The Wilson Lakes snowshoe and cross-country ski trails are part of the valuable bank of natural resources Peachland can proudly promote as our piece of this lifestyle.

These trails were popular during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s when the Peachland Ski Club existed. Today the trails are used by a few and maintained by even smaller numbers of participants.

The Peachland Spirit of BC Committee received funding towards signage for the wilderness trails and Bill and Susan Teed have been instrumental in keeping the trails alive, maintained and appreciated. Chris King and Dave Oakley are also regulars when it comes to trail clearing in the fall and winter. Due to their dedication to this pristine area, and to funding from the provincial government through the Peachland Spirit of BC Committee, signage is now at the trail head of the Wilson Lakes loop. There is a 37 kilometre trail system. Each trail head and junction is marked with colour-coded directional signs according to the ability required to ski it.

Suzy Teed cautions skiers that these are wilderness trails, not groomed trails like Telemark or Silver Lake. People should know their physical capabilities before heading out.

Wilson Lake Loop is a five kilometre beginner trail.
Wilson Silver Trail, eight kilometres (intermediate)
Fir Lane, at four kilometres, (intermediate)
Les’s Trail, at six kilometres, and Aspen Grove Trail, at 14 kilometres, are for the advanced skier.

The trails are also shared with those choosing to snowshoe. Signage indicates trail courtesy and etiquette rules for snowshoeing and skiers, as well as safety tips.

Some safety tips include taking a water bottle or tea, pack a snack, wear layered clothing, and wear a knapsack to carry these items.

Directions: Drive up Princeton Ave, follow Brenda Mine Road, past the Silver Lake turn-off, approximately 3.5 kilometres. Trail signage is at the trail head, and not visible from the road, therefore watch for cars parked on the right hand side or watch for a clearing where power lines are visible. Walk in and cross the power line clearing to the trail head.

Be prepared for a wilderness experience with: knapsack, water bottle, snack, and layered clothing. There are no amenities, equipment rentals, refreshments or cell phone access. Trail maps are available at the Peachland Visitor Information Centre or Peachland Recreation Centre.

Wilson Lake, Xcountry Ski and Snowshoe Trail Map

Wilson Lake Loop

Exploration of the old Peachland x-country ski area

Total Distance: 7.4 km (return)
Estimated Time: 2.5 hours
Average Grade: 4.1%
Structure: Loop - Partial
Elevation Gain: 152 m
Start Elevation: 1148 m
Max Elevation: 1300 m
GPS Waypoints: Trailhead N49.82660 W119.85580 11U 294612 5523264

Directions

Turn east onto Princeton Avenue from highway 97 in Peachland and follow the road beyond where it turns to gravel. At the fork go right following the signs to Silver Lake Camp. Pass the turn off to Silver Lake. At .6 km past the turnoff is the entrance to this loop. There are several trails to explore in this area and this one is a relatively easy loop to follow. It is a logging area so it is much more picturesque in the winter.

Wilson Lake Loop - Trail Map Wilson Lake Snowshoe