Simply three hours from Calgary and 90 minutes from Banff, BC’s Columbia Valley has lots to entice you. You’ll discover scorching springs, sandy seashores, numerous mountaineering trails, lakes heat sufficient for swimming, a gorgeous river to paddle, bike trails, and nature galore. In the event you’re an lively one who loves mountaineering, biking, and paddling then I feel you’ll love a go to to the Columbia Valley between Might and October. Invermere and the Columbia Valley can also be an wonderful winter vacation spot, however that’s not the main target of this weblog.
Within the Columbia Valley there are a number of communities that lie between Canal Flats within the south and Brisco within the north. Invermere is the biggest city with essentially the most companies within the valley however the Village of Radium Scorching Springs is a good place to make use of as a base with its proximity to Kootenay Nationwide Park. Fairmont Scorching Springs is a vacation spot in itself. You’ll discover a wealth of issues to do within the Columbia Valley, so e book lodging and actions prematurely, particularly on summer season weekends.
Location map of issues to do within the Columbia Valley and close by
Stops to make on a drive from Calgary to Invermere and the Columbia Valley
Marble Canyon, Kootenay Nationwide Park
In the event you’re driving from Calgary to the Columbia Valley, make sure you cease at Marble Canyon in Kootenay Nationwide Park – on any day of the yr. Marble Canyon is situated on Freeway 93, lower than 10 km from the Trans-Canada Freeway. There may be good signage, so it’s arduous to overlook.
It’s a 1.4 km out and again straightforward hike to the top of Marble Canyon. Cross quite a few bridges on foot and peer into the turquoise waters of Tokumm Creek swirling beneath. The mountain backdrop is magnificent, and the facility of the creek is at instances intimidating – so it’s enjoyable to observe from a protected distance.
Search for a few Parks Canada pink chairs, then sit again and benefit from the view. Enable 20 – 40 minutes relying on how far you hike.
Numa Falls Relaxation Space
Plan a fast cease on the Numa Falls relaxation space alongside Freeway 93 in Kootenay Nationwide Park. The falls are situated 7.3 km south of the Marble Canyon trailhead or 79.7 km from the roundabout in Radium Scorching Springs.
From the parking zone on the Numa Falls relaxation space, it’s solely a 2-minute stroll to see the hanging Numa Falls. Make sure to obey the signage and don’t hop the fence like I noticed one man do. Numa Falls are quick and highly effective and one flawed step may very well be your final.
There are picnic tables close to the bridge, or you possibly can sit on the rocks by the parking zone and luxuriate in a break with a view.
Kootenay Valley Viewpoint
The Kootenay Valley Viewpoint is value a fast cease if it’s a day with good visibility. The perspective is 63.5 km south of the Numa Falls parking space. In the event you’re heading for Radium Scorching Springs, there’s an odd pull off on the best aspect of the freeway the place you park your automotive. Then you definately stroll throughout the freeway and there’s a button to press to alert motorists that you just’re crossing. In the event you’re heading within the different route, it’s a easy pull off to a big parking zone.
From the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint, get pleasure from glorious views of the Mitchell and Vermilion Mountain ranges.
Valley View Lookout
In the event you drive 1.4 km up Redstreak Highway ranging from behind the Radium Scorching Springs Customer Centre, you’ll see a small parking space in your left. Get out, stroll up a number of steps and benefit from the view of the Village of Radium together with beautiful views of the Columbia Valley. There are picnic tables up right here, so it will be a tremendous place to get pleasure from a lunch with a view.
Climbing within the Columbia Valley
The Columbia Valley is blessed with quite a few, straightforward to entry mountaineering trails that are perfect for households or these of you who simply need to get out and into nature. In the event you’re ready to go additional afield, there are spectacular mountain hikes round, however you’ll want most of a day to do them. All hikes within the Columbia Valley and Kootenay Nationwide Park described beneath could be knocked off in 1 – 2.5 hours.
