Getting Here
Access
by car
Enter via Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park, where you can enjoy scenic stops and hikes along the way. From Golden, Highway 95 offers stunning views of the Columbia River Wetlands and easy access to the Golden Triangle, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, Golden and Radium.
Coming from the south? Travel the iconic Highway 3 through Creston, Nelson, Cranbrook, Fernie or from the United States, with beautiful scenery all the way to the Columbia Valley.
Drive Times:
Calgary 3 Hours | 260kms (161 miles)
Banff 1.5 Hours | 136kms (84 miles)
Cranbrook 1.5 Hours | 143kms (88 miles)
Kelowna 5.5 Hours | 448kms (278 miles)
Kalispell 3.5 Hours | 345kms (214 miles)
by air
The nearest airport to the Columbia Valley is the Canadian Rockies International Airport located in Cranbrook, B.C. It is a small, regional airport servicing the Kootenay-Rockies area, with flights mainly to and from Calgary, Kelowna, and Vancouver. Calgary International Airport is the nearest large airport to the Columbia Valley and is approximately a three-hour drive.
Valley Shuttles located in the Columbia Valley offers reliable airport transportation services between the Columbia Valley (Invermere and surrounding area) and both Calgary (YYC) and Cranbrook (YXC) airports.
Know before you go
Make sure to check current road conditions and closures before travelling. The most up-to-date information on highway conditions can be found at DriveBC.ca. Road Conditions for Alberta can be found at 511.Alberta.ca.
The nearest car rentals are available in Banff, Cranbrook or Calgary.
Tires with a mountain and snowflake or M+S rating are required from October 1 to April 30. If renting a vehicle, request winter tires ahead of time.
For the latest Columbia Valley travel updates, and important information, visit our Travel Updates page
While you're here
From local transportation and shuttle services to winter connections, there are options to help you explore the Valley without having to drive everywhere. Dara’s Dolphins, Valley Vibes and Valley Shuttles offer transportation options throughout the valley, while the Mountain Valley Shuttle provides seasonal service to and from Panorama Mountain Resort during the winter.
Ev Charging Stations
Travelling by EV? Charging stations are available throughout the Columbia Valley, with locations at the Esso and Shell in Invermere, as well as the Radium Hot Springs Community Centre and On the Run in Radium Hot Springs.
Amenities & Information
Places to Stay
There are plenty of great places to stay in the Columbia Valley ranging from deluxe resorts, cozy cabins, to charming motels. Find the perfect spot to stay here.
Restaurants & Dining
The Columbia Valley has no shortage of amazing places to eat, of all different cuisines! Take a look at the list on our blog and start planning your next meal.
Valley Amenities
Amenities such as grocery stores, gas stations, rest stops, and public washrooms are readily available through the Columbia Valley.
The nearest medical clinic is the Invermere Hospital, along with two pharmacies.
