Steve Williams, Realtor
The Columbia Valley > Recreational Opportunities | Why buy here?
Welcome to the Columbia Valley! Our beautiful Valley is nestled between the Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges in the East Kootenay region of Southeastern British Columbia. The valley, created by the meandering path of the Columbia River, begins in the south at Canal Flats and ends at the north in Golden. Along the way through Fairmont Hot Springs, Windermere, Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Spillimacheen and Golden, it forms Columbia Lake and Lake Windermere—home to prime recreational opportunities.
The Columbia Valley, or Windermere Valley as it is sometimes called, is a four-season recreational paradise. Residents and visitors enjoy a wonderfully diverse community with world-class golf and skiing, and boating, hiking, mountaineering, fishing, cycling, and more.
Learn more about recreational opportunities and why the Columbia Valley makes sense as an investment.
Invermere is the commercial centre of the Valley. Here you’ll find schools, medical facilities, shopping, galleries, banking, government offices and recreational centres. The town of 3,000 enjoys access to Lake Windermere at public beaches, and stunning mountain views.
Located just 18 km west of Invermere, Panorama Mountain Village is a world-class ski resort that recently played host to the World Cup of Ski Racing. Also located at Panorama is championship golf course Greywolf, which has been rated as one of the top ten golf courses in Canada.
At Panorama, you’ll find an array of residential housing, including townhomes, chalets, condominiums and chalets. There are year-round recreational opportunities, including nature, hiking, mountain biking and cross-country ski trails, and some of the best skiing in the Kootenay-Rockies.
Windermere is adjacent the west shore of Lake Windermere, close to all valley golf courses and recreational facilities. You’ll enjoy the small town flavor of this community with its public beaches and private Tretheway and Indian beach communities.
Lakeview Meadows, Timber Ridge, and many other prestigious communities are located in Windermere.
Windermere’s annual fall fair and scarecrow festival, featuring musical performances and a wife-carrying contest, is a favourite of locals and visitors alike.
All types of realty options are available in Windermere, ranging from lots to lakeside cottages.
Radium Hot Springs is the gateway to the Columbia Valley through Kootenay National Park from Banff. Radium is known worldwide for its natural mineral hot springs, wildlife (especially Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep) and scenic valley views. Radium offers commercial venues and restaurants, along with two championship golf courses. Condos, villas, recreational & commercial properties are all available.
North of Radium Hot Springs you will find the quaint villages of Edgewater, Spur Valley and Brisco.
Fairmont Hot Springs is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, at the headwaters of Columbia Lake, 20 minutes south of Invermere. Famous for its natural hot springs, resort amenities and breathtaking scenery, Fairmont is home to two championship golf courses, a family ski resort and a Par 3 golf course. The full range of realty options are available, including golf resort side homes.
Several small communities surround Columbia Lake, which is located between Fairmont Hot Springs and Canal Flats, and close to all Fairmont amenities.
Communities include Columere Park at the north end of the lake, and adjacent to the lake on the east shore: Bella Vista Estates, Spirits Reach and Columbia Ridge Estates.
There is a public boat launch at the south end of Columbia Lake.
Canal Flats, home of the headwaters of the Columbia River, is located approximately 20 minutes from the town centre at Fairmont Hot Springs. Residents enjoy a rural lifestyle with magnificent mountain views, and easy access to numerous lakes, Provincial parks and natural hot pools.
© 2008, Steve Williams, ROYAL LEPAGE ROCKIES WEST REALTY. Independently owned and operated. Columbia/Windermere Valley real estate.