The Columbia Valley
The region and its premiere destinations, including golf courses, ski hills, natural hot springs, warm lakes, mountain wilderness and year-round outdoor activities, is the perfect place to unwind.
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INVERMERE ON THE LAKE
Just 15 minutes south on Hwy 93, you’ll find Invermere on the Lake. Invermere translates to “at the mouth of the lake” in Scottish Gaelic, and the name is appropriate, as it sits on the northwest shore of Lake Windermere. The lake is shallow and warm in the summer with ample room for sunbathing and parks for play. Visitors can windsurf, swim, fish, canoe and kayak. Facilities include picnic tables, toilets, drinking water, a playground and volleyball. The community hosts 4,000 in permanent residents, but grows tenfold in the summer months due to its warm weather.
Windermere Valley Museum offers insight into the community’s roots as a mining town. Historical sites include an old Canada Pacific Rail station as well as extensive archives and photo collections that will remind you of a simpler time before the hustle and bustle of big city life.
In winter months vacationers can watch (or perhaps participate in) the Columbia Valley Pond Hockey Championship, which takes place annually on Lake Windermere. The annual volunteer-run event features teams of six amateur hockey players from as far as Vancouver and Spokane. Proceeds go to the Columbia Valley Rockies, the local junior hockey team.
PANORAMA MOUNTAIN RESORT
Panorama Mountain Resort is just 20 minutes west of Invermere along Toby Creek Road. This state-of-the-art resort is the ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarders. Ten ski lifts provide access to nearly 3,000 patrolled acres of skiable terrain, with runs for every skill level.
Standing at 2,375 meters above sea level, Panorama Mountain Resort is among the highest alpine resorts in all of Canada. The pine-covered mountain offers magnificent mountain landscape views that will take your breath away. Snowshoeing and dog-sledding are among the relaxing, low-impact snow sport activities that allow visitors to explore the massive mountain.
HIKING
Enjoy access to some of the most spectacular hiking in the Canadian Rockies.
The Kootenay Rockies region of beautiful BC has long been known as a hotspot for hiking activities, suitable to anyone’s level of ability. Radium Hot Springs is one of the gateways to Kootenay National Park, which boasts over 200 km of hiking trails with endless panoramas, river valleys, lush forests, and glacial peaks.
BIKING
Nestled between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains in beautiful British Columbia, Radium Hot Springs lies within the majestic Valley of a Thousand Peaks and offers some of the most fantastic views and diverse mountain biking trails and cycling routes in Canada. There’s something for everyone – from challenging downhill trails, thrilling descents, and road tours, to epic cross country trails, meandering recreational paths, and the Radium Pump and Jump track.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
At Northern Lights Wolf Centre you can visit and interact with wolves! Your tour starts when you get there, no reservations required, the wolf pack is ready when you are. They offer a 25 minute interpretive talk about wolves and their role in the environment. Make sure you bring your camera! Located in Golden, BC and approximately 1 hour 20 minutes drive.
BEACHES & SWIMMING
Windermere Lake is one of the most popular swimming lakes in the area with Kinsmen Beach located just through the town of Invermere which will soon include a splash park! Lots of sun, sand, and splashing!
James Chabot Provincial Park has a sunny sandy beach on Lake Windermere and is located in Athalmer. This park also offers a great playground, volleyball court, and elevated boardwalk.
Lake Lillian, on the road to Panorama Mountain Village, has a great picnic area and beach with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. This is a great place to try fishing, paddle-boarding, and kayaking.
Warm Columbia Lake is located about 20 minutes south of Radium Hot Springs and also offers some great beaches for playing, swimming, and splashing around.
SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
The Columbia Valley offers some of the best skiing and boarding in the world and is located within a 1-and-a-half-hour drive of 5 popular ski resorts and a two-and-a-half-hour drive to several more.
ICE SKATING & HOCKEY
The Columbia Valley offers many rinks and skating areas and is a fun-filled activity for all ages.
The Lake Windermere Whiteway is an experience you and your family can enjoy. The cleared 30km skating path is definitely a site to see and has recently won a Guinness World Record for the longest skating path in the world!
