Pemberton
Laid-Back Hub for Adventure
Story by Steve Fisher | Images by Joern Rohde
T he laid-back community of Pemberton has a few things in common with Whistler — mountains and a focus on outdoor adventure among them — but is, in some ways, the resort community’s polar opposite. And residents like it that way. A hidden gem in the heart of the Coast Mountains, the town sits at the foot of 2,591-metre (8,500-foot) Mount Currie in what’s known to locals as the Spud Valley. Despite its stunning mountain backdrop, agriculture is the primary industry, though many residents drive the 25 minutes to Whistler for work.
Pemberton is world famous for its virus-free seed potatoes, protected by law since the designation of the Pemberton Certified Seed Potato Control Area in 1949. Pemberton’s farmers produce about 8,000 tonnes of potatoes each year and distribute them to growers in Washington, Oregon, California, Alberta, New Brunswick and Manitoba.
Aside from spuds, many other crops flourish in Pemberton’s fertile soil. Several local farms sell their products from roadside stands or on-site stores, and there's no better way to get fresh, healthy food than right from the grower’s hands. Agritourism flourishes in the valley and the self-guided Pemberton Farm Tour is a great way to get a glimpse into the farming lifestyle, learn how food is grown and harvested, and stock up on local produce.
Though farmers have inhabited the Pemberton Meadows since the turn of the 20th century, the Village was only officially incorporated in 1956. With hitching posts that still stand outside several local businesses, the rustic village carries an Old West aesthetic. Yet, it seems like all of Pemberton’s 2,574 residents know each other in this tight-knit, friendly community.
To learn more about the area's history, visiting the Pemberton & District Museum is a must. With buildings dating back to 1897, the museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs and exhibits of early pioneer life, farming, schooling, transportation, and more. pembertonmuseum.org
Majestic Mount Currie stands sentinel south of the town, and its sculpted face is visible from nearly everywhere in the valley. Its rocky alpine is undoubtedly a memory you'll hold onto, and yes, it gets skied in the winter (experts only)! So make sure you bring your camera.
Outdoor recreation is the heart and soul of Pemberton. Whether hiking, mountain biking, or simply soaking up the sun beside a lake, a considerable number of Pemby locals came here because of the area’s many opportunities for adventure. B.C.’s rugged backcountry is steps away in any direction and begging to be explored.
For serious hikers who want to see Mount Currie’s peaks up close, the Pemberton Valley Trails Association (PVTA) constructed a trail that stretches from the valley floor to the rocky alpine. The Mount Currie Trail, which ascends the mountain’s southwest side, is 8.9 kilometres (5.5 miles) long and finishes just 600 m (1,968 ft.) below Mount Currie’s summit. For many hikers, a lookout point at the 6.1 km mark will serve as the trail’s “summit,” rewarding your efforts with breathtaking views over the Pemberton Valley from an elevation of 1,737 m (5,700 ft.). If reaching the lookout sounds too challenging, this route is still well worth exploring, with great views starting about an hour from the trailhead.
Pemberton’s extensive network of cross-country mountain bike trails is world-class and enjoyed by many locals, who all seem to own a bike — or two!
Pemberton’s many amenities include an outdoor skatepark, which has proven immensely popular with the local youth. Two years later, construction was completed on a competition-level BMX racing track, where Pemberton BMX hosts regular races for kids and adults from the Sea to Sky Corridor and beyond.
Numerous backcountry cabins dot the surrounding mountains for overnight excursions, and nearby attractions such as One Mile Lake and Nairn Falls offer short hikes with magnificent scenery and easy access. Pemberton’s backcountry is full of rivers and lakes, many offering excellent fishing for trout or salmon. Guided tours hosted by long-time locals are available.
The skies above Pemberton offer adventure as well. Pemberton has its own airport, from which you can embark on helicopter tours, skydiving, and flights to Big Sky Golf Club’s 19th hole, which overlooks the course from its unique location atop Mount Currie. Paragliding is also popular, so it’s common to see fliers from near and far. Enjoy spectacular views of the Pemberton Valley while flying tandem with a certified instructor.
Nothing caps off a summer day like a cold drink, so it’s hardly surprising that Pemberton is home to two craft breweries. Located just east of town, Pemberton Brewing Co. offers a variety of beer styles, with seating inside the brewery and on the outdoor patio. In the Pemberton Meadows, The Beer Farmers’ barn-turned-taphouse is an idyllic setting on the brewer’s family farm. If you prefer spirits, the Pemberton Distillery sells products on-site and offers distillery tours to showcase how they turn Pemberton potatoes into spirits and liqueurs.
If you are looking for a tasty meal, visit one of the small local eateries like The Pony, Mile One Eating House, Town Square, or the golf course restaurants, Fescues Restaurant at Big Sky Golf Club and the Sunstone Golf Club Bar and Grill.
The short drive from Whistler to Pemberton is a must-do for anyone visiting the area. For the complete Pemberton summer experience, do as the locals do: Swim in a lake, eat some delicious local produce, and take to the trails! Like Whistler, most of Pemberton’s residents came from elsewhere and simply couldn’t leave.
For more information on Pemberton, visit tourismpembertonbc.com.