There’s something so special about discovering a place that feels like it was made for family adventures — and that’s exactly how Sun Peaks was for us. Tucked away in the mountains of British Columbia, this charming alpine village completely stole our hearts. From the moment we arrived, we felt worlds away from the usual, surrounded by breathtaking peaks, fresh mountain air, and a laid-back vibe that made us all instantly unwind. It was the kind of trip where we could genuinely slow down, soak up the views, and spend quality time together — no rushing, no crowded chaos, just pure joy.
Gemma and Chloe were in heaven here. Whether it was squealing with excitement on the Jeep tour, racing each other along the village paths, or trying ice cream twice in one day (because why not on vacation?), seeing Sun Peaks through their eyes made it even more magical. It’s the kind of destination that effortlessly blends adventure and relaxation — we got to paddleboard on serene lakes, sip local wine with mountain backdrops, and end our days snuggled up in a cozy hotel room, planning what to explore next. Honestly, we couldn’t have dreamed up a better mountain escape.
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How to get to Sun Peaks, British Colombia
Sun Peaks is approximately 3 hours’ drive from Kelowna, 4 hours from Vancouver or a quick 40 minute flight from Vancouver to Kamloops. Air Canada has direct flight routes from Vancouver to Kamloops and then you would rent a car to drive up there.
We flew into Vancouver and then road tripped our way up to Sun Peaks. I couldn’t recommend it more! We made a few stops a long the way.
Another thing to note is that Sun Peaks can be visited via the Rocky Mountaineer Train! They make a stop in Kamloops if you choose to go to Banff or Jasper and you have the option to stay at Sun Peaks. It’s a one night stay I believe but I think that shows how amazing this place is if it’s on this route!
Where to stay at Sun Peaks?
Sun Peaks Grand- Best Luxurious Hotel in the Village
The Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre is the signature property in Sun Peaks. It is in the center of the village, offers mountain views like no other and like the name suggests, is GRAND! It has two on site restaurants and so many special spots to relax and enjoy as a family ( like a mini Arcade room for the kids, a games room for a family board game sessions and really comfortable sofas in their lobby’s and foyers that sit right in front of massive two story fireplaces )
HERE ARE SOME THINGS WE SPECIFICALLY LOVED ABOUT SUN PEAKS GRAND
- Modern Rooms: The rooms featured oversized, elegantly upholstered headboards accented with soft, ambient backlighting for a sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere. The furnishings all were updated and we even had a balcony with mountain views!
- Pool and Hot Tubs: This is one of the only hotels with epic pool and hot tub views. You have mountain views AND village views. Total win and the pool has an indoor/outdoor element
- Nespresso Machines: Each morning we relaxed in our robes and had the in room Nespresso. Loved it!
- In House Robes: Their robes were so cozy and I always love when a hotel has ones waiting for you
There are a lot of hotels and rentals in the village and beyond if you are looking for something different and Sun Peaks actually has some great savings and offers at hotels where if you stay longer you save more! You can check that out HERE
The Best Restaurants in Sun Peaks, British Colombia
For a small and intimate village, I was shocked at how many dining options were at Sun Peaks. From fancier steak houses, to the two amazing restaurants within our hotel, to so many little bars and locally and independently owned restaurants, there was no shortage of options.
- Vertical Café –The best spot for morning coffee, breakfast or lunch and is filled with so much love! Their locally sourced and farm to table inspired menu will have you feeling so nourished. I think I will dream about this meal for months to come! Do not miss their Vertical Salad, Cinnabon’s, Smoothies, Cortados…actually just order everything!
- Oya Sushi – Transport yourself to Japan at this intimate and unique spot right in the Village. Their sushi was incredible and they even have cool options like Flamed Sushi where they torch the pieces right in front of you!
- Rocky Mountain–Don’t skip the ice cream here (even if it’s chilly!).
- Powder Hounds: Hearty schnitzels and all the cozy après feels. They even have Etch a Sketchs for the kids to play with. Genius!!!
- Masa’s Grill: Casual and delicious eats right in the village! They have a wicked patio too! We loved their burgers and steak!
