Silver Star Park has both designated snowmobile and Nordic Skiing trails, use caution at all intersections.General Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)
Silver Star Provincial Park
About This Park
Silver Star Provincial Park is a 5573 hectare park lying 22 kilometres to the Northeast of the city of Vernon. This rounded mountain is typical feature of the Okanagan - Western Shuswap Highland regional landscape. A combination of slope and snow conditions make this an ideal area for winter recreation. Dependable snow depths and mild winter temperatures encourage activity throughout the winter in a variety of activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.With its elevation change from the valley floor, Silver Star Provincial Park offers a refreshing break from the summer heat that is typical of the Okanagan. Hiking on wide, moderate grade trails offer both views of the Okanagan Valley as well as the Monashee Mountain Range to the east and provides an easy access to hike into some sub alpine meadows awash with wildflowers.
Park Size: 5573 hectares
Location and Maps
Please note: Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. Silver Star is accessed by turning off of Highway 97 onto 48th Ave. Continue up 48th and it will turn into Silver Star Road. The park is 22 kilometres up Silver Star Road. Vernon is the closest community.Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.- Visit the Sovereign Lake Nordic Center website to view an up to date map of Nordic ski trails.
Nature and Culture
- History - In the early 1900's mineral claims were registered (Prince of Wales, aberdeen, Silver Star etc.) and extensive mining exploration and operation took place. Although active for a number of years and reassessed periodically, there has been no interest or activity since the late 1940's.
- Cultural Heritage - Silver Star has a history of use for hunting and berry picking by the indigenous people of the region. Evidence of overnight camps used during berry picking season were evident at the time of the park being classified.
- Wildlife - Being close to a large community Silver Star still provides home for many species of wildlife including; Black Bear, Moose, Mule Deer, Whitetailed Deer, Cougar, Lynx as well as populations of grouse, crossbills, owls and raptors.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Management Planning
Management Planning Information- Online Management planning information for this park is not available at this time.
Activities Available at this Park
Cycling
Cycling is permitted.
Mountain biking opportunities exist along ether the Nordic ski or snowmobile trails. The trails are wide with generally a hard packed gravel surface. There are however some wetter sections to some trails. Grades vary from easy to difficult. Some single track trails do exist within the park but the majority of this type of trail is located at Silver Star Mountain Resort outside the park.
Trail and stunt construction is prohibited.
Mountain biking opportunities exist along ether the Nordic ski or snowmobile trails. The trails are wide with generally a hard packed gravel surface. There are however some wetter sections to some trails. Grades vary from easy to difficult. Some single track trails do exist within the park but the majority of this type of trail is located at Silver Star Mountain Resort outside the park.
Trail and stunt construction is prohibited.
Hiking
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Silver Star Provincial Park has over 50km of ski trails as well as 50km of snowmobile trails. In summer these trails are open to hiking opportunities but park trails will not lead to the top of the ski hill as it is outside the park boundary.
Silver Star Provincial Park has over 50km of ski trails as well as 50km of snowmobile trails. In summer these trails are open to hiking opportunities but park trails will not lead to the top of the ski hill as it is outside the park boundary.
Horseback Riding
Horses and/or horseback riding is permitted within the park. Please stay to designated ski and snowmobile trails.
Hunting
The park is partially open to hunting. Please refer to this map for appropriate hunting areas: Silver Star Park Hunting Map [PDF 780KB]
Hunting is permitted in a portion of Silver Star, no vehicle access is permitted. Please refer to the BC Hunting Regulations for a map of the No Hunting Areas.
Hunting is permitted in a portion of Silver Star, no vehicle access is permitted. Please refer to the BC Hunting Regulations for a map of the No Hunting Areas.
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behavior and must dispose of their excrement.
Winter Recreation
There are downhill skiing opportunities adjacent to the park. Silver Star Mountain Resort is located near Silver Star Provincial Park and features a full Downhill Ski Resort services and facilities.
World class Nordic ski facilities can be found at the Sovereign Lake Nordic Center. The center has a day lodge, ski school, rentals, 50km of groomed trails and more. For more information, please visit the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre website.
Developed snowshoe trails exist within the Sovereign Lake Nordic Center. The remainder of Silver Star Park is also open to public that want to snowshoe on their own accord. For your safety please do not travel on ski or snowmobile trails.
The park has approximately 50km of maintained snowmobile trails. Guided snowmobile trips into the park are available from Okanagan Adventure Rentals, located at Silver Star Mountain Resort village. Snowmobiles are required to purchase a day pass or possess a membership to the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation (BCSF). Day passes can be purchased for $10.00 at the snowmobile parking lot. The ticket machine accepts $2.00 coins only.
Click here for information Vernon Snowmobile Association.
World class Nordic ski facilities can be found at the Sovereign Lake Nordic Center. The center has a day lodge, ski school, rentals, 50km of groomed trails and more. For more information, please visit the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre website.
Developed snowshoe trails exist within the Sovereign Lake Nordic Center. The remainder of Silver Star Park is also open to public that want to snowshoe on their own accord. For your safety please do not travel on ski or snowmobile trails.
The park has approximately 50km of maintained snowmobile trails. Guided snowmobile trips into the park are available from Okanagan Adventure Rentals, located at Silver Star Mountain Resort village. Snowmobiles are required to purchase a day pass or possess a membership to the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation (BCSF). Day passes can be purchased for $10.00 at the snowmobile parking lot. The ticket machine accepts $2.00 coins only.
Click here for information Vernon Snowmobile Association.
Facilities Available at this Park
Cabins / Huts / Yurts
There are two day-use only cabins in Silver Star Park and both are based on winter recreation. The Black Prince cabin is located within the Sovereign Lake Nordic Center and has a wood stove and 4 picnic tables. The second is the Snowmobile Chalet located on Ganzeveld Trail, which is maintained as a warming hut by the Vernon Snowmobile Club and includes wood stoves, tables and untreated water.
The Sovereign Lake Nordic Center has a large day lodge with Nordic ski rentals, ski school and more. This lodge is open during winter months only.
The Sovereign Lake Nordic Center has a large day lodge with Nordic ski rentals, ski school and more. This lodge is open during winter months only.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets and flush toilets are available at the Soverign Lake Nordic Centre Day Lodge during the winter only.
