10 Fall Things to Do In Invermere and the Columbia Valley
From the picturesque shores of Lake Windermere to the tranquil beauty of the entire Columbia Valley, those seeking adrenaline and those seeking relaxation, each find an ideal location. The variety of things to do in Invermere, British Columbia and the surrounding adventure playground, makes this an ultimate year round destination.
However, come fall, when the larch trees paint higher mountain landscapes golden, the Columbia Valley becomes a special gem. While the Alberta side of the Rocky Mountains overflow elbow to elbow with nature loving visitors, the Columbia Valley remains serene.
Where is Invermere?
Near the Alberta border, Invermere is a community in eastern British Columbia. Sitting in the heart of the Columbia Valley, a mere 14 kms. (8.5 mi.) south from its neighbour Radium Hot Springs.
A three hour drive west of Calgary, the road trip winds through both Banff and Kootenay National Parks. Invermere is within the Columbia Wetlands, North America’s largest intact wetland.
Map of things to do in Invermere and the Columbia Valley
The map below acts as your itinerary guide. Click on the icons for photos and descriptions. Use it along with the descriptions of the Columbia Valley activities in the article below.
ATV to View Larch Trees with Toby Creek Adventures
Have you seen larch trees blazing in autumn glory? No matter your mobility or fitness level, here is a way to climb to 8000 feet of elevation and see the fall spectacle without crowds. Thanks to Toby Creek Adventures we took a side-by-side (SXS) ATV, with a guide leading the way.
What is so special about a tree turning yellow after summer you ask? The larch tree, unlike its coniferous cousins the fir, spruce and pine, sheds its needles each autumn.
The Larches in Paradise ATV/SXS tour winds upward on alpine trails from the Toby Creek Adventures office in the valley. Including a stop at Marmot Falls, the ride combines mountain views and golden trees in an autumn nature extravaganza.
With multiple stops for scenic vistas, guests can also enjoy a gorgeous larch panorama from the deck of Paradise cabin located at a historic silver mine site.
The larch trees are best seen the last two weeks of September and early October. However Toby Creek Adventures is open year round, providing snowmobiling tours in winter.
Cycle the Westside Legacy Trail
The Markin-McPhail Westside Legacy Trail connects the communities of Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs. The 25 km. (15.5 mi.) paved path welcomes non-motorized or human powered travel. Along the way watch for picnic tables, benches and lookouts of the Rocky Mountains and Lake Windermere.
Renting e-bikes from Lakeside Bike Co. in downtown Inveremere, our ride to the north trailhead is 4.5km. (2.8mi.) through town, almost entirely on marked bike paths. Once at the trailhead, we find the Westside Legacy Trail in perfect condition.
A parking lot and outdoor washrooms are 10 km ( 6.2 mi.) from the north trailhead and 15 km (9.3 mi.) from the south trailhead. This allows users to skip the more difficult section nearer to Inveremere if they wish.
Paddle the Columbia River Wetlands
On a windy morning in Invermere, we walk into the office of Columbia River Paddle on the edge of the Columbia River. With some hesitation at the thought of motion sickness, I follow our guide Lindon through the safety instructions and launching of our kayak into the water.
I am imagining waves with whitecaps ahead.
Yet as our guide begins to share the history of Invermere and the Columbia River Wetlands, we miraculously enter the calm waters of the country’s largest intact wetlands.
Bald eagles swoop overhead while the kingfisher birds chatter at us from the nearby banks.
The fall colours begin to show themselves as we gently paddle by chimney-like hoodoos and shallow marshlands rich in biodiversity. The wetlands act as an environmental cleaner according to Lindon.
As we pass a resident beaver lodge, another bald eagle glides silently against the blue sky.
Columbia River Paddle offers both guided tours and rentals of canoes, kayaks and SUP until mid October or as weather allows.
Where to Stay in Inveremere
Checking into Copper Point Resort my first thought is how perfect this hotel could be for our three generation family.
It is the full kitchen and washer and dryer that have me already planning future trips with grandchildren in tow.
With an indoor and outdoor pool, sport court and playground we may never need to find other things to do in Invermere.
The Elements restaurant within Copper Springs serves both breakfast and dinner. On a stormy night during our stay we were happy to have our vehicle parked underground at the resort while eating in.
If golf in Invermere is on your wish list, a course is steps away. If spas in Invermere is more your style, the Gemstone Salon and Spa is within the building and open Tuesday to Saturday.
Our favourite restaurants in Invermere
Stolen Church Coffee
Family owned and in business since 2004, the bustle of customers at this micro coffee brewery and gelateria speaks for itself. Light lunches and freshly baked goods, as well as over 50 flavours of locally made gelato make Stolen Church one of our top picks of places to eat in Invermere.
The Invermere Bakery
At 3:00 pm on a sunny fall afternoon, there is a line up at the bakery. What is left of the pastries baked that day are half price. We think the prices for the donuts, croissants and cinnamon rolls are reasonable at full price. However, big applause to Invermere Bakery in preventing food waste.
Kicking Horse Café
Legend says a Rocky Mountain explorer, kicked in the head by his horse, and thought dead by his companions, only needed a ‘kick-ass’ cup of coffee to be revived.
Whether you believe the legend or not, the name stuck. For the past quarter of a century the Kicking Horse has been roasting coffee.
