Getting Here
By Bike
- Biking Trail: Radium Hot Springs
- Biking North: From Kimberley
- Biking South: From Golden
In from the North
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.
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1Lower Bugaboo FallsWestside Rd
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.
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2Old Coach Trail#8163 8185 Kootenay Hwy
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.
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3Kootenay National Park5085 Banff-Windermere Hwypc.gc.ca ·
Extraordinary trails, nature, and birding opportunities easily accessible from Highway 93.
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4Wilmer Wetlands Hiking Trail1A0, Westside Rd
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.
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5Beeland Market and Coffee Bar976 Highway 95
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.
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6Big Horn Cafe7527 Main Street West
A small locally owned and operated cafe in the heart of the Radium Hot Springs Village.
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7Screamers Ice Cream Café7518 Main St E, Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0
Retro ice creamery serving artisan ice cream flavours, coffee, and breakfast and lunch items.
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8Elevations4714 Springs Dr
Relax on the patio and enjoy pub house classics while overlooking the Springs golf course and the views of the Columbia River.
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9Conrad’s Kitchen and Grill7493 Main Street West
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.
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10Don Agave Cantina7493 Main Street West
Mexican restaurant in the Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort.
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11Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery7538 Main Street East
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.
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12Radium Mountainside Market7538 Main Street East
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.
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13Far Out Adventure Hub7514 Main Street EastBOOK NOW
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.
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14Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre7556 Main Street East
Visitor Information Centre for Tourism Radium and Kootenay National Park. There is an interpretive museum and the Friends of Kootenay National Park Gift Store.
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15Find a place to stay in Radium Hot Springs!
Choose from amazing campgrounds, beautiful hotels and resorts, rustic cabins, unique roadside motels, and charming B&Bs!
The hub of the Columbia Valley
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.
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16Columbia River Paddle25 Laurier StreetBOOK NOW
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.
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17Dorothy Lake1720 4 Ave
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.
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18James Chabot Provincial Park3 km off Highway 93/95 at the Invermere access road
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.
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20The Invermere Bakery1305 7 Avenue
Locally produced baked goods and coffee right in downtown Invermere.
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21Stolen Church Coffee Co.1045 7 Avenue
Locally roasted coffee filled with rich local history from the Columbia Valley.
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22AG Valley Foods906 7 Avenue
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.
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23Begginnings Breakfast1310 7th Ave
Brunch restaurant serving up favourites such as eggs benedict and chicken & waffles along with Melbourne-style coffee and signature cocktails.
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24Birchwood Restaurant722 13th Street
Mountain Casual dining in Invermere with a delicious hand-crafted menu and amazing wine pairings.
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25Cliffhanger Restaurant1860 Greywolf Drive
Soak in the glorious views of Panorama and the Greywolf Golf Course at this exceptional dining establishment.
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26Fuze315 3rd Ave
Grab and go meals bursting with healthy, fresh ingredients. Fuze specialties include the glory bowl salad, butter chicken wrap, and smoothies.
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27Rocky River Grill8888 Arrow Road
From the freshest salads to the juiciest burgers, Rocky River Grill will surely fill you up and satisfy your appetite.
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28The Station Pub1701 6 Avenue
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.
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29Ullr Bar722 13th Street
A casual lounge with creative cocktails and food, inspired by the Nordic god of snow and his massive gatherings to bring his community together.
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30Columbia Cycle & Ski375 Laurier Street
Bicycle rental store that also offers retail and tune-up services. In the winter they rent and sell skis and snowboards.
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31Pynelogs Cultural Centre & Art Gallery1720 4 Avenue
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.
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32Invermere Visitor Centre651 Highway 93/95
Visitor Centre serving Invermere and area. In the summer, a Visitor Information Kiosk can be found in downtown Invermere across from Village Arts.
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33Find a place to stay in Invermere-Panorama!
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.
Out to the South
Headed south and out of town along the road less travelled, fill your packs with market snacks en route to Columbia Lake birding areas.
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34Hoodoo Trail
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.
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35Tilley Memorial ParkRichardson Crescent
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.
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36Source of the Columbia River TrailNortheast end of the Village of Canal Flats
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.
Field Notes
Exploring the Columbia Valley Bird Trail
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37Edible Acres Farm + Cafe1681 BC-93
Farm and cafe just off the highway in Windermere. Serving locally sourced farm fresh dishes surrounded by greenery.
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38Fairmont Mountainside Market#8 4992 Fairmont Frontage Road
Locally owned and operated grocery and liquor store in Fairmont Hot Springs.
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39Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill5225 Fairmont Resort Road
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!
Explore More
25th annual Wings Festival happening May 9-15, 2022