The Columbia Valley is somewhere we find ourselves coming back to again and again. Nestled between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains in southeastern British Columbia, it’s home to charming mountain towns, countless outdoor adventures, and some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll find anywhere in the province.
One of our favourite things about visiting the Columbia Valley in the summer is that no two days look the same. You can spend the morning hiking or paddling, grab lunch at a local café, then wander through the shops in Invermere or relax at the beach for the afternoon. Whether you’re travelling as a family, with your partner, or on your own, it’s easy to find your unique rhythm here.
You also don’t have to be an expert to enjoy it. There are plenty of adventures for every age and fitness level, from easy walks and scenic bike rides to bigger hikes and off-road adventures. This was huge for us this time, as we were visiting with our 3-month-old, Henry!
We packed this itinerary with some of our favourite summer experiences in the Columbia Valley, from hiking and paddling to cozy cafés, great local restaurants, and a few adventures we already can’t wait to do again. If you’re looking for a fun mountain getaway that’s equal parts relaxing and adventurous, this is a great place to start.
*This trip was sponsored by Travel Columbia Valley. All experiences and opinions are our own!*
Day 1: Arrive in Radium Hot Springs
Stops on Highway 93
If you’re driving into the Columbia Valley from Alberta, don’t rush straight to your hotel. The drive through Kootenay National Park is packed with beautiful places to stop, so it’s worth giving yourself a little extra time. One of our favourites is Olive Lake, where a short boardwalk leads you to crystal-clear emerald water.
If you have a bit more time, there are plenty of other noteworthy stops along the way. Numa Falls is just a short walk from the parking lot and offers a beautiful view over turquoise blue water. Marble Canyon Trail is another must-see, with bridges that span a dramatic limestone canyon. You can also pull over at the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint for views over the valley and surrounding mountains.
Check into Bighorn Meadows Resort
For this trip, we stayed at Bighorn Meadows Resort, and it couldn’t have been a better basecamp for exploring the Columbia Valley this summer! Situated on the Springs Golf Course and surrounded by mountain views, it feels peaceful and secluded while still being only a few minutes’ walk from downtown Radium.
We especially loved having a full kitchen, a spacious suite, and a private balcony overlooking the mountains. Not to mention the pool! After busy days exploring, it was the perfect place to relax with a drink and enjoy the views.
Dinner at Elevations Modern Dining
Our first dinner in Radium was at Elevations Modern Dining, located at the Springs Golf Course. Since it was only a two-minute walk from Bighorn Meadows Resort, it was an easy choice after a day of driving.
The menu has a little bit of everything, from elevated comfort food to fresh seasonal dishes. We ordered the Smash Burger and the Chowmein Noodle Bowl, and both were fantastic! If the weather is nice, definitely ask for a table on the patio. The mountain views at golden hour are tough to beat.
After dinner, we headed back to our suite, put Henry to bed, poured ourselves a glass of wine, and watched the sunset from the balcony. 10/10 recommend!
Day 2: Hiking & Paddling
Breakfast at Steamboat Café
Every great adventure day starts with coffee, and Steamboat Café quickly became one of our favourite breakfast spots in Radium. They roast their own small-batch coffee, focus on organic ingredients, and have plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.
I ordered the local honey latte made with their homemade coconut cashew milk, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. I paired it with their breakfast bun, made in-house, while David went for the oat vanilla latte and the smoked salmon bagel on one of their homemade bagels. Everything was fresh and flavourful, and we loved enjoying it on their dog-friendly patio!
Hike (or Bike) the Old Coach Trail
The Old Coach Trail is enjoyable whether you’re hiking or riding your bike. Following the historic route between Radium Hot Springs and Dry Gulch, the trail winds above the Columbia River Wetlands.
There are 9 loops that wind you in and out of the main trail, with fantastic views scattered throughout. It’s a relatively easy outing, making it perfect for families, beginner riders, or anyone looking for a relaxed morning outside without committing to a full-day hike.
PRO TIP: You don’t have to hike the entire trail to get great views! We recommend starting at the Dry Gulch Trailhead for stunning views right off the bat.
Lunch at Big Horn Café
After our hike, we stopped at Big Horn Café for lunch. Their menu has a great mix of sandwiches, wraps, soups, and fresh baking, but we always end up ordering the pasties. They’re flaky, filling hand-held pies, and they even have a vegan option, which I love. If you’ve got more exploring planned, it’s an easy place to grab lunch to go before heading back out.
Kayak or Paddleboard the Columbia River
If there’s one experience we’d recommend making time for, it’s paddling the Columbia River from Invermere to Radium. Surrounded by mountain views, peaceful wetlands, and plenty of wildlife, it’s an incredibly relaxing way to experience the Columbia Valley from a different perspective.
The most common launch point is just under the bridge as you enter Invermere. After passing the Centex gas station, you’ll turn right onto a small dirt road that leads down to the wetlands. From here, the paddle to Radium usually takes around 3–5 hours, depending on water levels, current, and how often you stop along the way to take it all in.
One thing to plan for is transportation; you’ll either need two vehicles or a shuttle setup so you can get back to your car in Invermere once you finish in Radium.
