Snowy village at dusk with glowing lights, beneath a mountain with ski slopes.

Where is Sun PEaks Located?

Tucked in British Columbia’s Thompson-Okanagan region, Sun Peaks is a
mountain village just 45 minutes northeast of Kamloops. Surrounded by
alpine beauty and built for adventure, it’s Canada’s second-largest ski area—
and one of its most charming.

Quick Facts About Sun Peaks

  • Region: Thompson-Okanagan, British Columbia
  • Nearest City: Kamloops (56 km/35 mi away)
  • Closest Airport: Kamloops Airport (YKA) – 45-minute drive
  • From Vancouver: Just a 4-hour drive or a quick 45-minute flight via Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Traveling to Sun Peaks is easier than you think. This guide explains how to get
to Sun Peaks Resort throughout the year, including drive times, flight
connections, and U.S. border tips so you can plan your arrival accordingly.

Driving to sun PEaks

Sun Peaks is accessible year-round by scenic highways from all directions. The drive from Vancouver takes about 5 hours, and from Kamloops it is just 45 minutes on a well-maintained mountain road. Sun Peaks is also easily reached by car from other cities in British Columbia and from the United States.

map: driving to sun peaks

driving map of how to get to sun peaks

Main highway Routes

For the most up to date information on the following driving routes and road conditions check Drive BC:

  • Coquihalla Highway 5 is open to regular traffic.
  • Trans-Canada Highway 1 from Hope to Sun Peaks is open to regular traffic with possible delays.
  • Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton is open to regular traffic.
  • Highway 99 from Pemberton to Lillooet is open to regular traffic.

estimated driving times

Winter road conditions and traffic congestion may alter driving times significantly. Always check Drive BC for the latest road updates.

  • Drive from Vancouver (est. 4.5 to 5 hours) via Highway 1, and Highway 5 (Coquihalla) from Hope.
  • Drive from Seattle (est. 5.5 to 6 hours) via the I-5, up to border crossing to Highway 1, and Highway 5 (Coquihalla) from Hope.
  • Drive from Calgary (est. 8 hours) via the Trans-Canada Highway 1.
  • Drive from Osoyoos (est. 4 hours), Penticton (est. 3 hours), Kelowna (est. 3 hours), and Vernon (est. 2 hours) via Highway 97 or Highway 97C and Highway 5 north from Merritt.
  • Drive from Northern BC via Highway 5 or Highway 97.

British Columbia road reports

Please check the road conditions before leaving home by visiting:

Drive BC Traveller Information System >
Drive BC Highway Web Cams >

Driving From the United States

If you are coming from Washington state or beyond, driving from Seattle or
Bellingham to Sun Peaks is a popular and efficient winter route. Both cities typically use the Sumas border crossing, after which the route is the same: connect to BC Highway 11, merge onto Highway 1 East, then continue on
Highway 5 North and take Tod Mountain Road from Kamloops to Sun Peaks.

Estimated travel times:

  • Seattle to Sun Peaks: via I-5 N and BC-5 N - approximately 5.5 hours
  • Bellingham to Sun Peaks: via I-5 N and BC-5 N - approximately 4 hours

Tips for the border:

  • Use Sumas border crossing for the most direct route
  • Always bring a valid passport or NEXUS card
  • Check border wait times on the Canada Border Services Agency website

United States and Canada Border Crossing Information:

For more information on crossing the border and wait times please visit:

United States Customs Border Wait Times >
Washington State Border Crossing Cams >
Canada Customs Border Wait Times >

Flying to Sun Peaks

Kamloops Airport (YKA) is the closest airport, just 45 minutes from Sun Peaks. Direct flights are available from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Victoria with Air Canada, WestJet and Pacific Coastal. From the airport, visitors typically travel by shuttle or taxi, as Sun Peaks village is pedestrian-friendly and most lodging is walkable. Car rentals are available in Kamloops for guests who plan to explore the region, but they are not generally required for stays within the resort.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is another option, with a 2-hour and 45-minute drive to Sun Peaks. Shuttles run year-round from both Kamloops and Kelowna airports, with shared, private and family-sized transport available. Advanced booking is strongly recommended during the winter season.

Shuttles and Transfers

airport access

Kamloops Airport (YKA)Visit Website >
Kelowna International Airport (YLW)Visit Website >

AIRLINE PROVIDERS

Air Canada Westjet Pacific Coastal 

BUS to Sun Peaks

You can also travel to Sun Peaks by bus with options from Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary and Edmonton.

Ebus & Rider Express

Ebus and Rider Express offer passenger bus service to Kamloops from a number of routes including Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary and Edmonton. Book your shuttle in advance for transportation between Kamloops and Sun Peaks.  

Ebus Rider Express

Train to Sun PEaks

VIA Rail Canada provides train service from Vancouver to Kamloops. From the station, you can reach Sun Peaks by taxi from Kamloops North station. This is a scenic option for travellers who prefer not to drive.

Visit VIA Rail Canada

Ikon Pass - BC Road Trip to Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks Resort is proudly part of the Ikon Pass network, giving pass holders
access to 7 days of skiing or riding with no blackout dates. Whether you’re
chasing powder or planning a relaxed ski holiday, Sun Peaks offers the perfect
balance of big-mountain terrain and small-town warmth.

Nearby Ikon Destinations for a BC Road Trip:
Make it a true mountain adventure by visiting these nearby Ikon resorts:

Road Trip Tip: Fly into Kelowna or Kamloops, rent a car, and hit multiple
mountain towns in one unforgettable winter journey through British Columbia.

Mountain Collective - BC Road Trip to Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks is also part of the Mountain Collective pass, which gives you 2 free days at the resort plus 50% off additional days. With approachable terrain and a European-style ski-through village, Sun Peaks makes a perfect hub for your BC ski trip.

Nearby Mountain Collective destinations to hit:

Suggested Route: Start in Calgary or Kelowna, explore Banff and Lake Louise, then head west to Sun Peaks via Revelstoke. Each stop brings a new alpine
vibe and unique terrain!

Getting to Sun Peaks - FAQs

Which is the best route from Seattle to Sun Peaks?

The most direct route from Seattle to Sun Peaks is through the Sumas border crossing. Once in Canada, take BC Highway 11 to Highway 1 East, then merge onto Highway 5 North toward Kamloops. From there, follow Tod Mountain Road to the resort. This drive typically takes between 6.5 and 7.5 hours depending on traffic, border wait times and winter road conditions.

How do I get to Sun Peaks Resort from Vancouver?

Drive Highway 1 East through Hope, then merge onto Highway 5 North (Coquihalla). Take the exit for Tod Mountain Road near Kamloops and follow signs to Sun Peaks. The trip usually takes about 5 hours, depending on
traffic and weather. 

How do I get from Kamloops to Sun Peaks?

Sun Peaks is just 45 minutes from Kamloops. You can drive, take a taxi or book a shuttle from the Kamloops Airport or downtown. The route follows Highway 5 North and turns onto Tod Mountain Road.

How long does it take to get to Sun Peaks in winter?

  • From Vancouver: approximately 5 hours
  • From Seattle: approximately 6.5 to 7.5 hours, traffic dependent
  • From Kamloops: 45 minutes

Travel times may vary with winter driving conditions.

How do I get from Whistler to Sun Peaks?

Driving is the fastest option, taking about 5 to 5.5 hours depending on road conditions. There is no direct bus from Whistler to Sun Peaks, but bus-based options do exist. The most common route is to take a bus from Whistler to Vancouver or Vancouver International Airport, then connect with a shuttle to Sun Peaks. This typically takes 8–9 hours total and may require advance
booking, especially in winter.

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