Mount Swansea Tower Loop
We hiked the 6.0 km (return) Mount Swansea Tower Loop with information Chris, proprietor of Playwest Mountain Experiences. We don’t usually do guided hikes – however each time we do, we be taught one thing. On this loop hike we handed a grove of bushes lined with vibrant inexperienced wolf lichen – one thing I discovered from Chris that’s toxic to canines and wolves. Again within the day Indigenous Peoples managed wolf populations by stuffing ungulate carcasses with this wolf lichen. After feeding on the carcass, they wolves in fact would find yourself dying. I’ll by no means have a look at the lime inexperienced lichen with out considering of Chris sharing that story.
Over the three.0 km a method hike you climb about 350 metres, normally at a delicate grade. When you high out on the tower, get pleasure from grand views of the Columbia Valley, Windermere Lake, and the Purcell Mountain vary to the west. Whenever you do the hike with Chris, you might be served tea and a home made granola bar on the lookout – all very civilized.
This can be a nice hike to do in order for you a scenic overview of the Columbia Valley. Eager match hikers can proceed from the overlook and hike the Mount Swansea Double Peak Loop, however you’ll want the higher a part of a day to do that.
Chris additionally provides a half day hike within the Wilmer Wetlands and a mountain sundown and fondue hike close to Invermere, together with a number of full day mountaineering journeys.
Wilmer Wetlands Path
The Wilmer Wetlands Path close to Wilmer (a 15-minute drive from Invermere) is a part of the Columbia Wetlands, a globally acknowledged wetland of worldwide significance. It’s one of many largest intact wetlands in North America. Within the spring, tens of 1000’s of birds migrate by means of the Columbia Valley, in order you hike the paths within the Wilmer Wetlands space, even in early summer season, you’ll hear and see a number of the 260 species that rely on these wetlands for his or her survival.
From the parking zone you’ll see a number of trails heading down in direction of the wetlands. One will take you to a bench with an awesome view of the wetlands and the Rocky Mountains. We adopted what regarded like a important path because it wiggled up, over and round sandy hills, remnants of a lake backside, finally following the shore of the wetlands.
That is one scenic path and a very good one for all ages. Don’t overlook the binoculars and to get essentially the most out of your hike, obtain the hen music identification app Merlin.
Sinclair Falls/Juniper Path in Kootenay Nationwide Park
If you would like a hike near Radium Scorching Springs, take a look at the scenic Juniper – Sinclair Canyon path. We parked simply contained in the west gate of Kootenay Nationwide Park, although there’s the choice to park on the important parking zone for the Radium Scorching Springs Pool.
From our parking zone we descended steeply down to succeed in the Douglas-fir Forest in Sinclair Canyon. We wandered up so far as was protected to get a glimpse of Sinclair Falls. Then it was a climb up and into arid nation punctuated by cedar forest alongside the sting of Sinclair Canyon. When you achieve some elevation, there are glorious views of the Columbia Valley – and the street by means of the cliffs main into and out of Kootenay Nationwide Park.
There are beautiful sections on the high the place the path weaves by means of open forest on the best way to Radium Scorching Springs. We did it as a 5.2 km out and again hike. Be ready to realize 350 m and lose 26o m alongside the size of the path.
Redstreak Restoration Path
We requested the person on responsibility on the ticket sales space on the entrance to Kootenay Nationwide Park (the Redstreak Highway entrance) what hike close by was brief and scenic. He recommended we do the 1 km lengthy Redstreak Restoration Path. The title doesn’t do that scenic hike justice. It’s a gorgeous little path, good for households, that provides beautiful vistas, fascinating interpretive signage, and wildflowers galore.
The hike wanders by means of meadows which can be “reborn” by a prescribed hearth – with the objective to revive the grasslands and enhance the habitat for bighorn sheep. You solely want half-hour to do the hike – so it’s preferrred for those who’re brief on time.
Hoodoos Path close to Fairmont Scorching Springs
The Hoodoos Path close to Fairmont Scorching Springs within the Columbia Valley is a brief stroll in fairly forest to succeed in the hoodoos, a notable landmark while you’re driving Freeway 93/95 south of Fairmont Scorching Springs.
