The traditional territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc people.

Entering the village of Radium through the iconic Sinclair Canyon presents visitors with pristine views as they’re welcomed to the crossroads of adventure and relaxation.

Farther south lies Invermere: a quaint, lakeside mountain town. Life on the edge of the Canadian Rockies affords incredible opportunities to slow down and relax, or ramp up and explore in the shadow of the Panorama Mountain Resort.

Getting Here


Radium and Invermere

Entering the village of Radium through the iconic Sinclair Canyon presents visitors with pristine views as they’re welcomed to the crossroads of adventure and relaxation.

Farther south lies Invermere: a quaint, lakeside mountain town. Life on the edge of the Canadian Rockies affords incredible opportunities to slow down and relax, or ramp up and explore in the shadow of the Panorama Mountain Resort.

    Rolling down the Columbia River Valley, you’re sure to find yourself slowing down to marvel at the breathtaking mountain vistas – and if you’re lucky, the Bighorn Sheep too.

  • 1
    Westside Road, Spillimacheen, BC, CA, V0A 1P0

    3km trail found near Brisco, BC. This short trail will take hikers up the Bugaboo Creek to a beautiful waterfall in the forest. One steep section is located halfway through the trail, but overall is an easy hike.

  • 2
    8185 Kootenay Highway, Radium Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0A 1M0

    A 9km (one-way) biking and hiking trail that offers spectacular views of the Columbia River Wetlands and the Purcell Mountains with excellent opportunities to see birds and other wildlife through binoculars.

  • 3
    5085 Banff-Windermere Highway, BC, CA, V0A 1M0

    Extraordinary trails, nature, and birding opportunities easily accessible from Highway 93.

  • 4
    Westside Road, Athalmer, BC, CA, V0A 1A0

    A relatively flat 3.7km circuit that loops along the edge of the Columbia River Wetlands, but also includes a steeper hiking portion with breathtaking views of the Rocky and Purcell Mountains. Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for resident birds and migratory visitors, such as hawks, waterfowl, and herons.

    This critical wetland habitat is part of the federally protected Columbia National Wildlife Area. While hiking and wildlife viewing are permitted, several actions are prohibited to preserve this important environment. Head to the Government of Canada’s website to learn more.

     

  • 5
    976 British Columbia 95, Spillimacheen, BC, CA, V0A 1P0

    Stop by for a coffee and check out the selection of fresh seasonal honeys, preserves, gourmet foods, and beauty products – all made with the goodness of pure Rocky Mountain Honey.

  • 6
    7527 Main Street West, Radium Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0A 1M0

    A small locally owned and operated cafe in the heart of the Radium Hot Springs Village.

  • 7
    7518 Main Street East, Radium Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0A 1M0

    Retro ice creamery serving artisan ice cream flavours, coffee, and breakfast and lunch items.

  • 8
    4714 Springs Drive, Radium Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0A 1M0

    Relax on the patio and enjoy pub house classics while overlooking the Springs golf course and the views of the Columbia River.

  • 9
    7493 Main Street West, Radium Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0A 1M0

    Load up on a delicious and hearty meal before adventuring in the Columbia Valley. This restaurant located in the Prestige Resort is named after one of Canada’s great pioneering mountain guides, Conrad Kain.

  • 10
    7493 Main Street West, Radium Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0A 1M0

    Mexican restaurant in the Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort.

  • 11
    7538 Main Street East, Radium Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0A 1M0

    Named after a local legend and known for its fun-filled events, Horsethief Creek Pub is sure to fill you up and delight you before or after your adventures.

  • 12
    7538 Main Street East, Radium Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0A 1M0

    Grab some quick food to go or some ingredients for cooking from this locally owned and operated grocery store in the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

  • 13
    7514 Main Street East, Radium Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0A 1M0

    Outdoor retail and rental store in Radium Hot Springs that also offers guided river trips in the summer, and an array of equipment rentals available including bikes, canoes, and winter gear.

  • 14
    7556 Main Street East, Radium Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0A 1M0

    Visitor Information Centre for Tourism Radium and Kootenay National Park. There is an interpretive museum and the Friends of Kootenay National Park Gift Store.

  • 15

    Choose from amazing campgrounds, beautiful hotels and resorts, rustic cabins, unique roadside motels, and charming B&Bs!

  • Gaelic for ‘at the mouth of the lake’, Invermere exists at the edge of the Canadian Rockies. Set against some of the most inspiring outdoor vistas in the province, Invermere is home to Panorama: one of the feature stops on the famous Powder Highway.

    Windermere Lake Invermere - BC Bird Trail - Destination BC - Mitch Winton
  • 16
    25 Laurier Street, Athalmer, BC, CA, V0A 1A0

    Columbia River Paddle rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. They also offer guided tours, such as an Interpretive Wetlands Tour of the Columbia River Wetlands, perfect for birdwatching, as well as a longer tour that takes you along the Columbia River from Invermere to Radium Hot Springs.

