Attractions and Places To See around Area F (Columbia Lake/Windermere Lake) - Top 20

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Sinclair Creek, a river known for its cool, fresh air, or discover Turret Falls, accessible by hiking or canoe with great lake views. Don't miss the Viewpoint offering scenic vistas of the Hoodoos and the Columbia Valley. The Columbia Wetlands are also a crucial habitat for diverse wildlife and birds, perfect for paddling.

Yes, the area offers several family-friendly options. Windermere Lake features warm, shallow waters and sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and various water sports. Kinsmen Beach in Invermere and James Chabot Provincial Park both provide public beaches, playgrounds, and picnic areas. You can also enjoy easy walks in Windermere Lake Provincial Park, where you might spot local wildlife like deer and elk.

The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking on trails like the Hoodoo Trail near Fairmont Hot Springs or the Mount Swansea Trails. For water activities, both Windermere Lake and Columbia Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, motorboating, and windsurfing. In winter, the Lake Windermere Whiteway offers ice skating and cross-country skiing.

For scenic hikes, consider the Hoodoo Trail near Fairmont Hot Springs, which offers diverse outdoor experiences. The Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail is a 25-kilometer multi-use path connecting Invermere and Fairmont, providing scenic views, picnic areas, and viewpoints, including a Picnic Table With View of Windermere Lake. You can find more hiking options in our guide to Hiking around Area F.

Yes, in Invermere, you can explore the Pynelogs Cultural Centre and the Windermere Valley Museum to learn about local culture and history. Additionally, the Historic Spirit Trail on the eastern uplands of Columbia Lake allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of First Nations and early European explorers, connecting with the area's rich past.

Windermere Lake is renowned for its warm, shallow waters and wide sandy beaches, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, motorboating, wakeboarding, and windsurfing. Columbia Lake, the headwaters of the Columbia River, also offers pristine, clear waters perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Visitors particularly enjoy the refreshing environment of places like Sinclair Creek, which remains pleasantly cool even on hot summer days. The impressive views from Turret Falls and the panoramic vistas of the Hoodoos and Columbia Valley from the Viewpoint are also highly recommended. Many appreciate the opportunity to relax at scenic spots like the Picnic Table With View of Windermere Lake.

Absolutely. The Mount Swansea Trails near Windermere are very popular for mountain biking and offer spectacular views. The Hoodoo Trail near Fairmont Hot Springs also provides opportunities for mountain biking. You can find more routes in our guide to MTB Trails around Area F.

Yes, the region is known for its hot springs. Radium Hot Springs, a short drive north of Invermere, features popular hot pools and serves as a gateway to Kootenay National Park. Fairmont Hot Springs, located to the south, is another notable resort area with natural hot springs.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for water sports on Windermere and Columbia Lakes, with warm waters and sandy beaches. Autumn brings beautiful golden larches around Chester Lake. Winter transforms the area into a hub for ice skating and cross-country skiing on the Lake Windermere Whiteway, and Chester Lake is a great destination for snowshoeing.

For stunning views, visit the Viewpoint overlooking the Hoodoos and the Columbia Valley. The Mount Swansea Trails also offer spectacular views of the Columbia Valley for hikers. Additionally, the Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail has several designated viewpoints, including a Picnic Table With View of Windermere Lake.

The Columbia Wetlands are a crucial habitat for at least 300 wildlife species, including endangered ones, and over 250 species of migratory birds, making it an excellent spot for wildlife observation, especially by paddling. Windermere Lake Provincial Park also offers good opportunities for walking and observing local wildlife like deer and elk.