For visitors looking for awe-inspiring activities in nature and small-town magic, there’s so much to see and do in Valemount, BC.
Surrounded by the Rocky, Cariboo, and Monashee mountains, Valemount is the gateway to BC’s best wildlife. Amongst the winding rivers, breathtaking peaks, and rugged forests, there are plenty of epic year-round outdoor activities to choose from.
In warmer months, explore the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site Mount Robson, known for its top-notch hiking trails, wildlife watching, and mountaineering challenges. There are premier RV and backcountry camping options nearby, available from May to October. Valemount also touts first-class downhill mountain biking, with rentals, its own bike park, and extensive trail networks throughout the area.
Small but mighty, the town is built around outdoor adventure – also offering horseback riding, ATVing, golfing, and geocaching. Plus, it’s home to The Alpenglow 100, an ultramarathon featuring 38, 65, and 100-kilometre routes through local mountain terrain.
Sip, snack, relax
There are many waterways to explore, too. Take a cooling plunge in Little Lost Lake, Kinbasket Lake, or at Cedarside Regional Park. The area is also known for stellar white-water rafting options. Guided trips with Mount Robson Whitewater Rafting and Stellar Descents range from scenic family-friendly floats to exhilarating white-water runs through spectacular mountain landscapes.
After an exciting day outside, return to the village for unique arts and cultural experiences, a great meal, and artisanal shops. There are year-round festivals and events, one of the biggest being vALEfest, the craft beer festival. On September 12th, visitors and locals will gather at the Canoe Mountain Rodeo Grounds to enjoy live entertainment and delicious BC craft beer in an idyllic mountain setting.
The beer festival partners with local vendors and restaurants to celebrate regional flavours and cuisine. The all-ages event also provides shuttle transportation, and accommodations are available nearby. Additionally, the festival occurs alongside Bike Fest at Valemount Bike Park, a weekend of premium mountain biking along BC’s best trails.
Something for everyone
That weekend, vALEfest attendees can also check out races at the Rocky Mountain Speedway. Located just outside town, the popular motorsport venue is known for its high-energy dirt track racing and community-driven events. The speedway adds a unique thrill to the region’s outdoor recreation scene, hosting invitational races packed with fast-paced entertainment throughout their season.
Another remarkable fall event? Watch the Sockeye and Chinook salmon return to Valemount’s nearby water passages after a 1,300-kilometre journey. Right in town, George Hicks Regional Park offers visitors the chance to see salmon spawning in great detail. Or head to Rearguard Falls or the Tete Juane Spawning Grounds to watch them leap upstream. Witnessing this important ecological moment is just one of the many ways visitors can experience the wonder and wild beauty of the region.
Discover local activities, dining options, attractions, and more on the Tourism Valemount app, available on iOS and Android devices.