  • 17
    Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1K4

    Located at the edge of Kinsmen Park in Invermere, this small lake close to town offers accessible opportunities to see a variety of shorebirds, waterfowl, herons, and osprey.

  • 18
    Athalmer, BC, CA, V0A 1A0

    Located on the banks of Windermere Lake, this Provincial Park offers a wide sand beach for lakeshore recreation. Check out the interpretive boardwalk trail for birdwatching opportunities and read all about the wetlands and the animals that call it home.

  • 19
    1213 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1A0

    Cafe in downtown Invermere serving fresh food and Kicking Horse Coffee.

  • 20
    1305 7 Avenue, Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1K0

    Locally produced baked goods and coffee right in downtown Invermere.

  • 21
    1045 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1K6

    Locally roasted coffee filled with rich local history from the Columbia Valley.

  • 22
    906 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1K0

    A family-owned grocery store in downtown Invermere with a good selection of natural and organic items, as well as fresh, ready-to-go meals from the deli.

  • 23
    1310 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1K0

    Brunch restaurant serving up favourites such as eggs benedict and chicken & waffles along with Melbourne-style coffee and signature cocktails.

  • 24
    722 13 Street, Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1K0

    Mountain Casual dining in Invermere with a delicious hand-crafted menu and amazing wine pairings.

  • 25

    Soak in the glorious views of Panorama and the Greywolf Golf Course at this exceptional dining establishment.

  • 26
    315 3rd Avenue, Athalmer, BC, CA, V0A 1A0

    Grab and go meals bursting with healthy, fresh ingredients. Fuze specialties include the glory bowl salad, butter chicken wrap, and smoothies.

  • 27
    8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1K0

    From the freshest salads to the juiciest burgers, Rocky River Grill will surely fill you up and satisfy your appetite.

  • 28
    1701 6 Avenue, Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1K4

    Sit back and take in the view from The Station Pub’s large patio that overlooks Lake Windermere. With classic bites and a variety of drinks, the Station Pub will not disappoint.

  • 29
    722 13 Street, Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1K0

    A casual lounge with creative cocktails and food, inspired by the Nordic god of snow and his massive gatherings to bring his community together.

  • 30
    375 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1K0

    Bicycle rental store that also offers retail and tune-up services. In the winter they rent and sell skis and snowboards.

  • 31
    1720 4 Avenue, Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1K4

    One of the top cultural venues in the Columbia Valley. Pynelogs hosts an art gallery and retail store full of locally produced pieces and products.

  • 32
    651 Hwy 93/95, Invermere, BC, CA, V0A 1K0

    Visitor Centre serving Invermere and area. In the summer, a Visitor Information Kiosk can be found in downtown Invermere across from Village Arts.

  • 33

    From a family-friendly Invermere Inn & Suites hotel in the center of Invermere to resort-style lodging at Panorama Mountain Resort, there are plenty of options for places to rest your head.

  • Headed south and out of town along the road less travelled, fill your packs with market snacks en route to Columbia Lake birding areas.

    Horned Grebe
  • 34
    BC, CA, V0B 1L0

    This short but relatively steep 3km trail provides beautiful views of the local farmland, Columbia Valley, and Dutch Creek – a perfect place for elevated birding.

  • 35
    Richardson Crescent, BC, CA

    Located at the southeast end of Columbia Lake, this is a good birding spot for viewing shorebirds and waterfowl, and also offers spectacular mountain vistas and plenty of lakeshore recreation.

  • 36
    BC, CA, V0B 1B0

    Short 2km trail that brings hikers to the beginning of the Columbia River at the head of Columbia Lake. Follow the accessible gravel trail with wooden bridges for chances to see birds along the wetlands and read about their habitat through the interpretive signage.

  • Nestled between the rugged Rocky and Purcell Mountains in southeast BC, the Columbia Valley offers a wild side of British Columbia’s outdoor activities, but with a good mix of relaxing serenity in the form of hot springs and luxury accommodations. Exploring the Columbia Valley Bird Trail takes you through breathtaking scenery with a plentiful amount of bird activity.

    Read More

  • 37
    1681 British Columbia 93, Windermere, BC, CA, V0B 2L2

    Farm and cafe just off the highway in Windermere. Serving locally sourced farm fresh dishes surrounded by greenery.

  • 38
    4992 Fairmont Frontage Road, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0B 1L1

    Locally owned and operated grocery and liquor store in Fairmont Hot Springs.

  • 39
    5225 Fairmont Resort Road, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0B 1L1

    Dinner at Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is an excellent way to end a day after exploring the Columbia Valley!