Explore Windermere: Top Activities and Attractions

Nestled between the Purcell and Rocky mountain ranges, Windermere is a picturesque town on the east shore of Lake Windermere in the Columbia River Valley. Named after its English counterpart, Windermere offers a variety of lake and mountain activities for visitors.

Enjoy a swim at the public beach, rent a boat, or take a heritage tour to discover Windermere's history. Other popular activities include golfing, glassblowing demonstrations, and soaking in nearby hot springs.

1. Visit Windermere Public Beach

Windermere's public beach is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the views. Nearby Sandy Kinsmen Beach and James Chabot Provincial Park offer additional beachfront and playgrounds.

Address: Selkirk Street, Windermere, British Columbia

2. Soak in Hot Springs: Fairmont and Radium

Relax in the mineral-rich waters of Fairmont Hot Springs or Radium Hot Springs, each about 20 kilometers from Windermere. Both offer unique experiences, with Fairmont boasting the largest mineral hot spring and Radium offering historic aquacourt facilities.

• Fairmont Hot Springs
  • Address: 5225 Fairmont Resort Road, Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia
  • fairmonthotsprings.com
• Radium Hot Springs
  • Address: 7556 Main Street East, Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia
  • radiumhotsprings.com

3. Take the Windermere Historical Tour

Explore Windermere's past with a tour of heritage buildings, including the unique "Stolen Church" and the first RCMP barracks in the Rockies.

4. Rent a Boat at Windermere Lake Provincial Park

Discover the park's 36 kilometers of coastline by boat, kayak, or canoe. Enjoy the warm waters and keep an eye out for wildlife.

Official site: bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/windermere_lake

5. Glide over the Rockies from the Invermere Soaring Centre

Experience the thrill of gliding over the Canadian Rockies with a flight from the Invermere Soaring Centre.

Address: Airport Road, Invermere, British Columbia

Official site: canadianrockiessoaring.com/fly-now

6. Watch a Glassblowing Demo

Visit Bavin Glassworks to see glassblowing in action and explore their gallery of glass and ceramic art.

Address: 4884 Athalmer Road, Invermere, British Columbia

Official site: bavin-glassworks.business.site

7. Float the Columbia River

Enjoy a leisurely paddle down the Columbia River or explore Lake Windermere's wetlands with rentals and guided tours available.

8. Take the Family Bowling at Valley Alley Bowling Centre

Enjoy a nostalgic bowling experience at Valley Alley, complete with disco balls and neon lights.

Address: 1113 Swansea Road, Invermere, British Columbia

9. Try Go-Karting at Ozzie's Amusements

Have fun with mini-golf and go-karting at Ozzie's Amusements, and don't miss the delicious gelato next door.

Address: 4818 North Street, Windermere, British Columbia

Official site: ozziesamusements.com

10. Check Out Fairways at Windermere Valley and Copper Point

Play a round of golf surrounded by stunning mountain views at Windermere Valley Golf Course or Copper Point Golf Club.

• Windermere Valley Golf Course
  • Address: 1881 Windermere Loop Road, Windermere, British Columbia
  • www.windermerevalleygolfcourse.com
• Copper Point Golf Club
  • 651, Hwy 93/95, Invermere, British Columbia
  • https://copperpointgolf.com/

11. Charter a Boat at Shadybrook Marina

Enjoy water sports on Lake Windermere by chartering a boat with Shadybrook Marina, offering lessons and equipment for all levels.

Address: 1735 Cardiff Avenue, Windermere, British Columbia

Official site: shadybrookresort.com/marina

12. Pick Berries at Taylor Strawberry Farm

Visit Taylor Strawberry Farm to pick fresh strawberries and shop for local produce, dairy, and baked goods.

Address: 1490 Deebank Road, Windermere, British Columbia

Official site: taylorfarms.ca