When the ground is covered in a blanket of white even the most familiar surroundings can take on an entirely different perspective. Each community offers something a little different – from the heavy frosted trees of the hot springs, wildlife perched on the hilltops seemingly posing for the cameras, to the perfect landscape view from a hike high above the town.
The Columbia Valley is located less than a 3-hour drive from Calgary Alberta, in the Kootenay Rockies Region of British Columbia. Anchored with hot springs on both the north and south ends, it is the perfect winter escape away from the noise and bustle of city life. The Columbia Valley is made up of several small communities including Radium Hot Springs, resting on the border of Kootenay National Park, Invermere on the Lake, Panorama Mountain Resort, and Fairmont Hot Springs.
The Columbia Valley provides a beautiful backdrop giving visitors the opportunity to take some amazing photos.
Winter photos of the Columbia Valley created by our visitors!
The Lake Windermere Whiteway is over 30km of multi-use trail for snowshoeing, ice-skating and groomed skate and classic cross-country ski trails. It also has the honour of being named the world’s longest skating trail by Guinness World Records in 2014. This winter along the Whiteway, you will find a beautiful rest area created by some hard-working enthusiasts.
More Than Just Skating On Lake Windermere
Mystical Radium Hot Springs
Located in Kootenay National Park, the Radium Hot Springs is located about 5 minutes prior to entering the friendly Village of the same name. You will be greeted with the promise “the mountains shall bring peace to the people,” and you will quickly discover this to be true.
Between 2016 and the summer of 2019, Parks Canada invested over $9.5 million to restore and improve the Radium Hot Springs facility for current and future generations of visitors to enjoy. This investment included five multi-staged projects that focused on repairing the facility’s structure. This work was the single-largest investment in the facility since it opened in 1951.
Sundog Over Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Hill
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is an amazing place to spend a sunny winter’s day! Check out the many activities including skiing, snowboarding, kid’s activities, lessons, and of course, the Fairmont Hot Springs pools!
Open Cruising at Panorama Mountain Resort
High in the Columbia Valley’s Purcell Mountains, Panorama Mountain Resort is one of Canada’s most popular ski resorts. Panorama is the perfect place to capture some incredible photos, from distant snow-covered peaks to the steam rolling off the hot pools.
Incredible Wildlife Viewing
The hot springs complex therapeutic properties extend far beyond the water in Radium Hot Springs. From a latte or light lunch in a quaint village café to an authentic European-style dinner in elegant surroundings or a peaceful walk to quietly watch the resident Bighorn Sheep, you will find plenty of opportunities to pull out your camera in the Village of Radium Hot Springs.
It’s the perfect season to get outside in the Columbia Valley, and we want to see your adventures! Take a great photo of your favourite activity in the Columbia Valley? Share it with us by tagging #TravelCV on Facebook or Instagram.
RELATED LINKSAt the end of the day, warm up with a soak in one of our hot springs, enjoy a great meal and don’t forget to tag us when sharing your images on your social media channels.
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