There’s nothing quite like star-filled evenings followed by waking to the sounds of birds happily chirping away. Then stepping outside to feel that crisp morning air sweep past. To escape the sounds and stresses of day to day life and be brought back to a simple lifestyle.

Days are spent lazing by the creek watching butterflies and bees flit from flower to flower. Rays of light peeking through the trees and grazing the forest floor. Meadows bathing in the warm afternoon sun. The sounds of gentle streams rolling past and calming my soul.

Collecting water is reminiscent of a time before modern infrastructure was created. Kids filling cups and pots and bringing them back to use for cooking and cleaning.

The surrounding mountain tops cradle me, allowing my mind to unravel and momentarily elevating myself from the world below. Things that seemed of utmost importance drift away with the soft breeze and are replaced with simple joys. What once seemed like impossible peaks are now achievable strolls.

Guided by the light trodden paths and well-worn ribbons to protect the alpine, there are so many hiking options from our temporary home. A summit here, a ridge walk there.

Back at the cabin a plethora of card games await our return. Meals are hearty and a highly anticipated part of the day. Tiny pieces of paper await our drawings, cups are overflowing, and the cabin’s fireplace ensures we are warm and cozy.

As darkness sets in our eyes grow heavier with each passing hour and I find myself tucking in for a long, well-deserved sleep. With morning comes the promise of coffee and a brand new day.

Spring is a fantastic time to research summer/winter cabin trips. Cabins offer the perfect balance between camping and comfort, and Valemount has many within its vicinity. Some are helicopter access only, others are hike-in. There are private lodges such as Mallard Mountain Lodge, Dave Henry Lodge, Swift Mountain Lodge, and Hermit Thrush.

Please analyze the length and elevation gain of each hike to ensure it is the right fit for you. Work up to longer distance hikes with daily walks. Some cabins are fully catered, and some are self-guided. If visiting a self-guided cabin- basic backcountry skills are recommended (bear safety, fire starting skills, basic first aid, etc). There are some great resources on the internet about how to pack for a backcountry trip.

’Tis the season for hiking! One of the trail favourites in Valemount is Mt. Pierre Elliott Trudeau (Meadows) trail. It’s in the Cariboo Mountains and was named after Canada’s fifteenth prime minister in 2006. Around here, we simply call it Mt. Trudeau. This hike is breathtaking. It’s considered medium to hard, especially with elevation gain and marshy areas.

To get to the beginning of the trail, drive south from Valemount on HWY 5 for 3.5 km, then turn right. Follow the gravel road and where it forks (1 km/1.2 mi) take the right fork. When you see the BC Hydro substation on your left, the Westridge Forest Service Road starts on the right. From there it’s a 14.7 km (9 mi) drive along a logging road. It is recommended that you take a 4WD or at least a high-clearance vehicle.

Proper hiking gear, plus an extra pair of dry socks or Gortex boots are recommended, as the trail gets rather wet in places. The best time for this hike is late June to September; however, many a resilient soul has done the hike in early spring.

Hike Halfway or All the Way!

The total hike is approximately 6.4 km (4 mi) to the meadows and should take between four and five hours to complete. The grade here can be steep at times, over 35% in some parts. Once you get started, it’s a 3 km (1.8 mi) hike with an extreme elevator gain of 425 m (1400 ft) to the first lake. Most hikers average two hours on the first portion of the trail.

The second segment of the trail will take you up to a second set of lakes, just below the peak. This section is for advanced and experienced hikers only. When you get to the top, take a deep breath and enjoy relaxing lakes, a rushing waterfall and a meandering creek. Scrambled higher to above the waterfall and you’ll have an amazing view of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a great place to sit, relax and absorb the wonder around you.

Watch for Wildlife

Remember, this is wilderness, and as such you’ll have to contend with the creatures that call this place home. You may spot mountain goats and possibly a Grizzly bear. Be bear aware and make sure you pack everything out that you packed in. Also, bring lots of mosquito repellent. They love our fresh mountain air. As for facilities, the closest washroom is back in Valemount at the Visitor Centre.

As we said before, this trail can get boggy at times. We recommend you stick to the trail and watch out for muddy spots, especially near the log bridge. For up-to-date information on the trail, check with the Valemount Visitor Centre and also on the Valemount Trails website.

As always, hike with a buddy and let people know where you are going and when you expect to return.