Things to Do
We just know you'll find plenty to keep your busy during your stay with us.
In fact, there is so much to do around here you'll probably need to come back again and again! Please let us know if you have questions about anything you see here - or if there's anything else you'd like to know about this beautiful part of the world.
Lussier Hot Springs
Lussier Hot Springs is one of British Columbia's most beautiful and serene hot spring destinations located between Canal Flats and Whiteswan Lake.
The four hot spring pools have been naturally constructed right beside Lussier River using stones and boulders and are easily accessible via Whiteswan Forestry Road.
The temperatures of the pools vary from as hot as 47°C (118°F) down to around 34°C (94°F). Many visitors love to get hot and toasty in the hot pools and then cool off in the frigid waters of Lussier River and back into the heat again.
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You can get more information here:​
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Fairmont Hot Springs
Whether you're in the mood for a swim, some leisurely recreation, or just want to unwind, the pools are suitable for all ages. The soaking pool maintains a welcoming temperature of approximately 39°C (102°F), while the large swimming pool and dive pool provide refreshing waters at 32°C (89°F) and 30°C (86°F), respectively.
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Link to resort website is here:
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Fairmont Hoodoos
A short hike with great views of Columbia Lake and Dutch Creek. The Hoodoos Trail offers exploration of this stunning geographic feature and vegetation. Stay left when the trail forks; this will allow you to complete a loop around the hoodoos.
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Access: Travel south on Hwy 93/95 to Fairmont Hot Springs and past the town. After crossing the bridge over the train tracks, take the first right on to Westside Road. Follow for 1.5 km and turn left into a large rectangular gravel parking lot labeled for the Hoodoo trail. The trail starts by passing through a large gate.
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For more information on the Hoodoos Trail, or other local hikes, check out the following link:​
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The Whiteway
The Whiteway is a 34 km (21 mi) groomed track that runs all the way around the lake and connects the towns of Invermere and Windermere.
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It is the World’s Longest Skating Path and has tracks for classic cross-country and skate skiing, and a cleared ice-skating track.
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Kinsmen Beach is one of the main starting points for the Whiteway. This spot also has a small skating rink with benches and a firepit. The other two entry points are at the Invermere Bay Condos and at Windermere Beach. Each entry point has a large timberframe sign providing user information, maps and a donation box.
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The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club maintains the Lake Windermere Whiteway. You can get more info here:
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Panorama Ski Resort
Panorama Mountain Resort is a premier year-round alpine destination located in the Purcell Mountains of southeastern British Columbia, approximately 20 minutes from Invermere.
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The lift-accessible terrain at Pano places it in the Top Ten in North America in terms of size. It also has one of the largest vertical drops in North America, at 4,265 feet, placing it 5th behind Revelstoke, Whistler, Jackson Hole, and Kicking Horse.
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The best part: there are generally no crowds!​ More information regarding the resort is here:
Our Ski-In / Ski-Out Panorama Condo
Our home at Sheringham Acres is about 40 minutes from Panorama, but we also have a condo at the resort. For those guests planning to ski or snowboard at Panorama we can provide a key card that will allow you to park in the underground parking right in the day lodge (Ski Tip). The key card will give you access to the slopeside pools at the resort, as well.
In the summer, there is a great activity centre set up at the base of the mountain that past guests with children have really enjoyed.
We have renters in the condo so you won’t be able to access the actual apartment, but you can use the other amenities.
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Ask us for details.
Tilley Memorial Park
Situated at the southern end of Columbia Lake in Canal Flats, this park is only about 10 minutes away and offers spectacular mountain vistas and lakeshore recreation. This includes picnicking, swimming​, and boating.​
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The park has a public boat launch for access to the lake and some protected moorage. As well as an enclosed swimming area and adjacent tables making this a perfect beach setting for lakeside outings.
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The day-use picnic area has tables (some with sun shelters), grassed area and a large parking area.
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Note: Fees may apply for the boat launch or other activities. The fees below may not be 100% accurate but were taken from the park website.
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Parking:$5 per person to a maximum of $15
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Daily Boat Launch fee – $20
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For more info:
Coy's Par 3 and Bistro
Coys Golf and Bistro is our personal favourite, offering a menu of hearty dishes and refreshing drinks in a beautiful, rustic setting. The food is so good!
