Valemount – a Rocky Mountain Jewel

• Author: Susan E
• Accommodation: Northern BC

Valemount, “Valley in the Mountains” is truly one of the jewels in BC’s crown of outstanding scenic locations.  With so much to offer, no matter the season, Valemount is a destination for those who love the outdoors and endless outdoor activities.  Whether you are an avid snowmobiler, and ATV addict, like to fish or hike, Valemount offers every opportunity for you to pursue almost any outdoor sport and activity.  If you just want to relax, there is no better place, since the peace and tranquility of this mountain paradise will include soaking in its peaceful ambiance.
 
Valemount is surrounded by the Rockies, Cariboo and Monashee mountain ranges and is therefore ideally situated as one of British Columbia’s foremost winter wonderland playgrounds.  As a vacation destination, the quaint Village of Valemount, as well as the surrounding areas, offer accommodations and activities that are boundless.

During the winter months (December to April), Heli-skiers from around the world arrive on this door step to experience the thrill of skiing in the pristine Cariboo Mountain Range.  Enthusiastic skiers have access to glacier terrain and steep and deep runs that are touted as some of the best in the world.  Skilled instructors and guides ensure that visitors will have an exceptional and unforgettable   experience.   Back-country skiing and cross-country skiing is readily enjoyed by visitors and residents alike, and guided activities are available.

This location is also well known as a snowmobilier’s paradise.  The Village of Valemount has received a number of awards as BC’s favourite snowmobile destination.   Perfectly groomed trails, powdery abundant snowfall, sunny days and out-of-this-world scenery attract visitors all winter long to this first-class snowmobiling location.  Alpine areas are accessible even to novice sledders, but if you are a little uncertain and want to ride safely, guided tours are also available.

Valemount is soon to be offering the “first ever snowmobile accessed skiing and snowboarding area“.  This is a project that has been developed and funded by VARDA (Valemount Area Recreation Development Association).  Their future plans include additional warming shelters in the riding area along with many improvements to favorite riding areas.

When spring arrives in Valemount more outdoor enthusiasts arrive with their ATVs.  Riding and touring on well groomed accessible trails engage the adventurous from far and wide.  Tours, tour guides and rental machinery are available.  Spring also attracts bird lovers and walkers who are easily enticed to take a leisurely walk through the peaceful paths of the R.W. Starratt Wildlife Sanctuary, and Jackman Flats Ecological Reserve, both located close to the Village.

There are some excellent fishing lakes to be found close to Valemount and they are Kinbasket,  Yellowhead-Lucerne and Moose.  These lake areas offer a variety of trout such as Rainbow, Dolly Varden, Lake Trout, Kokanee and White Fish.  Sport river fishing is also close by at Canoe River, Camp Creek, Swift Creek and McLennan River.

In close proximity to Valemount is majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountain range, situated in Mount Robson Provincial Park.  This is an ideal location for those who like to hike or camp in the unspoiled, magnificent backcountry.   The park comprises a portion of one of the world’s largest blocks of protected areas and has been designated as part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990. Within the park boundaries there are lakes that are suitable for canoeing, boating and fishing.  As well, there are rafting companies that operate along sections of the river offering visitors an exciting experience in white water river rafting travel.  Commercial horse outfitters use the Berg Lake Trail in the park in case you would like to experience the backcountry on horseback.  As well, there are also well marked cycling paths.

Planning a Rocky Mountain vacation should definitely include a visit to Valemount, British Columbia.  Valemount is located on Yellowhead Highway 5, approximately six and a half hours from the city of Vancouver and is approximately one and a half hours away from Jasper, Alberta.

For more information regarding this location contact: www.visitvalemount.ca;   or call the Valemount Visitor Information Center at (250) 566-3335.

Thanks to Legacy Vacation Rentals in Valemount for the submission.