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 single 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. It’s not flashy. It’s not crowded. And it doesn’t try too hard. What it does offer is space to breathe, big mountain views in every direction, and easy access to the outdoors without the chaos of busier resort towns.

If you’re a sledder, we get the hesitation. Booking ahead can feel risky when snow conditions matter. The good news is Valemount’s location, elevation, and surrounding terrain make it one of the more reliable places to plan a winter basecamp. 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 often becomes the kind of stop you didn’t expect to enjoy as much as you do.

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 2026 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 authentic. 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 is the perfect place to stay.

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," specifically highlighting 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:

• World-class snowmobiling and sledding areas
• 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 transforms into an outdoor playground.

Things to do include:

• Mountain biking trails for all skill levels
• Hiking with mountain and glacier views
• 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 easy to reach and 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, easier parking, and more relaxed dining options.
  
• 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 iconic route through Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, making the journey part of the adventure. This includes driving the world-famous Icefields Parkway, known for its convenient sightseeing stops and spectacular views from the car window. You'll gaze upon glaciers, turquoise lakes, and dramatic mountain views. You may spot wildlife as well. Many guests plan an overnight stop in Lake Louise or Jasper, then continue on to Valemount the next day, however the drive is certainly doable all 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. By the time you arrive, Valemount feels like a welcome place to slow down, stretch out, and rest.

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, winter scenery, fewer crowds
• 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: As this article is being published in early 2026, upcoming dates for this year are provided where confirmed.

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 (Feb 14, 2026): High-speed snowmobile racing at the Rocky Mountain Speedway.
• Family Day Sledder’s BBQ (Feb): A massive mountaintop burger burn and social at Allan Creek.
• Forever29 / Mama_Gids Birthday Bash (Mar 8, 2026): A mountain celebration of sledding culture and avalanche safety.
• Rocky Mountain Speedway Season Opener (May 23–24, 2026): 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 (June 12–14, 2026): The town’s main festival with a parade, logger sports, and beer gardens.

Summer & Fall Events in Valemount

Once the snow melts and the days get long, the valley transforms into an outdoor adventure hub. Locals and visitors alike flock to the water and the trails for some of the most scenic events of the year.

Here are the specific summer and fall favorites you shouldn't miss:

• Alpenglow 100 Ultramarathon (July 3–5, 2026): A grueling but beautiful trail running race with distances ranging from 50km to 100km, testing endurance against the backdrop of the Rockies.
• Robson Valley Music Festival (August): Held just down the road in Dunster, this is the cultural heartbeat of the summer—a magical weekend of world-class music and art by the river.
• Kinbasket Lake Fishing Derby (Labour Day Weekend): A massive 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 ultimate convenience, 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 perfect for a relaxing dinner 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 are an ideal 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

Guests often tell us they feel genuinely welcomed and well taken care of here.

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

Valemount is a hidden gem that's worth a visit, no matter the season. With its stunning natural beauty and endless outdoor activities, it's a destination that is sure to capture the hearts of all visitors.

Whether you are a thrill-seeker or looking to unwind and relax in the mountains, we hope that this guide answered your questions. We also hope that it has piqued your interest to come visit us in Valemount soon.

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

Valemount is a destination that delivers, no matter the season. Whether you’re here for the adrenaline or the quiet, we are ready to make your stay exceptional.

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.