Welcome to Beautiful British Columbia Canada, where I feel grateful to call this place home. Winter can be long, dark, cold and challenging at times. But when living in Valemount British Columbia surrounded by the Canadian Rocky Mountains, adventure is right at our door all year long.
Those of you that know me, know that I live for nature, outdoor adventures, all the food & wine, and being pampered at the Spa. With that in mind, here are some of my personal favourite things to do during the winter months in the Valemount Area and Robson Valley Region.
Things to do in Valemount BC in the Winter Season
GET OUTSIDE AND ENJOY NATURE
Whether you are into snowshoeing, ice skating, winter walks, ski touring, snowmobiling or cross country skiing, Valemount has it all, right at our doorstep.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: There are groomed trails both at Jackman Flats and Camp Creek. Go to Jackman flats if you want to get your glide on and get a good workout. Go to Camp Creek for a family and dog friendly trail system. If you looking for more options for Cross Country Skiing, also check out the groomed trails in Blue River and Bell Mountain in McBride.
Thank you to the folks at YORA for maintaining the beautiful trails.
ICE SKATING: There is a short window each year for outdoor ice skating, so when it is good, drop everything and go. The Cranberry Marsh is just perfect for an outdoor skating area with a breathtaking Mountain Views in every direction.
BACK COUNTRY SKIING : SKI TOURING + SLPIT BOARDING:
If you want to earn your turns for some downhill skiing / snowboarding, you must climb the mountain. The Robson Valley has unlimited backcountry access, and even more if you have a sled to assist you with some of the access points. Some recommended ski touring areas include: Canoe Mountain, 5-mile Hill, McKirdy Meadows, Ozalanka, Clemina, Treaudeu.
*Always check the avalanche conditions and be prepared before heading into the backcountry.
SNOWMOBILING: I do not own a snowmobile and have not checked out any of these spots. But I do know that Valemount is one of the top destinations for recreational snowmobiling in Canada, and VARDA has put a lot of time an effort in to maintaining these areas. Clemina, Keyhole, Allen Creek and Chappell Creek. Please refer to VARDA RIDE VALEMOUNT website for more information and condition reports.
* As a proud sponsor of VARDA Association, we are pleased to offer VARDA Members a 10% Discount on all Massage and Spa Services at Emerald Earth Spa.
SNOWSHOEING: Check out the mountain biking trails at Swift Mountain or 5-Mile Hill and take a winter walk in the woods.
WINTER WALKS: There is a beautiful boardwalk trail along the Cranberry Marsh, which is located behind the Best Western Plus Hotel. This is a great spot for a leisure walk with beautiful scenery. If you are looking for a longer adventure with a great reward, you may want to checkout the Kinney Lake Trail out at Mount Robson Provincial Park. Sometimes this trail is good for walking, other times you may need snowshoes or cross country skis. Check the trail conditions with Parks Canada before venturing into the wilderness.
For a more detailed list of Winter Activities in the Valemount BC area, please refer to the TOURISM VALEMOUNT WEBSITE.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN VALEMOUNT BC
The best thing about all these eateries, is they are local small business that are owner operated. So there is a good chance the owner is preparing and serving your food to you. ENJOY!!
MORNING EATS + COFFEE
VALE COFFEE ROASTERS: The Best Coffee in Town. They roast their own blends of Vale Coffee fresh onsite and make delicious homemade pies, sausage rolls and other sweet bakery treats. They make everything on site from scratch - including the pastry. My go-to breakfast snack is a meat pie and a latte.
GATHERING TREE: A selection of breakfast bowls, wraps and good options for grab and go lunches to take into the mountains. They are open 7 days a week.
ABERNATHYS: A hardy homecooked breakfast, with large portion sizes. My personal favourite is the Eggs Benedict.
VALEMOUNT BAKERY: Fresh baked bread, bagels, and other sweet cakes and treats.
EVENING EATS + DRINKS:
THREE RANGES BREWERY: Local brewed craft beers and a good local atmosphere. Im a big fan of the Kolsch Beer.
CRANBERRY LOUNGE + SUMMIT GRILL: located within the Best Western Plus Hotel, Valemount. A great variety of options on their menu, and a cozy vibe in the Cranberry Lounge by the open fireplace - (my favourite spot for date night.)
* FYI they have daily happy hour food and drink specials from 4pm - 6pm.
$20 Burger + Beer on Sunday + Monday
Wine Wednesdays
Caesar Fridays
Prime Rib Steak Nights Friday + Saturday
CARIBOU GRILL: The best place for steaks in town, with a fine dining atmosphere, great service and cocktails.
SCOOTERS PIZZA: Classic pizza options, and our go-to for takeaway pizza. Be sure to head there on a Thursday night for their $20 Burger + Beer special. On special occasions they host Karaoke Nights.
GLACIER FIRE PIZZERIA: Gourmet wood fire pizza, located in the downtown core. They have weekly pizza features, and will deliver your pizza to you at the Brewery across the street. They are open on Sundays for brunch. And if you like wine, head to the pizzeria for 'Wine Wednesday' deals.
RELAX, UNWIND + SELF CARE:
One of my favourite winter activities is to soak in a hot tub, relax, unwind and be pampered; especially after a day in the mountains. If this sounds like you, book yourself an appointment at Emerald Earth Organic Spa.
With over 20 years experience in the Massage and Spa industry, you know you will be in good hands. Emerald Earth Spa services include, customized massage, organic spa facial, foot bliss therapy, hot stones massage, spa packages and their own brand of Local Handcrafted Natural Skincare Products.
The Spa is located within the Best Western Plus Hotel, and all Spa Guests have access to the hotels pool and hot tub facilities, making this the ultimate relaxing spa experience.
Are you in need of a Massage and Spa Day?
Emerald Earth Spa is available by appointment only : view spa menu and book online.
Looking for more information on Valemount British Columbia, trail conditions or maps, please head to Valemount Visitors Information Centre to chat with the lovely folks in there.