The path positive factors 120 m (394 ft) over 1.5 km, so for most individuals this will probably be a simple one-hour hike. As soon as on the high of the hoodoos (keep again) get pleasure from grand views of Columbia Lake within the distance and the mountains over the Fairmont Scorching Springs. We did it within the night when there wasn’t a soul round, simply the odd deer.
In the event you haven’t seen the hoodoos from floor stage, it’s definitely worth the brief drive to see them as they’re very spectacular from the underside.
Go mountain biking at Nipika Mountain Resort
Nipika Mountain Resort situated 14 km down Settlers Highway from Freeway 93 is a good place to go to for those who’re into mountain biking. They’ve quite a few fats tire bikes out there – and helmets. They don’t cost you something to bike the paths in summer season as they don’t keep them. Happily, there are sufficient bikers out that we solely needed to take care of a downed tree or two.
We did the 7 km Kootenay Krusher and Wimp Out Loop. The Wimp Out Loop alongside the Kootenay River was particularly scenic, however you wouldn’t need to lose your steadiness and slide down the cliff. I’m in no way a hardcore mountain biker, however I certain had enjoyable over about 90 minutes.
Kayak the Columbia River by means of the Columbia Valley beginning in Invermere
For years I’ve needed to paddle the Columbia River by means of the Columbia Valley beginning in Invermere. On a scorching, sunny day in June it lastly occurred. John and I met up with a dozen different paddlers and a few guides on the Columbia River Paddle headquarters in Invermere. We obtained fitted out with PFD’s and a paddle – packed some water and a snack – and have been off.
Over 4 hours we lazily paddled 18.5 km from Invermere to the Village of Radium. In locations the present moved you alongside at a very good clip, however in others you needed to work…a bit to get very far. We stopped when there have been fascinating issues to see like an enormous bald eagle’s nest, a row of painted turtles lazing on a log, and one large horn sheep simply hanging out by the railroad tracks close to Radium. We additionally visited the Wilmer Wetlands and had an opportunity to get out of the kayak and stretch our legs. The hardy amongst us went for a refreshing swim.
Kayaking the Columbia River is the proper summertime exercise within the Columbia Valley. And it’s much more scenic than I anticipated – as a result of when you’re out of Invermere, you are feeling far faraway from civilization.
Whenever you attain Radium, a shuttle bus will probably be ready for you and 20 minutes later you’ll be again at your place to begin.
Bike the Westside Legacy Path by means of the Columbia Valley
The 25-km lengthy Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Path is a multi-use, non-motorized, paved leisure path that stretches from Invermere to Fairmont Scorching Springs on the west aspect of Windermere Lake. You can begin in both city and bike to the trailheads or drive to one of many three parking heaps alongside the path.
Count on a hillier bike journey than the Banff Legacy Path. What additionally units it aside is lengthy sections with out listening to any automobiles and the sensation that you just’re immersed in nature. Count on to see deer and listen to a number of birds. I used to be fortunate with a badger sighting.
There aren’t any companies alongside the Westside Legacy Path, so pack numerous water and snacks. In the summertime bike early or late within the day to keep away from the warmth. Get pleasure from. It’s an awesome addition to the Columbia Valley.
Issues to do in Invermere
Roughly 3,300 individuals stay full time in Invermere, although the inhabitants soars in summer season. It punches above its weight with what number of issues there are to do – and what number of good eating places and cafes there are. Right here’s a sampling of what you are able to do on the town.
Go to the Invermere Farmers’ and Artists’ Market
Each Saturday from mid-June until the second Saturday in September you’ll discover the Invermere Farmers’ Market within the massive parking space behind the BMO financial institution in Invermere. It runs from 9 AM to 1 PM.
