs and grab a bite to eat.  An hour drive northeast from Sun Peaks is Kamloops. I took part in the city’s new Foodie Tour. Over three hours, I sample savoury small bites and curated cocktails from some of Kamloops’ popular restaurants: Mittz Kitchen, Cordo Resto + Bar, The Noble Pig and Underbelly by the Pig. I also explored some of the city’s hot spots and gleaned insight into this former fur trading post’s culture and rich history. I snapped several photos of the city’s 30+ murals painted on historic buildings.   

Settle In

My comfy home base for the next three nights was Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge. A legendary Canadian skiing icon who pioneered the development of Sun Peaks Resort, Greene’s resort is just steps from the village. When it was time to chill after a busy day, I appreciated the sun-filled, spacious two-bedroom suite complete with a kitchen, two bathrooms and a fireside living room overlooking the village and the superb mountainous range. 

Dinner at the Powder Hounds Restaurant

For dinner, I ate at the Powder Hounds Restaurant in the Fireside Lodge. Dating to 1998, it’s one of the oldest privately owned restaurants in Sun Peaks with a German-influenced carte du jour. There’s a cozy rustic pub atmosphere and the menu is small but well curated, featuring a delicious schnitzel and West Coast seafood dishes. I recommend the seafood linguine with a bold red.  

Take In an Outdoor Concert

The combination of live music and an open-air venue is what make summertime memories. The Clocktower as a backdrop was the perfect setting for the town’s Summer Concert Series. Myself, along with young and old, swayed and danced to the energetic and electric sounds of The Free Label’s unique mix of 70s disco, 90s R&B and funk. 

Day Two

Hike to the Top of the World

A cup of java and a leisurely breakfast of yogurt and fruit in my suite readied me for the day’s big adventure. Reaching the summit of the Top of the World—7,000 feet above sea level—is nothing short of rewarding. I met my knowledgeable hiking guide, Leigh Peterson, at the Sunburst Express chairlift where we proceeded to our starting point. We trekked for two hours up 1,000 feet through ski runs, gentle strolls and alpine summit trails. What felt like literally being at the top of the world, I revelled in the unfettered views of Shuswap Lake, Dunn Peak and the Coast and Monashee Mountain ranges. P.S., bring your phone or camera for photos because the hills are blanketed with wildflowers in brilliant hues of yellows, reds and deep purples in the summertime.

Go on a Backcountry Jeep Tour

If hiking isn’t enough, I went on the Jeepers Creepers backcountry tour with Mountain Man Adventure Tours. This was a remote, 2-and-a-half-hour backcountry tour in an open Jeep traversing narrow trails. Here, thistles and branches end up in the back seat of the vehicle, every shade of green appears as you travel through thick forests, pristine lakes take your breath away and the smell of fresh air seeps deep into your soul—that adds up to a memorable adventure.

After a fun-filled day, I indulged in a quiet, relaxed dinner in my suite.

Day Three

Breakfast at Vertical Cafe

Vertical Cafe is considered by locals and visitors alike as the “in spot” for the best breakfast, brunch and lunch in town—and for good reason. Using locally sourced, mostly organic free-range ingredients, this quaint and beloved joint is famous for its avocado fruit muffins, breaky burritos, homemade soups and wraps. 

Visit the Farmers’ Market

Sunday’s Sun Peaks Market is about much more than the food. It offers a sense of community and camaraderie. As I meandered from stall to stall gathering up some fresh-picked produce and artisan-crafted facial products, I watched the throng of people enjoying lively tunes by a local DJ while chatting with friends and neighbours. 

Go Kayaking

After collecting my paddles and safety equipment at the activities desk in the Village Day Lodge, I drove 15 minutes along backcountry roads to one of the most spectacular lakes I’ve ever seen—McGillivray Lake. I unlocked my kayak and headed to the dock, where I launched myself on a two-hour leisurely paddle along the remote, stunningly beautiful waters through untamed wilderness, where loons and eagles seemed to follow my tranquil row. 

Enjoy a Late Afternoon Walk

A multi-use path, the Valley Trail is a scenic walk that winds along the Sun Peaks Golf Course, past gorgeous residential streets and a couple of small creeks, with the stunning backdrop of Mount Tod and the surrounding mountains along the way. 

Dinner at Mantles Restaurant & Lounge

I finished my trip with an unforgettable dinner at Mantles Restaurant & Lounge in the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre, the resort’s only luxury hotel. The lower-lobby restaurant offers a truly special dining experience, one that fuses inspired flavours, artful presentation and a relaxed alpine atmosphere. My server recommended the drum fish, a freshwater, line-caught white fish from Mauritius off the Indian Ocean. Paired with a sweet potato and parsnip puree, fennel slaw and charred broccolini, it was a buttery, delicate and perfectly delicious meal to end the getaway.