Valemount, British Columbia: A Hidden Gem in the Canadian Rockies

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Valemount is a small community in British Columbia that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences. With its stunning mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, Valemount is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Canada's wilderness.

Attractions and Natural Wonders

Valemount is home to a number of natural wonders and attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Mount Robson Provincial Park: This park is home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, which stands at an impressive 3,954 meters. Visitors can hike the Berg Lake Trail, which offers stunning views of the mountain and its surrounding glaciers, or take a guided tour to learn more about the park's history and ecology.
Kinbasket Lake: This large reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors can also hike the nearby trails or simply relax on the beach and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
George Hicks Regional Park: This park is located in the heart of Valemount and offers visitors a range of recreational activities, including tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball. There is also a playground for children and a picnic area for families.
Valemount Museum: This museum offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the area, with exhibits on the local First Nations culture, the fur trade, and the development of the railway. There is also a gift shop where visitors can purchase locally made crafts and souvenirs.
Valemount Farmer's Market: This weekly market is held every Thursday during the summer months and offers visitors a chance to sample locally grown produce, baked goods, and crafts. There is also live music and entertainment, making it a fun outing for the whole family.

Parks, Lakes, and Trails

Valemount is surrounded by a number of parks, lakes, and trails that offer visitors a chance to explore the beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Robertson Creek Provincial Park: This park is home to a number of hiking trails, including the popular Overlander Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There is also a campground for visitors who want to spend the night.
Jackman Flats Provincial Park: This park is a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months, and hiking and mountain biking during the summer months. There are also picnic areas and a playground for families.
Cranberry Marsh: This wetland area is home to a variety of bird species, including sandhill cranes and great blue herons. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the ecology of the area and its importance to the local ecosystem.
Swift Creek Trail: This hiking trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as a chance to see wildlife such as moose and deer. There are also picnic areas and a campground for visitors who want to spend the night.

Festivals and Events

Valemount is home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from local culture to outdoor adventure. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Valemountain Days: This annual festival celebrates the local community with live music, food vendors, and a parade. There are also a number of outdoor activities, including a mountain bike race and a fishing derby.
Valemount Farmers' Market: This weekly market is held every Thursday during the summer months and offers visitors a chance to sample locally grown produce, baked goods, and crafts. There is also live music and entertainment, making it a fun outing for the whole family.
Valemount Arts and Cultural Society: This organization hosts a number of events throughout the year, including art shows, concerts, and theatre productions. There is also a community art gallery where visitors can view and purchase locally made art.

History of Valemount

Valemount was established in 1913 as a railway town, with the Canadian National Railway running through the area. The town was officially incorporated in 1962 and has since grown into a thriving community with a population of just over 1,000 people. The town was named after George Vale, who was the first postmaster in the area.

Conclusion

Valemount, British Columbia is a hidden gem in the Canadian Rockies, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences. With its stunning mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, Valemount is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Canada's wilderness.

Sources

British Columbia Parks. (n.d.). Mount Robson Provincial Park. Retrieved from https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/mt_robson/
Discover Valemount. (n.d.). Kinbasket Lake. Retrieved from https://www.discovervalemount.com/kinbasket-lake/
Village of Valemount. (n.d.). George Hicks Regional Park. Retrieved from https://valemount.ca/parks-recreation/george-hicks-regional-park/
Valemount Museum. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://valemountmuseum.ca/about-us/
Valemount Farmers' Market. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.valemountfarmersmarket.org/about-us
British Columbia Parks. (n.d.). Robertson Creek Provincial Park. Retrieved from https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/robertson_crk/
British Columbia Parks. (n.d.). Jackman Flats Provincial Park. Retrieved from https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/jackman_flats/
Valemount Community Forest. (n.d.). Cranberry Marsh. Retrieved from https://valemountcommunityforest.ca/cranberry-marsh/
Tourism Valemount. (n.d.). Swift Creek Trail. Retrieved from https://www.tourismvalemount.ca/swift-creek-trail/
Valemountain Days. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://valemountaindays.ca/about-us/
Valemount Farmers' Market. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://www.valemountfarmersmarket.org/
Valemount Arts and Cultural Society. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://valemountartscouncil.ca/about-us/