Meet the Leaders Shaping Tourism Valemount

Fly down iconic British Columbian Terrain

No matter where you’re from, chances are you’ve heard whispers of the Valemount Bike Park. Spanning two local mountains, connected by a small valley and accessed by forest service roads, it’s a riding destination that feels both expansive and refreshingly raw.

Valemount delivers exceptional variety: pristine flow trails, a standout jump line, beautiful rock work, challenging wooden features, and the occasional technical, hand-built trail. No matter your skill level, one thing is guaranteed—you’ll be heading home thinking, “I wish I had more time.”

Cross the tracks and head up Five Mile Road to reach the main staging area for the downhill park. Here, you’ll find ample parking, a small kids’ practice zone, and access to the primary climbing route on this side of the mountain: CBT’s Munday Grind. The trail’s name honours the Columbia Basin Trust, a major supporter of the Valemount Bike Park, and Phyllis B. Munday, the first woman to climb Mount Robson. It’s a lung-burning climb that quickly gets the heart pumping—and at the top, you’re rewarded with your next challenge: choosing which trail to drop into.

If you’re self-shuttling, you can opt for drop-offs at the lower, mid, or upper sections of the mountain. Both the lower and mid-mountain zones offer a wide mix of green, blue, and black trails, making it easy to tailor your ride to your energy level—or ambition.

In the warm summer months, riders often make their way all the way to the end of the road, where sweeping valley views and a lineup of blue and black trails await. One standout is High Roller, a trail so well-loved that visitors frequently refer to it as the “A-Line of the North.” If airtime isn’t your thing, the blue trail The Craig offers an equally rad, flowy descent from the top of the mountain—without the jumps. It’s worth noting that there is currently no green route from the upper mountain.

Getting to the top is made easier thanks to Peak Shuttles, Valemount’s local shuttle service. They now offer shuttles Friday through Sunday and on holidays, weather permitting. For the latest updates, it’s best to follow their Facebook page. Punch passes are $20 and include two top-of-mountain laps or four mid-mountain drops, and Bike Park members score an extra half lap. Memberships are available at ridevalemount.com.

For riders who prefer to earn their turns, the community has recently opened an entirely new cross-country riding area on the far side of Swift Creek. You can access it directly from town by pedalling along Swift Creek (on the opposite side from the Golden Years Seniors Lodge), or by driving to the end of Main Street—known locally as “Von Zuben”—then turning right onto Swift Mountain Road. As this area is still new, trail signage is ongoing; for now, TrailForks provides the most accurate and up-to-date trail information. The cross-country network is also accessible from the downhill staging area via the Northern Traverse trail.

The Valemount Bike Park also shines when it comes to family-friendly riding. Younger riders will love downhill trails like Trapline, Truck Yeah, Bacon, and the soon-to-open Tyrannosaurus Rock. Hand brakes and some riding experience are recommended. For newer riders, The Green Mile on the Swift Mountain side of the valley (Trail #45 on the bike park map) offers a perfect out-and-back option to build confidence and skills.

If you need gear, repairs, or rentals, Valemount’s two local bike shops have you covered: District Bicycle Company on 5th Avenue and Bikes and Bites on Main Street. For something a little different, District also rents two- and four-person pedal trolleys—an easy and fun way to explore town between rides.

For the most up-to-date trail conditions, events, and announcements, be sure to follow Valemount Bike Park on Facebook. No matter your riding style, Valemount delivers—and it’s hard to leave without already planning your next visit.

Sockeye Salmon and Their Remarkable Spawning Journey

For approximately three weeks a year, driven by instinct, Chinook and Sockeye salmon travel through different water passages in our community. By the time they reach the Swift Creek and Fraser River, where you can view them locally, they have already travelled over 1,300 kilometres.

Valemount offers three different locations to view the Salmon spawning. The most convenient place, which also allows you to see the salmon in great detail, is the viewing platform at George Hicks Regional Park. There is a beautiful little trail that takes you down to the creek right from the Visitor Information Centre. Alternatively, you can also drive down to the lower parking pad. Take a minute to read the billboards that share interesting information about the salmon and their lifecycles, as well as some local history. The viewing platform and bridge offer several different chances to spot the salmon. Since they have already turned a deep reddish brown, they often blend in to the rock below but it doesn’t take a trained eye to catch a fin or a splash.

One of the most unique places to watch the salmon is Rearguard Falls, approximately 25 km northeast of Valemount. This section of the river is nearing the end of their journey and only the strongest of salmon will make it up the falls. Spotting the salmon here can be a little tricky. If you look in the protected pools lining the falls, you will catch a silhouette or two as the salmon conserve their energy for their next big attempt. The deep red of their bodies will be in stark contrast to the teal-blue water. During our most recent visit to Rearguard falls, my daughter and I patiently waited for the salmon to jump up the falls. After a few moments of searching, we found several resting in the pools. We made harmless bets about which one was going to attempt the perilous leap first and watched for brief glimpses of fins amid the thick white rapids. Alas, watching the same spot for 20 minutes can only entertain a 9-year-old for so long. Content with our salmon-spotting abilities, we decided to pack up and try our luck another day.

