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 Falls
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
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 Parkpc.gc.ca ·
Extraordinary trails, nature, and birding opportunities easily accessible from Highway 93.
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4Wilmer Wetlands Hiking Trail
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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1Steamboat Café
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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1Steamboat Lounge & Forage
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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2Restaurant 8100
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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1Radium Trading Co
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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2Findlay Mercantile
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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3Funky Junk Stained Glass
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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1Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre
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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1Find 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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1Columbia River Paddle
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.
Book Now: https://columbiariverpaddle.com/guided-tours/
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2Dorothy Lake
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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3James Chabot Provincial Park
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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1Blue Dog Cafe
Cafe in downtown Invermere serving fresh food and Kicking Horse Coffee.
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2The Invermere Bakery
Locally produced baked goods and coffee right in downtown Invermere.
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3Stolen Church Coffee Co.
Locally roasted coffee filled with rich local history from the Columbia Valley.
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1AG Valley Foods
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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2Begginnings Breakfast
Brunch restaurant serving up favourites such as eggs benedict and chicken & waffles along with Melbourne-style coffee and signature cocktails.
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1Birchwood Restaurant
Mountain Casual dining in Invermere with a delicious hand-crafted menu and amazing wine pairings.
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2Cliffhanger Restaurant
Soak in the glorious views of Panorama and the Greywolf Golf Course at this exceptional dining establishment.
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3Fuze
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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4Rocky River Grill
From the freshest salads to the juiciest burgers, Rocky River Grill will surely fill you up and satisfy your appetite.
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5The Station Pub
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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6Ullr Bar
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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1Four Points Bookstore
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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1Invermere Visitor Centre
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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1Find 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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1Hoodoo 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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2Tilley Memorial Park
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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3Source of the Columbia River Trail
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.
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1Edible Acres Farm + Cafe
Farm and cafe just off the highway in Windermere. Serving locally sourced farm fresh dishes surrounded by greenery.
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2Fairmont Mountainside Market
Locally owned and operated grocery and liquor store in Fairmont Hot Springs.
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3Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill
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!