Silver Star, British Columbia Welcomes Americans With Authentic Adventures

By Lisa Kadane

From the summit at SilverStar Mountain Resort, hiking trails loop through alpine meadows popping with purple lupins and red paintbrushes. My teenage son and I stop to breathe in the fresh air and admire the pointy peaks of the Monashee Mountains to the east. After our hike we’ll hit the beach at nearby Kalamalka Lake to cool off in its jewel-toned waters.

Though Silver Star sparkles as a Canadian downhill ski destination in winter, it’s an undiscovered treasure when the snow melts—especially for travellers south of the border looking for authentic adventures. In summer, this welcoming community turns into a hiking, trail running, and mountain biking mecca eager to share its outdoorsy lifestyle. As an American living in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, located in south-central British Columbia, I visit the high-elevation resort every year for its extensive trails and events like the Silver Star Beer & Cider Fest—and to cool down from the valley’s heat.

You Say Okanogan, We Say Okanagan

Silver Star is nestled beneath two mountains at the north end of the Okanagan Valley. You might have wondered about the spelling of Okanagan, and you’re not alone—there are at least 47 different ways to write it. 

On the Canadian side it’s spelled with an ‘a’ and the Okanagan Nation word means ‘place of water.’ Just across the border in Washington state is the Okanogan Valley, whose name translates to ‘rendezvous.’ Historically, Indigenous communities from both the U.S. and Canada gathered every year at Osoyoos Lake, which spans the border, for fishing, trading and potlatches, which are ceremonial feasts. This tradition of cultural gatherings continues with the Komasket Powwow, held every June in Vernon.  

The Okanagan Nation welcomes visitors to their territory of lakes, foothills and mountains, and summer is a perfect time to soak in the valley’s stunning landscapes, sample Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon from hundreds of wineries, and indulge in local, seasonal meals at farm-to-fork restaurants. More and more, active families and adventurous couples venture north to Silver Star and nearby Vernon, the Trails Capital of BC, to hike, bike and run along hundreds of miles of trails that cross alpine ridges, pass through forests, and wind along sparkling lakes.

Make Silver Star Your Base Camp

The community’s colourful village has a range of accommodations, including vacation rental properties perfect for families, within walking distance of a gondola that transports guests up to the pathway network. There are 16 kilometres (10 miles) of hiking and running trails, plus a whopping 139 kilometres (86 miles) of combined downhill and cross-country biking trails in one of Canada’s best bike parks. 

Our favourite hikes include the Ridge Walk for wildflowers and mountain views, and the Gnome Roam, a scenic stroll on the upper mountain where walkers try and find 14 gnomes cleverly hiding among rocks and in trees along the route. 

My husband, an avid mountain biker, loves the resort’s well-maintained, flowy and forgiving downhill mountain bike trails. He’s also a fan of Beowulf, a 35-kilometre EPIC XC loop that meanders through cool cedar forests. In addition to dirt jumps and berms, Silver Star’s more technical trails boast roots, rocks, and man-made features like skinnies and teeter-totters, if that’s your jam.

On summer afternoons, the village comes alive with après-adventure vibes. Hikers and bikers session craft beer on sunny patios, while kids run around the grassy, pedestrian-only main street. Popular fuel up spots include Pizza Gratta for sourdough ‘za, and Black Pine Social for Asian-inspired dishes like chicken karaage and ramen. 

Take a Day Trip Dip

Another way to cool off is to visit one of five natural lakes in the valley on a day trip from Silver Star. My favourite is Kalamalka Lake, known locally as the ‘Lake of a Thousand Colours’ for its fluctuation between turquoise and jade, depending on the amount of limestone sediment in the water. In Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park you’ll find trails that lead to secluded beaches perfect for a swim. 

You can also skip the hike and join the beach-goers at Vernon’s go-to sun spot, Kal Beach. Rent a paddleboard from Kalavida Surf Shop, across the street from the sand, and alternate between paddling and plunging into the lake’s cerulean depths. 

Vernon is also the Trails Capital of BC, so bring your bike and cycle part of the Okanagan Rail Trail, which begins steps from Kal Beach and hugs the length of Kalamalka Lake—passing numerous beaches and parks—before continuing south to Kelowna. Or set your sights on the Killer King Route, which connects bike trails in Vernon with the network in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. Afterwards, be sure to tour through the Kalamalka Indigenous Garden to learn about traditional Syilx plants, medicine and foods, and the Okanagan Nation’s enduring connection to the land.

Go Wine Touring

The Okanagan Valley’s excellent and approachable wine scene is another perk of living here, and a must-do experience for vino-loving visitors. With more than 200 wineries in the valley, the region is dubbed the ‘Napa of the North,’ admired for its cold-weather varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. (Wine tastings here are a great value, too, especially considering the USD to CAD exchange rate.)

The easiest option for tourists is to book a wine tour with a local company like Sip Happens Wine Tours that will pick you up at Silver Star. Expect to visit four wineries before returning to the village—a well-earned reward for a holiday spent hiking, biking and exploring Silver Star and the North Okanagan.

Active adventures like these are just a few ways to experience Silver Star and the North Okanagan. Browse the Destination Silver Star website for more ideas to help you plan your perfect trip.