Columbia Valley Guidebook - Green Season
City/town information
Nestled between the Purcells and the Rocky Mountains in the beautiful Columbia Valley, you will find Invermere on the Lake. Located in southeastern British Columbia, Invermere is the perfect place to call home. With ideal weather conditions on the warm side of the Rockies, you can enjoy our lakes, hot springs, a variety of golf courses and farmers’ markets, world-class hiking and biking trails, two mountain ski resorts, ziplining and the home of the Whiteway - the world’s longest outdoor skating trail that also provides a cross country ski track around Lake Windermere.
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Invermere
Nestled between the Purcells and the Rocky Mountains in the beautiful Columbia Valley, you will find Invermere on the Lake. Located in southeastern British Columbia, Invermere is the perfect place to call home. With ideal weather conditions on the warm side of the Rockies, you can enjoy our lakes, hot springs, a variety of golf courses and farmers’ markets, world-class hiking and biking trails, two mountain ski resorts, ziplining and the home of the Whiteway - the world’s longest outdoor skating trail that also provides a cross country ski track around Lake Windermere.
Sightseeing
Enjoy the hotsprings anytime for a nice soak while enjoying the views of the Purcell mountains and the Columbia Valley.
Big open baths, swimming pool, lawn area, sun bathing and more activities are in and around the village of Fairmont. (golf, hiking, etc).
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Fairmont Hot Springs
Enjoy the hotsprings anytime for a nice soak while enjoying the views of the Purcell mountains and the Columbia Valley.
Big open baths, swimming pool, lawn area, sun bathing and more activities are in and around the village of Fairmont. (golf, hiking, etc).
Iconic hot springs with a long history, Radium Hot Springs is located a short way up the valley from the townsite of Radium. A big outdoor hot spring bath and separate swimming pool are available for most of the year. Great for a soak at anytime, but feeling especially nice after an activity or on cooler days.
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Radium Hot Springs
Iconic hot springs with a long history, Radium Hot Springs is located a short way up the valley from the townsite of Radium. A big outdoor hot spring bath and separate swimming pool are available for most of the year. Great for a soak at anytime, but feeling especially nice after an activity or on cooler days.
A nice, short hike with a steady ascent to the top of the hoodoos (eroded cliff formations) of Dutch Creek. Great views of the Columbia Valley and down into Columbia Lake. An easy level hike that takes approximately 1 hour to loop.
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Hoodoo Trail
A nice, short hike with a steady ascent to the top of the hoodoos (eroded cliff formations) of Dutch Creek. Great views of the Columbia Valley and down into Columbia Lake. An easy level hike that takes approximately 1 hour to loop.
A great system of linked trails along the "old coach Road". Many wonderful panoramic views of the valley and wetlands, and lots of picnic/snack/break time opportunities along the way. You can hike along the edge of the bluff that runs parallel to the Columbia River. Parking is just off of the highway in a well sized gravel, with the trailhead immediately identifiable. You can walk/bike all the way to Radium on the Old Coach Road.
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Old Coach Trail, Dry Gulch trailhead
8505 Kootenay HwyA great system of linked trails along the "old coach Road". Many wonderful panoramic views of the valley and wetlands, and lots of picnic/snack/break time opportunities along the way. You can hike along the edge of the bluff that runs parallel to the Columbia River. Parking is just off of the highway in a well sized gravel, with the trailhead immediately identifiable. You can walk/bike all the way to Radium on the Old Coach Road.
An easy stroll down the Wilmer Wetland trail will give wonderful views of the Columbia River and the many wetland birds that live or migrate through the area. Access is from the west side of the lake by going through Wilmer, along Westside Rd. The Wilmer Wetland Hike is on the right approximately 1.5 km past Wilmer.
Wilmer Wetland Hike
Westside RoadAn easy stroll down the Wilmer Wetland trail will give wonderful views of the Columbia River and the many wetland birds that live or migrate through the area. Access is from the west side of the lake by going through Wilmer, along Westside Rd. The Wilmer Wetland Hike is on the right approximately 1.5 km past Wilmer.
Mt Swansea overlooks the valley and townsites of Invermere and Windermere. There are many trails up and down (hiking and mountain biking) but if you don't want to hike the entire mountain, you can drive almost to the top. You'll need a high clearance 4x4 to get up as the road is steep and bumpy, but an SUV or truck can get up easily enough. The top parking lot is a few steep switchbacks from the very summit, and would take approximately 15 minutes for a relatively fit person. The ground can be uneven and steep in sections, so make sure that you have suitable footwear. Superb panoramic views and picnic table with outhouse too. If you are lucky you might see a paraglider fly off the top!
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Mount Swansea Lookout Trail
Mount Swansea Lookout TrailMt Swansea overlooks the valley and townsites of Invermere and Windermere. There are many trails up and down (hiking and mountain biking) but if you don't want to hike the entire mountain, you can drive almost to the top. You'll need a high clearance 4x4 to get up as the road is steep and bumpy, but an SUV or truck can get up easily enough. The top parking lot is a few steep switchbacks from the very summit, and would take approximately 15 minutes for a relatively fit person. The ground can be uneven and steep in sections, so make sure that you have suitable footwear. Superb panoramic views and picnic table with outhouse too. If you are lucky you might see a paraglider fly off the top!
