Valemount’s Selwyn Traverse a lovely early or late-season hike
By Laura Keil
The medium-difficulty Selwyn Traverse meanders through beautiful forested terrain without a lot of elevation gain. The hiking trail (a portion of which is also suitable for mountain bikers) connects the bike park with the head of Kinbasket Lake, some 10km away. The undulating terrain makes the distance somewhat deceiving however — you may wish to do what many locals do and park one vehicle at either end to avoid a 20-km return trip. In 2025, the trail is in excellent condition for the first 8 or so kilometres starting at the bike park. The last few kilometres (southern end) are somewhat grown-in but still passable. Due to the lower elevation of this hike, it’s a good one for earlier or later in the season.
Best Parts: This trail isn’t super popular with bikers or hikers meaning you’re likely to experience a calm and solitary trek through mature forests and over a number of lovely creeks. The viewpoint of Kinbasket Lake and Canoe Mountain on the southern end of the trail is not to be missed and is accessible by 4×4 vehicle from the East Canoe FSR.
Worst Parts: Watch out: bears are sometimes spotted here. Be sure to make lots of noise so you don’t surprise them and they have time to leave. The mosquitoes can be bad in the spring and summer, although it depends on weather conditions.
Distance (one-way)
9.7km/6mi
Approx. time
3-3.5 hrs
Elevation gain
200 m/700 ft
How to access/where to park
Travel east along 5th Ave through downtown Valemount, and cross the railway tracks, then turn right and follow the signs for the bike park up 5-Mile road until you reach the parking area for the Selwyn as per Google Map directions located here: tinyurl.com/selwynparking
Trailhead coordinates
5-Mile Trailhead 52.84389, -119.24076
East Canoe FSR Trail end (Kinbasket parking) 52.78962, -119.16632
For more info on this and other hikes, visit www.hikevalemount.com
