Where is Valemount, BC - and Why So Many Travelers are Glad they Stopped to Visit

If you’ve found yourself Googling “Where is Valemount?” or “Is Valemount worth stopping for?” you’re not alone. We hear these questions every day, from guests rolling through the Rockies, sledders watching the snow reports, and families planning their next mountain escape.

Valemount tends to fly under the radar, and that’s part of the appeal. You’ll find wide valley views, easy parking, and none of the crowds that come with busier resort towns down the highway.

If you’re a sledder, we get the hesitation about booking ahead when snow conditions matter. Valemount’s elevation and surrounding terrain make it one of the more reliable places to plan a winter basecamp, which is why many riders keep us bookmarked and make the call once the snow lines up.

If you’re traveling as a couple, with kids, or just passing through on a Canadian road trip, Valemount tends to become the stop people remember more than they expected to.

Let’s get into it.

In This Guide:

• Answers & Advice: Common questions and info about Valemount, BC, what it’s best known for, when to visit.
• Location & Logistics: Detailed maps, drive times from Jasper and Edmonton, and road trip tips.
• The Adventure Edit: Top-rated sledding zones, hiking trails, and the annual events calendar.
• Your Basecamp: Why staying at Best Western Plus Valemount makes your trip easier, more comfortable, and a whole lot more relaxing.

Valemount is a small mountain town in east-central British Columbia, located where three major mountain ranges meet:

• The Rocky Mountains
• The Cariboo Mountains
• The Monashee Mountains

It sits right along Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway), making it an easy stop for travelers heading between Jasper, Prince George, and Alberta.

It is simpler than it looks! While many visitors guess Vale-mont, locals pronounce it exactly as spelled: Vale-mount. Just remember to pronounce the "u"—rhyming with "count" or "mountain." It’s a small detail that helps you sound less like a visitor and more like a local.

Valemount is best known for wide-open mountain scenery, outdoor adventure, and easy access to nature without crowds.

People visit Valemount for:

• Snowmobiling and sledding in the winter
• Mountain biking and hiking in the warmer months
• Motorcycling routes with dramatic scenery
• Wildlife viewing and photography
• Quiet, uncrowded mountain experiences

Unlike busier mountain towns, Valemount feels relaxed and uncrowded. You can park easily, move at your own pace, and actually enjoy the outdoors without fighting traffic or lineups.

Yes, and for many travelers, it ends up being the better choice.

Valemount works well for:

• Breaking up long drives through the Rockies
• Basecamp-style trips for sledding, biking, or hiking
• Families who want space, a pool, and comfortable rooms
• Couples looking for a quiet mountain escape

At Best Western Plus Valemount, guests appreciate:

• Spacious rooms and suites
• Indoor pool and hot tub
• On-site restaurant and lounge
• Hot breakfast onsite at the Summit Grill every day
• Easy, complimentary parking for trucks, trailers, and sleds (with outlets for block heaters) and EV charging

Many of our guests say the comfort of the hotel and the calm pace of Valemount help them feel rested before continuing their journey.

Verified Guest Insight: Many guests plan for a single night and wish they stayed longer. As Ajlip from Australia wrote on TripAdvisor (July 2025), they arrived late for a simple stopover but found the location "perfect," calling out the morning run by the marsh as a highlight before leaving.

Check out the Rooms & Suites

Winter Activities

Valemount is a major destination for snowmobilers from across Canada.

Popular winter activities include:

• Snowmobiling at Allan Creek, Clemina Creek, and Chappell Creek
• Winter wildlife viewing
• Scenic winter drives
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Our hotel regularly hosts sledders and offers convenient access, parking, and warm amenities after a day in the snow.

Summer and Fall Activities

When the snow melts, Valemount opens up for a completely different kind of trip.

Things to do include:

• Mountain biking trails for all skill levels
• Hiking with mountain and glacier views, including day hikes into Mount Robson
• Motorcycle touring through the Rockies

• Canoeing, fishing, and sightseeing

  
  

Many guests enjoy staying with us because they can adventure during the day and return to enjoy a hot meal, swim and soak in the pool and hot tub, and rest well in a comfortable bed at night.

