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.

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.

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.

Do

 * 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).
 * 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.
 * 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).
 * 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.
 * 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.

Drink


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).