During the summer, the patio comes alive providing the perfect spot to dine or enjoy great cocktails while soaking in panoramic views of the Columbia Valley and the Rocky Mountains. More info here:
Banff/Lake Louise Day Trip
Depending on where you're visiting us from or the route you took to get here, you may have already visited Banff or Lake Louise. But if not, it is definitely possible to see Banff on a day trip from our Airbnb. In fact, we've done it several times.
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The town of Banff sits within one of North America's most scenic National Parks. And Lake Louise, and its iconic Fairmont Hotel, are quintessentially Canadian.
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The drive to the town of Banff is gorgeous, and takes you through often-overlooked Kootenay National Park, as well. The drive from our property to the town of Banff is just a little bit over two hours. So if you hit the road early you can have an enjoyable day exploring the townsite as well as many picturesque spots along the way.
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Plan your adventure here:
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Village Social
An amazing breakfast spot and cafe in Canal Flats, the Village Social is definitely worth checking out during your stay.
They also do a really great home-cooked Saturday evening fixed-menu dinner service. Check them out on Facebook for more info.
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4957 Burns Ave, Canal Flats, BC V0B 1B0​
Local Trail to Columbia Lakle
If you don't feel like driving somehwere for hike, there is a nice trail right across the highway that leads to Columbia Lake.
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You can walk right from our place, or drive across the highway and park at the trailhead.
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Ask us for more information if you're interested in this hike.
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Golf Courses
There are dozens of golf courses within driving distance of our Airbnb, including everything from family-friendly par 3's to some of the top public golf courses in Canada. The photo above is from Greywolf at Panorama, but within a ten minute drive from our Airbnb you can find Coy's Par 3 as well as three other nice courses at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.
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You could stay a week and play a different golf course each day in our part of the Columbia Valley. For more information on all the local golf options check out the Columbia Valley Golf webiste below.
Town of Invermere
The town of Invermere is a picturesque small town with a vibrant town core and quaint shops. A short 20-25 minute drive from our Airbnb, be sure to check it out if this is your first visit to the Columbia Valley.
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A particularly scenic drive into town is along Westside Road. Just turn left onto Westside Road shortly after passing the gas station at the base of the hoodoos.
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More information can be found here:
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Village of Canal Flats
The village of Canal Flats is about ten minutes south of on Highway 93, and is home to about 700 residents.
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It is a hub for year-round outdoor activities such as off-roading and hunting. More info can be found on the town's website at:
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Canal Flats​
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Town of Kimberley
The city of Kimberley is set in an exquisite location on the western slope of the valley. This former mining town has recreated itself as a tourism destination, complete with championship golf courses, ski resort and an underground railway that takes visitors into the Sullivan Mine.
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A must-see is the Platzl. It features Canada’s largest free-standing Cuckoo Clock – put a coin in and out comes Happy Hans. A forest-trimmed path leads from the Platzl to the aromatically captivating Cominco Gardens. This property includes pathways, seating area and acres of gardens filled with thousands of colourful blossoms and giant larch trees.
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You can be in Kimberley in less than an hour from our Airbnb. You can get more information here:
Radium Hot Springs
We spent our first Columbia Valley winter in Radium Hot Springs and fell in love with that cute little town! It's nestled between the Canadian Rockies and the Purcell Mountains, with the Columbia River running through the valley between the mountain ranges.
Radium is home to a huge car show each summer, and it's also your point of entry into gorgeous Kootenay National Park.
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And no visit to Radium is complete without a dip in the hot springs. We went over 30 times during our winter there and the pools are a great year-round destination.
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Radium Hot Springs is around 40 minutes north on Highway 93. You'll find more info here:
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Whitewater Rafting
Several of our guests have gone whitewater rafting with Kootenay River Runners. They offer whitewater rafting in the heart of the Canadian Rockies for adventurous travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
With three different locations and rivers ranging from mild to wild, there is a perfect trip for everyone.
Operating since 1976, they are the original rafting company on each of the rivers they call home.
Whether you're looking for an extreme adventure on the Kicking Horse River in Golden, a unique wilderness adventure on the Kootenay River in Radium Hot Springs or a fast, fun rip on Toby Creek at Panorama they'll share their joy of the river with you.
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You can get their info here:
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Other Links
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Here are a handful of additional links with other suggestions and ideas for your visit:
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Columbia Valley Events​​