Experience the magic of winter in the Columbia Valley! There are a lot of reasons to bring your family to the Valley this winter—from the abundance of outdoor activities to the small town charm and magic of the season.
There is so much to do here that the options can seem overwhelming. (As can packing for a family vacation.) Here’s a sample itinerary to help guide your packing and trip planning!
Day 1
After checking into your hotel, grab your warm winter wear, helmets, and skates. Stop by the candy shop in Radium or Invermere for a little energy before hitting the ice. Skate at a local rink (Edgewater or Radium, both with lights for night skating) or hit the Whiteway, a 30km plowed path on the frozen waters of Lake Windermere. Park at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere or Windermere Beach in Windermere and go as long or as short as you want!
You’ll have worked up quite an appetite so choose from one of the many restaurants in the area for dinner.
Day 2
Pack your vehicle and fuel up for a day of adventure at one of the local coffee shops.
Then take a scenic drive to Panorama Mountain Resort or Fairmont Hot Springs Resort for a day on the slopes.
Fairmont is well-known as a family-friendly resort with 14 runs ranging from green to black, nearly non-existent lift lines, and panoramic views. Panorama has something for everyone with 3,000 acres of terrain across over 4,000 vertical feet: corduroy cruisers, Taynton Bowl’s powdery paradise, and the Discovery Zone which is perfect for first timers and families. Enjoy one of the slopeside dining options for lunch.
Save a bit of energy to explore the shops of main street Fairmont, Invermere, or Radium with unique boutiques, art galleries, and eateries.
Day 3
Close out your adventure weekend with a nourishing breakfast and soak and splash at the Radium Hot Springs pools! The warm pool is perfect for relaxing with family-friendly shallow waters. The cool pool, open on weekends in winter, is a refreshing place to play.Â
If you’re looking for more time outside, stop at one of the many roadside points of interest: Dolly Varden with an interactive kids area on Highway 93, the short Source of the Columbia Trail in Canal Flats if you’re heading south, or a pullout alongside the Columbia River to view the wetlands if you’re taking Highway 95 north.
Remember to check out the events calendar before coming to see what’s happening in the Valley. And visit our accommodation and dining pages to find the right places for your family. Â
Enjoy a weekend of quality fun in the snow in the Columbia Valley.