If you’re not up for the full trip, it’s possible to stay closer to the launch, where the current isn’t too strong that you can’t turn around. Another great option is Lillian Lake, which is located between Invermere and Panorama. Click here for more details on paddling routes and rentals.
Dinner at ULLR Bar
After spending the afternoon on the water and heading back to Invermere to grab your vehicle, finish the day at ULLR Bar. This is one place we never miss in Invermere!
It has a relaxed, slightly rustic pub feel, but the menu is way more interesting than your typical après spot. We shared the Crispy Taters, which disappeared almost immediately, and also tried the Ginger Beef Fried Rice Bowl and the Hot Honey Chicken. Both were to die for. Pair it with a local beer or one of their cuktails, and it’s an easy, laid-back way to end a big Columbia Valley day.
Day 3: Adventure Day
Breakfast at Steamboat Café or Big Horn Café
You really can’t go wrong with either Steamboat Café or Big Horn Café, so pick your favourite and fuel up with another delicious breakfast before heading out for one of the biggest adventures of the trip!
Side-by-Side Tour with Toby Creek Adventures
This 3-hour side-by-side tour with Toby Creek Adventures ended up being one of the biggest highlights of our Columbia Valley trip this summer! The drive alone was unreal, starting from the valley floor and slowly making our way up into the Purcell Mountains. The views just kept getting better with every turn.
Since the route is on private land, we were able to access areas you’d never get to on your own, including a remote mountain hut, an old mining town, and a tucked-away waterfall in the forest. It felt like we were being let in on a part of the mountains most people never see.
At the top, we spent time at the cabin with a fire going, plus hot drinks and snacks waiting for us, which felt pretty perfect after the ride up. We could’ve stayed there for hours just soaking it all in. Our guide was fantastic, super knowledgeable about the mining history in the area, but also easygoing and fun, which kept the whole thing feeling relaxed and unhurried.
Lunch at Kicking Horse Café
After an adrenaline-filled morning, we headed into Invermere for lunch at Kicking Horse Café. I don’t know how we’ve never eaten here before, but it’s easily become our new favourite lunch spot in town!
The coffee is unreal, the food is just as good, and the space itself is really beautifully designed. We tried the Roasted Tomato and Brie Grilled Cheese, the Spiced Chicken Sandwich, and the Mediterranean Falafel Bowl, and all three were incredible. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back the next day and work your way through the menu.
Bike the Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail
The Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail connects Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs along a smooth paved path that’s perfect for an easy ride or a walk. It stretches right along Lake Windermere, with mountain views the entire way. There are a few different parking options, and you don’t have to do the whole route, so just hop on wherever it’s convenient and enjoy a section of it at your own pace.
Dinner at Vesano Pizza
Nothing beats finishing an adventure-filled day with pizza, and Vesano Pizza really hit the spot for us. This place is fairly new to Invermere, and we actually got chatting with the lovely owners while we were there. They moved from Germany to Lethbridge, started making pizza because they genuinely loved it, and eventually made their way to Invermere for the lifestyle.
The wood-fired pizzas are simple, fresh, and exactly what you want after a big day outside. Plus, they’ve got a great patio and a self-serve beer fridge! We highly recommend the Four Season or the Parma.
Relax at Radium Hot Springs
Before heading back to your hotel, drive to Radium Hot Springs. Here, you can enjoy astounding mountain views as you let the warm water melt away any lingering tension in your muscles.
Located just across the border of Kootenay National Park, Radium Hot Springs has a rich history that dates back to the Indigenous peoples who first discovered its healing properties. The springs were popularized in the 1900s, attracting visitors seeking relief from ailments and the chance to bask in the warm, mineral-rich waters. Today, Radium Hot Springs remains a local favourite year-round.
Day 4: A Slow Morning Before Heading Home
Breakfast at Begginnings
There are many great local breakfast spots, but we recommend heading into Invermere for breakfast at Begginnings Cafe. The food here is unreal, and the menu offers items for all dietary needs.
The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make this a great place to recharge for your last day in the Columbia Valley. We highly recommend The Begginnings Smash Bowl, That New New, The Breakfast Bun, and a Lavender Latte.
Browse the Shops in Downtown Invermere
After breakfast, take some time to explore the charming shops around town. The streets are lined with locally owned boutiques, outdoor gear shops, cafés, bookstores, and artisan stores. Even if you’re not planning to shop much, it’s a great way to experience the community beyond the outdoor adventures.
Relax at Kinsmen Beach
Before hitting the road, spend a little time at Kinsmen Beach on Lake Windermere. You can walk here from downtown in about 10 minutes, or drive down and park. The mountain backdrop, calm water, and laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect way to end your trip.
We hope you enjoy your time in the Columbia Valley this summer! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or comments below with your favourite activity in the area. We would love to hear from you!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
The Columbia Valley in BC: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary for Adventure Lovers!
The Most Undiscovered Ski Destination in Canada: 2 Days in The Columbia Valley this Winter!
15 Turquoise Lakes Near Banff, Canada You Don’t Want to Miss!
Leave a Reply