Valemount is surprisingly well connected, especially for a mountain town surrounded by national parks and wilderness. It sits at the crossroads of Highway 16 (the Yellowhead Highway) and Highway 5, making it a natural stopping point for travelers coming from Alberta, Northern BC, the Rockies, or the Interior.

Most guests arrive by car, and the drive is part of the experience. Wide highways, long sightlines, and dramatic mountain scenery make the journey feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Driving Times to Valemount

Here are the approximate drive times guests ask us about most often. Times can vary with weather, road conditions, and stops along the way, but these are good planning estimates:

• From Jasper (123 km): about 1 hour and 10 minutes
  This is a scenic, low-stress drive and one of the reasons many guests choose Valemount as a base. You get easy access to Jasper National Park during the day, then return to Valemount for quieter evenings and easier parking.
  
• From Edmonton (487 km): about 5 hours and 15 minutes
  This is a very popular route for sledders, families, and weekend adventurers. The drive is straightforward, with good highway conditions and plenty of fuel stops along the way. Many guests leave Edmonton early and arrive in Valemount by mid-afternoon, with time to settle in before dinner.
  
• From Calgary (534 km): about 6 hours
  Calgary travelers often choose the route through Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, including the Icefields Parkway, known for its sightseeing stops and views of glaciers and turquoise lakes along the way. Many plan an overnight stop in Lake Louise or Jasper, though the drive is doable in one trip.
  
• From Vancouver (674 km): about 7 hours and 10 minutes driving time, but plan for 8.5 to 9 hours total
  Vancouver guests often build this into a multi-day road trip through BC’s interior. Popular stops along the way include Kamloops, Blue River, or a scenic detour through Mount Robson Provincial Park, which is just west of Valemount.

What the Drive Is Like

Guests often tell us the drive feels calmer than expected. Traffic thins out as you approach Valemount, cell service becomes less distracting, and the landscape opens up into wide valleys and layered peaks.

In winter, highways are well maintained, though proper winter tires are essential. In summer, the drive is especially popular with motorcyclists and road trippers who want scenic routes without congestion.

Once you arrive, everything is easy. Parking is simple, getting around town is stress-free, and you can settle in without the usual mountain-town hustle.

Find us on the Map: Google Maps Location

Very much so.

Families love Valemount because:

• It is easy to get around
• Outdoor activities feel approachable
• There is room for kids to explore
• Dining and accommodations are relaxed

At Best Western Plus Valemount, families especially enjoy:

• Large rooms and suites
• Indoor pool and hot tub
• Complimentary breakfast that makes mornings easier

It is a great place to slow down and spend quality time together.

Valemount is a true four-season destination.

• Winter: Snowmobiling at Allan Creek, Clemina Creek, and Chappell Creek, all VARDA-managed trail zones, see this year’s conditions and outlook
• Spring: Quieter travel season, fresh mountain air
• Summer: Hiking, biking, road trips, wildlife viewing
• Fall: Crisp air, golden forests, peaceful getaways

Each season brings something different, and many guests return at different times of year for new experiences.

Here are the top annual events in Valemount, British Columbia, organized by season.

Note: Events below follow their typical seasonal timing. Exact dates for 2027 will be confirmed closer to each event.

Winter & Spring Events in Valemount

• Valemount Winter Festival (Feb): A Valentine’s weekend block party with ice carvings and street dancing.
• Frostbite Fury Snow Oval Racing (mid-February): High-speed snowmobile racing at the Rocky Mountain Speedway. Exact 2027 date to be confirmed.
• Family Day Sledder’s BBQ (Feb): A mountaintop burger burn and social at Allan Creek.
• Forever29 / Mama_Gids Birthday Bash (early March): A mountain celebration of sledding culture and avalanche safety. Exact 2027 date to be confirmed.
• Rocky Mountain Speedway Season Opener (May long weekend): The dirt track season kicks off with stock car racing.
• Chinook Salmon Release (Early June): A community conservation event releasing fry into local waters.
• Valemount Spring Bike Fest (Mid-June): The mountain bike season opener with group rides and shuttles.
• Valemountain Days (mid-June): The town’s main festival with a parade, logger sports, and beer gardens. Exact 2027 dates to be confirmed.

