It is finally summer, which means that it is time to finalize all those summer vacation plans. Anyone in Western Canada that has been struggling to decide where they want to visit this summer, will be happy to know that they have a fabulous destination not too far from where they live!
Sun Peaks is in British Columbia, just 45 mins from Kamloops, and it is a fantastic destination to keep families entertained. The convenient location means that everyone will spend less time in the car traveling and more time adventuring when they arrive. It is one of my family’s favourite summer hot spots. Whether we are looking for an adventure or to check out local produce at the Farmer’s Market, Sun Peaks has it all!
Here are 5 reasons Sun Peaks, BC is a great road trip destination:
Family-Friendly Activities
Sun Peaks is jam-packed with summer activities, so everyone will find something that they want to do. Families will love venturing out on the water in a kayak or canoe, while those who prefer to stay on land can wander the trails by horseback. Go-carts can be found just about anywhere, but Sun Peaks is home to North America’s only Mountain Cross Carts, so families will have a blast testing their time on this gravity-fed course.Tennis is always fun, but it seems much better in Sun Peaks with Mt. Tod in the distance, which is guaranteed to make everyone miss the ball a time or two. For the younger thrill-seekers, try out the bungee trampoline that is guaranteed to be a favourite of even the smallest members in the group. My daughter could not get enough of it while her brothers were off mountain biking.
Free Kids Activities
Families will want to venture towards the upper village to find a plethora of activities that will keep children entertained for hours without costing a dime.The Game Centre is a great place to start with ping pong tables and a chess board.On Sundays, The Kids Zone opens up and chalk, hula hoops, and other games are set out for children to use and enjoy. There are two playgrounds within the village for children of all ages. Parents will love the fact that their kids are learning when strolling along the short Shuswap Medicine Trail that takes approximately fifteen minutes to complete.This is a great location to learn about the local flora and fauna, while also learning about First Nations traditional medicines. Our favourite way to spend the afternoon is in the hotel pool enjoying the view of the mountains and looking to spot local wildlife in a distance.
Family Weeks
Every summer, Sun Peaks offers four weeks of family-friendly fun and each week is filled with different activities for Family Weeks. The best part is that the majority of them are free! A few of the activities include cookie decorating, pony rides, art class, yoga, Raven’s Rhythms Drum Connection, and a visit to Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue.There are also numerous live children’s theatre shows held throughout the week for families to attend.
Hiking with a Twist
While many of the hikes available in Sun Peaks can be started from the village itself, families will want to take the Sunburst Chairlift up to Mid-Mountain before starting their outdoor adventure. Mid-Mountain is at six thousand feet above sea level and it is the perfect spot to hike into the alpine to see all the magnificent wildflower meadows on Tod Mountain. There are eighteen hiking trails to explore in all and they all offer phenomenal three hundred and sixty-degree views of the surrounding landscape. One of the favourite stops is Tod Lake, but many families may find a new favourite destination on their own. Once hikers are finished exploring, they can either continue their way down the mountain on foot, or they can simply hop onto the Chairlift to ride down and see spectacular views of the village from the lift. My kids were surprised to see snow up on the mountain still in early summer. We had a guide that was very knowledgeable and happily answered all of our questions about the area.
Fantastic Food Options
It is never easy going out to eat as a family, because everyone has their own idea of what they want or what they will eat. However, in Sun Peaks, there are so many family-friendly choices available that make it easy to find a good meal. Donuts can be devoured for a snack, while a sandwich and sweet treat can be enjoyed at one of the cafes or pubs. Dinner always seems to be the most challenging meal of the day for families, but the pizza at Mountain High Pizza is legendary and the Italian cuisine at Bella Italia Mediterranean Kitchen is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eater. My family had full tummies and more options for meals than we imagined.
Summer is the perfect time to visit Sun Peaks, but if a family already has their summer vacation planned for this year, they can postpone their visit until the late fall or the winter months.The reason for that is the fun never stops in Sun Peaks, and family-filled fun can be found there at any time of the year.
If you are local to British Columbia, or lucky enough to be bordering this beautiful province, be sure to check out Sun Peaks when planning your next family road trip. They are constantly adding new activities for visitors to enjoy. We can not wait for our next visit!
Disclosure-This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own
I love discovering family-friendly locales like Sun Peaks! Looks like there’s something here for everyone to enjoy!
What an amazing looking area! I love the mountains and the look of the town. It has a very European vibe to it.
It looks so nice! I can’t wait to visit western Canada someday! It’s so beautiful!
Doing some exploring in Sun Peaks would be super nice. I’d definitely have to spend time hiking on the mountain.
British Columbia is one our top list of places to visit! It looks beautiful!
Wow, I love that biking area and that neighborhood is so cute!! I would love to explore too!
I have fallen head over heels in love with western Canada! I’ve been to Kamloops twice, but it was in the evening both times and we left early in the morning. I’m headed back to Victoria in October. I just love it, but have not heard of Sun Peaks! Adding it to my long list!
Love the view! Looks like a great place to explore with the family.
British Colombia is a stretch of a travel for us but it looks so beautiful. I hope to make it there with my family some day.
British Colombia has been on my list to visit for a while now. We still have to make it happen, but when we do Sun Peaks will be on the top of the list of places to experience first. Great post, thanks for sharing!
I flew into Kamloops for a business trip a few years back. The area is just breathtaking, I wish I had been able to spend more time seeing the scenery.
Sun Peaks is a beautiful place to take the family. I am happy that this is one of those family friendly places that are actually close to us. No summer is complete without a weekend spent at Sun Peaks.
Sun Peaks is just a short distance travel for me and my family and we will be visiting again soon. You can never get enough of this place! Beautiful is not even enough to describe it.
What a gorgeous place to visit! I love how much there is to do for families! I’d love to visit some day.
Oooo now this looks like one awesome town to hit up with the family!!!! I love places that are fun for adults yet totally family friendly
Wow looks so incredibly beautiful! I wish we were within road tripping distance!
I would love to road trip to sun peaks! Such a great family vacation. I like that they focus on kids and families.
Looks amazing, I have always wanted to drive from the Maritimes to the west coast. When we do will definitely be visiting Sun Peaks!
I haven’t been for years but it sounds like a lot has changed. I love how they have free kid activities, especially the Shuswap Medicine Trail. It sounds like this is a great place for everyone to relax and enjoy their stay.
We visited here a few years ago and had a really great time. I wanted to try the go cart down the hill thing (wrong name, I know) but I totally chickened out! Next time. Thanks for the reminder.
I’d love to visit Sun Peaks. Looks like a beautiful and fun spot for families to stay and explore. Looks like you had a great time and what an amazing view.
It looks like a beautiful scenic area with an awesome view
We love doing road trip, haven’t been to BC in a while perhaps next summer. Beautiful Place.
It sounds like a great place to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities!
I have only made it there once and keep saying we will get there again
wow that view is absolutely unbelievable !! awe i so wish i went to sun peaks when i visited BC. will have to keep that in mind next time we go there
Not sure if I have been here but I think I have, I been to Kamloops a few times for that matter, very nice!
I live in the Lower Mainland of BC and have never been to Sun Peaks. Your review has wet my appetite to explore this area.
Sun Peaks looks like a beautiful place to vacation. We love biking too and the mountains look glorious! Thanks for sharing this nice place with us.
Sun Peaks looks like a great place to take your family and enjoy Mother Nature for all it’s worth. Thanks for highlighting it.
Mishelle
I have been there once, and I still say I left part of my heart there. It is breath taking.
I love visiting British Columbia, would love to take my family here