Canoe Mountain Rd

Trail Overview

This single-car-width, gravel road up Canoe Mountain in Valemount, British Columbia, is rated as a challenging off-road trail, typically requiring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle due to rough and steep terrain. The road up Canoe Mountain is the highest drivable peak in the Canadian Rockies and all of British Columbia at an elevation of 2.628 meters (8,622 feet) above sea level. You will encounter sections of loose larger rocks (air down!) to navigate over, shelves, narrow sections, small ruts, potholes, and lots of curves. The road winds through dense forests initially and then alpine meadows, with opportunities for wildlife spotting. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, revealing panoramic vistas of the valley below. The summit provides a breathtaking vantage point, with unparalleled views of the Cariboo, Monashee, and Rocky mountain ranges. Make sure you find Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, at 3,954 meters. Be prepared for potentially hazardous weather (i.e. extreme wind at the summit); it can change quickly. There is definitely enough room to camp up top if you haven't already blown away! Some things to consider: make sure you have a spare, as there are a lot of loose jagged rocks to go over. There's no cell service and few people are traveling the road, so a satellite device is important. This trail is not maintained in winter and is often even closed in winter.

Photos of Canoe Mountain Rd

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Difficulty

Expect lots of loose rocks 3-18 inches to climb over or navigate around, ledges, some ruts, and potholes. Be prepared for some possible rubbing on your underside. There are many sections with steep grades, especially as you near the top.

History

At the top of the mountain, you will find a microwave tower for the Trans Canada Microwave System, built in 1963. The Trans Canada Microwave System is a microwave relay system built in the 1950s that would carry telephone and television signals across Canada from coast to coast.

Technical Rating