Valemount has a variety of hiking options, ranging from gentle walks and short treks to groomed mountain trails and multi-day backcountry exploring. Local guides (sometimes assisted by pack-horses) are also available to lead hikers into high-country alpine areas.
Beginner Hikes
Jackman Flats and Robert W. Starratt Wildlife Sanctuary are best bets for leisurely strolls. Jackman Flats, 13km/8mi north of Valemount, combines sand dunes formed by glacial deposits and swamplands, which makes for some interesting flora and fauna. Located next to the Best Western Hotel at the southern edge of town, off Highway 5, the wildlife sanctuary has 6km/3.7mi of flat hiking trails, with two lookout towers. Other easy trails include Rearguard Falls Trail, Little Lost Lake Trail, and Mica Mines Trail, as well as Robson River Walk, Kinney Lake Trail, and Fraser River Nature Walk in Mount Robson Park.
Intermediate and Advanced Hikes
Swift Creek Trail and Pack Saddle Trail are well suited to intermediate hikers. Swift Creek Trail is 10km/8mi and has a great lookout over the river to see the town of Valemount. Pack Saddle Trail is 6km/3.7mi and twists through the forest at Pack Saddle Creek.
Advanced hikers can challenge Mount Terry Fox or Mount Trudeau. Mount Terry Fox is 13km/8mi round-trip, and has some rough and steep sections. Mount Trudeau is a more technical six-hour hike to the mountain's summit. The trails are not visibly marked.
Guided and Heli-Hiking
Headwaters Outfitters offers guided multi-day hiking trips, fully catered and tailored to the interests of each group. At Dave Henry Lodge, guided backcountry hiking trips feature pack-horses to carry heavy camping gear. Hike Inc. offers one-day and longer guided tours through the Mount Robson Provincial Park hiking trail system and the Robson Valley. Robson Helimagic helicopters hikers deep into the Selwyn Range and the Rocky Mountain Ranges, just outside the Mount Robson Provincial Park.
Contact the Visitor Centre for more information about hiking in Valemount and the surrounding area.