Summer has arrived in the North Okanagan and it’s time to head into the mountains for your favourite summer activities. Silver Star Village, located at 1,600m /5,200ft. above sea level, is a laid back mountain getaway with ride-in, ride-out access to trails, great food, and fun activities for your whole crew. Here are the top things to do on your summer stay.
Test Your (Outer) Limits in the Bike Park
The SilverStar Bike Park is Canada’s second largest bike park and is arguably one of the most progressive bike parks in the industry. With more than 139km (86 miles) of enduro, XC, and downhill trails boasting 400+ jumps and 870+ berms, there is no shortage of heart-pumping adventure.
New in 2021, the blue and black Attridge Trails (Outer Limits and Throwback) are hand-cut, singletrack trails that wind their way back to the village through rocky terrain and forest. Those who really want to test their lungs and legs with an enduro grind can tackle Beowulf, a 35-km (22-mile) IMBA XC EPIC loop into the boundaries of the Silver Star territory that traverses ridgelines and old-growth forest along its thigh-burning journey.
If you’re new to the bike park (or mountain biking in general), have no fear. There are lessons and green-level trails to help you get started—you’ll be hitting the brown pow in no time.
Wander Through Wildflowers
Wildflower season in the mountains might be short, but it’s certainly sweet. From mid-July to early September, the sub-alpine in Silver Star Provincial Park is awash with a riot of colour that changes as the seasons transition from summer to fall. Wander the trails and run your fingers over violet Fireweed and Lupins, or find yourself in a field of Mountain Blossoms. Wild berries are also out at this time of year— be sure to leave plenty for the animals.
Take a Gondola Ride and Explore the Trails
Silver Star Village is perched at mid-mountain, and, though you can see the mountains from nearly everywhere in town, you’ll only get the full scale of the slopes when you reach the summit. Take the short ride up the Des Scheumann Summit Express Gondola or an open air Comet Express Chair to enjoy the views and beat the summer heat. Here, you can access a variety of hiking trails for all levels, whether it be a sub-alpine stroll or sweaty climb.
Earn Your Trail Running Chops
The Okanagan is a trail runners’ paradise, with a growing community and plenty of organized events to help runners progress and challenge themselves. SilverStar Mountain Resort has 16km (10 miles) of trails that wind their way through mountain meadows and over ridges with views of the Monashees and Okanagan Valley below. If you’re looking for the ultimate challenge, Bush Babes and Bros Trail Running is hosting the Soup 2 Nutz mountain bike and trail running duathlon race through Silver Star Provincial Park on July 8.
Head For a Patio Session
Sunny days and longer daylight hours mean patio sessions are in full swing. Bugaboos Bakery Cafe’s charming patio, overlooking the Monashee Mountain range, is a must-do stop for European-style pastries, coffee brewed with house-roasted beans, and savoury lunch items. Sample elevated West Coast fare, artisan cocktails, BC craft beer, and regional wines on the Black Pine Social’s open-air patio. Meanwhile, the Bulldog Grand Café’s sizeable outdoor deck in the heart of Silver Star Village is a prime place to break from the day’s activities and taste their globally inspired summer menu. The Red Antler, which pairs fresh, seasonal menu items with a sizzling cocktail, wine, and beer menu, offers great Happy Hour deals, games nights, and live music.
Discover Silver Star History
The Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation and the Splatsin First Nation of the Secwépemc peoples have been in the area since time immemorial and settler activity on the mountain dates back several hundred years, with mining and forestry activities, as well as recreational use in recent years. Learn about local legends, historic buildings, and fascinating adventures of the people who call this area home at the SilverStar Mountain Museum, with stops at the Chilcoot Lodge, Pinnacles Suites Lobby and Lounge, and the Vance Creek Gallery in the Vance Creek Hotel. The Lookout, an old forest fire lookout at the top of the Des Schumann Summit Express Gondola, is a brand new interpretive stop on the tour bringing more nuggets of history to light.
Enjoy Canadian Contemporary Art
Tucked away in the mountains lies a quaint red house with a heritage feel and rooms full of art. Gallery Odin is a privately owned boutique gallery showcasing original Canadian contemporary artworks by more than 20 creators. In celebration of two decades this year, owners Kal and Maria Molnar have curated a stunning collection for their 20th Anniversary Summer Show. This season’s treasured collection includes works of art on various mediums: oils, acrylics, mixed media, pottery, fibre, glass, and metal art. Wander through the gallery to appreciate these fine works of art in a casual and cozy atmosphere.
Rejuvenate With Spa Treatments and Yoga
Recharge your batteries at the mountain’s only full-service Aveda day spa. Elevate Spa offers a range of body care services, plus relaxation, hot stone, and deep tissue therapeutic massages. New this year, they’re also offering Bemer Vascular Treatments, which are designed to optimize your health, speed up recovery time from injuries and promote better concentration. Continue your self-care journey and take a Slow Yoga Flow class on Sunday mornings at the Chilcoot Conference Centre with Ritual Wellness and Yoga.
Explore the trails less travelled and start planning your summer escape to Silver Star.
Photo Credits: Lianne Viau, B. McCluskie, SilverStar Mountain Resort, Elevate Spa, Gallery Odin, Joe Roberts, Jordan McGrath, Greg Huszar
