GATEWAY TO NATURE’S HEARTLAND
Overview
This package is your ticket to an authentic, self-guided adventure designed for the discerning travelers who crave space, fresh air, and genuine outdoor activities.
Set in the heart of British Columbia’s Interior, Kamloops and Sun Peaks form the gateway to Destination BC’s Iconic Nature’s Heartland, a region where vibrant city energy meets alpine tranquillity. In Kamloops, adventure and culture thrive amid rolling grasslands, pine forests, and over 100 nearby lakes, where visitors can hike, bike, paddle, and connect with the traditional lands of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc before enjoying local food, wine, and live music under open skies. Just 45 minutes away, Sun Peaks offers a European-style mountain village with lift-access hiking and biking, golf, family-friendly lake activities, and lively summer festivals. Together, Kamloops and Sun Peaks offer seamless access to culture, recreation, and nature, the heart of British Columbia’s great outdoors.
Itinerary
Please note that this is a sample itinerary based on the 6 day 5 night package and is possible to be customized for family or small groups with limitation. Please reach out to us directly for your requests and quote.
Arrive in Kamloops
- Arrive in Kamloops, BC. Pick up your rental car (at additional cost) and check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a guided horseback ride (included) through the scenic trails. The route winds through meadows, forested paths, and across open hillsides with sweeping valley views. All horses at Inspire Trails are rescued, carefully trained and matched to each rider to ensure a comfortable and rewarding experience. Before your ride, choose a pair of classic cowboy boots from their on-site collection to complete your adventure.
Kamloops
- Morning: Get up close with bears, wolves, and cougars at BC Wildlife Park (included) in Kamloops. Home to over 200 rescued animals from across BC, the park offers unforgettable encounters, daily talks, and the family-favorite Wildlife Express train. A wild adventure that inspires and supports local conservation.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a guided winery or brewery tour. Sit back and relax as you visit local vineyards, craft breweries, and distilleries, sampling the best of the region along the way. Transportation, tastings, and good times are all taken care of — just sip, savor, and enjoy.
Kamloops - Sun Peaks
- Morning: Explore downtown Kamloops and let the city surprise you. Wander through boutiques, galleries, cafés, and one-of-a-kind shops. Stroll Riverside Park and soak in river vistas, green lawns, and riverside trails. Dive into the city’s story with self-guided mural walks and heritage tours, uncovering hidden artworks and architectural gems around every corner.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Sun Peaks. Check into your accommodation. Enjoy your accommodation’s amenities or stroll through Sun Peaks’ pedestrian-only village and check out the variety of shops along the way.
Sun Peaks (Day 1)
- Morning: Immerse yourself in nature and recharge with an outdoor alpine yoga session (included) surrounded by the stunning alpine beauty of Sun Peaks. Board the Sunburst Express chairlift (included) for the ride to mid-mountain followed by a short hike through alpine wildflower meadows (25-30 minutes) to a remote mountainside location, before enjoying a 45-minute yoga practice.
- Afternoon: Option to join a two-hour guided bike ride out to the peaceful McGillivray Lake. The trail is not technical nor demanding on your bike, and is about 10km round trip. Expect a low-grade, steady climb out to the lake, and a quick descent on your return. Suitable for beginners to advanced riders.
Sun Peaks (Day 2)
- Morning: Explore the village including local art installations. View the art exhibits, presented by ArtZone Sun Peaks, from local artists at locations throughout the village such as Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Vertical Café, Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre, Guest Services, and Tourism Sun Peaks.
- Afternoon: Embark on a Backcountry Jeep Tour (included). Prepare to be immersed in the untamed beauty of the Sun Peaks backcountry as we navigate narrow trails, visit pristine lakes, and traverse vast expanses of breathtaking scenery. Along the way, your local guides will unlock the mysteries of the region’s rich flora and fauna, offering captivating insights into its ecological wonders.
Depart Sun Peaks
- Check out of your accommodation.
- Depart Sun Peaks. Visit Honey Berry Farm Market. On your drive back to the main highway make a stop along the road at their farm market stand. Located about 15min down the road from Sun Peaks at 6225 Lake Bay Road. Guests can pick their own unique haskap berries—an antioxidant-rich superfruit—or shop for handcrafted jams, and jellies made right on the farm. Farm fresh eggs, honey, and other local seasonal produce are available in the Market Stand as well.
- Return your rental car in Kamloops.
FAQs
How do I get to Kamloops/Sun Peaks from Vancouver?
