Mountain Man Adventure Tours has branched into Summer at Sun Peaks with a new Jeep Tour. We want to introduce you to the man with the idea, the Jeep and a passion.
Joe has started “Jeepin’ with Joe”. His inauguarl offering is a 2.5 hour backroads Jeep adventure through the scenic Sun Peaks area. He will take guests along trails that traverse narrow tree lined roads, wide expansive vistas and lakes. Every tour is private and custom according to what tweaks your fancy. Joe will help you search for wildlife, stop to smell the wildflowers or find some hidden gems along the way.
A tour we think you'll love
Question: What brought you to Sun Peaks and how long have you been here?
Joe: I moved to Sun Peaks in April of 2015. I moved to Sun Peaks due to being laid off in the oil field in January of that year and accepting a job on the railways. I had lived in Kamloops while working in Alberta. My theory was if I was going to work away again, I wanted to be somewhere where when I came home I wanted to stay home. I found a place to live on Burfield Drive. (I’m still in same place) a few weeks after moving in I found out I was colour blind and wasn’t able to work for the company. Panic set in…..so in May of 2015 I took a position at Sun Peaks Resort work as a custodian. I worked in that position for 2.5 years. Then I accepted the position, I currently hold, as the Purchaser for the Resort. I also work for the municipality at the ice rink in the winters.
Question: What made you want to start a jeep tour?
Joe: I bought my first Jeep in 2019. It was love at first dirt road. I cut my teeth in Jeeping with my 2015 2 door Rubicon. I purchased my 2019 4 door Rubicon in September on 2022 (birthday present for myself). The following spring/summer at was having dinner at Powderhounds when I began chatting with a lady from England on a bus tour in Sun Peaks. I asked what her plans were and she said “sit in her room and watch TV” I thought what a shame. She came all this way with nothing to due in Sun Peaks. So that started the thought, why can’t I offer our guest another activity other than hiking, biking or golfing. Not all that arrive here are into that stuff. It sat with me that whole summer. Then the following spring I set up a meeting with Taryn to discuss this lame brain idea I had rolling around in my head for 6 months. Her enthusiasm about my idea made me think, maybe I’m onto something. Her belief in my dream to drive my Jeep in the wilds of BC with guests wasn’t crazy, drives me daily.
Question: What’s your favourite destination on the tour?
Joe: My favourite spot is Amphitheater Lake and any mud puddles. I love showing my guests such beautiful spots, it reminds me to take it all in and not let it get ordinary. I am always in awe of the nature I get to explore by living here and sharing it.
Question: What is something that people are surprised to learn about you?
Joe: People are always surprised to hear I was a Zamboni operator for 25 years. I say “Being a Zamboni driver is like being a Canadian rock star haha” and I also like to say “Jeep in the summer, Zamboni in the winter best two rides ever!!”
Question: Which other Sun Peaks activities do you partake in?
Joe: I like to Explore the areas around Sun Peaks and camp in areas I find from my Jeep. I do get out and golf occasionally. I’m a bit of a foodie so I do like checking out the local menus.
Question: What are your favourites to recommend Guests try while visiting Sun Peaks?
Joe: My favourite entree is the hunter schnitzel at Powder Hounds or the smash burger at The Magic Cattle Guard. The Sundaes at The Magic Cattle Guard are great, they just got a soft serve ice cream machine so I’m excited to try the milkshakes. My favourite Breakfast is the Eggs Benedict at Cahilty Creek Kitchen.
