Invermere is surrounded by parks, with the family-friendly James Chabot Provincial Park only a few minutes drive away. Swim, go boating or windsurf on Windermere Lake; fish for trout and camp at Whiteswan Lake or visit the spectacular Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park.
James Chabot Provincial Park
On the shore of Windermere Lake, the family-friendly James Chabot Provincial Park features a sandy beach, a large grassy play area and an adventure playground. The park is just 2km/1.25mi from downtown Invermere. Don't forget the sunscreen.
Canal Flats
At the southern end of Columbia Lake, the day-use Canal Flats Provincial Park has a beach and swimming area, a boat launch and picnic area. It's also a popular spot for windsurfers.
Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park
Known for their trout fishing, Whiteswan and Alces Lakes are both situated within the Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. Bring your boat, but note that only electric motors are permitted on Alces Lake. There are five separate vehicle-access campgrounds in the park, along with hiking trails, a swimming beach and the primitive, but pampering, Lussier Hot Springs. Access is via the Whiteswan Logging Road, which intersects with Highway 93/95, 4.5km/3mi south of Canal Flats.
Height of the Rockies Provincial Park
This remote wilderness park is adjacent to a series of protected areas along the Great Divide, preserving habitat for large mammals such as grizzly bears and mountain goats. Most hiking trails are "user-maintained" and there is no directional or interpretive signage. This "walk in the park" requires topographical map reading skills, and is not for the inexperienced hiker. Height of the Rockies Provincial Park can be accessed from Canal Flats, via the Whiteswan and White River logging roads, or from Kootenay National Park via Settlers Road, Palliser and Albert River roads. Horses are permitted.
Kootenay National Park
Initially known as the Highway Park, it was comprised of 8km/5mi of land on either side of a rough gravel trail through the mountains. Kootenay National Park was established in 1920 as part of a federal/provincial deal to build the first motor road across the Rockies - from the Windermere Valley to Banff. The completion of the road in 1922 meant that, for the first time, visitors could drive into the wilderness in the questionable comfort of their Model T's. Today's visitors are able to take the 94km/58mi paved highway and stop at fascinating roadside attractions such as the spectacular Marble Canyon. Check out the Paint Pots, which historically yielded the ochre collected by the Ktunaxa Aboriginal people for trade and ceremonial purposes. With so much to explore, it's tough to beat a soak in the pools at Radium Hot Springs to round out a busy day.