A short drive up and out of Invermere (like you are heading up to Panorama Ski Area) is Lillian lake. You can enjoy lake activities there, but the trails are on the other side of the road. The trail head sign does a good job in mapping out and detailing the difficulty level for each hike or ride (mountain biking or hiking), and the trails often interconnect so you can easily extend or cut short your intended route as you go. The widest trail follows the cliffs along the Toby Creek Gorge; spectacular views. If you opt for this route with children, take care to keep them close and safe by the cliff edge.
Lillian Lake Recreation Site
Toby Creek RoadA short drive up and out of Invermere (like you are heading up to Panorama Ski Area) is Lillian lake. You can enjoy lake activities there, but the trails are on the other side of the road. The trail head sign does a good job in mapping out and detailing the difficulty level for each hike or ride (mountain biking or hiking), and the trails often interconnect so you can easily extend or cut short your intended route as you go. The widest trail follows the cliffs along the Toby Creek Gorge; spectacular views. If you opt for this route with children, take care to keep them close and safe by the cliff edge.
A nice spot to take the kids, enjoy a picnic or go for a dip.
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Windermere public Beach
A nice spot to take the kids, enjoy a picnic or go for a dip.
A nice park and beach on the way to Invermere. It is a nice place for kids, picnics swimming and boating. The water does not always circulate as well here as in other areas, so if swimming is your main goal you may be better off accessing the water at wider sections of the lake, or from Columbia Lake beach.
Picnic tables and public toilets are available.
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James Chabot Provincial Park
A nice park and beach on the way to Invermere. It is a nice place for kids, picnics swimming and boating. The water does not always circulate as well here as in other areas, so if swimming is your main goal you may be better off accessing the water at wider sections of the lake, or from Columbia Lake beach.
Picnic tables and public toilets are available.
A big public beach area in Invermere town. They have a playground, some good sand, water splash park for kids, picnic tables and pub/cafe nearby. You can rent canoes and SUPs as well. It can get busy during the summer.
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Kinsmen Beach
1720 4 AveA big public beach area in Invermere town. They have a playground, some good sand, water splash park for kids, picnic tables and pub/cafe nearby. You can rent canoes and SUPs as well. It can get busy during the summer.
Panorama Ski Resort and Golf Course offer a variety of activities. You can hike the paved "Valley Trail", go hiking atop the peaks check, whizz down the downhill mountain bike trails, enjoy a round of golf at one of Canada's top courses, or at, drink and should at the selection of their cafes, restaurants and stores. Their new base building downtown Invermere is an excellent source of current information and conditions.
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Panorama
Panorama Ski Resort and Golf Course offer a variety of activities. You can hike the paved "Valley Trail", go hiking atop the peaks check, whizz down the downhill mountain bike trails, enjoy a round of golf at one of Canada's top courses, or at, drink and should at the selection of their cafes, restaurants and stores. Their new base building downtown Invermere is an excellent source of current information and conditions.
You'll need a good 4x4 to access the road to Pedley Pass, but it is a great day hike! Follow the mining Rd up past the gypsum mine on WestRoc Mine Rd to get to the trail head. The hike itself is moderate in elevation gain, and uneven ground makes suitable footwear essential. There are options to extend the hike once you reach the ridge, and the rock amphitheatre and alpine tarn are nothing short of beautiful.
Pedley Pass
You'll need a good 4x4 to access the road to Pedley Pass, but it is a great day hike! Follow the mining Rd up past the gypsum mine on WestRoc Mine Rd to get to the trail head. The hike itself is moderate in elevation gain, and uneven ground makes suitable footwear essential. There are options to extend the hike once you reach the ridge, and the rock amphitheatre and alpine tarn are nothing short of beautiful.
On certain weekends (usually Saturdays). Check out local farm veggies and produce, art and culture. Walking market in downtown Invermere. http://www.invermerefarmersmarket.com/
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Farmers and Artists Market
528 6th AveOn certain weekends (usually Saturdays). Check out local farm veggies and produce, art and culture. Walking market in downtown Invermere. http://www.invermerefarmersmarket.com/
If you have driven in from Calgary you would have driven through Kootenay National Park. You can do lots of great day trips from Invermere to the Park, short easy hikes, amazing geographic features and big alpine peaks. Of course the Kootenay River itself is well worth seeing. Marble Canyon is short but is heavily stairs, and gives dramatic, impressive vistas. Do exercise caution if visiting with small children.
Special Places:
Marble Canyon
Olive Lake
Vermillion Crossing & Kootenay Park Lodge
Numa Falls
Paint Pots
The Great Divide
Storm Mountain Lodge
Stanely Glacier
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Kootenayn kansallispuisto
If you have driven in from Calgary you would have driven through Kootenay National Park. You can do lots of great day trips from Invermere to the Park, short easy hikes, amazing geographic features and big alpine peaks. Of course the Kootenay River itself is well worth seeing. Marble Canyon is short but is heavily stairs, and gives dramatic, impressive vistas. Do exercise caution if visiting with small children.
