Family Fun in Sun Peaks: Our Summer Stay at Pinetree Chalet

Every summer, I welcome families from across Canada — and around the world — to Pinetree Chalet here in Sun Peaks. This past summer, my own extended family had the chance to experience it together. We had toddlers, school-aged kids, parents, singles and couples in their 30s, and grandparents — truly every generation.

Everyone had different ideas of what makes a great vacation, and it reminded me of why Sun Peaks is such a special place for multi-generational family vacations. Everyone was happy — it’s one of those rare destinations that offers fun, relaxation, and safety for all ages.

With fresh mountain air, endless outdoor activities, and a charming village full of people enjoying themselves, Sun Peaks is the kind of place where every member could participate, laugh, slow down and make new memories.

The whole family took the scenic gondola ride (a couple of times!) — a must-do for anyone visiting in summer. The Sunburst Lodge at the top is a great place to grab a snack and admire the breathtaking views. The alpine flower meadows are stunning, with trails for all ages and fitness levels.

A favourite treat for everyone was ice cream from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and mini doughnuts from Baby Doh’s, best enjoyed while watching mountain bikers race down the slopes. The kids were captivated — and I have a feeling we’ll be cheering them on as participants one day!

Some of us preferred level paths (my style), while others tried their luck fishing at McGillivray Lake. We’re already planning next summer’s adventures with things we didn't get to this time — paddleboarding or a canoe ride at Heffley Lake and horseback riding are on our list. There’s always something new to try.

Each summer brings a variety of concerts and events on top of live music at venues around the village. Plan your stay around it, or take a chance and see what's going on during your dates.

Outdoor Games and Friendly Family Competitions

At one end of "the Village" we found even more fun — ping pong, giant chess, and more lawn games that became part of our daily plan, especially for the 30-somethings in our group. There was never a dull moment!

Just kitty-corner from there is a large playground for kids of all ages and an open field for an impromptu soccer game. It’s these little outdoor corners that make Sun Peaks so perfect for families — easy to access, safe for kids to explore, and full of opportunities to connect.

Dining Together in the Village

After full, adventure-packed days, we enjoyed mixing things up between dining out and cooking in. There are many family-friendly restaurants in Sun Peaks Village, all within easy walking distance of the chalet.

We haven’t tried them all, but some we enjoy are:

• Morrisey’s Public House: A casual, cozy spot with tasty burgers and an outdoor patio perfect for people-watching.

• Masa’s Bar + Grill: Pub-style comfort food and a great view of Tod Mountain. Bottoms next door is on our list to try.

• Capone’s Italian Kitchen: dining with a welcoming patio and family-style serving option.

• Powder Hounds: Say hi to Landon at the bar before enjoying generous portions of schnitzel and friendly service.

• Bolacco Cafe:  Grrreat! coffee and delicious goodies to eat in their crowded-popular location, or grab and go.  

But honestly, being a family that loves to cook, some of our best meals were the ones we made together back at Pinetree Chalet. The fully equipped kitchens (with a total of three fridges!) was a big plus for our large group.

Breakfast and lunch were usually “back at the house,” and some afternoons we turned cooking dinner into an event — complete with the mountain views and the large grill that always gets the men involved! The kids would sneak back to their video games while the adults lingered over a bottle of wine.

What Made Staying at Pinetree Chalet So Special

Even though I know every corner of this home, staying here with my family gave me a new appreciation for why guests love it so much.

• Spacious living areas made it easy for everyone to gather all together — from group meals to puzzles and movie nights (movie library for all ages) with room for everyone.

• Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms gave everyone space and privacy, whether a family shared a room, a comfy queen room with balcony for a couple, or singles in their own beds.

• Outdoor decks and the hot tub area were fabulous areas to relax with coffee in the morning, play games in the evening, watch for wildlife and end the night with a soak under the stars (with wonderful massage jets).

• The central location meant we could walk everywhere — no need for a designated driver or parking stress, and the older kids could explore safely.

• Wi-Fi, entertainment options, and plenty of comfy furniture made downtime at the house as enjoyable as adventure time.

It was truly a place where we could slow down, reconnect, and make lasting memories — exactly what I hope every family who stays here gets to experience.

• And the grandparents joined in on all the fun, followed by our favourite part — turning on the hot tub jets and soaking in the mountain views.

It’s easy to see why so many of our guests say Sun Peaks is such a great family vacation destination. Whether you prefer adventure or relaxation, or simply time together, this resort has a way of delivering it all.

Plan Your Own Family Stay at Pinetree Chalet

If your family is like ours — a mix of ages, interests, and energy levels — and loves cool summer mountain air and simple joys — from bouncy castles and village strolls to BBQs on the deck — I’d love to welcome you to Pinetree Chalet.

It’s the perfect home base for creating lifelong memories during your summer vacation in Sun Peaks, offering space, comfort, and all you need to enjoy each other and your time together.

Book your summer stay today and experience Sun Peaks the way we did — together.

Click here to explore activities in Sun Peaks.

November 3, 2025 (written after sorting through pictures from the summer.)