About the Columbia Valley
It is water that defines the Columbia Valley; from the headwaters of the Columbia River in Canal Flats at the south end of the Valley to Lake Windermere in the centre and the majestic Columbia River delta that flows through Brisco at the Valley’s north end.
For many visitors the Columbia Valley is defined by its anchoring hot springs communities: Radium Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs. Surrounding all the water in the Valley you will find plenty to see, do, and experience!
The game of golf brings thousands of visitors to the Columbia Valley each year, with a golf season that starts around the end of March and goes until the end of October, as well as nine 18 hole courses – two of which are ranked in the top 100 in Canada (ScoreGolf, 2012) – it is easy to see why golf is a major attraction in the Valley. Plus, how about golfing and skiing in the same day? It happens here!
Sparkling gems called Columbia Lake and Lake Windermere, whose water temperature in the summer tops 21C degrees, offer visitors every possible water sport – swimming, beach access, stand up paddle boarding, water skiing, wake boarding, power boating, fishing, kayaking and more! The meandering Columbia River also provides fun seekers the opportunity to rent a tube and float from one lake to the other, and along the way take in a variety of sights.
Are you more of a thrill seeker? There’s plenty for you too – try hang-gliding off Mt. Swansea, mountain bike one of many local trails, hike to soaring vistas (or great views, like the Hoodoos), hop on an ATV and check out the immense backcountry or take on rapids with a rafting trip down Toby Creek. Whatever your thrill you can experience it here.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love this Valley – world class bird watching, bighorn sheep on Radium’s main street, whitetail and mule deer wandering Invermere’s downtown, black and grizzly bears in the backcountry, wild turkeys in farmer’s fields all add up to something for everyone to see and discover.
With so much to do, you’ll want to spend some time soaking in the historic hot springs in Radium or Fairmont! The Valley offers accommodation for all, short to long stay, groups of all sizes, quaint B&B to luxury condo style suites you are sure to find a place to call your home base. And after a day out exploring the Valley you’ll be pleased to find a wide choice of fine or casual dining establishments, offering authentic Austrian, German, Greek, Japanese, French or Canadian cuisines.
Come enjoy our mild winters, hot summers, early springs and late falls – we guarantee your Columbia Valley experiences will be exceptional.