FAT BIKING
An excellent choice for fat tire biking right in the Village of Radium, Sinclair Creek Trail is hidden away at the bottom of Sinclair Canyon after Sinclair Creek crosses to the west side of Hwy 95. Slightly wider than single track, the trail follows Sinclair Creek through a forested area that makes you think you’ve left the village altogether.Not a long ride, but well worth it.
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Kootenay National Park - Rent a fat tire bike and a rack if you need it, and head into the heart of the Rocky Mountains to fat bike in the picturesque surroundings. Biking is permitted on a number of trails within the Park. Talk to the Radium Hot Springs visitor centre or the Park Gate for more details.
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Johnson-Kloosifier - Located just outside Invermere on the road to Panorama Resort, this bike trail network offers trails for all skill levels
SNOWMOBILING
What better way to experience some of BC’s best winter wilderness than boon-docking, carving turns, and floating through powder-filled playgrounds!
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If you’d rather skip the guided tour, there are many snowmobiling trails and routes you can explore on your own, though please take proper safety precautions. Bring your own machine or rent one from Toby Creek Adventures.
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Snowmobiling trails are indicated on this trail map and this interactive map from the BC Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts.
HELI-SKIING
If you’re adventurous, and really want to avoid the lift lines, why not try heli-skiing or heli-boarding? The scenic helicopter ride over BC’s stunning Rocky Mountains makes it worth the trip alone. When you arrive on top of the mountain, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. Breathe in the crisp, clean air and hear your heart start to thud as you anticipate your adventure – it’s an adrenaline rush like no other!
FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS
Located 27km southeast of Invermere, Fairmont Hot Springs is one of Columbia Valley’s best kept secrets, with fewer than 500 year-round residents.
The community is named for its crystal clear, natural and odourless hot springs. At 1.2 million gallons, the hot springs are the largest of their kind in all of Canada. Savvy vacationers flock to the cozy community to take advantage of its natural beauty, soothing atmosphere and small town charm. At an average 39 degrees, a soak in the naturally heated, mineral-rich waters are good for your body and soul.
FORT STEELE HERITAGE TOWN
Fort Steele is a living history museum. Bringing the past back to life with street theatre, museum displays, livestock demonstrations, live theatre shows, steam train rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, and heritage trades demonstrations. All with the backdrop of the spectacular Rocky and Purcell Mountains.
CITY OF KIMBERLY
Situated in the Kootenay Rockies Kimberly offers breathtaking scenery and endless activities. Whatever kind of adventure calls you – a trek through lush forest, a walk back in history, an urban excursion, or an artistic immersion – Kimberley has places and activities to engage and inspire you, year round.
Love fresh air and sunshine? Outdoor enthusiasts and athletes will find endless trails, accessible sports facilities, and parks.Art lovers and history buffs can discover the community through galleries and studios, live performances, heritage sites, and fun festivals
CANOEING / KAYAKING / WHITE WATER RAFTING
Columbia River Paddle offers great guided and self-guided float trips on the Columbia River. Discover the Columbia River Wetland's secrets and facts about local bird, fish, reptiles and animal life.
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Experience brings with it something special, something that our guides take and are able to pass onto our guests. Founded in 1976, Kootenay River Runners made the first descent of the Kicking Horse River in 1980 and became the first commercial rafting outfit on this river, as well as Toby Creek and Kootenay River.
ZIPLINING
Valley Zipline Adventures is located just 5 minutes south of Radium Hot Springs and is a fun and exciting activity for the whole family. With 7 lines through the forest and a racing line at the end – you know your adrenaline will be pumping!
AMUSEMENT PARKS
Fairmount Funtasia Fun Park offers a petting zoo, mini-golf course, spin and bump cars, a park and gardens to wander around.
Ozzie’s Amusements has everything for the family to enjoy! Go karts, bumper boats, and a beautifully landscaped 18 hole mini golf, par 43! Full concession for refreshments and treats.
