Situated on the shore of one of the warmest lakes in the valley, the town of Invermere is all about sun and fun. People come here to relax, to spend summer afternoons at the beach, to go boating, river rafting and golfing. There are spectacular parks in the area, offering hiking, fishing and even wild hot springs. In winter, the big attraction is skiing or heli-skiing at Panorama Mountain Village. Of course, any time of year is a good time to soak in the mineral pools at Fairmont Hot Springs or Radium Hot Springs.
The valley around Lake Windermere has become nearby Calgary's "cottage country." In recent years, upscale condominiums and million-dollar vacation homes, rather than cottages, have been going up as fast as permits could be issued. Invermere's full-time population is a mere 3,000, but the town swells to more than 10,000 in the summer months.
This seasonal influx of part-time residents makes Invermere an extraordinary town. In a downtown decorated with hanging baskets, there are good restaurants, but few hotels – vacation rentals dominate the accommodation scene here. Upscale galleries offer amazing art, and there is some terrific shopping. For golfers, this valley has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the Kootenay Rockies.
Things to do in Invermere
Spend an afternoon exploring the many charming shops and galleries in Invermere's downtown. Head out of town to explore the mountain parks, or go golfing at a different course every day.
Ride the waters of Toby Creek or the Kootenay River with one of two river rafting operators. Take a guided tour through the marshes of the Columbia Wetlands, and commune with the abundant wildlife.
Looking for sun and sand? Slap on the sunscreen and head for one of the beaches on Lake Windermere or Columbia Lake. Relax under a beach umbrella, or get active in a canoe or kayak. Skim the surface on a windsurfer, or on waterskis behind a powerboat.
In winter, there's skiing and snowboarding at Panorama Mountain Village Resort or Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area. Panorama also offers heli-skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and real Canadian dogsledding.
The ultimate après-everything has to be the hot springs. Enjoy a soak at Fairmont Hot Springs, Radium Hot Springs, or in the hot pools at Panorama.
Festivals
As with most Kootenay Rockies communities, Canada Day (July 1st) is a big event in Invermere. Later in the month, the town celebrates again with Valley Appreciation Day, complete with musicians, clowns and street performers.
Where to Start
Get information, maps, recommendations and other advice at the Invermere Visitor Centre on Highway 93/95.
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