SUN PEAKS, B.C. – Sun Peaks Resort is introducing guided interpretive hiking tours on its lift-accessed trails in the B.C. Interior's Shuswap Highland this summer.

The region offers abundant displays of alpine wildflowers during the peak blooming season from mid-July to mid-August.

A four-person chairlift takes hikers up to 35 kilometres of trails, ranging from beginner to advanced. The lift begins operating June 27.

Known in summer as a downhill biking destination, Sun Peaks is also boosting its cross-country offerings.

"We're seeing a big increase in people who are interested in cross-country biking," said Sun Peaks spokesperson Brandi Schier. "We have a Nordic trail network that is used in winter for skiing and it doubles in the summer for cross-country biking."

The resort is adding two lift-accessed cross-country biking trails for intermediate riders, totalling 18 kilometres.

New guided cross-country biking tours will also be offered. If riders aren't sure they have the stamina for a full day on the trails, electric motors can be attached for help on uphill sections.