Valemount

Valemount sits where the Rocky, Monashee, and Cariboo Mountains meet in British Columbia, near glaciers, lakes like Berg and Kinney, and forests of spruce and pine. Around 1,000 people live here. The village gives easy access to Mount Robson Provincial Park, where Canada’s highest peak in the Rockies rises, and Jasper National Park. You can hike trails, bike through wooded areas, snowmobile on fresh snow, or see Chinook salmon in nearby rivers. Valemount stays quiet compared to busier spots, fitting those who want to explore without crowds.

Hike the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park

The Berg Lake Trail stretches 41.5 kilometers round-trip, passing bright blue lakes, loud waterfalls, and the steep cliffs of Mount Robson. Plan for three to four days to finish the full hike, staying overnight at campsites such as Kinney Lake or Emperor Falls. The last section reaches Berg Lake, where chunks of ice break off glaciers and float in cloudy blue water. If you prefer shorter walks, hike the first 7 kilometers to Kinney Lake for views of the valley and nearby peaks. Check trail conditions and get permits at the Mount Robson Visitor Center before starting.

Ride the Valemount Bike Park

Valemount Bike Park has 45 trails ranging from smooth beginner paths to rocky expert routes. The park’s elevation gain allows for long descents. Machine-built trails suit different skill levels. Rent a bike in town or bring your own to try routes like Canoe Mountain’s wooded tracks. During summer, events like the Spring and Fall Bike Fests include races and group rides. Trails stay open through October, with yellow larch trees and red shrubs coloring the slopes.

Winter Adventures: Snowmobiling, Skiing, and Dog Sledding

Heavy snowfall from December to March covers Valemount in deep snow. Groomed trails let snowmobilers ride across valleys and into the Cariboo Mountains. For backcountry skiing, book a trip with Cariboo Snowcat to reach remote slopes by tracked vehicle. Coldfire Creek Dogsledding guides teams of huskies through snow-covered forests and past frozen waterfalls. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers follow trails near Cranberry Marsh or quieter routes around Mount Robson.

Explore Cranberry Marsh and George Hicks Regional Park

Cranberry Marsh/Starratt Wildlife Management Area lies south of Valemount. A wooden boardwalk and two viewing towers let you spot moose, beavers, and birds like sandhill cranes. Walk the one-hour loop trail to read signs about the marsh’s plants and animals. In August and September, visit George Hicks Regional Park’s platform to watch Chinook salmon swim upstream in the Fraser River. Both parks are free to enter and have parking areas.

Try Local Beer and Fresh Baked Goods

Three Ranges Brewing makes beers like Robson Red Ale, named after the nearby mountain. Drink a flight in their taproom or take cans to enjoy after a hike. The menu includes burgers and poutine. Valemount Swiss Bakery sells warm bread, sticky cinnamon rolls, and meat pies filled with local ingredients. Arrive before noon to get the best selection—the bakery opens at 7 AM, perfect for grabbing breakfast before a day outdoors.

Discover Valemount’s Past at the Valemount Museum

The Valemount Museum occupies a former Canadian National Railway station built in 1923. Exhibits share stories of Indigenous groups, early 1900s settlers, and logging crews. Ask volunteers about how the railway and Highway 5 shaped the village. For current events, check the community TV station VCTV or attend the Canoe Mountain Rodeo in July. Runners join the Mount Robson Marathon each September, racing through mountain scenery.

Valemount Glacier Destination: A Future Ski Resort

Plans for Valemount Glacier Destination include year-round skiing on glaciers near Jasper National Park. Proposed lifts would reach 3,000 meters, giving North America’s tallest vertical drop. Developers aim to build energy-efficient lodges and limit the resort’s footprint. Though construction hasn’t started, the project could bring more visitors to Valemount across all seasons.

Travel Tips for Valemount

Drive 90 minutes west from Jasper on Highway 5 to reach Valemount. Edmonton and Kamloops have the closest major airports. Rent a car to visit parks on your own schedule. Stay at motels like the Best Western Plus, book a cabin, or camp under the stars. June to September is best for hiking and biking; December to March suits snow sports. Bring warm clothing—summer days reach 20°C, but nights get cold, and winter temperatures often drop below -10°C.