Nestled Between 3 Mighty Mountain Ranges Is Canada's Scenic Alpine Village For Outdoor Adventures

Travelers that are looking for an outdoor wonderland surrounded by famous parks, snowy mountain peaks, and pristine lakes should plan a trip to Valemount, British Columbia. A village with a population of 1,050, Valemount is located in the North Thompson Valley, at the junction of three mountain ranges: the Rockies, the Monashees, and the Cariboos. 

Valemount might be small, but it's still big enough to host festivals and special events, along with providing an array of choices for visitors when it comes to lodging, food, and shopping. You'll be able to experience unique events like Valemountain Days, the Alpenglow 100 trail race, or the annual Valemount Fishing Derby. You can stay in a cozy resort, or pick from a choice of hotels and cabins.

Given the environment, there are also many opportunities for camping and RV parking. There are some famous names on the long list of national and provincial parks nearby, such as Jasper National Park, about 60 miles to the east. This is the largest national park in Canada's Rocky Mountains, but there's also plenty to explore just minutes away from town.

Several impressive parks are located in this vast region, and you can use Valemount as a headquarters to explore some. There are a total of seven parks in this part of Canada that form the network of Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, labeled as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their scenic beauty, unique geographical features, and natural biodiversity. The closest of these is Mount Robson Provincial Park, which is less than a 30-minute drive away.

In the spring and summer in Valemount, you can go hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, paddleboarding, kayaking, or rafting. Stellar Descents Whitewater, which has a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor, is one of the local outfits that leads tours and trips throughout Robson Valley. There are places to explore like Cranberry Marsh, just on the southern side of town and located on a seasonal migration corridor for waterfowl. This peaceful hike has more mosquitoes than people, so make sure to bring bug spray and enjoy the silent beauty of nature. The Yellowhead Outdoor Recreation Association (YORA) oversees much of the hiking, biking, and ski trails in the area and maintains them all year, such as those at 5-mile Hill.

The cold months bring skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, skating, and many other ways to have fun in the snow. Snowmobiles are welcome in several locations, and different trails are available for every skill level. Frozen Pirate can accommodate visitors interested in rental equipment, classes in survival and outdoor skills, or guided sightseeing tours. With so many choices, Valemount is a haven for those who love the outdoors and their own personal space.

There's an airport in Valemount, but it's only big enough to host small private aircraft. Those that are flying on regular commercial airlines can fly to the cities of Kamloops, Prince George, or Edmonton, and then drive through some of Canada's most picturesque regions to find this charming alpine village. Each of these road trips is more than three hours, however, so be prepared for a long but scenic drive.

If you don't want to rent a car, BC Bus North has routes that stretch as far as Prince Rupert on the west coast, and the routes from Prince George take passengers to Valemount. Via Rail is another option, and the ride through the Rocky Mountains includes some unparalleled lake views. There's a route from Prince George, but visitors should be advised that the Valemount stop is a tertiary station without any amenities, not even a shelter. 

Even if you visit during the summer, this is an isolated area, and the shops and restaurants nearby aren't always open. Valemount doesn't have a local taxi service, so ensure you have adequate clothing and that transportation to your lodging has been arranged in advance. Peak Shuttles is one of the few private services in town, but they usually handle outdoor adventure tours and airport transfers.