The distributors promote a various vary of merchandise from regionally grown produce, Okanagan fruit, recent baking, mead, honey, jewellery, art work, Taynton Bay Spirits and extra. I at all times love testing what the locals are as much as – and really feel a touch of jealousy after I consider how straightforward it’s to entry the market. Take money as not everybody accepts bank cards – and don’t have any expectation of strolling away empty-handed.
Discover the outlets, galleries and boutiques on seventh Ave
Any small city that has a personal bookstore and an awesome café is a winner in my books. 4 Factors Books in Invermere provides an awesome collection of titles. Make some extent to wander in after which proceed alongside seventh Road round the place you’ll discover every thing from Village Arts showcasing textiles, pottery, jewellery, wooden, stone and extra to Artym, a tremendous artwork gallery.
There are a few bike outlets, a bakery, a sports activities retailer, clothes shops and for those who wander all the best way all the way down to the Kinsmen Seashore space you’ll uncover Taynton Bay Spirits residence to cocktails with names like Blueberry Bombshell – Rooibos Tea, Pickled Vodka, Raspberry Vodka, and Midnight Lakehouse Gin.
Discover the Village of Radium Scorching Springs within the Columbia Valley
The Village of Radium Scorching Springs is the gateway to Kootenay Nationwide Park, so there’s numerous mountaineering very shut by. It’s additionally residence to the Customer Info Centre which is effectively value a go to to see the compelling wildlife shows. The workers inside are very useful in suggesting issues to do within the nationwide park and shut by.
We loaded up with groceries in Radium Scorching Springs and had time for under a fast drive by means of city. Don’t miss Essential Park – a group hub for native occasions.
And for those who’re a sweet fan – make sure you cease in at Previous Tyme Sweet Shoppe. You’ll discover handmade fudge, retro candies like bitter chews and imports like Curly Wurlys.
Scorching Springs within the Columbia Valley
There are two scorching springs to go to within the Columbia Valley – Radium Scorching Springs in Kootenay Nationwide Park and Fairmont Scorching Springs to the south. One isn’t higher than the opposite, simply totally different.
Fairmont Scorching Springs
I feel scorching springs are greatest visited on wet or chilly days, however judging by my June go to, the skin temperature doesn’t appear to place off many individuals. On the Fairmont Scorching Springs there are a few swimming pools. One is a swimming and diving pool, so the temperature is saved between 30 – 32ºC. The precise scorching springs pool is maintained at a really comfy 39ºC.
In response to their web site, “over 1.2 million gallons of recent mineral water movement by means of their swimming pools every day”. The water is odorless (no rotten egg scent right here) and the water is all naturally heated. The Columbia Valley views from the pool are first price, and there’s the choice to remain in resort rooms and cabins, only a brief stroll away from the recent springs.
Radium Scorching Springs
I didn’t go to Radium Scorching Springs on this journey to the Columbia Valley however I’ve when it’s been snowy. I really like its location looking to pink cliffs in a dramatic setting and the pool at all times feels roomy.
You’ll need to buy a nationwide park go to get into Kootenay Nationwide Park – together with a go to the recent springs. On weekends the recent springs are open between 10:30 AM and 9 PM and on weekdays from 11:30 AM to 9 PM on weekdays. The cool pool is quickly closed as of July 2023.
Wildlife within the higher Columbia Valley – Kootenay Nationwide Park space
Whenever you’re out mountaineering or biking within the Columbia Valley, use frequent sense in terms of wildlife. When indicators counsel you decelerate on the freeway out of Radium in direction of Invermere, do it so that you don’t smack a bighorn sheep. You’ll virtually at all times see them on the aspect of the street on the best way to Invermere.
We did see one black bear on the drive to Nipika Mountain Resort and it had zero curiosity in us – appropriately. However, as a result of that is bear nation, I might nonetheless advocate that you just carry straightforward to entry bear spray while you’re out on the paths.
After all, you’re more likely to see deer and for those who go to throughout the spring migration, you may hear and see as much as 250 hen species. I did see a badger, an unusual sighting on the Westside Legacy Path and loads of floor squirrels and chipmunks.
And for those who paddle the Columbia River, you’ll virtually actually see bald eagles and painted turtles.
