5 Classic Routes to Explore in Sun Peaks

These signature routes are only the beginning.

From pedaling the day away on your bike, to roaming through the village with your family, we have something to offer every type of traveller. Time is of the essence once summer hits and ensuring that your days are filled with adventure is of the utmost importance. Let us take the guessing game out of your summer planning with these five signature routes that will allow you to make the most of your time in Sun Peaks.

Lift-Access Mountain Biking

Three blue lines.   
Barn Burner → Spicy Taco → Bermalade

For a heart pumping adrenaline rush, load your bike onto the Sunburst chairlift and head up to the top of the Sun Peaks Bike Park. With 2,000 feet of vertical drop and dozens of trails sprawling among the mountains, there’s truly something for everyone. Riders can warm up on the 9km top-to-bottom green progression trail, Level Up, before tackling our recommended three blue lines: Barn Burner, Spicy Taco and Bermalade. Dropping into Barn Burner may initially take your breath away, due to a steep entry line, but you’ll soon settle into the techy singletrack as you make your way down the mountain. Continue to embrace the rugged terrain and take on Spicy Taco to navigate rocks and roots while you drop more elevation. For a smooth and flowy finish to your ride hop on the brand new Bermalade trail which, true to its name, will wind you down berms and right into the village.

Alpine Hiking

Tod Lake adventure.
#9 Gil’s → #7 West Bowl → #10 West Ridge → #5 Top of the World → #2 Crystal Bowl Loop

Hop on the Sunburst chairlift, ride into the alpine and you’ll find plenty of hiking trails right at your fingertips. For an adventurous hike, lace up your boots and experience the Tod Lake Adventure. The trail starts by traversing through the thick forests on Gil’s (a popular ski area in the winter months). You’ll soon break out of the trees to be greeted by the serene Tod Lake. Cool off by dipping your feet in the water, or have a bite to eat on the shore. After your stop at the lake, meander your way through wildflower dotted meadows back to the top of the Sunburst. When you've finished exploring the upper reaches of the mountain, save your legs and take the chairlift back down. 

Local Tip: A great time to visit is alpine blossom season, usually occurring between mid-July to mid-August. Witness the rolling alpine, covered in a kaleidoscope of wildflowers, while taking in the sweet aromas of the blooms. 

Outdoor Patio-Hopping

Three patios worth sipping on.
Cahilty Creek Kitchen → Morrisey’s Public House → Bottoms Bar & Grill

After a full day of adventuring in the summer sun, you’re going to be ready to relax and unwind on an outdoor patio—or three. We have more than 20 bars, restaurants and cafés to choose from, so we’ve made it easy for you with these three patios worth sipping on.  Start your tasting experience slopeside at Cahilty Creek Kitchen, where you’ll be able to choose from 16 draft taps featuring craft beer, BC wines and cider, as well as a brand new summer menu. Next, make your way through the pedestrian-only village for a stop at Morrisey’s Public House which is known for its lush outdoor patio, a unique cocktail list, and live entertainment filling the air on most nights. The last patio on the agenda is Bottoms Bar & Grill where you will most likely find the locals hanging out and enjoying a pint. Their lively patio overlooks the mountain and features an outdoor bocce ball green so, while you settle in, you can enjoy fresh mountain air and fun times with your crew.

Tip: If you’re still hungry for more, check out a full list of dining options here.

Family-Fun in the Village

Activities for the whole family.
Shuswap Medicine Trail Loop → Community Park  → Outdoor Games Areas

Grab your little ones and explore the village to take part in these fun activities for the whole family. Sun Peaks is known for being a destination that caters to families, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of the village to have some fun. Start your mini-adventure with a self-guided walk around the Shuswap Medicine Trail Loop where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about local flora, fauna and First Nations traditional medicines. Next, head to the Community Park where you will find a playground with swings and a slide, as well as a large field with a baseball backstop and soccer nets. Wander on down through the pedestrian-only village and check out the free outdoor games areas. You can take turns on the ping pong table, test your stills on the giant chess or checker boards, or challenge your family to game of connect 4.

Lift-Access Cross-Country  

Pedal your way around three trails. 
Altitude XC → Big Rock Ride XC → Level Up

Cross-country riding just got a little bit sweeter thanks to the help of the Sunburst chairlift. Your legs will get to rest as you ride the chair up, but don’t worry because you’ll still get plenty of pedaling in on this ride. We recommend you pedal your way around three trails to explore Tod Mountain and the surrounding areas. Start your journey by climbing up the Altitude XC trail which weaves through fields of wildflowers, and cuts across the side of Tod Mountain offering stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. If you’re up for an adventure, take the small side trek up to Tod Lake and enjoy the stunning views of the water and lush greenery. Head down the Altitude XC singletrack to get back to the top of the downhill trails in the main area of the Bike Park. From here, hop onto Big Rock Ride XC  to extend your pedal or connect onto Level Up, a green flow trail. This cruisy trail is gentle on your cross-country bike, but is still thrilling as you wind your way down the mountain. If you choose the Big Rock Ride option you can connect to Level Up lower down via Homesteader Road to complete your descent to the village.