Special Places:
Marble Canyon
Olive Lake
Vermillion Crossing & Kootenay Park Lodge
Numa Falls
Paint Pots
The Great Divide
Storm Mountain Lodge
Stanely Glacier
A superb paved trail running along the westside of the lake and goes all the way to Fairmont. Walking, running, biking all ok.
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Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail North Kiosk
Westside RoadA superb paved trail running along the westside of the lake and goes all the way to Fairmont. Walking, running, biking all ok.
Neighbourhoods
Swansea View Rd is small road/neighborhood just off of Swansea Rd. It is considered rural, but has single dwelling homes, some townhomes and cottages. It is a quiet area where kids can play on the street. Close by are two gas stations (Esso and Lucky Strike), and then Canadian Tire, Joe's No Frills, The Liquor Store and several restaurants just two minutes away by car, off of Athamer Rd as you head towards downtown Invermere.
Swansea View Rd
Swansea View RdSwansea View Rd is small road/neighborhood just off of Swansea Rd. It is considered rural, but has single dwelling homes, some townhomes and cottages. It is a quiet area where kids can play on the street. Close by are two gas stations (Esso and Lucky Strike), and then Canadian Tire, Joe's No Frills, The Liquor Store and several restaurants just two minutes away by car, off of Athamer Rd as you head towards downtown Invermere.
Activities
The headwaters of the mighty Columbia River start from the end of Columbia Lake and journeys all the way into USA.
You can paddle in canoes (Invermere to Radium, rental canoes available) or enjoy shorter paddles or floats in Columbia Lake Provincial Park. This sees far less traffic during the summer, and the CL Provincial Park to Fairmont section of the river is a much loved 30 minute float. You'll need two cars to negotiate the drop off and pick up. (leave a car a the exit)
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Columbia River
The headwaters of the mighty Columbia River start from the end of Columbia Lake and journeys all the way into USA.
You can paddle in canoes (Invermere to Radium, rental canoes available) or enjoy shorter paddles or floats in Columbia Lake Provincial Park. This sees far less traffic during the summer, and the CL Provincial Park to Fairmont section of the river is a much loved 30 minute float. You'll need two cars to negotiate the drop off and pick up. (leave a car a the exit)
Local favorite golf course (not too expensive or busy)
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Windermere Valley Golf Course
1881 Windermere Loop RdLocal favorite golf course (not too expensive or busy)
Reserve a tee time and enjoy the views while you play. Good eats at the hotel restaurant too.
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Copper Point Golf Club
Reserve a tee time and enjoy the views while you play. Good eats at the hotel restaurant too.
Valley Zipline Adventures
8393 BC-95An exhilarating zipline experience!
If you want a fun activity for the kids or yourself one day, then try the bowling alley on Swansea Road, a 10 minute walk from the suite. A dated atmosphere may strike a chord of nostalgia, but it's safe to say that not too many places like this still exist.
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Valley Alley Bowling Centre
1113 Swansea RdIf you want a fun activity for the kids or yourself one day, then try the bowling alley on Swansea Road, a 10 minute walk from the suite. A dated atmosphere may strike a chord of nostalgia, but it's safe to say that not too many places like this still exist.
If you want some fun for the kids or just are a kid at heart! Close by and they have ice cream too, yum.
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Ozzie's Amusements - Closed for the Season
4818 North StIf you want some fun for the kids or just are a kid at heart! Close by and they have ice cream too, yum.
Columbia River Paddle
25 Laurier StRent canoes, kayaks or go on a guided tour
Hop in a glider, be towed up by a plane, and then glide your way back down to earth (well, the Invermere airport). With a professional pilot you'll be blown away with the birds eye views!
Invermere Soaring Centre
Airport RdHop in a glider, be towed up by a plane, and then glide your way back down to earth (well, the Invermere airport). With a professional pilot you'll be blown away with the birds eye views!
Shops
The closest grocery store to our rental suite. Well suited for the budget conscious shopper, it's ease of access and competitive pricing make it a convenient option.
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Joe's No Frills
471 Arrow RdThe closest grocery store to our rental suite. Well suited for the budget conscious shopper, it's ease of access and competitive pricing make it a convenient option.
Crossroads Market Esso
548 BC-93Gas station with decent sized grocery store for basics
Closest gas station to our place at Valley Alley Bowling. Basic convenience store as well.
Lucky Strike Gas
1113 Swansea RoadClosest gas station to our place at Valley Alley Bowling. Basic convenience store as well.
Invermere Liquor Store
470 Sarah RdLocal liquor store (beer, wine, spirits)
Bigger Grocery Store close on the Invermere side of the lake. Possibly offering the largest selection, and a nice section of freshly baked breads.
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Sobeys - Invermere
750 4 StBigger Grocery Store close on the Invermere side of the lake. Possibly offering the largest selection, and a nice section of freshly baked breads.
Local grocery store in the downtown Invermere area. They offer more specialist foods and are selective in the brands that they carry.
25 paikallista suosittelee
A G Valley Foods
906 7th AveLocal grocery store in the downtown Invermere area. They offer more specialist foods and are selective in the brands that they carry.