- Sunburst Bar + Eatery: Located at the top of the Sunburst Express chairlift, the Sunburst Bar + Eatery offers scenic views of alpine wildflowers and the Shuswap Highlands. They also have an occasional BBQ menu in the summer which really makes you feel like you are in Germany! I was obsessed with our patio visit here.
The Best Things to do at Sun Peaks, British Colombia
Summer at Sun Peaks, BC offers a refreshing twist on its winter reputation—where mountain slopes transform into vibrant playgrounds filled with wildflowers, sunshine, and outdoor energy. Nestled among three peaks, the resort’s charming European-style village hums with festivals, live music, and laid‑back alpine vibes. Whether you’re geared up for adventure or craving relaxation, you can find it here!
Paddle boarding at Heffley Lake
This spot is pure magic. Calm, glassy water surrounded by forested peaks. We loved that they have a family-size paddleboard so everyone could pile on for some laughs. It was sturdy and not annoying at all with the kids.
We booked a session with Surfit which gave us 2 hours on the lake and came with a water protected bag for our goods and life jackets!
Jeep Tour
We did a 2 hour Jeep Tour with Joe and wow, what a way to see the backroads and inner scenary of the mountains that would otherwise be inaccessible with a normal car. We splashed through some water, made it to some secret lakes, found some unique rocks and even saw some animals!
Hiking
There are so many amazing hiking trails at Sun Peaks ( Over 16+) that range from beginner to advanced. We took the chair lift up to mid mountain and did an amazing 45 minute road trip hike which was perfect for the littles.
After hiking, we visited Sun Burst for a little drink and soaked up the views even more. We honestly felt like we were in the Sound of Music. On the way down from the chair lift, we watched the Bikers glide down the hills and it felt like a VIP ticket to the most entertaining show!
Mountain Biking
While we didn’t personally do Mountain Biking ( our youngest daughter is 3 so a bit too young for it), we were swooning over watching all the bikers head up the lift and rip down the trails. They have jumps, pump tracks and paths suitable for all levels. If you love biking, a visit to Sun Peaks would be worth it alone!
Other Activities to do:
- Golf: Their 18-hole course is stunning, with dramatic peaks all around. Even if you’re not a pro, it’s worth playing for the scenery alone.
- Horseback riding: Try a trail ride through the alpine meadows and forests. Such a fun way to see the landscape from a new perspective (especially in the fall when the leaves turn)
- Spa & wellness: Book a massage at Sun Peaks Grand (or just spend an afternoon poolside and soaking in the outdoor hot tubs). Total mountain relaxation.
- Disc Golf: Start a fun game of Disc Golf from mid mountain
- Playground: There is an amazinggg and big playground right on the grounds. This is an easy little activity burner for the kids. We visited every morning with our coffee!
What To Know Before Visiting Sun Peaks
- The weather conditions can change quite quickly since you are staying in a mountainous area. Pack sweaters even when the weather is showing nicer temperatures
- With that being said the driving conditions are great in the summer but if planning a winter visit, make sure to continuously check the roads before you leave. You can find road conditions here.
- Cellphone service from Kamloops to Sun Peaks to spotty so download an Offline Road Map.
- I would recommend staying anywhere from 3-5 nights. If you want to extend your trip, add a night in Kamloops
- There is no gas station directly in town so make sure you fill up ahead of your visit! The closest one is about 20-25 minutes away
- They have a grocery store and liquor store in the village with a ton of variety to our surprise however prices are a bit cheaper in town so keep that in mind!
- Check their Events page to be aware of upcoming events or plan your visit around one of them. So many amazing concerts and festivals. We personally visited during Canada day weekend and our kids did face painting, juggling school ( lol), got to do a scavenger hunt, got free tattoos and we hit up not 1 but 2 concerts!
This guide is geared towards a summer visit but keep in mind that Sun Peaks is one of the best places to visit in the Winter for a ski visit. With over 4,000 acres of skiable terrain, cozy après spots, and that same charming village vibe, it would be a perfect winter getaway too!
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