Canada Day, the Sun Peaks way
Sun Peaks, BC Canada's second-largest ski resort isn't just an epic winter destination; this Canada Day it's going to rock your toque off in one of the most Canadian ways possible.
Say hello to the band Toque, whose M.O. is to teleport you back in time, channeling all your vintage Canadian rock favorites into their performance at Sun Peaks' Canada Day Long Weekend Celebration on July 1.
"Someone said, "why not Toque?" Mostly so we could hear Americans mispronounce it,” says Toque’s lead singer and guitarist Todd Kerns, explaining how the band got their ultra-Canadian name.
Here is a taste of what you are in store for with Toque on stage outdoors at Sun Peaks, July 1.
HIt PLAY >>
And hold onto your hat! Canada Day the Sun Peaks' way will blow your Toque away. Have a listen:
Despite touring worldwide alongside Slash of Guns 'n' Roses fame, this will be Kern's first time playing Sun Peaks.
As part of the Sun Peaks Summer Festival Series, featured this last month on FestivalSeekers, the destination 45 min outside of Kamloops includes the resort's Canada Day Long Weekend Celebration.
Score exclusive Sun Peaks access
All of this, and one of the most beautiful settings in Western Canada to enjoy it from: the alpine village at Sun Peaks, tying together outdoor adventure and entertainment in a location that will have you steps from your door to all the goods.
The long weekend celebration running June 27 - July 1, includes a whole slew of FREE events, including this Toque show and a band we know and love around here, Fernie's own Shred Kelly. Watch for a Royal Canadian Airforce fly over for 1:30pm on July 1 as well.
And to top off the experience Tourism Sun Peaks brings Toque to the stage that night, as an inaugural Canada Day event while launching their brand-new Sun Peaks Centre Stage venue. All you need to do to get your tickets is sign up to be an insider—accept the invite here.
As if it couldn't get more maple-flavoured, the addition of Shred Kelly makes two of Canada's most Canadian bands to power you through Canada Day long weekend at Sun Peaks.
Shred Kelly's "Sing to the Night" music video has been called the country's most Canadian Music video by none other than the CBC's Grant Lawrence.
"Most Canadian Music Video" ever?
Watch and decide for yourself:
"Just playing up there is so cool for us," explains Kelly's lead singer and frontwoman, Sage McBride.
"Sun Peaks is its own self-contained town, and comes with a special feel. Everyone is there to be outdoors and to spend time with their friends and with the music.
It's a place where you disconnect from the rest of the world and are just there for the reason of loving life."
This will be Shred Kelly's fourth time playing the Peaks. It's a place where the band, and anyone who joins them, gets to enjoy the recreation factor.
McBridge suggests taking a little extra time off the road to spend an extra day or two over the Canada Day long weekend exploring Sun Peaks 20+ kms of dedicated hiking trails and 80+ kms of mountain biking trails.
"It's always a good time dancing, under the sun, and the vibe up at the Peaks is the perfect place to be. The concerts themselves you can pair with a hike or a bike as it's a full mountain of options," says McBride.
Shred Kelly plays the Sun Peaks stage June 30 and Toque hits July 1, both outdoor shows that are open to any festival seeker, their friends and/or family.
"What better way to celebrate Canada Day than in the great outdoors?" invites Kerns.
"If you love Canadian rock, and you wanna be in a stellar location ... I assure you," says Kerns, "you are going to have a good time! Toque's playlist is all your favorite Canadian songs."
When you go
Sun Peaks wants you to become a Sun Peaks Insider—sign up today for exclusive benefits, including two free tickets to Toque and 20% off Sun Peaks Centre Stage events all summer long!
Head to Sun Peaks' website for the full list of events and concerts Canada Day long weekend.
Sun Peaks makes its home in BC's Thompson region, just north of the Okanagan. It's a mountain destination that is easy to access out of Vancouver via the Coquihalla Highway (about a five-hour drive), or from Edmonton via the Yellowhead (just over eight-hour drive).
There is no shortage of places to stay, and you can book one of Sun Peaks festival weekend packages to make your stay an easy one.