The final place where you can see the salmon is the Tete Jaune Spawning Grounds. This lesser-known location is approximately 20 km outside of the town of Valemount. Head north from Valemount, turning left onto Blackman Road. Follow Blackman Road until you reach Old Tete Jaune Cache Road. Once you cross the tracks you will see the sign on the right. This section along the McLennan River receives less tourist traffic, so you may have a chance to see wildlife. Quite often, if you follow the old beaten path down to where the McLennan meets the Fraser, you can catch hungry eagles soaring above the waters.

George Hicks Regional Park is accessible to people with mobility restrictions. The Tete Jaune Spawning Grounds is a periodically maintained trail, and not mobility-friendly. The walk down to Rearguard Falls is approximately 30 minutes return, with some minor elevation loss to the waterfall. The wooden viewing platform at the waterfall is well-fenced and comprised of several different levels, with staircases in between. Please adhere to local regulations about viewing etiquette.

An Unforgettable River Adventure Awaits

Whether it’s a smoking hot day or the clouds are covering the sky, rafting is a fun and exciting way to experience the Robson Valley. Mount Robson Whitewater Rafting Co. (Robson) and Stellar Descents Whitewater Rafting (Stellar) offer a variety of trips from gentle floats suitable for the whole family, to Class 4 whitewater trips.

For visitors and locals who would like to enjoy a more laid-back pace, Robson offers a gentle float with amazing views of the famous Mount Robson. Further down the Fraser, Stellar gentle float delves into the rich history of the area. Take comfort in knowing that you are safe in the hands of your skilled guide. Since there is no chance of getting wet (much unlike whitewater rafting), you can wear whatever clothing is comfortable under your PFD (life jacket).

On the opposite side of the spectrum, there are multiple Whitewater options. Stellar and Robson run a section of the Fraser that will certainly pump some adrenaline through you. When whitewater rafting, it is almost impossible to stay completely dry. Thankfully, the rafting companies supply you with wetsuits to keep you nice and warm, helmets and PFD to keep you safe. A bathing suit is my recommended piece of clothing to wear under a wetsuit. If you’ve never put a wetsuit on, they are a little tricky to squeeze into at first, but once suited up, they are really quite comfortable.

While waiting at the launchpad and listening to the safety chat, my heartbeat always seems to pick up. Excitement and nervousness wash over me. Then, before you know it, we are in the water paddling downriver. All my nervousness is replaced with exhilaration as we careen over rapids, the cool crisp water occasionally splashing up over me. The only sounds I am tuned into are the commands from our trusted guide, the roar of the mighty river, and the happy screams and giggles from my boatmates.

The Robson Valley is a mecca for whitewater rafting, and I can’t wait until my daughter meets the requirements to go on the whitewater trips. While the float trips are a whole family affair, whitewater rafting has some requirements that must be met. Generally, a person must be 90 lbs or more, over 10 years old, and reasonably fit to participate in a whitewater trip.

If the Fraser River doesn’t sound like a wild enough ride for you, Stellar offers two more rafting trips spanning two different rivers. The Dore and the Beaver are two different whitewater trips with Class 4 rapids that will surely take your breath away. Subject to water levels, these seasonal rivers are a thrill seeker’s dream come true.

Explore Nature, Trails, and Adventure This Summer

Valemount is the ultimate summer escape, offering stunning mountain views, fresh air, and endless outdoor adventures. Whether you’re after relaxation or adrenaline, there’s something for everyone.

Outdoor activities are abundant. Start your day with a round of golf at Valemount Pines, then unwind on the water with a gentle float down the Fraser River with Stellar Descents or Mount Robson Whitewater Rafting Co.

For thrill-seekers, try whitewater rafting or hit the Valemount Bike Park for an adrenaline-filled adventure. ATV enthusiasts can explore waterfalls, fishing spots, and panoramic vistas, with rentals available at Alpine Country Rentals.

Hiking and picnicking are also popular, with local favourites including Swift Creek Lookout and the salmon spawning grounds near the Visitor Information Centre. For water lovers, Kinbasket Lake offers canoeing, paddleboarding, or motorized boating with breathtaking mountain views.

With so much to do and see, Valemount is the perfect spot for your next summer adventure. Plan your trip, explore the mountains, and let the valley move you!

Planning Your Valemount Adventure

Planning a cabin escape starts with imagining the experience: star-filled evenings, quiet mornings filled with birdsong, and stepping outside into crisp mountain air. It’s about choosing a place where the pace slows, distractions fade, and life feels refreshingly simple.

