Getting Here
By Bike
- Biking Trail: Radium Hot Springs
- Biking North: From Kimberley
- Biking South: From Golden

In from the North
Rolling down the Columbia River Valley, you’re sure to find yourself slowing down to marvel at the breathtaking mountain vistas – and if you’re lucky, the Bighorn Sheep too.

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1Lower Bugaboo FallsWestside Rd
3km trail found near Brisco, BC. This short trail will take hikers up the Bugaboo Creek to a beautiful waterfall in the forest. One steep section is located halfway through the trail, but overall is an easy hike.
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2Old Coach Trail#8163 8185 Kootenay Hwy
A 9km (one-way) biking and hiking trail that offers spectacular views of the Columbia River Wetlands and the Purcell Mountains with excellent opportunities to see birds and other wildlife through binoculars.
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3Kootenay National Park5085 Banff-Windermere Hwypc.gc.ca ·
Extraordinary trails, nature, and birding opportunities easily accessible from Highway 93.
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4Wilmer Wetlands Hiking Trail1A0, Westside Rd
A relatively flat 3.7km circuit that loops along the edge of the Columbia River Wetlands, but also includes a steeper hiking portion with breathtaking views of the Rocky and Purcell Mountains. Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for resident birds and migratory visitors, such as hawks, waterfowl, and herons.
This critical wetland habitat is part of the federally protected Columbia National Wildlife Area. While hiking and wildlife viewing are permitted, several actions are prohibited to preserve this important environment. Head to the Government of Canada’s website to learn more.
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5Steamboat Café7497 Main St. West, Radium
The Café serves organic, fair-trade coffee and teas, along with a menu crafted for both flavour and wellness. Even the pastries are packed with wholesome ingredients. Guests can dine indoors or on the dog-friendly patio with mountain views.
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6Steamboat Lounge & Forage7497 Main St W, Radium
Steamboat Lounge offers serves plant-forward dishes and sustainably sourced ingredients. Enjoy shared plates, craft drinks, organic wines, and the region’s largest selection of low and zero-alcohol options.
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7Restaurant 81008100 Golf Course Rd, Radium
Restaurant 8100 is a stylish dining spot at the Radium Golf Course. Offering a mix of Canadian and contemporary American cuisine, it features a relaxed atmosphere with chic décor and stunning views.

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8Radium Trading Co#2-7517 Main St W, Radium
Find a curated selection of locally inspired gifts, from puzzles and honey to clothing and more—perfect for finding unique Columbia Valley keepsakes.
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9Findlay Mercantile7497 Main St W, Radium
Check out the unique gifts at The Findlay Mercantile. Each piece is picked for its quality and originality, making it the perfect spot to find something special for yourself or a one-of-a-kind gift.
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10Funky Junk Stained Glass#1-7517 Main St W, Radium
Funky Junk Stained Glass is a vibrant collective of local artists offering a diverse array of handmade treasures from stained glass and unique jewelry to antiques and whimsical gifts.
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11Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre7556 Main Street East
Visitor Information Centre for Tourism Radium and Kootenay National Park. There is an interpretive museum and the Friends of Kootenay National Park Gift Store.
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12Find a place to stay in Radium Hot Springs!
Choose from amazing campgrounds, beautiful hotels and resorts, rustic cabins, unique roadside motels, and charming B&Bs!
The hub of the Columbia Valley
Gaelic for ‘at the mouth of the lake’, Invermere exists at the edge of the Canadian Rockies. Set against some of the most inspiring outdoor vistas in the province, Invermere is home to Panorama: one of the feature stops on the famous Powder Highway.

