Getting Here


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.

Old Coach Trail in Radium Hot Springs - an itinerary stop on the Columbia Valley Bird Trail
Old Coach Trail in Radium Hot Springs
 Birding
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    Lower Bugaboo Falls
    Westside 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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    Old 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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    Kootenay National Park
    5085 Banff-Windermere Hwy

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

  • 4
    Wilmer Wetlands Hiking Trail
    1A0, 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.

     

 Cafe
 Food
The Village of Radium Hot Springs
The Village of Radium Hot Springs
 Food
 Shopping
 Visitor Centre
 Accommodations
  • 15
    Find 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.

Windermere Lake by Mitch Winton
 Birding
  • 16
    Columbia River Paddle
    25 Laurier Street

    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.

    BOOK NOW
  • 17
    Dorothy Lake
    1720 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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    James Chabot Provincial Park
    3 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.

 Cafe
 Food
  • 22
    AG Valley Foods
    906 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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    Begginnings Breakfast
    1310 7th Ave

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

Small town of Invermere by Mitch Winton
 Food
 Shopping
 Visitor Centre
  • 32
    Invermere Visitor Centre
    651 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.

 Accommodations
  • 33
    Find 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.

Horned Grebe
 Birding
  • 34
    Hoodoo 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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    Tilley Memorial Park
    Richardson 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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    Source of the Columbia River Trail
    Northeast 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

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…
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 Food

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Attend Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival

25th annual Wings Festival happening May 9-15, 2022

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