The communities of the Robson Valley are small and intimate; you will know your neighbours and they will greet you with a smile. Your friends will live nearby and your kids will enjoy the freedom of a small community, where traffic is minimal and neighbours watch out for each other. The backgrounds of people who live here are diverse and reflected in the dynamic of each community.
About Our Small Communities
Dunster
Dunster is a small farming community located 31 km east of McBride and 37 km west of Tête Jaune Cache. There is a small Mennonite population bring their way of life to the community, and in summer you will find them bringing baking, vegetables, and plants to sell at the Saturday farmers market.
The Dunster Store is a true general store that includes a post office, and has a little bit of everything for sale. Step back in time and catch the VIA Rail train to Prince George from one of the few remaining, original and least altered Grand Trunk Pacific Railway stations. The Dunster Picnic Grounds becomes an event venue for the annual Trappers Association Picnic, and becomes a campground in August when the Robson Valley Music Festival comes to town. The famous Dunster Ice Cream Social is held in July.
Dunster is a very active community and hosts numerous events for residents throughout the year. The fall harvest dinner is a chance to network with neighbours and enjoys a potluck dinner; circle dance has been active in the community for more than 17 years and draws participants from other communities as well. When not participating in community events, residents can be found canoeing and rafting on the Fraser River or hiking into the Alpine; in August picking wild blueberries is a popular activity. In winter, cross country skiing on the river bank is a favorite pastime. Visit the Dunster website to learn more about community activities.
Healthcare services are provided from McBride, and children from Dunster are bussed to McBride for school. Community members have purchased the decommissioned elementary school and utilizing this great facility for various community events. Currently a pre-school program and the Dunster Fine Arts School are running from the building, and many events and music concerts are held there. Once owned, it is hoped that the building will be used for meetings, educational classes, or for tourism functions such as an elder hostel.
Tête Jaune Cache
Tête Jaune Cache is an unincorporated area within the Regional District of Fraser Fort George. It has a population of about 500 people and is located at the intersection of Yellowhead Highways 5 and 16, about 18 kilometres north of Valemount. Situated at the confluence of the McLennan and Fraser Rivers, residents and visitors here have ample opportunities for fishing, canoeing and white-water rafting and kayaking. In winter, residents enjoy snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing. As in other Robson Valley communities this small community is built on the security and hospitality of good friends and neighbours.
Healthcare services are provided in Valemount, and children from Tête Jaune Cache take the school bus to Valemount for both elementary and high school.
Tête Jaune Cache has significant historical importance. The Secwepemp First Nation had an established village here, and took advantage of the abundance of salmon and wild berries. Later it was discovered by Pierre Bostonais, the blond explorer from whom the community got today’s name. With the construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway this became a prosperous community and the head of navigation for paddle steamers on the Fraser River.
Crescent Spur
Crescent Spur is made up of several small communities that were originally based on railway construction and later the sawmill industry. The Spur is located just west of McBride by the Fraser River. The population of about 24 permanent residents are primarily farmers and ranchers, but the community also boasts a world class heli-skiing lodge that operates from December thorough to April. A popular spring time event for high-school students is a “retreat” at Crescent Spur Lodge. This event has become a tradition for students in the McBride catchment area.
In summer visitors to Crescent Spur enjoy guided tours through the unspoiled wilderness, rustic camping and fishing the local lakes. A small sawmill operation produces birch flooring for the Japanese market.
Postal services are available and a school bus brings children from Crescent Spur to the schools in McBride.
Dome Creek
Dome Creek is the western most community of the Robson Valley and located 41 kilometres north of McBride. While there are now only about 35 full time residents in this small, friendly community, it is interesting to note that as many as 2000 lived here during the construction of the Grand Trunk Railroad.
There is a library with high speed internet services, cell service and postal services are available. The newly renovated Dome Creek Community Hall is the meeting place and recreation facility for residents and the site of many community functions. Residents of Dome Creek are avid outdoors people with farming, hunting and fishing a major part of the lifest
Opportunities
Whether you are an investor looking for a place to establish your business or an individual looking to relocate to the Robson Valley Region, we can help you! We can assist you in finding the appropriate information you are looking for and put you in contact with key economic development representatives for McBride, Valemount and the Regional District.
Agri-Food
The Robson Valley Region has a long tradition of agriculture. Agriculture has been an economic driver in the region for over 100 years, and there are opportunities to grow the sector, including increasing production for local markets, reaching new markets, and diversifying production.
Business & Professional
The Robson Valley Region has a lot to offer to the professional or entrepreneurs considering a move to north central British Columbia. From setting up a practice to service-based business opportunities, there are opportunities abound.
Forestry
Forestry is a key component of the Robson Valley Region economy with woodlot owners and community forests taking advantage of the fibre supply here as well as the effective shipping network.
Tourism
The Robson Valley Region is fortunate to have unparalleled access to an expansive backcountry that provides entrepreneurial opportunities for residents and visitors that enjoy snowmobiling, heli-skiing, hunting, hiking, and many other activities in the Robson Valley.
Find Our Other Communities
The Robson Valley Region is a collection of communities nestled on the edge of the Rocky Mountains in north-central British Columbia, between Prince George, Jasper, and Kamloops. The Robson Valley Region includes: Dome Creek, Crescent Spur, McBride, Dunster, Tête Jaune Cache, and Valemount. Take advantage of all the outdoor activities, nature, fresh air, wildlife, and friendly neighbours that the region has to offer. Our communities provide a great opportunity to step back and enjoy life again. Explore what our communities have to offer.