Summer & Fall Events in Valemount

Once the snow melts, the valley fills with its most scenic events of the year.

• Alpenglow 100 Ultramarathon (early July): A trail running race with distances ranging from 50 km to 100 km, set against the backdrop of the Rockies. Exact 2027 dates to be confirmed.
• Robson Valley Music Festival (August): Held just down the road in Dunster, this is the cultural heartbeat of the summer, a weekend of live music and art by the river.
• Kinbasket Lake Fishing Derby (Labour Day Weekend): A family-friendly fishing competition at the Marina where everyone is chasing the “big one.”

Q: Is Valemount close to Jasper National Park?
A: Yes. Valemount is about a one-hour drive from Jasper, making it a convenient and often more affordable place to stay.

Q: Do I need a truck or special vehicle to visit?
A: No. Valemount is accessible year-round by regular vehicles. Winter travelers should use proper winter tires.

Q: Are there places to eat in Valemount?
A: Yes. There are several casual dining options in town. For the easiest option, you can stop in for a drink at the Cranberry Lounge or dine at our on-site restaurant, the Summit Grill. Located steps away from your room, it makes meals easy after a long travel day.

Q: What is on the Summit Grill Valemount menu?
A: The Summit Grill (located right inside the hotel) serves a mix of hearty comfort food, steaks, burgers, and family-friendly favorites. It's an easy dinner option so you don't have to drive after checking in.

View Restaurant Hours and Menu

Q: How far is the hotel from the Allan Creek snowmobiling area?
A: We're a convenient basecamp for sledders. The turnoff for Allan Creek is just south of town, only a short drive from the Best Western Plus Valemount parking lot.

Q: How can I check current snow conditions?
A: We know sledders and travelers watch the weather closely. Visit our Snowmobiling page to view the Valemount webcam live feed or the specific Allan Creek webcam online to see real-time snow conditions and visibility before you head out.

Staying with us means:

• You are close to everything Valemount offers
• You get reliable comfort after outdoor adventures
• You can relax without leaving town for essentials
• You are hosted by a team that knows the area well

Here's what our guests are saying about their stay at Best Western Plus Valemount:

"The BW in Valemount was perfect for our family of 22. It was clean and spacious for 22 adults to meet and spread out for dinner, games and football watching. The staff was amazing and breakfast was delicious! Homemade blueberry muffins!!!! Wow!! Thanks for everything."
- Susan S | Oct 2025 on TripAdvisor

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"The bed and the pillows were very comfortable, had a wonderful nights sleep. Very quiet room, didn't hear any street noise. Had breakfast in the morning had lots of choices so a great start to our day of travel. The hotel is beautiful."
- MJ from Abbotsford | Dec 2024 on TripAdvisor

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"This hotel is very comfortable, but what really sets it apart is the excellent customer service. Sev at the front desk checked us in and went above and beyond to help us alter our reservation when we ended up coming off the nearby Berg Lake trail a bit earlier than anticipated. Professional, warm and friendly staff in the restaurant as well and the food is great. Highly recommend!"
- Kara Gibbs | Sept 2025 on Google

Whether you're here for the sledding, the trails, or just a quiet place to stretch your legs halfway through a long drive, Valemount tends to give people more than they expected when they pulled off the highway.

Don’t leave your dates to chance. Check availability now and lock in your room today to guarantee your spot.

Check availability and lock in your room, then let us know if you need trail conditions, drive times, or restaurant recommendations once you're here.

Book your next stay online or call 1-866-777-1120 to talk with our friendly reservations team and discuss more options for your getaway.