Canada Day in Sun Peaks kicks off summer with music, community and mountain energy

Sun Peaks welcomed summer with a high-energy Canada Day celebration that blended classic Canadian music, family fun and community spirit, all set against the scenic backdrop of the mountains. 

Drawing nearly 900 guests over the course of the day, the event was a major success and a strong kickoff to a summer of live entertainment organizers said.

The event also provided real-world training for the first graduates of the Sun Peaks Production Academy, building skills for future careers in production and events.

‘It felt like the perfect Canada Day’

The celebration took place at Sun Peaks’ covered NHL-sized rink for the first time, a unique open-air venue that kept the music central while offering shelter from the sun. 

While some longtime locals were initially unsure about the venue change, the response afterward was overwhelmingly positive. Executive director of Tourism Sun Peaks, Naomi Kerchinsky, spoke about the feedback given on the event. 

“Some of the locals talked to me about the concert being in the covered venue; they were a little disappointed because they were used to it being on the slope side,” Kerchinsky said.  “A couple of them came up to me yesterday and said, ‘It’s just so cozy in here. You have everything in one location: washrooms, food and beverages.’”

The night closed with a powerful and emotional sing-along of “O Canada” led by Toque, a band that specializes in Canadian rock anthems. The group also performed covers of hits by Rush, Corey Hart, Alanis Morissette and more. 

“It was just such a good Canada Day,” Kerchinsky said. “Everyone was smiling. The venue was full, the music was amazing and singing our national anthem all together was the perfect ending.”

All-ages fun and mountain vibes

The event was designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, drawing a wide range of visitors — from young families, couples, longtime locals and day-trippers from the valley escaping the heat. 

“Some people talked about how much cooler it was up here. It was still a really beautiful summer day, but down in the valley was hot yesterday.”

Guests lounged in camp chairs, danced with their kids and enjoyed refreshments from local vendors, including Mountain High Pizza, Ohana Deli and drinks from Parallel 49 Brewing. 

Throughout the afternoon, live acts like Maritime Kitchen Party and a vaudeville-style street performance brought charm and variety to the stage, though Kerchinsky noted there’s still room to strengthen the mid-afternoon programming window.

“The time between 2 and 5 p.m. was a bit slow for some folks,” Kerchinsky said. “We had great acts, but next year we want to better connect that energy leading into the headline show.”

A stage for local talent – on and off the mic

The event was more than just a concert; it was also a training ground for the first cohort of the Sun Peaks Production Academy, a new program designed to teach technical production skills to local residents.

Twenty-three people completed the program earlier this summer and six graduates worked the Canada Day event as stagehands, supporting the professional team and gaining real-world experience.

“That was a huge success,” Kerchinsky said. “We want to build our capacity locally, to create jobs, develop skills and reduce the need to bring in crews from outside.”

Their involvement helped ensure a smooth and professional production, while reinforcing the community’s growing role in the events scene.

Looking ahead: Rockin’ in the Peaks

With Canada Day wrapped, Sun Peaks is now turning its attention to Rockin’ in the Peaks, the resort’s first-ever two-day ticketed music festival, set to take place this weekend.

The Friday night lineup features Canadian rock icons Big Sugar with opener Philip Sayce. On Saturday, 54•40 will headline, preceded by a set from Wide Mouth Mason.

Tickets have been selling steadily, with over 2,270 already sold. The event is expected to draw even larger crowds than Canada Day. 

“This festival is a big step for us,” Kerchinsky said. “We’ve proven that we can create high-quality live events in the mountains. Now, we’re expanding to bigger acts, multi-day formats and ticketed models.”

Unlike Canada Day, which was a free event, Rockin’ in the Peaks introduces a more sustainable funding structure. The ticket revenue allows Sun Peaks to book nationally recognized artists, pay fair wages to local staff and continue developing its events infrastructure.

More than a concert

Kerchinsky emphasized that Sun Peaks isn’t just positioning itself as a stop on a tour circuit; it’s offering something unique: the chance to spend the day hiking alpine trails or golfing, then walk into a vibrant, village-style concert venue with mountain views and curated experiences.

“People are coming for the music, yes, but they’re staying because Sun Peaks has so much more to offer,” Kerchinsky said. “Whether it’s families exploring the trails, couples enjoying the patios, or music lovers discovering the village for the first time, we want to make sure everyone finds something here that keeps them coming back.”