Celebrating the Wonders of Winter
Winter's arrival transforms the Thompson Okanagan into a snow-capped wonderland, where families and friends can enjoy adventures, food, and beverages.
Sun Peaks Resort by Destination BC/Ryan Creary
Visitors see some of the best views in the Thompson Okanagan while celebrating one of the “coolest” seasons the region offers - winter. Winter blankets the region in frost-covered trails and snow-capped mountains while unlocking a variety of things to do while you stay a while in the Thompson Okanagan.
Fat Bike along the Snowy Trails
The snow-covered trails invite you to try a different type of biking: fat biking. Using a bike with oversized tires will allow you to bike through the snowiest conditions, so you don't have to hang up your helmet just yet! Check out the winter trails and let your fat bike take you around the beautiful Thompson Okanagan.
Fat Biking through a tunnel in Myra Canyon, Kelowna by Thompson Okanagan/Matthew Clark
Ice Fishing
Wintertime in the Thompson Okanagan doesn’t mean the end of fishing season for the dedicated angler. With warm socks, mittens, toques, and a bit of patience, you can catch a fish even during the coldest season of the year. Spend the day with Elevated Fishing Adventures and experience a fully guided fishing tour at Sun Peaks.
Mountain Resorts
There are seven mountain resorts for you to enjoy during your stay in the Thompson Okanagan. Each mountain offers a different view and landscape for you to traverse, regardless of whether you choose to snowboard or ski. Maybe you want to slow it down a bit during your stay? The mountain resorts in the region offer more than just snowboarding and skiing. Enjoy family fun activities like tubing, skating, and snowshoeing.
Snowboarding at Apex Mountain Resort by Destination BC/Ben Giesbrecht
Local Flavours for Après-ski (or Anytime this Winter)
Traditionally, après-ski or after skiing involves celebrating a successful day of skiing with a glass of champagne while enjoying great food and even better company at the ski lodge. However, the Thompson Okanagan offers a wide variety of local flavours for you to enjoy after any winter activity.
Farm-to-Table
Farms, orchards, and other local growers may have long finished their growing season while you are celebrating winter in the Thompson Okanagan. However, there is no shortage of local restaurants offering dishes made with regional produce.
Wineries
Although the vines have long stopped growing and the trees have lost their leaves, many tasting rooms around the region are open during the winter. Regardless of which area you decide to visit, there are wine trails throughout the region with plenty of varietals for you to try and enjoy.
District Wine Village
The wonder of the Thompson Okanagan winter has made its way further south into Oliver this year with District Wine Village’s new synthetic ice rink. Visitors can enjoy an afternoon of typical winter wonder skating on CAN-ICE, tasting delicious BC wines, or pair the two with skiing or snowboarding at Mount Baldy with their “Chill and Thrill” offer.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.
Hiking the Thompson Okanagan Mountain Resorts
Explore the many great ski mountain resorts in the Thompson Okanagan region. When the resorts transition to summer they offer a new array of exciting warm-weather adventures. Among these, hiking is one of the many adventures that can be enjoyed on these famous mountains. From easy to challenging hikes, and opportunity for trail running, these mountains have it all.
Explore the many amazing ski mountain resorts in the Thompson Okanagan region. When the resorts transition to summer they offer a new array of exciting warm-weather adventures. Among these, hiking is one of the many adventures that can be enjoyed on these famous mountains. From easy to challenging hikes, and opportunity for trail running, these mountains have it all. Next time you’re looking to change up your hiking scenery try hiking these mountain resorts.
Much of the trails start from the village and allow you to challenge yourself to make it to the top, or take the chair lift or gondola up, and start mid-mountain. Just like in the winter, some of the mountains require day-passes to use their trails and facilities, so know before you go and check the mountain resort’s website. If you like these mountain resorts in the winter, you’ll love them in the summer!
Photo by: Tourism Sun Peaks/Kelly Funk
Sun Peaks
Starting in the South Thompson Valley just 45 minutes North of Kamloops, is Sun Peaks (55.7 km/34.6mi). With 17 designated hiking trails, and a wide range of difficulty, there’s a hike for everyone. The variety of hikes offered at Sun Peaks means every trip to the mountain allows for a fresh, new adventure, never seen before.
Photo by: Tourism Sun Peaks/Kelly Funk
What to expect while hiking Sun Peaks:
Sun Peaks stands proudly at an elevation of 6,000 ft (1,828 m) above sea level. A journey to its summit leads to the breathtaking Tod Lake, a tranquil lake nestled atop the peaks. During the much-celebrated Alpine Blossom Season , a time cherished by all who hike, the landscape transforms into a vivid wildflower meadow. Exploring the trails during this season is a favorite for visitors – Learn more about the flowers with Sun Peaks' comprehensive wildflower guide. This resource enriches your hikes by unraveling the identity of the flora and fauna that lines the paths as you hike. Sun Peaks also has an abundance of birds and wildlife. As you embark on your hike, your senses will be constantly engaged, drawn in by the song birds and the potential spotting of wildlife, as well as flowers around every corner.
