The top 5 things to do at Manning Park Resort
Credit to Author: Dave Pottinger| Date: Tue, 07 Jan 2020 18:54:25 +0000
I am filled with excitement as I turn into the day use area of Lightning Lake and set up the small rented telescope from Manning Park Resort. Aside from the haunting call of an owl echoing across the partially frozen lake, I’m the only one here.
I focus on the telescope now aimed at the moon and get lost in the details of its craters. Due to limited light pollution, E.C. Manning Park has some of the best stargazing and the resort hosts astronomy weekends in October with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Beginner telescope rentals are available year-round to anyone interested in gazing up at the stars. It’s one of the many things you can do at the park, which is enjoyable in all four seasons. Here’s what else you can do throughout the year.
This season marks the grand opening of the Bear Chair, Manning’s new quad chairlift, whichreplaced the iconic Orange Chair.
When the snow starts falling, a new world emerges at Manning Park Resort, which is located in the heart of the park in B.C.’s southern interior. The resort’s alpine ski and snowboard area has been around since the 1950s, but this year staff are buzzing with excitement due to the arrival of a new quad chair.
The old two-person chairlift had been in place since 1970, so when the resort announced it was installing a new one, it was the inundated with calls from people wanting one of the 152 chairs that were either sold or auctioned off for charity. But a new chairlift isn’t the only major change.
“In addition to the Bear Chair,” says general manager, Vern Schram, “there are major changes at the resort this winter, including a brand new Alpine Guest Services at the ski area for tickets, lessons and rentals, and an additional eight premium cabins at the resort.” Each cabin can sleep up to 11 people.
The ski area is now open 7 days a week for the season.
“There’s a lot of energy around here right now,” said resort marketing coordinator Robyn Barker, who grew up in Hope and spent a lot of time at Manning Park. “I think people are going to be blown away when they see all the changes,”
The resort also has more than 60 km of groomed cross-country ski trails, along with 160 km of backcountry trails that snake through a variety of terrain. Some trails are designated for snowshoeing and fondue tours are offered on certain nights throughout the winter.
Wildflowers can be seen along several trails during the summer.
With more than 300 km of trails, Manning Park has plenty of hikes to choose from, ranging from a 15-minute walk to multi-day excursions through jagged snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. The park is also the northern terminus for the famous Pacific Crest Trail, which spans 4,265 km from Mexico to Canada. Those who don’t feel like hiking for six months, but still want a challenging trek can check out Mount Frosty, Skyline, or the Heather Trail, where colourful wildflowers blossom during the summer. Shorter day hikes include the Canyon Nature Trail, Three Falls and Lightning Lake, which can be turned into a longer hike by continuing on the Lighting Lakes Chain Trail. Horses and mountain bikes are also allowed on designated trails.
The Loon Lagoon at Manning Park Resort has a 50-foot heated indoor pool with two hot tubs, a fitness centre, sauna and stream room.
Whether you’ve spent the day hiking up a steep mountain or snowboarding several times down one, your body will be thankful for the Loon Lagoon. Located in a separate building next to the lodge, the Loon Lagoon has a 50-foot heated indoor pool with two hot tubs, a fitness centre, sauna and steam room that helps relax sore muscles so you can walk the next day. The resort also has a tennis court, games room, restaurant, pub, grocery store and liquor store. During the winter months, the tennis court is transformed into an outdoor skating rink. A large wood-burning fireplace in the lobby of the lodge is a cozy place to curl up with a good book.
The Canyon Nature Trail near Manning Park Resort.
Listening to the sounds of the wilderness is a magical experience. There’s nothing better than sitting next to a calm lake with a chorus of chirping birds to clear your mind and melt away stress. More than 206 species of birds and 63 species of mammals live in the park, including hoary marmots, pikas, bear, moose, beavers, river otters, lynx and the occasional cougar. For bird lovers, the park hosts the Bird Blitz every year in June, bringing together birders to participate in two days of sightings. Some of the birds seen in the park include the spotted owl, three-toed woodpeckers, white-tailed ptarmigan and gray-crowned rosy-finch. To view wildlife from the water, rent a canoe, rowboat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard at the Lightning Lake day use area. The rivers and lakes in the park also offer excellent fishing for rainbow trout.
Manning Park Resort is located three hours east of Vancouver and can accommodate more than 450 people through its lodge, cabins and chalets. Guest are advised to make reservations several months in advance during peak season. Camping is also offered year-round at Lone Duck Campground, Cambie Creek and the part of the ski resort area. For more information visit manningpark.com.