Top of the World
Elevation: 2,080m
Posted June 29, 2022
After a long spring with unrelentless rainy, cool days, we're looking forward to welcoming you back to incredible views, blooming wildflowers, and sunny days over the months ahead. Here's what you need to know for hiking this summer in Sun Peaks.
What's open
The Sunburst Express chairlift opened on June 17 for sightseeing rides and a fun, limited time opportunity to snowshoe in June. A few hundred people joined us over the weekend to take in the unique experience!
Alpine hiking is slower to open this year, with persistent snow and wet conditions at higher elevations. However, we're pleased to now have the following trails in the hiking network open. As additional trails open, trail status will be updated each morning on the Hiking Trails & Status webpage.
- #1 Vista Trail - upper section
- #2 Crystal Bowl
- #7 West Bowl - open to Crystal Bowl junction
- #16 Sunburst Loop - village access, ticket not required
- #15 Broadway Loop - village access, ticket not required
- #13 Shuswap Medicine Trail - village access, ticket not required
New trails & Changes to the hiking trail network
We are excited to share with you our new alpine hiking trail, Saddleback! This 1km blue trail traverses the bowl between Top of the World and the base of Tod Peak. This connector trail gives you a quicker option of accessing Tod Lake and Tod Peak, taking approximately 30 minutes to complete one way and showcases spectacular views only accessible at high elevation.
Due to the Bike Park expansion on Sundance mountain, the Sundance Summit, Sundance Loop, and Lone Fir trails are now permanently closed. Changes have been made to the Village Connector trail, which now connects the top of the Sunburst Express with Broadway Loop.
Even though we've lost a few kilometres of trail on Sundance mountain, brand new multi-purpose hike/bike trails are opening on Mt. Morrisey later this summer (currently under construction) thanks to our friends at Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association. This includes an ascent/descent trail called Cedar Twist and a mountaintop viewpoint trail, adding a collective 8km of hiking trails.
Cedar Twist is a 6km trail that will begin at the base of Mt. Morrisey Express chairlift and wind upwards towards the peak. Bikers and hikers will share Cedar Twist for the ascent, with bikers required to yield to hikers and ride in control. Only hikers are permitted to descend the mountain via this trail. Cedar Twist will make for a spectacular hike for intermediate hikers looking to explore the beautiful, thick cedar forest unique to this side of the valley. View the Pedal-Access Trail Map and stay tuned for its opening later this summer!
Guided Alpine Hiking tours
Choose from three different guided hiking tours to make the most of your time on our trails this summer.
- Vista Hiking Tour, offered daily at 1:00pm, is a one-hour loop that includes photo opportunities and direct assistance with loading and unloading the chair. This tour is perfect for hikers with less mobility who may require additional assistance to enjoy the incredible views.
- Top of the World Hiking Tour, offered daily at 10:00am and 1:00pm, is a two-hour experience of our Top of the World blue trail that includes steep ascents and descents with incredible vistas. There are multiple routes available for this tour which is best for fast hikers.
- Alpine Hiking Tour is a four-hour journey in our incredible high alpine area. Routes are set with your wishes and stamina in mind and can include areas such as Tod Lake, West Bowl, White Bowl, Tod Peak, and more. This tour is offered daily at 10:00am.
All tours require a minimum of 24-hour booking notice and all hikers must be 13 or older. Visit our Guided Hiking Tours page for more information and how to book.
Wildflower season
A favourite time for hiking is during Alpine Blossom Season, which typically lies between mid-July to mid-August. Based on the cooler spring and wet temperatures, the wildflowers may bloom later than usual. To inquire on the current status of the wildflowers, please contact Guest Services.
Bear Aware
Our mountains are home to many animals and as usual, many bears have been spotted in and around Sun Peaks this spring, with cooler temperatures keeping them at lower elevations for an extended period. If you do encounter a black bear while hiking, remember to always keep your distance. Respect their habitat by disposing of any garbage in designated bear-safe trash bins located throughout the village, and never feed a bear! For more Bear Aware safety tips, visit this page.
Happy Hiking!