The journey from Vancouver, BC, to Kamloops and Sun Peaks can be completed by self-drive or by flying, depending on your time and preference.
What is the best time to visit Kamloops and Sun Peaks, BC, for this nature package?
The best time to experience the “Gateway to Nature’s Heartland” package is during the high-summer season, from June to September. This period offers optimal weather for the included activities like alpine yoga, horseback riding, and the backcountry jeep tour.
Is a rental car required for the 6-Day Kamloops and Sun Peaks itinerary?
Yes, this package is designed as an independent, self-drive itinerary, and a rental car is strongly recommended. While it is excluded from the package price, a vehicle is essential for transportation between Kamloops and Sun Peaks, as well as accessing your daily activities.
What unique activities are included in the Sun Peaks portion of the tour?
The Sun Peaks portion of the tour includes two signature experiences: a refreshing Outdoor Alpine Yoga Session (accessed by chairlift) and an exhilarating Backcountry Jeep Tour. These activities showcase the resort’s stunning summer mountain environment and focus on wellness and adventure.
Are the horseback riding and BC Wildlife Park suitable for beginner riders and families?
Yes, the guided horseback riding experience at Inspire Trails is suitable for all levels, including beginners, as horses are carefully matched to each rider. The BC Wildlife Park is a family-friendly facility, home to rescued animals, and offers engaging, educational encounters.
What is included in the meals and beverages for the 6-day package?
All meals and beverages are excluded from the package price, offering you maximum flexibility to dine at your leisure. The itinerary includes a guided winery or brewery tour with tastings, but other meals are the traveler’s responsibility.
How much time is spent in Kamloops versus Sun Peaks?
The 6-day itinerary allocates 2 nights in Kamloops and 3 nights in Sun Peaks. This allows sufficient time to experience the distinct cultural and outdoor offerings of both the Kamloops grasslands region and the Sun Peaks alpine village.
What's the weather like? What should I bring?
The weather in British Columbia’s Interior (Kamloops and Sun Peaks) in summer (June–September) can range from hot, dry city days to cool, windy alpine evenings. Layering is the single most important rule.
Outdoor & Activity Essentials:
- Sturdy, Closed-Toe Footwear
- Layering Tops / Outerwear / Long and short pants
- Active Wear
General Travel & Comfort:
- Reusable Water Bottle: Canada, especially BC is proud of our clean and drinkable water from the tap, bring a reusable bottle to take advantage of our spring water and save the planet from plastic waste!
Pro Tip:The Canadian sun at the higher elevation of Sun Peaks is intense. Pack high-quality sun protection and focus on clothing layers you can easily shed or add to adapt to the variable temperatures.
2026 Spring & Summer
Duration
Size
Highlights
- Authentic Cowboy Experience: Enjoy a guided horseback ride on rescued, specially-trained horses through scenic Kamloops trails.
- Alpine Wellness: Find peace and stunning views during a unique outdoor yoga session atop Sun Peaks.
- Backcountry Thrills: Explore remote forests, lakes, and wildlife habitats on an exciting included Jeep tour.
- Taste of the Interior: Sample local craft beverages with a guided tour of Kamloops’ best wineries, breweries, or distilleries.
- Wildlife Conservation: Visit the BC Wildlife Park, home to rescued BC animals like bears and cougars, supporting local conservation efforts.
Inclusions
5 Nights of hotel (2 nights in Kamloops & 3 nights in Sun Peaks)- Guided horseback riding (1 to 2 hours)
- Guided winery or brewery tour
- BC Wildlife Park
- Outdoor alpine yoga session
- Backcountry Jeep Tour
- 6 days of car rental (Pick-up & drop-off in Kamloops)
- Add-on optional excursions: Two-hour guided bike ride out to McGillivray Lake with two-hour bike rental
5 Nights of hotel (2 nights in Kamloops & 3 nights in Sun Peaks)
BC Wildlife Park
6 days of car rental (Pick-up & drop-off in Kamloops)What to Bring:
- Comfortable clothes and light jacket to layer (mornings and evenings can be cool)
- Comfortable, sturdy footwear (water-resistant hiking shoes recommended)
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection
- Insect repellent (especially for evenings and forest trails)
- Camera and binoculars to capture wildlife and scenic views
- Reusable water bottle and small daypack for excursions
- Travel insurance is recommended. We can help you arrange different packages through Uniglobe Specialty Travel
Optional Add Ons
We highly recommend booking your optional activities in advance. Contact us directly to add it to your itinerary before your departure (subject to availability).