Click to Download Map
Summer Season at Sun Peaks
June 16 to September 4, 2023 Daily, 10:00am to 7:00pm
September 5 to 24, 2023 Daily, 10:00am to 5:00pm
SilverStar Mountain Resort
Heading to the North Okanagan, 25 minutes Northeast of Vernon (23.6km/14.67mi), is SilverStar Mountain Resort. SilverStar is a family and pet friendly spot – Welcoming dogs on every hiking trail. Try the express Gondola or the hike up to the summit all summer. You can hike straight from the village or take the Gondola, and walk down on the trails.
Photo by: @jlab55
What to expect while hiking SilverStar:
SilverStar offers a captivating panorama view of the vistas that make up the Monashee Mountain Range and the Okanagan Valley. The trails, ranging from casual strolls to longer journeys, open up these vistas at every step. Embark on looped hikes, each bend revealing new landscapes, or opt for unidirectional trails and take the chairlift back to the start. A worthwhile recommendation is venturing on the Ridge Walk, where a conveniently placed bench atop the trail invites you to pause and take in the breathtaking scenery (or a well-deserved break from hiking). With an abundance of diverse hiking options to choose from, SilverStar ensures that your curiosity will remain sparked throughout the entirety of your hike.
Click to Download Map
You must have a valid ticket to be on the mountain for hiking. These hiking tickets are complimentary! However, they do not grant lift access.
Summer Season at SilverStar
June 23rd to September 4th 2023 Daily, 9:30am to 5:30pm
Followed by Weekends Only September 9th to 10th, and September 16 to 17th.
Big White Ski Resort
On the way to Boundary Country, 1 hour outside of Kelowna (61.9km/38.46mi), is Big White Ski Resort. Big White is another excellent option for dog-friendly hiking. You can even bring your four legged friend on the chairlifts, just keep them on leash at all times.
Tip: follow the Inukshuks along the trails to help keep you on the right track!
Photo by: @adventurewithkayli
What to expect while hiking Big White:
Big White offers an array of trails that cater to individuals of all ages, making it an ideal destination for the entire family. The diverse range of hiking grades offers options for leisurely strolls or the chance to conquer the summit at an impressive 7600 ft (2316 m). The convenience of a chairlift and gondola adds the choice for hikers to explore different pathways to the summit and discover new trails along the way. Lake lookouts and picnic tables allow for a chance to relax, and restrooms near the peak ensure a comfortable journey on this mountain. Try the Rhonda Lake Trail for a lake lookout unique to the summer; this trail and lake is entirely hidden by snow in the winter!
Click to Download Map
Hiking tickets complimentary! However, do sign this waver before your ascend
Summer Season at Big White
June 29th to September 4th, 2023 Daily, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Baldy Mountain Resort
The South Okanagan is home to Baldy Mountain Resort, 45 minutes outside of Oliver (37.2km/23.12mi). The summer of 2023 Mt Baldy is open for its first summer season, and they can't wait to welcome summer hikers. With ten trails to kick off the season, Mt Baldy is ready for people to come see what they have to offer in the summer.
Photo by: @jlab55
What to expect while hiking Mt Baldy:
This summit is in the Okanagan Highlands, so Mt Baldy is surrounded by old growth forest and multiple viewpoints for all levels of hikers to enjoy. There’s chances to see wildlife from a distance, as well as smell the alpine flowers as you hike and listen to the surrounding birds. Take a pit stop at one of the many picnic benches or enjoy lunch at the village.
Click to Download Map
Purchase a lift ticket before you go, or buy one at the guest service once you arrive.
Summer Season at Baldy Mountain
From 11:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday and Sunday and select holiday Fridays and Mondays.
The last weekend of Summer operations is September 2nd and 3rd.
The Thompson Okanagan mountain resorts offer natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and seasonal charm. Always stay on marked trails to ensure the preservation of the flora and fauna of the mountains, and stay bear aware. Whether you're seeking panoramic views and wildflowers, family-friendly trails, or the excitement of exploring a new summer hiking destination, these resorts are calling you to the great outdoors. So, get your hiking boots, get ready for crisp mountain air, and set out on an unforgettable journey through these trails.
Written by Caroline Peterson
A BC local who went from the lower mainland to the Okanagan. A student with a passion for tourism, she aims to highlight the Thompson Okanagan experience with a fresh, adventurous perspective.
