Sun Peaks is Canada’s second-largest ski area, located about five-and-a-half-hours north of Seattle by car in the vast British Columbia wild. With three mountains spanning 4,270 acres, even locals who have skied these peaks their entire lives find fresh turns and discover sites they’ve never stumbled upon before.
You’ll notice things in Sun Peaks are more low-key than other neighboring resorts: The lift lines are minimal, the pace is slower, and you won’t need your car. This is all part of the charm, as you’ll be able to thoroughly take in the resort’s pristine views with fewer people obstructing them.
If you have the time, we suggest taking at least three days to explore Sun Peaks and keep these experiences at the top of your to-do list.
Get breakfast at Bolacco Café.
Sun Peaks
Start your day with locals at the quirky and cozy Bolacco Cafe. The Sun Peaks staple is decorated with skis, books, and license plates from all over the world and is widely known for its homemade treats (try the berry scones) and gourmet coffee.
Take a trip to all three mountains.
You can ski from mountain to mountain to see all three peaks: Tod Mountain, Sundance Mountain, and Mt. Morrisey. The sun hits Mt. Morrisey at around noon, so spend your afternoon there. Don’t be afraid to hit the summits either—the top of each lift includes a beginner slope and offers a plethora of beautiful photo opps.
Advanced skiers won’t want to miss Gil’s Area , an in-bounds hike-to zone known for its powdery glades. Test your quad strength on 5 Mile, an expansive run that’s groomed daily by the resort’s staff.
Stroll into Alpine Images Photography.
Reuben Krabbe
Owned by a local Sun Peaks photographer, Alpine Images Photography is a gallery that proudly displays and sells the works of local artists. Take a piece of the view home with you—you’ll find stunning black and whites of the landscape, panoramic shots of pastures speckled in wildflowers, and more.
Order cinnamon buns at Sunburst Bar + Eatery.
For those ready to hit the slopes bright and early, First Tracks allows you to be the first to enjoy the fresh powder and pristine grooming of the mountains in the morning. After a few hours of skiing, stop by the Sunburst Bar + Eatery (located mid-mountain) for a pastry fresh from the oven. The cinnamon buns, in particular, have been a popular treat for decades.
Take advantage of the après ski scene.
Sun Peaks
There are many places where you can relax and socialize in Sun Peaks. Warm up beside a fire pit on the outdoor patio at Morrisey’s Public House or eat at Bottoms Bar & Grill, known as the local’s living room. For a uniquely Canadian experience, go to Voyageur Bistro for a menu full of foods made with ingredients local to the country and walls lined with Canadian artifacts.
Finish the trip with a sunset-lit fondue dinner.
There’s no better way to end an eventful ski trip than with the Alpine Fondue & Starlight Descent. Here you’ll take the Sunburst Express chairlift for an exclusive twilight ride to the mid-mountain Sunburst Bar + Eatery, taking in the striking sunset views down the valley along the way.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be greeted by a hearty three-course fondue meal and a band of performers playing traditional Swiss folk music. After dinner, you’ll walk out into the starlit alpine night and ski down the 5 Mile run back to the village.