Finding enough time to pack in all the adventures offered around Invermere is a challenge in itself.
Take in a round of golf, or shopping, followed by a relaxing dip in the hot springs. Or saddle up for a horseback ride, hike in the parks, tackle the whitewater on a rafting trip and fish in the Windermere Valley's well-stocked lakes.
Come winter, skiers, heli skiers, snowmobilers and snowshoers take to the slopes.
Play golf at any one of a long list of 18-hole and 9-hole courses in the Windermere Valley, and forget about keeping your head down – there is great scenery to see.
From fine art at the Artym or Effusion galleries to scrumptious treats at Gerry's Gelati, the economic hub of the Windermere Valley has some great shopping. Be sure to include a side trip to Bavin Glassworks, just off Highway 93/95, where you can watch a glassblower at work, and make a few little glass trinkets yourself.
Visit the farmers market downtown on Saturday mornings, from June through September.
Go horseback riding with one of the operators at Panorama Mountain Village Resort, Fairmont Hot Springs or in the Radium Hot Springs area. Other experienced outfitters offer multi-day expeditions into the Purcell Mountain Range.
Water Activities
Take to the water with an exciting river rafting trip on the Kootenay River, Columbia River or Toby Creek. For a less adrenaline-pumping, but completely fascinating experience, take a tour of the Columbia River Wetlands with a naturalist as your guide. The wildlife is diverse and abundant.
Rent a kayak or canoe and spend a few hours paddling on Windermere Lake, or exploring the river between Invermere and Radium Hot Springs. Powerboats are also rentable on the lake from Pete's Marina.
A number of lakes in the area are regularly stocked with fry from a nearby hatchery. Try your hand at fishing on Whiteswan, Alces, Whitetail or Windermere Lakes.
Any time of year is a great time to visit one of the hot springs in and around the valley.
Summer Activities
The extremely warm Windermere Lake or somewhat cooler Columbia Lake boast some of the best beaches and swimming in the Kootenay Rockies, but it doesn't stop there. There's also windsurfing, powerboating, kayaking and canoeing.
Take a flight-seeing tour over the Rockies and the Purcells with Babin Air, based at Invermere's small airport, or take to the air with Canadian Mountain Holidays or RK Heliski for a spectacular heli hiking experience.
Explore the mountains around Panorama on an ATV tour with Toby Creek Adventures Ltd, which offers a range of programs from 90 minute quickies to overnight camping trips.
Head out of town to explore the mountain parks. Go hiking or sightseeing in Kootenay National Park, and the equally spectacular Provincial Parks that surround the valley. Great local hikes include Jumbo Pass, Mount Swansea and Earl Grey Pass.
Winter Activities
In winter, go skiing or snowboarding at Panorama Mountain Resort or Fairmont Hot Springs. Panorama also offers heli skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and real Canadian dogsledding.
Go cross-country skiing at Panorama, Fairmont or at the Nipika Mountain Resort, located in the Rocky Mountains, 30 minutes east of Radium Hot Springs.
Driving Routes
Enjoy easy access to Panorama Mountain Village Resort, Fairmont Hot Springs, and Radium Hot Springs along two distinct driving routes through Invermere. Learn more more about scenic driving routes in the area here: Driving Routes.
Where to Start
Get information, maps, recommendations and other advice at the Invermere Visitor Centre on Highway 93/95.
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