The 122 km (76 mi) route to Valemount traverses Mt Robson Provincial Park, a 215,000 hectare (830 sq mi) showcase of mountain scenery named for the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. From the town of Jasper, take the Yellowhead Hwy 16 west for 30 km (19 mi) to Yellowhead Pass (1066 m/3500 ft), the lowest highway crossing of the Continental Divide. Just beyond is scenic Portal Lake picnic site.

Soon after descending into British Columbia you reach Yellowhead Lake. Then the highway crosses the upper Fraser River. This trickle eventually becomes one of Canada’s major waterways, draining 25% of the province as it flows westward to the Pacific Ocean.

Pull out at Moose Lake where waterfalls create a photogenic backdrop—the marsh at the lake’s east end is prime wildlife habitat. Then it’s downhill to Overlander Falls, a short stroll from the road. At Mt Robson, an information/interpretive centre, lodging, restaurant, and gift/food store await—you’re now 90 km/52 mi from Jasper. Although the impressive peak is 7 km (4 mi) distant, it seems closer, rising to 3954 m (12,970 ft) across a flower-filled meadow. Pretty Kinney Lake is 4.5 km (2.8 mi) along the Berg Lake Trail that begins behind the visitor centre.

Continue 32 km (20 mi) to the town of Valemount. But before turning left at Hwy 5 South stop at scenic Rearguard Falls—during Aug and Sept see spawning Chinook salmon that travel 1200 km (746 mi) upriver to reach this very spot. Along Hwy 5 is Jackman Flats Ecological Reserve. Walk the short interpretive trail where unique plants have adapted to the dry sand dune environment.

At the Valemount Visitor Centre are interactive salmon displays, information about the 14 Canadian prime ministers that are honoured with named Premier Range peaks, a viewpoint for Mt Pierre Elliott Trudeau (one of the 14), and evening interpretive programs. Beside the Centre is George Hicks Regional Park where huge Chinook salmon spawn late July through Aug.

Valemount boasts two 9-hole courses. Valemount Pines is more challenging than Melsview Links, but neither has a dress code, and both welcome walk-ons and offer club rentals. At R.W. Starratt Wildlife Sanctuary, walk the dike, marsh and woodland trail with viewing platforms. Displays at the Valemount Museum interpret outfitting, trapping, the railway and area camps where Japanese-Canadians were confined during World War II. In town are coffee shops and restaurants including Caribou Grill, known for its innovative Canadian cuisine and log decor.

Visit: www.valemount.org

GREAT OUTDOORS
Valemount and Mt Robson Visitor Centre staff offer free bookings for white water rafting, river float trips, helitours, guided fishing, guided hiking and ATV tours—plus lodging, too.