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13Columbia River Paddle25 Laurier StreetBOOK NOW
Columbia River Paddle rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. They also offer guided tours, such as an Interpretive Wetlands Tour of the Columbia River Wetlands, perfect for birdwatching, as well as a longer tour that takes you along the Columbia River from Invermere to Radium Hot Springs.
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14Dorothy Lake1720 4 Ave
Located at the edge of Kinsmen Park in Invermere, this small lake close to town offers accessible opportunities to see a variety of shorebirds, waterfowl, herons, and osprey.
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15James Chabot Provincial Park3 km off Highway 93/95 at the Invermere access road
Located on the banks of Windermere Lake, this Provincial Park offers a wide sand beach for lakeshore recreation. Check out the interpretive boardwalk trail for birdwatching opportunities and read all about the wetlands and the animals that call it home.
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17The Invermere Bakery1305 7 Avenue
Locally produced baked goods and coffee right in downtown Invermere.
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18Stolen Church Coffee Co.1045 7 Avenue
Locally roasted coffee filled with rich local history from the Columbia Valley.
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19AG Valley Foods906 7 Avenue
A family-owned grocery store in downtown Invermere with a good selection of natural and organic items, as well as fresh, ready-to-go meals from the deli.
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20Begginnings Breakfast1310 7th Ave
Brunch restaurant serving up favourites such as eggs benedict and chicken & waffles along with Melbourne-style coffee and signature cocktails.

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21Birchwood Restaurant722 13th Street
Mountain Casual dining in Invermere with a delicious hand-crafted menu and amazing wine pairings.
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22Cliffhanger Restaurant1860 Greywolf Drive
Soak in the glorious views of Panorama and the Greywolf Golf Course at this exceptional dining establishment.
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23Fuze315 3rd Ave
Grab and go meals bursting with healthy, fresh ingredients. Fuze specialties include the glory bowl salad, butter chicken wrap, and smoothies.
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24Rocky River Grill8888 Arrow Road
From the freshest salads to the juiciest burgers, Rocky River Grill will surely fill you up and satisfy your appetite.
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25The Station Pub1701 6 Avenue
Sit back and take in the view from The Station Pub’s large patio that overlooks Lake Windermere. With classic bites and a variety of drinks, the Station Pub will not disappoint.
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26Ullr Bar722 13th Street
A casual lounge with creative cocktails and food, inspired by the Nordic god of snow and his massive gatherings to bring his community together.
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27Four Points Bookstore1225A 7th Ave. Invermere
Four Points Books is a family-owned indie bookstore in Invermere, BC, offering a wide range of titles for all ages. From outdoor guides to Indigenous books and kids’ stories.
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28Invermere Visitor Centre651 Highway 93/95
Visitor Centre serving Invermere and area. In the summer, a Visitor Information Kiosk can be found in downtown Invermere across from Village Arts.
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29Find a place to stay in Invermere-Panorama!
From a family-friendly Invermere Inn & Suites hotel in the center of Invermere to resort-style lodging at Panorama Mountain Resort, there are plenty of options for places to rest your head.
Out to the South
Headed south and out of town along the road less travelled, fill your packs with market snacks en route to Columbia Lake birding areas.

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30Hoodoo Trail
This short but relatively steep 3km trail provides beautiful views of the local farmland, Columbia Valley, and Dutch Creek – a perfect place for elevated birding.
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31Tilley Memorial ParkRichardson Crescent
Located at the southeast end of Columbia Lake, this is a good birding spot for viewing shorebirds and waterfowl, and also offers spectacular mountain vistas and plenty of lakeshore recreation.
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32Source of the Columbia River TrailNortheast end of the Village of Canal Flats
Short 2km trail that brings hikers to the beginning of the Columbia River at the head of Columbia Lake. Follow the accessible gravel trail with wooden bridges for chances to see birds along the wetlands and read about their habitat through the interpretive signage.

Field Notes
Exploring the Columbia Valley Bird Trail
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33Edible Acres Farm + Cafe1681 BC-93
Farm and cafe just off the highway in Windermere. Serving locally sourced farm fresh dishes surrounded by greenery.
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34Fairmont Mountainside Market#8 4992 Fairmont Frontage Road
Locally owned and operated grocery and liquor store in Fairmont Hot Springs.
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35Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill5225 Fairmont Resort Road
Dinner at Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is an excellent way to end a day after exploring the Columbia Valley!
Explore More
28th annual Wings Festival happening May 5-11, 2025
