Lake Windermere Area Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kootenay National Park showing tranquil scenes as well as an individual male
Kootenay National Park featuring a lake or waterhole and mountains
Kootenay National Park showing a river or creek and tranquil scenes
Lake Windermere Area
Kootenay National Park featuring a lake or waterhole and forests as well as a couple

From beaches and watersports in summer to cross-country skiing and skating in winter, this lake sets the scene for year-round leisure activities.

For a fun-filled outdoor vacation, visit Lake Windermere, one of British Columbia’s most beloved areas for outdoor recreation. This destination for all seasons offers everything from golf to hiking, skiing and watersports. The lake is a broadening of the Columbia River in a valley framed by the Kootenay Rockies and Purcell Mountains. Spread along its shores are tourist-friendly villages and provincial parks.

Summer is a great time to be at the lake, when visitors relax in the sunshine at beaches such as Kinsmen Beach in the village of Invermere. Explore the mild water by rented kayak or motorboat and try wakeboarding, waterskiing and windsurfing. In winter, powdery snow falls upon the lake and surrounding countryside. Go cross-country skiing, ice-skating or skate skiing on Lake Windermere Whiteway, a 21-mile (34-kilometer) groomed trail. Watch pond hockey or curling on the frozen lake.

Spend time browsing the exhibits at Pynelogs Cultural Centre and Windermere Valley Museum in Invermere. Find a beach, children’s playground and picnic tables at James Chabot Provincial Park. On the lake’s eastern shores is the peaceful and picturesque hamlet of Windermere. Spot deer and elk while walking in the grasslands of Windermere Lake Provincial Park.

A 10-minute drive north of Invermere is Radium Hot Springs. This is the gateway to Kootenay National Park and the Radium Hot Springs Pools. To the south is Fairmont Hot Springs, a jumping-off point for Columbia Lake Provincial Park and Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area.

Tour the Columbia Valley Golf Trail, which incorporates eight courses situated between Radium Hot Springs and Fairmount Hot Springs. Eagle Ranch, The Ridge at Copper Point and Windermere Valley are all just a short drive from the lakeshore.

Lake Windermere is about a 170-mile (280-kilometer) drive southwest of CalgaryOpens in a new window. Rent a car and get here via the scenic highways that cut through the dramatic landscapes of Kootenay National Park. Check for avalanche warnings if visiting in winter.

Where to stay in Lake Windermere Area

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Forest Ridge Estates

While Forest Ridge Estates may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Greywolf Golf Course and Panorama Mountain Ski Area.

Forest Ridge Estates
Copper Point Resort

Copper Point Resort

4 out of 5
760 Cooper Road, Invermere, BC
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Invermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,026 reviews)

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Copper Point Resort
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

3.5 out of 5
5225 Fairmont Resort Rd, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC
The price is ₹22,832 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹22,832
₹28,594 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa lodge in Fairmont Hot Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,078 reviews)
Summer weekend get away
"We had a wonderful time at the resort, the kids played constantly in the pool. Loved the mini golf and park too. My only complaint is the in room coffee is horrible and if the coffee shop would please consider simple egg sandwiches to go. Most of the selections weren’t very healthy or filling."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Invermere Inn

Invermere Inn

2.5 out of 5
1310 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC
The price is ₹10,571 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹10,571
₹12,552 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Invermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Central to all activities in the area."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Invermere Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bighorn Meadows Resort

Bighorn Meadows Resort

4 out of 5
10 Bighorn Boulevard, Radium Hot Springs, BC
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Radium Hot Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (894 reviews)
"The resort is excellent, the sightseeing are incredible. The golf course in this location give you a feeling of serenity and peace."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Bighorn Meadows Resort
Panorama Vacation Retreat at Horsethief Lodge

Panorama Vacation Retreat at Horsethief Lodge

3.5 out of 5
2000 Panorama Drive (Bag 7000), Panorama, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star ski condo in Panorama. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 5 restaurants and 4 hot tubs. Popular attractions Panorama Mountain Ski Area and Silver Platter ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (371 reviews)
"Everything is good except a little far away from Invernere"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Panorama Vacation Retreat at Horsethief Lodge
Panorama Mountain Resort - Premium Condos and Townhomes

Panorama Mountain Resort - Premium Condos and Townhomes

3 out of 5
2000 Panorama Dr, Panorama, BC
Stay at this 3-star ski aparthotel in Panorama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Panorama Mountain Ski Area and Village ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (126 reviews)
What a gem!
"Great spot! Lots to do at the resort plus Toby Creek Adventures, Kootenay River Runners and Radium hot springs all super close by. We had a jam packed long weekend of atving, white water rafting, hot springs at night, chilling at the resort pool and going down the water slides and the pipe coaster. ..."

Reviewed on 3 Sep 2024

Panorama Mountain Resort - Premium Condos and Townhomes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Lake Windermere Area