Ice Walks & Winter Hiking

Lace up your boots and discover the beauty of Valemount's winter wilderness.

WINTER WANDERLUST IS JUST STEPS AWAY FROM THE HOTEL

Picture yourself in the midst of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, surrounded by the serene beauty of Mount Robson National Park. Can you hear the satisfying crunch of ice beneath your feet? Can you envision the ethereal light shimmering through frozen waterfalls? As you traverse the trails, be prepared to be mesmerized by the astonishing ice formations that grace the landscape. These natural sculptures are a testament to the wonder and power of nature, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.

Preparing for Your Winter Adventure

Before you embark on your ice walk or hike, it's essential to be well-prepared. Here are some tips to ensure your safety and enjoyment:

Dress in layers: Layering is key to staying warm and comfortable in changing weather conditions. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating layers, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer shell.
Bring proper gear: Don't forget essentials such as sturdy boots with good traction, warm gloves, a hat, and sunglasses. Consider using hiking poles for added stability on icy surfaces.
Stay hydrated: Even in colder temperatures, it's important to stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle and drink regularly to keep your body fueled and energized.
Start with a healthy, wholesome breakfast: Come and feast on the gourmet breakfast buffet provided daily to guests at Best Western Plus Valemount. There are a variety of offering sure to start you off on a great foot before your day of exploring.

Winter Weather in Valemount: Embrace the Season

Valemount is set in a majestic Canadian winter climate. It's a snowy wonderland with crisp mountain air. From November to March, temperatures range from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F). Be prepared for the possibility of snowfall and fluctuating weather conditions at any time of the year.

Although winter brings shorter daylight hours, there's still ample time to explore and relish in Valemount's winter beauty. From November to March, you can expect approximately 7.5 to 10 hours of daylight, providing plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in nature's icy delights. Plan and prepare well and your adventure is sure to be a success!

Here's a great resource for more detailed information on Valemount's weather. Ensure you've selected the correct month of your visit.

Your haven of relaxation is awaiting your return

After a thrilling day of winter exploration, there's nothing better than indulging in a well-deserved soak in the hot tub. Upon your return, unwind in our inviting hot tub and let the warm water soothe your tired muscles. Reflect on the day's adventures while surrounded by the breathtaking mountain vistas that Valemount has to offer.

Local Trails to Explore

Cranberry Marsh

3 min drive from Hotel

Distance	6 km
Time	approx. 1.5 hours
Elevation	86 m
Difficulty	Easy
Accessibility	Open year round, popular for cross-country skiing, skating, hiking, and mountain biking

Nestled just a stone's throw away from Valemount Best Western, Cranberry Marsh is a hidden gem in Valemount. Canoe Mountain provides a stunning scenic backdrop for a leisurely bike ride or a relaxed stroll through the lush greenery. The marsh is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 140 different bird species calling it home.In the warmer months, visitors can take to the still waters in a canoe, while in winter, ice skating or a game of pond hockey are popular activities. With the majestic Cariboo, Monashee, and Rocky Mountains standing tall in the distance, Cranberry Marsh is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and picturesque natural setting.

Lily Meadows Horse Creek Bulldog hike trail valemount 18

Lily Meadows Trail

37 min drive from Hotel

Distance	Return meadows: 7.2km Return lake: 8.4 km
Time	Meadows return appx. 6-7 hours from trailhead Lake return appx. 7-8 hours from trailhead
Elevation	Meadows: 2530 ft/771 m Lake: 2625 ft/800 m
Difficulty	Hard
Accessibility	Not accessible by wheelchair. The trail access may be inaccessible during winter. Check social media feeds below for current trail status updates.

The Lily Meadows Hike, also known as Bulldog Ridge Trail, offers something for everyone with stunning mountain top views, alpine flowers, meadows, bluffs, waterfalls, and alpine lakes. The hike is particularly beautiful in late June to early July when the yellow glacier lilies bloom. Visitors can also see a turquoise lake and spot hawks or osprey circling above. However, caution is advised on the steep, rocky sections that can be slippery, and hikers are recommended to wear good hiking shoes, bring hiking poles, and make lots of noise to avoid surprising bears.

