Family activities to do in the Robson Valley over the holidays
By Laura Keil
Tobogganing
In Dunster, the Dunster hill is popular among toboganners, tubers, as well as skiers. There is a BBQ area with a shelter, bonfire pit and outhouses. It’s located at the Dunster picnic grounds.
5-Mile in Valemount is one of the most popular tobogganing spots, thanks to its steep slope, fire pit, and large parking area,. It’s located a few kilometres up 5-Mile Road (accessed from Whiskey Fill). Other tobogganing spots include Twin Hills (McLennan FSR) and behind the Camp Creek Cabin (Camp Creek Rec Area), among others.
In the McBride area, check out the Dore River fireguard just past the parking lot. Not for the faint of heart!
In Blue River, residents enjoy tobogganing on the old luge hill. Blue River once had an actual luge hill and the community’s young people trained for competitions, some that took them overseas to Europe! It’s a steep and fun toboggan hill now, says resident and Regional District Directory Lee Onslow, and one that the District recently had brushed for the community to continue to enjoy.
Skating
The Valemount and McBride rec centres will be open during the holidays! The only days they are closed are Dec. 25th, Dec 26th and Jan 1st. Stop by the rinks for an up-to-date schedule of skating times.
For outdoor skating, there are a few options if the weather cooperates. The Valemount Fire Hall is putting in a rink right next to its building this year. It is a use-at-your-own-risk facility. After a good cold snap, Horseshoe Lake in McBride is skatable, as is Cranberry Marsh in Valemount, but bring a shovel and be prepared for bumps!
In Blue River, there will be an outdoor ice rink that the Volunteer Fire Department will flood and help maintain, but this likely won’t happen until January.
Cross-country skiing / snowshoeing
Cross-country ski rentals are available from the Valemount Lions Hall and the Dunster Schoolhouse. There are several track-set areas in the Robson Valley area, including Camp Creek, Jackman Flats, and Belle Mountain.
In Blue River, there is a cross country ski and snowshoe trails network that are both maintained and the grooming program should be starting in the next few weeks. Cranberry Marsh isn’t track-set, but is a popular area for skiers and existing tracks are often there.
Snowshoe rentals are available at both the Valemount and McBride Public Libraries, however the libraries will be closed for a good portion of the holidays so best to get your rentals before!
Climbing
The Valemount Climbing Club will be open during the holidays! You can purchase a pass and use it anytime 7am to 10pm, or pay the drop in fee during volunteer-supervised hours. In the lead-up to Christmas, they plan to be open Dec. 15th 10-2, Dec. 18th 5-9pm, Dec 19th 10-2, and Dec 22nd 10-2. After Christmas, they plan to be open Sundays 10am-2pm, Dec 29th, Jan 5 and Jan 12.
Snowmobiling
The Westridge Family Loop is a low-elevation, 22-km snowmobiling loop which is family-friendly and offers views of the valley and Valemount. According to VARDA, it provides an excellent place for first timers to hone their snowmobiling skills before heading into the steeper mountains. A warming hut is located at the far end.
Due to active logging, VARDA recommends the following: “The Valemount Community Forest has plowed the Westridge FSR to 20km and any vehicles traveling the road must use proper radio protocol when traveling up or down as it will be an active job site. Large units are not recommended. If you are looking to utilize the Lower Westridge area, you will need to stick to the valley bottom and head north from the staging area to pick up the lower trail and head up to the cabin.”
For more information, contact VARDA.
On super cold days
- The snow crystal arch: throwing boiling water into the -30 air can create a gorgeous arc of ice crystals. But if thrown improperly, the water can burn the person throwing it, so exercise caution. I’ve found that using a long thermos with a smaller opening works well.
- Build an ice slide (luge track) using compact snow and a watering can or spray bottle
- Make giant bubbles using a large rope bubble wand!
After dark
- Drive around and look at Christmas lights / displays
- Download an aurora app and try to catch the northern lights
- Wait for a clear night and gaze up at the stars!
- Download a craft app and make a craft or a snack together
- Make an ice candle/ice lantern (gorgeous and practically free! Look up instructions online)
