Reasons to visit Sun Peaks in summer

It is a Canadian favourite among British skiers but Sun Peaks in British Columbia really blooms in the summer and autumn when the mountains are ablaze with flora and adventure activities beckon

It’s perfectly placed

If you’re planning a Canada road trip then you should arrange a few nights in centrally-located Sun Peaks. It’s just over a four-hour drive from both Vancouver and Whistler and five hours from Jasper in Alberta, via the stunning Wells Gray Provincial Park. But Sun Peaks has more than enough to keep visitors’ attention, including a cute village with al fresco games, great dining and an impressive events calendar.

Beautiful blooms

Sun Peaks receives over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year so travellers can plan for plenty of time exploring the outdoors. Wildflowers dot the alpine landscape all summer long, but typically explode in late July and early August. Deep purple Larkspur and white anemone come first, followed by red alpine paintbrushes and blue lupins, before the season finishes with pink fire weed and orange tiger lilies.

It’s hiking heaven

Walkers can begin their hiking adventure right from the village, or enjoy a relaxing ride with breathtaking views on the Sunburst chairlift, and start from 6,000 feet above the Shuswap Highlands below. There are 18 hiking trails, ranging from relaxing strolls to exhilarating summits. Take in 360-degree views from the Top of the World on Trail Five or gaze over glassy Tod Lake from the summit of Mount Tod on Trail 11.

It’s the best for bikes

Sun Peaks is the perfect place to try mountain biking, with riders of all levels finding their pace on its peaks. Keen bikers can test their limits in the world-class bike park, with its steep and technical trails, whilst beginners and kids can find their wheels on gentler forest tracks in the Progression Park. There are also numerous cross-country trails, some suitable for a gentle family jaunt through alpine meadows.

You can get high on golf

Surrounded by natural foliage and panoramic mountain views, the challenging 18-hole par 72 course is centred along the valley floor, surrounded by the three mountains of Tod, Sundance and Morrisey. With the greens located at 1,200 metres above sea level, Sun Peaks weighs in as BC’s highest course and is pleasantly cool in the summer months. And, thanks to that thin mountain air, balls fly further!

And relax by the lake

Located 6 km from Sun Peaks village, the pristine McGillivray Lake is the perfect place to get back in touch with nature. Rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard for the day and get out on the water. As you paddle silently watch for ospreys, hawks, loons and eagles overhead, whilst deer, beaver, moose and bears are just some of the wildlife that can be spotted on the shoreline. sunpeaksresort.com