Hiking in Sun Peaks Resort: trails, map and practical info

Sun Peaks is a mountain village in British Columbia, 45 minutes northeast of Kamloops. The resort has 22 designated hiking and walking trails for the summer: easy strolls near the village, forest and meadow routes, and alpine routes that lead to Tod Lake and the summit of Mt. Tod.

Ride the chairlift or start from the village

Many trails start in the village. The Sunburst Express chairlift climbs to mid-mountain at 1,850 m in 15 to 20 minutes, according to the resort; the alpine trails begin there, and you can ride the chairlift back down. At mid-mountain, the Sunburst Bar + Eatery patio overlooks the meadows. Dogs are not allowed on the chairlift.

For a short walk

The Vista trail (#1) is 1.5 km round trip, about 30 minutes; it crosses sub-alpine woods and follows the edge of the meadows. Its lower half is relatively flat, so it works as an easy out-and-back or, with a short uphill, as a loop. Juniper Ridge Loop (#6), 0.6 km in 15 minutes, is described by the resort as an easy loop and as the best viewpoint in the region, among the wildflowers. Crystal Bowl (#2, 1.8 km round trip, 45 minutes) branches off Vista and crosses wildflower meadows. Lower down, Sunburst Loop (#16, 1.1 km round trip, 30 minutes) explores the lower reaches of Mt. Tod without straying far from village amenities.

To Tod Lake and Tod Peak

West Bowl (#7, 5.4 km one way, 90 minutes) climbs gently through wildflower meadows and forested sections to Tod Lake. Gil's (#9, 2.4 km one way, 45 minutes) is, according to the resort, the shortest route to the lake; West Ridge (#10, 1.5 km one way, 45 minutes) also leads there, across wide open meadows. Top of the World (#5, 1.6 km one way, 45 minutes) is a gentle but uphill traverse that connects to Juniper Ridge Loop. Saddleback (#3, 1 km one way, 30 minutes) links Top of the World to the base of Tod Peak and to Tod Lake. Tod Peak (#11, 2.4 km one way, 30 minutes) leads to the 2,152 m summit of Mt. Tod, the highest point in Sun Peaks, with 360° views. The resort recommends allowing five hours for the full route from the mid-mountain trailheads. Tod's Backside (#12, 2.3 km one way, 30 minutes) goes around the summit.

Mt. Morrisey and valley trails

Cedar Twist (#17, 6 km one way, 90 minutes) climbs to the top of Mt. Morrisey through cedar forest, with views of Mt. Tod and Sundance. Mo Valley (#22, 2.1 km one way, 30 minutes) is a wide double-track trail from the base of the Morrisey Express chairlift to Mountain View Drive. Village Connector (#4, 3.7 km one way, 90 minutes) is the multi-use roadway back to the village: the resort asks hikers to watch for resort vehicles and mountain bikers.

Sharing trails with bikes

Several trails are multi-use. West Bowl is also the route of the West Bowl XC mountain bike trail. Cedar Twist, SunBurf, About Time and the three Family Man trails are built and maintained by the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association (SPRTA), and Dr. Feelgood and Mo Valley are multi-use too: the resort asks hikers to watch for riders. Hiking is not permitted on Bike Park trails.

When to go

According to the resort, alpine wildflowers typically peak between mid-July and mid-August. To ask about the bloom, it invites visitors to contact Guest Services at 250.578.5474. In 2026, the chairlift ran daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from June 13 to September 7, then 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from September 8 to 27. On September 29, 2026, the resort announced that lift-access hiking trails were closed for the season; Mt. Morrisey and the designated valley pedal-access trails stayed available. Prices, tickets and dates for 2027 will be announced in spring 2027, and dates, hours and trail access may vary with operations, trail conditions or weather.

Tickets, parking and dogs

A hiking and sightseeing ticket includes the Sunburst Express chairlift; according to the resort, an Adult Hiking Season Pass is $125 and gives unlimited lift access for hiking and sightseeing. Day parking is free in lots P2, P3 and P5 (east entrance): P3 serves the Sunburst Express chairlift and the Village Day Lodge, P5 the Morrisey pedal-access trails. On dogs, the resort says that trails other than the lift-access ones welcome them, and advises calling Guest Services when in doubt; in its bear guidance, it asks that dogs be kept on a leash at all times.

Safety

The resort advises never hiking alone, telling someone your plan and return time, staying on marked trails, and bringing water, food, sunscreen, bug spray and a whistle. A black bear may be on the mountain: wildlife professionals recommend staying at least 100 m away. Smoking, including vaping and cannabis, is not permitted on bike and hike trails.