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Sun Peaks
From the flank of Mount Morrisey one has views of the modern chalets on the ski slope across the valley.
There is something charming about a mountain resort village – even in the off season.
Sun Peaks is a popular ski resort in the Monashee Mountains, 410 kilometers (255 miles) east of Vancouver, British Columbia . It boasts the second largest area of skiable terrain in Canada (see: Sun Peaks Resort) and claims to average over 2000 hours of sun a year.
I visited in spring, not winter. And, much of the time I was there, there was little or no sun. But, the air was fresh, the streams were flowing, and the mountain pathways beckoned.
Like many other ski resorts, this area has attempted – with some recent success – to reinvent itself and attract more year-round visitors. Summer bike paths were built in 1999 and an 18-hole golf course was completed in 2005. The village itself has only been incorporated since 2010, but its population more than doubled between the last two censuses, reaching a grand total of 1,404 year-round residents in 2021.
I was making use of some timeshare points, and found myself in a lovely lodge a short walk away from the quaint main street. Because it was spring (not summer), bikes weren’t available, and the chair lifts weren’t running, which limited my activity choices somewhat. But, there were plenty of trails to walk – allowing me to justify some wonderfully decadent meals in the nice selection of local restaurants. The town boasts just enough inviting shops to make wandering enjoyable.
Join me for some not-so-sunny walks.
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Sun Peaks Village
Summer season was still weeks away, but there were just enough residents and visitors around to keep shops and restaurants open.
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New Growth
Spring is the time for fresh buds on the willow branches. Patches of snow remain on the ground in the shadows.
Crystal Forest Condominiums
Many of the newly-built condominiums and lodges seem to be modelled on European alpine styles (eg: Leysin, Switzerland).
American Robin – Turdus Migratorius
I didn’t have much luck with the wildlife; although a mother bear and cubs had recently been spotted, the best I could do was the occasional bird.
View from the Packhorse Climb
The clue is in the name! It’s a steep hike up the ski runs on Mount Morrisey.
The Village
I hiked up the Packhorse Climb twice – but never made it to the top of Mount Morrisey. I blame jet lag!
Pesto Fusilli in Capones Italian Kitchen
I used the walking I did do as an excuse for some wonderful meals …
A 6oz Sirloin in Sun Peaks Lodge
… and even treated myself to a steak.
Pita Bread Chicken ‘Burger’ at Bottoms Bar & Grill
Mind you, the day I swapped out fries for onion rings I could barely walk home afterwards!
Old Man’s Beard – Usnea
The spring sun doesn’t have much reach, and many of the forest paths are dark and mossy, with ferns underfoot and lichen overhead.
Wild Strawberries – Fragaria Vesca
I only pulled the car out once all week: that was to drive seven minutes down the road to the Whitecroft Falls Trail Head.
Maple Spinners
It is only a short track (1.6 km – 1 mi) running alongside McGillivray Creek, but there was plenty to look at, so I was rather slow.
Dandelions and a Baby Tree
Douglas firs regularly live over 500 years – which explains how something this small can grow to 100 metres (330 feet) tall.
Birch Bark
Melissa Blue Butterfly – Plebejus Melissa
Heartleaf Arnica – Arnica Cordifolia
These cheerful spring-bloomers were everywhere on the forest trails.
Western Serviceberry – Amelanchier Alnifolia
The saskatoon berries were also in bloom on their trees.
McGillivray Creek
Finally! The creek I’ve been hearing along the track finally comes into view. The path is soft underfoot.
In the Cedars
The branches of the tall western red cedars (thuja plicata) droop gracefully.
Whitecroft Falls
The waterfall is small, but very pretty – and the spray splashes high onto the banks …
Bench
… soaking the ornate wooden bench overlooking it.
Boulders in the Creek
The waters continue their race downstream.
A Rocky Path
It always surprises me how different the same path looks when you are retracing it!
Oregon Grape – Mahonia Aquifolium
Nature’s Artworks : Conifer Needles
Back at the Beginning
The way back was much quicker, and in no time at all I was back at the trailhead.
It was a lovely little walk – and a fitting end to a week of pleasant hikes in the woods, along creeks, and across ski hills.
I’m hoping to return some time when the summer ski lifts are operating, opening up a whole new batch of trails.
Until then,
Happy Walking!
Pictures: 19-26May2023