Peak Pride Sun Peaks
The LGBT community is constantly looking for the new, now, and next in life, pop culture, music, film, art, television, experiences, and events. If you are one of those queens longing for the next hottest thing before it even becomes mainstream, then you can start with the best gay ski weekend.
The hot new gay ski weekend
The LGBT community is constantly looking for the new, now, and next in life, pop culture, music, film, art, television, experiences and events. It’s because queer people crave innovation and have a zest for life. If you are one of those queens longing for the next hottest thing before it even becomes mainstream, then you can start with the best gay ski weekend. A fabulous gay ski weekend awaits in the Thompson Okanagan at Sun Peaks Resort, March 1 - 3, 2019: Peak Pride Sun Peaks.
If you’ve never experienced a gay ski weekend, you are missing out on a queer rite of passage different to the typical pride, circuit, EDM or club events. Ski weekends are a great opportunity to meet new friends because they offer more social atmospheres and events than their aforementioned counterparts. A little bit of sport combined with several queer / LGBT-inclusive parties and events allow you to mix and mingle with queens and kings from all over the world. It’s fabulous! There are networking events throughout the weekend, cheeky to couture snow gear and outfits, breathtaking scenery, incredible food, welcoming people, 5-star service, and a hellova good time at gay ski weekends. They bring together different facets of the queer community that other events and gatherings don’t compare to.
Photo credit:The Homoculture
Now in its third year, due to its immediate growth in popularity, Peak Pride is expanding its gay ski weekend program to include a second resort. Sun Peaks Resort located near Kamloops, British Columbia, within the Thompson Okanagan region, is the new ski weekend event every queer person will want to attend.
Peak Pride is the only dual-mountain gay ski weekend in Canada! People come from all over North America to attend this growing event, especially gays from the Okanagan, Vancouver, Calgary, Seattle, and San Francisco. Peak Pride Sun Peaks is a new event that is hitting the radar of the LGBT community - especially snow bunnies who are looking for fresh new experiences.
Peak Pride Sun Peaks has a fantastic queer ski weekend planned for their inaugural event. Starting Friday, March 1, the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel lobby will invite guests for the mx Welcome Reception from 6-8pm. Nearby Morrissey’s Public House will host a queer comedy night at 9pm.
Photo credit: The Homoculture
Soak in all things gay at the Pride Mountain Parade starting at 2:30pm on Saturday afternoon, and then head down from some après ski at The Bottoms Après, held at the Bottoms Bar and Grill (you can’t make these names up) from 3pm-6pm.
A new event just added to Saturday’s schedule is the wipeOUT party. Held at Masa’s Bar & Grill, wipeOUT will have drag queen performances and live DJ-spun music to dance to from 9pm until doors closed. This is the party to shake your tail feathers at and burn off some of that après-ski consumption. Sunday, Sun Peaks Grand Hotel will host a farewell brunch at their Mantles Restaurant from 10am-12pm, finishing what will be a fab, fun and very gay ski weekend.
Don’t think for one second that Peak Pride Sun Peaks won’t be serving up stunning accommodations, because the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel is one of the most beautiful hotels you will ever visit. A luxury resort hotel, the Sun Peaks Grand offers every single amenity one could possibly think of while on their gaycation: spa, pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, conference rooms—you name it. The rooms are outfitted with the latest, state of the art technology, comforts and stunning design. Located right in the heart of Sun Peaks village, you’re literally in the epicenter of everything for Peak Pride at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel.
If you’ve never been to the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada, you’re missing out on some of the most beautiful country God herself ever created! Roughly the size of the country of Ireland, the Thompson Okanagan covers 71,000 square kilometers of land, and boasts climates as varied as Canada’s only desert, rainforests, plains and Canada’s tallest mountain within this stretch of the Canadian Rockies. It’s rich diversity and massive size make it flush with life, natural beauty, thriving open communities, rich heritage and of course—the perfect location for a gay ski weekend.
Peak Pride Sun Peaks is the best value when it comes to a gay ski weekend in North America! Come meet new friends, enjoy the famous Thompson Okanagan powder snow (bring your snorkel!) and the charming ski-to/ski-from village. Tickets range from just $7- $129 for all the events all entire weekend. Peak Pride offers a great, affordable gay ski weekend at a fraction of the price of other queer snow bunny retreat getaways.
Get your tickets to Peak Pride Sun Peaks now!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brian Webb is a celebrity social influencer, advocate for LGBT rights, role-model for the LGBT community and the winner of the prestigious Mr. Gay Canada – People’s Choice award. Brian has a passion for discovering and sharing special, life defining moments. Originally from the beautiful Thompson Okanagan, Brian is well known for making regular appearances throughout the year at Pride parades, festivals, street fairs, competitions, circuit parties and LGBT-friendly destinations.
IG @br_webb