From humble beginnings in a garage, to todays modern design café and large roastery, the coffee is delicious, fair trade and organic.
Beginnings Breakfast and Brunch
If there is a contest for a hidden gem in Invermere, the Beginnings Restaurant wins the prize. Seeing the sign on on the side of a concrete wall downtown, we tentatively head down to a basement entrance.
As we open the doors at lunch time, the restaurant is jammed with customers with light streaming through windows. Not so hidden for those who know.
Made from scratch, breakfast-themed menu options arrive promptly. Beginnings is open Thursday to Monday 8:00am to 3:00pm.
Arrowhead Brewing
Across the street from Kicking Horse Café, this 1950’s gastown themed taproom brews a variety of ales. Typically seven beers on tap are available as well as several seasonal varieties. The Arrowhead Brewery does not serve meals but you can order locally made snacks.
Dinner at Birchwood in Invermere
Describing itself as a casual adult dining experience, the Birchwood opens at 5:00pm. Featuring local products, the menu ranges from beef tenderloin to falafel.
Indoor and patio seating is available, with atrium seating in the winter. The days vary depending on the season and reservations are recommended.
Kinsmen Beach and Park
On the shores of Lake Windermere this public beach and surrounding space brims with activity in summer months. Accessible washrooms, showers and change rooms, a children’s playground and swimming area make this a sought after spot for all ages.
On our fall visit, it is a quiet walk along the shores of the lake with the surrounding tall trees waving greetings in the wind. We pass by the now closed-for-the-season watersports rental shop.
The Painted Turtles of Dorothy Lake
The small body of water, think pond rather than lake, at the edge of Kinsmen Park is home to a multitude of wildlife. Western painted turtles find haven in this mini-wetland.
Being the only species of pond turtle left in British Columbia, it is blue listed, meaning vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbances by humans. If you spot a turtle please enjoy from a distance.
Shopping in Invermere
If you are looking for big box stores you are in the wrong place. Downtown Invermere is lined with boutiques, art shops and locally owned eateries making an afternoon of browsing a quest of unique finds.
The non profit Village Arts consignment coop for local artists, has been promoting Canadian art for over 30 years.
Fairmont Hot Springs
Invermere to Fairmont Hot Springs is a 27 km. (16.5 mi.) drive south on BC-93S/BC-95S. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is home to the largest natural mineral hot springs in all of Canada.
The three adjacent pools are naturally heated, rich with minerals and located within Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Users proclaim healing powers of the spring waters that flow steadily creating the pristine pools. We can attest to the soothing soak after a day of activities.
The water temperature in the soaking pool is kept at a relaxing 39oC (102°F), while the large swimming pool is at a comfortable 32oC (89°F) and the water is refreshingly cool at 30oC (86°F) in the dive pool. A personal favourite feature is that the pools are odourless.
Things to Do in the Columbia Valley – Banff to Radium
Although a road trip from Calgary can be done in less than half a day, the journey from Banff to Invermere has several do-not-miss nature stops. From deep canyons to raging waterfalls to epic lookouts, it is a journey full of wonder.
Marble Canyon
Watch for signs 48 km (30 mi.) from Banff for Marble Canyon. Here a day use parking area is on the right hand side. Marble Canyon campground parking is on the left side of the highway.
The turquoise waters of Tokumm Creek are visible from the parking lot. An easy 1.3 km. (0.8 mi.) out and back trail provides extraordinary views of an ever deepening canyon. Bridges cross the gorge until you reach a waterfall.
Paint Pots
The Paint Pots of Kootenay National Park are a colour extravaganza worth seeing. With a wheelchair accessible trail leading to a bridge crossing the Vermillion River, the yellow, brown and red Paint Pots can be viewed by all ages and abilities.
The acidic mineral spring system deposits ochre, a natural clay pigment once collected by the Ktunaxa people, for use in tipis, clothing, rock drawings and body paint. The Paint Pots are 85 km. (53 mi.) east of the village of Radium Hot Springs on Highway 93.
Numa Falls
A mere minute’s walk from the parking lot to a bridge overlooking the water, Numa Falls is an easy stop on your Invermere road trip. On Highway 93, 55 km. (34 mi.) from Banff, stop at the sign for Numa Falls.
Here the water gouges at the rock walls with no mercy. The short walk and pedestrian bridge makes this a highly accessible site.
Dolly Varden Day Use Area
How does a fish cross a road? The Dolly Varden Day Use Area, 37 km. (23 mi.) east of Radium, British Columbia on Highway 93, serves as an educational park.
Like neighbouring Banff National Park, Kootenay National Park has constructed multiple wildlife crossings. Decreasing collisions and promoting natural migration patterns, the crossings serve as a animal protection model for countries around the world.
The Dolly Varden presents a miniature version of the crossings where children and adults alike can burn off road trip energy while learning about how humans are helping animals cross the road.
Kootenay Valley Viewpoint
Parking for the stunning Kootenay Valley View Point is on the right hand side of Highway 93 heading west. With astounding views of the Mitchell and Vermillion mountain ranges, the Kootenay River flows far below.
From the picturesque shores of Lake Windermere to the tranquil beauty of the entire Columbia Valley, those seeking adrenaline and those seeking relaxation, each find an ideal location. The variety of things to do in Invermere, British Columbia and the surrounding adventure playground, makes this an ultimate year round destination. However, come fall, when the…
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