LUSSIER HOT SPRINGS
These natural pools along the river are a local favourite, located down Whiteswan Forestry Road and a short hike down to the Lussier River.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Based just north of Edgewater, about 15 minutes north of Radium Hot Springs, Luxor Corrals offers trail rides from one to two hours in duration. Children 10 and up are welcome. Riding options in the area range from a one-hour trail ride to a multi-day backcountry adventure and all skill levels are welcome.
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Located just past Fairmont Hot Springs you'll find A/Z Trail Rides. Individual attention and consideration is given to each client with customize trips to suit your needs and desires. Group sizes are kept small: 4 – 8 participants, to ensure a more personal experience for each client and to maintain a manageable group size for your safety.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING & SNOW SHOEING
If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Listen to the satisfying crunch of snow underfoot as you explore beautiful snowy forests and open valleys. Groomed trails are available at most of the nearby ski resorts, explore the many wild trails – it is the Rocky Mountains after all!
If you are looking for a winter activity that is a little more low-key, cross country skiing is abundant in the Columbia Valley.
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GOLF
There are 2 golf courses in Radium Hot Springs, including the Radium Course and Springs Course (consistently ranked among the top 100 courses in Canada). If that doesn’t satisfy your lust for golf, you can easily do day trips beyond the Columbia Valley to several more golf courses, all located within a 1 to 2 hour drive of Radium Hot Springs.
RADIUM
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Radium Course — Par 71 course; a more playable course for casual golfers. Each hole now has four sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all skill levels.
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Springs Course — Par 72 course, consistently ranked among BC and Canada’s top golf courses. Breathtaking scenery, world-class Les Furber design, and exceptional service. Bighorn Meadows Resort is located on the ninth fairway of this course.
INVERMERE
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Copper Point Golf Course — Championship layout that has been wowing golfers since 2004. Natural lay-of-the-land route with numerous classic elements, such as roughly hewn bunkers and excellent use of existing hills and ravines.
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The Ridge at Copper Point — Par 62 Masters course; can often be played in just 3 hours. Full length par 3 & 4 holes maintain a perfect blend of playability and challenge, appealing to every level of golfer.
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Eagle Ranch Golf Course — Championship course amid the rugged, unspoiled splendour of BC’s Columbia Valley. A golf experience that goes above and beyond.
WINDERMERE​
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Copper City Amusement Park — Family-friendly mini golf course. Also features bumper boats and go karts.
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Windermere Valley Golf Course — Shorter than average in length, but not short on character or beauty. An enjoyable golf experience for the whole family.
FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS​
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Creekside Golf Course — Par 3 course featuring ponds, cascading creeks, and sand bunkers. Perfect for families or seasoned golfers who need a little practice around the green.
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Mountainside Golf Course — Championship golf course, combining wonderful views, beautiful conditioning, and a riveting collection of golf holes.
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Riverside Golf Resort — ”A river runs through it” is the dominant theme of this championship course.
PANORAMA​
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Greywolf Golf Course — Award winning golf course located at Panorama Mountain Village. 18 holes, including “Cliffhanger, Greywolf’s signature hole, which has secured a place among the best golf holes in the world.
KIMBERLY
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Bootleg Gap Golf Course — 18 hole Championship course and 9 hole Recreational course. The signature hole is a 193 yard par-three 12th, which requires a tee shot usually affected by wind to a well protected, large undulated green 50 feet below.
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Kimberley Golf Club — One of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the BC Rocky Mountains. Undulating greens, huge ponderosa pines. There are a variety of birdie opportunities in the opening holes.
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Trickle Creek Golf Course — Designed by renowned architect Les Furber, this course was recently awarded a bronze medal by readers of SCORE Golf Magazine for being one of the top resort courses in all of Canada and is also one of the only Canadian courses to be rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest.
CRANBROOK
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Shadow Mountain Golf Course — Championship golf course designed by Wayne Carleton to work within the natural landscape.
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Wildstone Golf Course — Set on the rolling highlands above Cranbrook, BC, Wildstone exposes stunning postcard views of the Rocky Mountains from start to finish.
GOLDEN
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Golden Golf Club — An appealing combination of beautifully maintained fairways and untouched wilderness.