Canoe.ca Canoe.ca Travel @ Canoe.ca
  Travel & Tourism By WorldWeb.com    
Travel Search Find Now  Add Review
Valemount LodgingValemount ActivitiesValemount TransportationValemount ReviewsValemount Restaurants & BarsValemount ShoppingValemount Rental ServicesValemount Sights & Attractions
EventsMapsPhotosFeature ArticlesDestinationsItinerary Maker
Valemount Accommodation Guide
A WorldWeb.com feature travel article.
Home > Canada > British Columbia > BC's Rockies > Valemount > Features & Reviews > Accommodation Guide > Editorial
 
Valemount Accommodation Guide
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

Mount Robson
Canoe and Mount Robson 1
The little village of Valemount is a community steeped in fur-trader and railway history. Dating back to the arrival of European traders in 1805, this community has experienced the arrival of the Overlanders, a group of adventurers who were seeking the fortune of gold, two great railroads and the creation of a Canadian Pacific Railway station in 1914. Since those railway days, Valemount has become a town that thrives on a tourism industry that attracts travellers hoping for a wilderness escape and a little laid-back time. Sitting on unspoiled land, and surrounded by forest and mountain scenery, this is a community focused on outdoor adventure ranging from skiing and hiking to fishing and rafting.

Valemount is located at the junction of three mountain ranges. Bordering this little town on the east is the Rocky Mountains, on the south the Monashee Range and to the west the Cariboo Mountains. Located to the northwest of the town is the 3,054 m (10,020 ft) high Mount Robson, the highest peak of the Rocky Mountains. All this provides visitors to the alpine community with a plethora of outdoor activities and attractions to enjoy.

From cozy B&Bs to tent and RV camping, Valemount accommodations also cater to a wide range of tastes, from those looking for private chalets to those hoping for a true Canadian wilderness experience. WorldWeb.com Travel Guide can help vacationers make informed decisions when finding suitable lodging in the Valemount area with these useful accommodation links:

  1. Accommodation Directory - This is a complete Valemount accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.
  2. Secure Room Reservations - Check for Valemount room availability and then make secure online room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.
  3. Maps - The Valemount map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.
Mountain River Lodge Bed and Breakfast
Mountain River Lodge 2

TRANSPORTATION

Valemount is located in the northern part of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, west of the Alberta-BC border, and about 120 km (75 mi) east of the Jasper Townsite. Those driving from Jasper will need to head west along Highway 16, also known as the Yellowhead Highway. For a scenic and relaxing way to travel into Valemount, visitors may ride to town on a VIA Rail train. Trains arrive from Vancouver and Edmonton, and depart from Valemount several days a week. For those who are arriving by plane, the nearest commercial airport is located in Prince George, approximately 290 km (180 mi) northwest of Valemount. From there, visitors will need to drive east along Highway 16. Other airports include the Edmonton International Airport and the Vancouver International Airport. Edmonton is about 487 km (303 mi) east of Valemount while Vancouver is 669 km (416 mi) west. These two major cities also provide Greyhound bus service into Valemount.

CLIMATE

With a little over 1,530 hours of sunshine a year, Valemount grants its residents and visitors with a mild climate throughout both the summer and winter seasons. At the peak of winter, the village reaches a minimum daily average of -15ºC (5ºF), with an annual snowfall of about 180 cm (71 in). In the summer, temperatures usually reach a maximum average of 24ºC (75ºF), with an annual rainfall of about 32 cm (13 in).

When visiting in the summer, travellers will find activities such as golfing, trail riding and rafting. In addition, each August visitors can observe a massive salmon migration along the Fraser River into Swift Creek. Those arriving during the winter season will find snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and access to heli-skiing in the surrounding mountain ranges.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Berg Lake
Flowers by Berg Lake 3

Because the entire village of Valemount only covers an area of about 4 sq km (1.5 sq mi), visitors to this mountain community will usually be within easy access to all the town's amenities, no matter where they choose to stay. The town offers numerous options, including hotels and motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation home rentals, cabins, chalets and cottages.

Campgrounds
Several campgrounds are available in the Valemount area. These are usually located just outside town, near Mount Robson Provincial Park, which is about 25 km (15 mi) away. Campgrounds are a great alternative for those wanting to have easy access to the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, while still being within reach of town amenities. Valemount's campgrounds include tenting sites as well as RV pads.

Cabins, Chalets or Cottages
Those looking for an alternative to camping can opt to stay at a cabin, chalet or cottage. These accommodations are usually self-contained and are often located near Mount Robson. Many are also found on private and natural land, surrounded by Thompson Okanagan wilderness. This type of lodging is ideal for those wanting to spend time enjoying outdoor activities such as rafting, hiking and horseback riding. Places such as Mica Mountain Lodge offer comfortable lodging while allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature. Cabins at this property are also unique because they are at least 76 m (250 ft) from one another, resulting in quiet and privacy. They also come with full amenities such as a fully-equipped kitchen and three-piece bath.

Bed and Breakfasts
Those searching for an intimate and friendly stay in the village may choose one of Valemount's bed and breakfasts. The majority of these B&Bs are either located directly in town or within a short drive, resulting in direct access to Valemount services and amenities. All B&Bs also include a full or continental breakfast. Many of these, such as the Mountain River Lodge Bed and Breakfast, are lodge-style homes that are set in very quiet and natural surroundings. Mountain River Lodge Bed and Breakfast is located in a similar setting and is within reach of many trails that are ideal for hiking. The property also features two fully-equipped, private cabins that are available to vacationers.

Dream Catcher Inn
The Dream Catcher Inn 4

Hotels and Motels
Visitors to the village will find a few hotels and motels from which to choose. Valemount hotels and motels feature amenities such as several room and suite options, air conditioning and close proximity to town services, shops and restaurants. The Best Western Valemount Inn and Suites is one option.The hotel features a swimming pool, a fitness centre and suites that overlook the Robert W. Staratt Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition, it is conveniently located just off the Yellowhead Highway. Another alternative is the Premier Mountain Lodge and Suites, which is also situated off the highway. Those looking for locally-owned lodging will find that many of Valemount's hotels and motels are family-operated properties.

Other
A few other choices are available in Valemount and the surrounding area. The Dream Catcher Inn, a smaller alternative to the larger hotels and motels, provides the comforts of a hotel but in a more intimate setting. Other options include vacation home rentals, which are fully-furnished homes available to be rented throughout the year.


PHOTO COURTESY
  1. Canoe and Mount Robson; Mount Rosbon Provincial Park, BC, CA
  2. c/o Mountain River Lodge Bed & Breakfast; Mountain River Lodge; Valemount, BC, CA
  3. Alan Fortune; c/o Thompson Okanagan Tourism Associatio; Flowers by Berg Lake; Valemount, BC, CA
  4. c/o Dream Catcher Inn; The Dream Catcher Inn; Valemount, BC, CA