The place to eat in Invermere and the Columbia Valley
John and I attempted many however not all of the eating places in Invermere.
Breakfast in Invermere
Kootenay Espresso Works at 4884 Athalmer Highway close to the freeway is a good place to go if you wish to seize a espresso and one thing fast like a muffin. For lunch they provide a roast beef particular with Yorkshire pudding – and there’s at all times a home-cooked soup of the day.
The Invermere Bakery on seventh Avenue is right when you have a candy tooth as their apple fritters are glorious as are the cinnamon rolls. They serve good lattes and have numerous gadgets to purchase for a lunch on the go.
Stolen Church Espresso Co at 1045 seventh Avenue can also be a very good espresso place, however in the summertime, they might be higher recognized for his or her ice cream and gelato. They’ve a wonderful choice however be ready to face in line of a scorching summer season’s day. They’ve a lined patio which is ideal in the summertime.
Beginnings Breakfast & Brunch at 1310 seventh Avenue is a pleasant place to go for a sit down breakfast. I loved a wonderful latte and French toast.
Dinner in Invermere
For wonderful fried hen and cocktails, head to Ullr Bar, simply off of seventh Avenue. It’s an informal place geared to the younger crowd.
Birchwood Restaurant provides a soothing environment in a welcoming area proper beside Ullr Bar – and also you’ll discover loads of scrumptious dishes on the menu. Their artisan bread is incredible as was the hen curry bowl I had, and the pork chop John loved.
Smokehouse 92 has a fame for gradual cooked, soften in your mouth barbecue. They’ve an awesome collection of sides together with beans, coleslaw, onion rings – the stuff you’d count on to see on a menu. They’re situated on the freeway throughout from the turnoff into Invermere – so that they’re arduous to overlook.
The place to remain within the Columbia Valley
Winderdome Resort
I can not say sufficient good issues in regards to the Winderdome Resort, residence to a few high-end geodesic formed glamping tents – and open year-round. Not solely is the dome utterly kitted out – all the way down to particulars you’d by no means get round to doing at residence, the domes every boast monumental outside decks full with a hammock constructed into the deck (see picture within the collage). What isn’t proven are the 2 single beds in a loft overlooking the grasp.
No meals are served however you possibly can prepare dinner outdoor and there’s a microwave and a big fridge. The kitchen even has charcuterie boards and occasional is supplied.
Test costs and availability and e book straight with Winderdome Resort if you wish to keep on this incredible dome surrounded by nature. In addition they have a pool you possibly can lease do you have to be touring with a bigger social gathering.
Copper Level Resort
The Copper Level Resort is a good alternative if you wish to have every thing at your fingertips like swimming pools, a spa and onsite eating. It’s solely a 6-minute drive away from downtown Invermere. As you possibly can see from the picture beneath, there are playgrounds for youths and tennis courts as effectively.
Different choices in Invermere
Headwaters Lodge at Eagle Ranch Resort, rated excellent, boasts an onsite restaurant, and an onsite bike rental.
Fairmont Scorching Springs
If you wish to be near the Fairmont Scorching Springs, e book the Fairmont Scorching Springs Resort, rated good.
The Residences at Fairmont Ridge supply totally furnished residences with a kitchen for those who’re concerned with cooking. The new springs are a 10-minute stroll away.
Different choices close to Radium Scorching Springs
The Inn on Canyon, rated fabulous, is an adult-oriented boutique resort that serves breakfast. It’s solely a 5-minute drive to the recent springs in Radium.
Bighorn Meadows Resort, additionally rated fabulous, options suites with full kitchen services and an out of doors pool with a scorching tub.
Concerned about exploring extra of the Kootenays?
Nelson to Rossland space
Nakusp space
Revelstoke – Glacier Nationwide Park
A giant thanks to Journey Columbia Valley for internet hosting my keep. All ideas and opinions are mine alone. I can inform you honestly that I cherished all of the issues we did within the Columbia Valley and may’t wait to return.
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