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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1Beeland Market and Coffee Bar
Stop by for a coffee and check out the selection of fresh seasonal honeys, preserves, gourmet foods, and beauty products – all made with the goodness of pure Rocky Mountain Honey.
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2Big Horn Cafe
A small locally owned and operated cafe in the heart of the Radium Hot Springs Village.
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3Screamers Ice Cream Café
Retro ice creamery serving artisan ice cream flavours, coffee, and breakfast and lunch items.
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1Elevations
Relax on the patio and enjoy pub house classics while overlooking the Springs golf course and the views of the Columbia River.
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2Conrad’s Kitchen and Grill
Load up on a delicious and hearty meal before adventuring in the Columbia Valley. This restaurant located in the Prestige Resort is named after one of Canada’s great pioneering mountain guides, Conrad Kain.
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3Don Agave Cantina
Mexican restaurant in the Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort.
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1Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery
Named after a local legend and known for its fun-filled events, Horsethief Creek Pub is sure to fill you up and delight you before or after your adventures.
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2Radium Mountainside Market
Grab some quick food to go or some ingredients for cooking from this locally owned and operated grocery store in the Village of Radium Hot Springs.
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1Far Out Adventure Hub
Outdoor retail and rental store in Radium Hot Springs that also offers guided river trips in the summer, and an array of equipment rentals available including bikes, canoes, and winter gear.
Book Now: https://www.rentfarout.com/riverpaddle
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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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1Columbia Cycle & Ski
Bicycle rental store that also offers retail and tune-up services. In the winter they rent and sell skis and snowboards.
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2Pynelogs Cultural Centre & Art Gallery
One of the top cultural venues in the Columbia Valley. Pynelogs hosts an art gallery and retail store full of locally produced pieces and products.
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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!