Valemount, British Columbia, is a charming village municipality nestled in east central Canada. Home to 1,018 residents, Valemount is situated 320 kilometers from Kamloops, British Columbia. The village is uniquely positioned between the Rocky, Monashee, and Cariboo Mountains, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Valemount is the closest community to the west of Jasper National Park and Mount Robson Provincial Park, which boasts Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The village is one of 14 designated resort municipalities in British Columbia, offering a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
The land that is now Valemount was traditionally inhabited by the Kootenai, Shuswap, and Rocky Mountain Cree, with ties to the Lheidli T’enneh and the Mountain Metis. The village was incorporated under the Municipal Act (now Community Charter) on December 13, 1962. The name Valemount was coined for the Canadian National Railway station there in 1927 from the words vale and mount.
The 1970s marked a period of significant growth for Valemount, with the population increasing from 600 to 1,160. Infrastructure improvements included the completion of the sewer system in 1975, the construction of a 300,000-gallon water tower in 1977, and the opening of a clinic in 1978.
The 1980s saw continued development in Valemount, with the establishment of the Starratt Wildlife Sanctuary and the founding of the Canoe Robson Education Development Association (CREDA) in 1984.
The 1990s were a period of peak lumber production in Valemount, with the mill employing three shifts full-time between 1993 and 1996.
From 1993 to 2000, all streets in the village were paved. Major projects such as the Curling Rink and the Arena were completed or renovated, and the airport terminal was completed in 1996.
Today, Valemount boasts high-speed wireless internet, train, bus, and highway service. The village is served by a weekly newspaper, The Rocky Mountain Goat News, which was named the top newspaper in its circulation category in 2015 by the BC Yukon Community Newspapers Association.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Valemount had a population of 1,052 living in 513 of its 602 total private dwellings, a change of 3% from its 2016 population of 1,021.
Valemount experiences a subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc), with Cariboo Lodge, a weather station about 20 km south-west of Valemount, providing regular updates.
Valemount, British Columbia, is a village that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Valemount has something for everyone.
