Invermere
Map of Invermere
Invermere is a popular year-round tourist and recreation destination in the Columbia River Valley of southeastern British Columbia in the East Kootenays nestled between the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Purcell Mountains to the west. The town has about 3,400 residents (2016), and is on the north end of Lake Windermere.
Understand
Climate
Invermere's climate is characterized by warm summers and cool winters. The Rocky Mountains to the east shield Invermere from the Arctic air in winter, although extreme cold spells do occur on occasion. Spring arrives earlier than on the prairies to the east of the Rocky Mountains. Although warm, summers are variable, with weather alternating between hot, dry spells and cool, showery periods.
Get in
The nearest airport with regular flights is in Cranbrook (1.5 hours drive), by traveling north on Highway 95 to Invermere. The nearest international airport is in Calgary (3 hours drive). From Calgary, take the Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) west as far as Castle Junction. This connects to Highway 93 South (southwest), a distance of about 90 km to Radium Hot Springs. Invermere is on the north end of Windermere Lake about 30 minutes south of Radium Hot Springs.
By bus
- BC Transit, toll-free: +1-877-343-2461. Two days per week there is bus service between Golden and Cranbrook with a stop in Invermere. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. The trips are open to all members of the public, but as "Health Connections" trips, people traveling to medical appointments receive priority for reservations.
Get around
Within the town centre, most facilities are within walking distance, but otherwise, the various parts of Invermere are somewhat spread out. A bike or a car would be a help in getting around.
By bus
- BC Transit (Columbia Valley Transit System), toll-free: +1-877-343-2461. Operates bus routes Monday to Friday, traveling between Invermere and Edgewater with stops in Radium Hot Springs, and between Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs.
See
- 1 Windermere Valley Museum, 222 6th Avenue, ☏ +1 250-342-9769. Tu 10AM-4PM. By donation.
- 2 Bavin Glass, 4884 Athalmer Hwy, ☏ +1 250-341-5560. Watch live glass-making demonstrations.
Do
- 1 Panorama Mountain Resort (Panorama Ski Resort), Panorama (14 km west of Invermere on Toby Creek Road), ☏ +1-250-342-6941, toll-free: +1-800-663-2929, information@panoramaresort.com. Ski resort with 129 different runs. At the base of the ski hill there is a resort with lodging, restaurants, retail shops, and the Panorama Springs Pools complex. It is also home to Greywolf golf course, which winds along the Toby Creek Canyon.
- 2 Windermere Lake Provincial Park, Westside Road (10 km south of Invermere on Westside Road). This 220-ha park protects one of the last remaining tracts of native grassland and riparian habitats along the western shores of Windermere Lake. Large populations of ungulates (white-tail deer, mule deer and elk) also use this area for winter range. This park has no developed areas or facilities and there is no public access. Overnight use of the park and open fires are not permitted.
- 3 Columbia Wetlands. Is a long wetland area along the headwaters of the Columbia River from Columbia Lake to Donald, about 170 km north. There are several areas that are good for bird-watching just a few km north of Invermere.
- Golfing can be enjoyed on one of the many golf courses in the area.
- Mountain Biking is a popular summer activity, but not for the feint of heart if you are not used to riding in the mountains. Head to one of the local bike shops to ask for advice based on your skill level. Panorama Mountain Resort, offers lift access downhill mountain biking, rentals, and lessons for those new to the sport.
- Hiking. Lots of amazing hikes to choose from. Ask locals in town for advice based on time of year and fitness level. Note you share the woods with bears, plan accordingly by attaching bells to your pack (so as to warn wildlife you are coming), and by bringing 'bear bangers' (basically a flare that creates a loud bang to scare off any curious bears).
- Skating'. The longest ice skating trail in the world can be found on the Lake Windermere Whiteway. The naturally frozen trail measures 29.98 km (18.63 mi).
- 4 Invermere Soaring Centre (Invemere Airstrip), ☏ +1 250-342-7228, info@soartherockies.com. Go gliding and soaring. Invermere Soaring Centre provides aerotowing services and glider rides to the general public. The local area is also a popular destination for other non-motorized forms of flying including hang-gliding and paragliding. There are designated launch sites at nearby Mount Swansea.
- Curling. The Valley is host to the biggest outdoor bonspiel in Canada every January. The spiel is held on the frozen Windermere Lake. The curling club is also host to many leagues and bonspiels throughout the season.
- Hot springs are numerous in the area, with the major developed ones being Fairmont Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs; the latter is in Kootenay National Park.
- 5 Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. Less developed wilderness hot springs can be found in the southern Columbia Valley in this park. Lussier Hot Springs is near the western edge of the park.
Buy
Eat
- 1 Black Forest Restaurant, 540 Highway 93/95 (near Hwy 93/95 & Athalmer Road), ☏ +1 250-342-9417, fax: +1 250-342-2281, info@BlackForestRestaurant.com. W-Su 4:30-8:30PM. Bavarian steak and schnitzel house with servers in traditional costume, live entertainment on weekends, small dance floor.
- 2 Birchwood Restaurant, 722 13th Street, ☏ +1 250-342-0606, birchwoodinv@gmail.com. Tu-Sa from 5PM. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes available. Mains $22-40.
- 3 Huckleberry's Family Restaurant, 205 Laurier Street, ☏ +1 250-342-3800, info@huckleberrysrestaurant.ca. M–Sa 8AM - 9PM, Su holiday 9AM - 8PM. Family and steakhouse restaurant next to Lake Windermere. All-day breakfasts, pastas, certified Angus Beef steaks, stir-fries, burgers.
- 4 Smokehouse 93, 526 Highway 93/95 (near Hwy 93/95 & Athalmer Road), ☏ +1 250-342-9593, info@slowsmokedbbq.ca. Daily 9AM-7PM. Slow smoked BBQ.
Drink
- 1 Arrowhead Brewing Company, 481 Arrow Road, ☏ +1 778-526-2739. Su noon-6PM, M-W 11AM-7PM, Th-Sa 11AM-8PM. 6 permanent beers available, and 3 to 5 seasonal varieties. In their 1950s gastown taproom, they have alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, and a few snacks. Kids are welcome, provided they're attended closely by an adult.
If you are looking to party, there is usually something going on in the bars at Panorama Resort but not in the off seasons (Sept-Nov and Apr-May).
Sleep
- 1 Copper Point Resort, 760 Cooper Road, ☏ +1 250-341-4000, toll-free: +1-855-926-7737, info@copperpointresort.com. From $149.
- 2 Invermere Inn & Suites, 1310 7th Avenue, ☏ +1 250-342-9246, toll-free: +1-800-661-8911, info@invermereinn.com. From $129.
- 3 Panorama Ski Resort, Panorama, ☏ +1 250-342-6941, toll-free: +1-800-663-2929, reservations@panoramaresort.com. Panorama has multiple lodging options, located at the base of the Panorama ski hill.
- 4 The Kanata Inns - Invermere Hotel, 8888 Arrow Road, ☏ +1 250-342-8888, toll-free: +1-888-700-2264, invermere@kanatainns.com. From $125.
- 5 The Canterbury Inn, 747 12th Street, ☏ +1 250-342-6618. From $90.
Connect
- 1 Invermere Public Library, 646 4th St, ☏ +1 250-342-6416. Internet access and wireless capabilities are available at the library.
Cope
- 2 Invermere & District Hospital, 850 10th Avenue, ☏ +1 250-342-9201. Has an emergency department that operates 24/7.
Go next
| Routes through Invermere |
| Banff / Golden ← Radium Hot Springs ← | N   S |
→ Fairmont Hot Springs → Cranbrook |