Overlander Falls Trail

27 min drive from Hotel

Distance	Short trail: 1 km Long trail: 4.5 km
Time	Short trail: appx. 20 minutes Long trail appx. 1.5 hours
Elevation	53-156 m
Difficulty	Easy/Moderate

The trail to Overlander Falls is a stunning adventure that runs alongside the river, surrounded by majestic mountains. Although there are some ups and downs, it is mostly easy to navigate, providing a fun challenge for all skill levels. Along the way, you can stop and take in the beautiful views of the crystal clear water and the breathtaking canyon. About halfway through the trail, you'll find Hogan's Camp, which used to be a railway contractor site, adding to the trail's historical significance. You can access the trail from either the Robson Meadows campground or the Overlander Falls rest area, making it a convenient and enjoyable outdoor activity for everyone.

Big Foot Trail Loop

3 min drive from Hotel

Distance	3.64 km (full loop)
Time	1 hour return (full loop)
Elevation	minimal
Difficulty	Easy
Accessibility	Wheelchair and stroller accessible.

This trail serves as a convenient connection between the highway, hotel district, and downtown area. A great place to start is the Visitor Info Centre parking lot.

Ideal for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the local scene, the trail runs alongside streets, guiding you to downtown's vibrant Historic Main St and 5th Ave. Along the way, you'll encounter various businesses and organizations like the museum, library, legion, and bakery.

As you stroll, take advantage of the numerous benches and informative signs that share intriguing historical facts. Locals love this trail, thanks to its accessibility and the stunning views it offers on clear days. It's perfect for wheelchair users, cyclists, rollerbladers, and families with strollers.

Remember to bring a camera, just in case!

Snowbird Pass

30 min drive to Berg Lake Trailhead from Hotel

Distance	24 km out and back
Time	approx. 8.5-9 hours
Elevation	1,331 m
Difficulty	Hard
Accessibility	Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Closed May, June, and possibly July due to caribou calving.

The Snowbird Pass Route is a challenging and rewarding hike with breathtaking views. The trail is well marked and starts off flat in the meadows of the Berg Lake Valley. After reaching Robson Lake, the trail climbs a glacial moraine and becomes more difficult to follow. But the view from the top of the moraine is worth the effort.

Little Lost Lake Trail

17 min drive from Hotel

Distance	5.5 km out and back
Time	approx. 2 hours
Elevation	270 m
Difficulty	Easy

Experience the beauty of Valemount with this trail that is perfect for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. With a moderate difficulty level, this trail is great for people of all skill levels and takes an average of 1 hour and 54 minutes to complete. Whether you prefer a peaceful morning hike or an afternoon adventure, this trail is open year-round for your enjoyment. Bring your furry friend along, but be sure to keep them on a leash as you explore the stunning scenery.

Kinney Lake Hiking Trail

30 min drive from Hotel

Distance	13.4 km
Time	Approx. 3 hours and 50 minutes
Elevation	425 m
Difficulty	Moderate
Accessibility	Sturdy shoes are recommended as some sections of the path can be washed out. Trails may be snowy or icy well into the summer thanks to the high snow levels this area receives.

Nestled along the enchanting Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park, Kinney Lake beckons with its captivating winter allure. Meandering through a majestic old-growth cedar-hemlock forest, the trail gracefully traces the meanders of the Robson River. Embarking on this serene 4.5 km (one-way) journey unveils a panorama of breathtaking vistas and presents abundant chances to observe the park's vibrant wildlife.

Swift Creek Look Out

10 min drive from Hotel

Distance	8.5 km
Time	approx. 2.5 hours
Elevation	275 m
Difficulty	Moderate

Offering stunning views of Valemount's nature, Swift Creek is popular year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking. The trail takes you past wildflowers, towering cedar trees, and across the river via a suspension bridge to a lookout point with views over the town. It's a wonderful trail to explore, and next to it is a mountain bike trail system for those who want to explore more of Valemount.

Jackman Flats Provincial Park

14 min drive from Hotel

Distance	Juniper Trail: 3.5 km Pine Tree Trail: 1.4 km Lichen Loop: 2.7 km
Time	Juniper Trail: 50 minutes Pine Tree Trail: 20 minutes Lichen Loop: 36 minutes
Elevation	18-49 m
Difficulty	Easy

Created over 11,000 years ago by the wind and ice of the last ice age, this park is a true wonder of nature. It boasts a unique ecosystem and rare plant communities, as well as shifting sand dunes that will leave you in awe. This is a fantastic destination for recreational activities, especially hiking. As you wander through the park, keep an eye out for the Juniperus-Stereocaulon plant community, which can't be found anywhere else in British Columbia. Get your hiking boots ready for a memorable adventure!