The southeastern British Columbia town of Invermere is perched on Lake Windermere and sandwiched between the Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges, and the lake’s crystal-clear, stunningly blue waters reflect the evergreen pines and rugged mountains that stretch up above them. Located in the Columbia Valley just two hours from Banff, Invermere is a hub for travelers and adventurers.

The lake is a popular spot for water sports during the summer, and there’s even a beach right in the center of town.

You can float down the tranquil Columbia River on an inner tube, catching glimpses of soaring mountains along the way. In winter, Lake Windermere turns into one of the world’s longest skating paths, and all of the surrounding mountains make this a haven for skiers and snowboarders. Several hot springs in the area make for the perfect place to rest your muscles after a long day of hiking or to warm up after a day on the slopes. In town, you’ll find all the amenities you need for your stay, as well as some cultural flair in the form of artisan shops, mom-and-pop restaurants, trendy boutiques, and an array of art galleries.

Although the closest airport to Invermere is the Canadian Rockies International Airport (XYC) in Cranbrook, the most common airport to fly into is Calgary International Airport (YYC). Calgary’s airport is around a three-hour drive from Invermere’s vacation rentals, and the route itself is an adventure as it passes through the renowned Kootenay and Banff National Parks. The Canadian Rockies International Airport is only about 90 minutes away, but it accepts flights from a limited number of destinations.

The most convenient way to reach Invermere is by renting a car at either airport and driving, especially if you want to explore the region’s outstanding natural scenery, as there is very limited public transportation. In the city center, it is possible to walk or bike to most of the main attractions, but you will need a car to venture further.

Although the weather can get extreme in Invermere, it’s a great place to visit all year round, thanks to the plethora of outdoor activities on offer. Because the town’s elevation is 2,800 feet above sea level, the summer heat is far from oppressive in the summer. This is the best time to hit the trails in the nearby national parks or go for a swim in Lake Windermere. Each year on Canada Day in July, the town hosts a music and arts festival on the shore of the lake.

The fall is also a wonderful time to visit, when the trees explode into shades of red and yellow. In November, Invermere holds a film festival that focuses on wild and beautiful landscapes with the goal of inspiring attendees to become passionate about protecting the environment. During the winter, the town quiets down. Some local businesses close for the season, but this is the time to visit if you’re interested in downhill or cross-country skiing.

Pynelogs Cultural Center

The Pynelogs Cultural Center is the main cultural hub for the region. Home to many galleries and studios, the center showcases the work of more than 150 local artists and offers live music, film screenings, and workshops. If art-viewing makes you hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at the cafe and enjoy the views of Lake Windermere from the outdoor deck.

HooDoo Trail

You can reach the start of this scenic, two-mile trail via a half-hour drive south of town along either side of Windermere Lake. It takes around two hours to climb the sandstone cliffs and reach a lookout with far-reaching views over the beginnings of the mighty Columbia River. You’ll need spiked hiking boots in the colder months, but the dirt and gravel paths are dry in late spring and summer.

James Chabot Provincial Park

Lying right in the center of town, this lovely park offers the perfect spot to take a dip in the clear water of Lake Windermere. It is also a great starting point for paddleboarding or kayaking in the lake, where you’ll be surrounded by pine-covered hills and soaring mountains.