Let the mountains move you

Valemount is the nearest town to Mica Mountain Lodge and features a grocery store and a variety of stores for your daily needs. It is about a 15 minutes drive from us. Several restaurants are there to choose from. We recommend the Cariboo Grill.

Valemount, British Columbia, is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of Canada’s Rocky, Monashee, and Cariboo Mountains. Known for its stunning natural beauty and year-round outdoor activities, Valemount offers a unique blend of adventure, history, and small-town charm. Here’s a detailed overview:

Location and Geography

• Valemount is located in east-central British Columbia, approximately 320 km (200 mi) from Kamloops and 120 km (75 mi) west of Jasper, Alberta.
• It sits at the northern edge of the Rocky Mountain Trench, surrounded by three mountain ranges: the Rockies, Monashees, and Cariboos.
• The village is nearby to Mount Robson Provincial Park, home to Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (3,954 m / 12,972 ft).

History

• The name “Valemount” was coined in 1927 by a Canadian National Railway worker, combining “vale” and “mount” to describe its valley-and-mountain landscape.
• Incorporated as a village in 1962, Valemount grew with the construction of Highway 5 (Yellowhead Highway) in the 1960s.
• A tragic 1950 train crash south of Valemount killed 21 people, including soldiers bound for the Korean War. The trial of the telegraph operator involved later boosted John Diefenbaker’s political career.

Climate

• Valemount has a subarctic climate (Köppen *Dfc*), with cold winters and mild summers. Nearby Cariboo Lodge weather station records:
• Winter lows: Avg. -10.6°C (12.9°F) in January.
• Summer highs**: Avg. 20.7°C (69.3°F) in July.
• The area receives heavy snowfall (over **3 meters annually**), making it ideal for winter sports.

Things to Do

Summer Activities

• Hiking: Trails like **Berg Lake Trail** (reopened in 2025 after restoration) and **Mount Terry Fox Trail** offer breathtaking alpine views.
• Mountain Biking: The **Valemount Bike Park** features 45 trails for all skill levels.
• Fishing and Wildlife Viewing: Spot salmon spawning at **George Hicks Regional Park** or explore **Cranberry Marsh** for birds and beavers.

Winter Activities

• Snowmobiling: Renowned for groomed trails and backcountry powder in areas like **Allan Creek** and **Clemina Creek**.
• Skiing and Snowshoeing: Jackman Flats, Camp Creek Provincial Park offers groomed cross-country trails.

Community and Culture

• Population: **1,052** (2021 Census), with a land area of 5.16 km².
• Local newspaper: ***The Rocky Mountain Goat News***, awarded for its community coverage.
• Recent developments include geothermal exploration near **Kinbasket Lake** and infrastructure upgrades like a second water tower (2003).

Visitor Tips

• Pronunciation: Say “Vale-*mount*” (not “Vale-mont”) to sound like a local.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer for hiking/biking, winter for snow sports.
• Dining/Lodging: Options range from cozy lodges (e.g., **Mica Mountain Lodge**) to local eateries.

Valemount’s motto, *”Let the mountains move you,”* perfectly captures its awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant outdoor culture. Whether you seek adventure or tranquility, this hidden gem delivers in every season.