Parks and Recreation | Columbia Valley

get outside in fairmont hot springs!

Get back to nature in Fairmont Hot Springs. From hiking the trails, paddling the lakes and rivers, or simply taking in the beautiful mountain landscapes, plan to spend some time in the great outdoors.

Fairmont Hot Springs offers a fantastic basecamp for exploring the vast trail networks, paddling opportunities, and more in the surrounding areas. Located in the south end of the Columbia Valley, between the Rocky and Purcell Mountains, there is so much to explore in the natural surroundings of Fairmont Hot Springs. Don’t miss out on the beautiful opportunities that await in this hidden-gem community that offers amazing recreational activities.

HIKING

Hit the trails in Fairmont Hot Springs! From a peaceful walk along the Columbia River, to a sweeping view of the Dutch Creek Hoodoos, hikers will be rewarded with unforgettable views featuring the Rocky and Purcell Mountains. Hikers can head out right from town with these easy-to-find adventures.

Hoodoos Trail

Distance: 3.5 km

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.

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.

Markin – Macphail Westside Legacy Trail

Distance: 25km

A paved walking and biking trail connecting the communities of Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs. Although paved, the trail offers sweeping views of Lake Windermere and the Rockies with interpretive signs, picnic areas, and benches along the way.

Note: Dogs are not permitted on this trail.

Access: From Invermere, travel south on main street (7th Ave), turning right on 13th Street (at the CIBC), then left on 13th Avenue. This road turns into Westside Road; the trailhead will begin just after the Castle Rock Development, on the right (west) side of the road.

From Fairmont Hot Springs, travel south bound on the 93/95 Highway towards Canal Flats until you see Westside Road turn off on the right (you’ll see the Hoodoos). Once on Westside Road, you will go over a a cattle guard, and after you will see a parking lot on the right. There are one more parking areas along Westside Road.

PARKS

Spend time in the beautiful parks of Fairmont Hot Springs. With many nearby parks and greenspaces, you’ll find unlimited recreation opportunities for the whole family.

Columbia Lake Provincial Park

Explore the Columbia Lake Provincial Park to enjoy walking trails, lake access, and birdwatching opportunities. Nestled between Fairmont Hot Springs and Canal Flats, this park encompasses the serene, warm water of Columbia Lake.

Wilder Memorial Park

Explore the winding trails along the Columbia River at the Wilder Memorial Park. Bring your binoculars! Wilder Memorial Park is a great spot for birdwatching, as many varieties of the Columbia Valley birds call this area home. The Wilder Memorial Park is a hub of community activities from two pickleball courts open for public use, Columbia River access, walking paths, and greenspace.

PADDLING

SUP, kayak, or canoe – whatever floats your boat! Get out on the water in Fairmont Hot Springs whether you’re looking for the Headwaters of the Columbia River, or the expansive Columbia Lake.

Columbia River Float

Paddle in the headwaters of the Columbia River in Fairmont Hot Springs. Known for its popular river route twisting from the South to North ends of the community, this is a great self-guided paddle for those with experience. Check out the paddle options in Fairmont Hot Springs.

Columbia Lake

Paddle the nearby Columbia Lake with access just south of Fairmont Hot Springs in the town of Canal Flats at Tilley Memorial Park. The park has picnic tables, a grassy areas, washrooms, a boat launch and a swimming area.

Parks & Recreation in fairmont hot springs