When planning your days, consider how you want to spend your time. Some days are perfect for relaxing by the creek, watching butterflies and bees drift between wildflowers. Others invite gentle exploration—sunlight filtering through the forest, meadows warming in the afternoon sun, and the steady sound of flowing streams setting the rhythm of the day.

Cabin trips also encourage a return to simpler routines. Collecting water, preparing meals together, and sharing small tasks become part of the experience—especially for families, where kids delight in helping and learning along the way.

Location plays a key role in planning. Surrounded by mountain peaks, many Valemount-area cabins offer direct access to hiking routes that range from easy ridge walks to rewarding summit hikes. When choosing a cabin, consider the trail access nearby and how ambitious you want your days to be—one hike at a time.

Evenings are just as important to plan for. Card games by the fire, hearty meals, and early nights make space for rest and connection, ensuring you’re ready for the next day’s adventure. Mornings arrive with the promise of fresh coffee and a new plan unfolding.

Spring is an ideal time to start planning summer or winter cabin trips. Cabins strike the perfect balance between the adventure of camping and the comfort of a warm, welcoming shelter. Valemount offers a wide range of options, from helicopter-access cabins to hike-in stays, as well as private lodges such as Mallard Mountain Lodge, Dave Henry Lodge, Swift Mountain Lodge, and Hermit Thrush.

As you plan, be sure to review hike distances and elevation gains to ensure they suit your group’s abilities. Build up to longer hikes with regular walks, and choose between fully catered or self-guided cabins based on your comfort level. For self-guided trips, basic backcountry knowledge—such as bear safety, fire-starting skills, and first aid—is recommended. With thoughtful planning and preparation, a Valemount cabin escape becomes not just a trip, but an experience you’ll want to return to again and again.

Glide Through Snowy Landscapes on an Authentic Dogsled Adventure

I’m pretty sure the staff at Coldfire Creek Dogsledding noticed the flicker of surprise on my face when they told me I would be driving the sled myself. We wandered among the teams, stopping to pet as many dogs as we could, learning their personalities one sniff and wag at a time. They barked excitedly, brushed against us, and seemed as eager for attention as they were for the trail ahead.

After a thorough lesson on driving the sled, the girls climbed in, bundled up in the cozy blankets provided. Their faces lit up with excitement and awe, and I felt a mix of nerves and anticipation as I made my way to the back of the sled, ready to take the reins.

We were told the dogs love to run—and that was no exaggeration. The moment I shouted the command “hike!”, they surged forward, barreling down the snow-covered trail. The only sounds were the drag of the sled and the chorus of yips and barks from the dogs. Snow sprayed up around us as the girls laughed, and with each turn, I grew more confident in handling the sled.

Once I felt comfortable, I pulled out my camera. Juggling a camera and driving a dogsled might seem impossible, but it was manageable—just a little exhilarating. We followed the creek deeper into the valley, chasing shafts of sunlight peeking through the clouds. Even in the heart of winter, the wind on my face was oddly warm, carrying with it the crisp scent of snow and the sheer joy of motion.

By the time we returned, exhilarated and smiling, I realized that dogsledding is more than a winter adventure—it’s a moment of connection: with the dogs, with the land, and with the sheer thrill of running wild through the Canadian wilderness.

As we approached a long, straight stretch of trail, we paused to switch drivers. The girls were thrilled at the chance to take the reins. Gaia stepped onto the back with me, and I braced myself to pay full attention. To my surprise, she was a natural—confidently guiding the team while I finally had a moment to lift my camera and capture the action. She couldn’t stop exclaiming to her friend how easy and “so fun!” it was.

As the girls took turns leading the team, I watched pride light up their faces. Every shout of excitement, every laugh, felt contagious. Soon we turned the final corner and arrived at our lunch spot: a sheltered nook framed by trees, with breathtaking mountain views and a custom fireplace that added a cozy touch to the scene. The girls raved about the baked treats and sipped cider eagerly while we waited for the main course.

After lunch, we climbed back onto the sleds and raced through the valley on the return journey. The scenery felt just as magical as before, the crisp winter air carrying the same sense of exhilaration. Back at the staging area, we thanked our dog team and guides, and then piled into the truck to excitedly relive every moment of our adventure.

Coldfire Creek Dogsledding offers tours for every kind of adventurer. For those short on time, the “60-Minute Musher” is perfect, while longer excursions like the “Moonshiners of Whiskey Creek” or “Ghost of Coldfire Creek” deliver the full wilderness experience. We were lucky enough to join the Moonshiners tour, which winds through the stunning valley just northwest of Valemount. For those coming from farther afield, a shuttle service is available from Jasper. For full details and bookings, visit www.dogsleddinginjasper.com.