| The Upper Columbia Valley is known for its | | | | held from the beginning of May each year and it's a |
| internationally famous resorts and resort villages, | | | | birdwatcher's paradise!When entering the town in the |
| most with their own hot springs. The hub of the area | | | | summer months, be advised traffic can be slow, as |
| is the town of Invermere. For a commercial center, it | | | | visitors soak in the sights along the charming streets. |
| has a very laid back atmosphere; in fact some of it's | | | | Municipally funded flower beds and hanging baskets |
| picturesque shops are owned and operated by | | | | splash color throughout the town, which has retained |
| flower children of the 1960s and now their | | | | much of its turn-of-the-20th-century architecture and |
| children.Tucked along the north shore of beautiful | | | | the town's small parks over quiet oases of peace |
| Lake Windermere and watched over by the dramatic | | | | and tranquillity.For art lover Invermere is a beehive of |
| Mt. Nelson, the town of Invermere has everything a | | | | activity. The recently renovated Pynelogs Cultural |
| traveler requires. It is the economic hub of the valley | | | | Center displays the work of the vibrant arts |
| community, offering a wide variety of retail stores, | | | | community, as does the wonderful Village Arts store |
| professional services, restaurants and cafes of all | | | | right on the main street. In addition there are several |
| variety, accommodations and more.Originally called | | | | small private galleries.Invermere is a great place to |
| Copper City when it came into existence in 1890, its | | | | base yourself if you are planning to hit the many golf |
| name was changed to Canterbury in 1900 and nine | | | | courses in the area, such as nearby Eagle Ranch or |
| years later to Invermere when it was under the | | | | Copper Point, located at the entranceway to town. |
| control of the Columbia Valley Irrigated Fruitlands. | | | | Besides watersports on Lake Windermere, hikers can |
| Historically mining, agriculture and lumber were the | | | | enjoy exploring the backcountry, including the many |
| major industries in the area, but the valley's | | | | drainages spilling down into the Columbia Valley from |
| breathtaking beauty and favorable mild climate have | | | | the Rockies and the Purcells.Just six kilometers |
| made it a world-renowned destination. As a result, | | | | northwest of Invermere is a quiet and charming |
| the tourism and real-estate industries are now | | | | village called Wilmer. It was originally the valley's first |
| flourishing in Invermere and throughout the | | | | community, settled in 1896 with a handful of |
| Valley.With two beautiful beaches, the town offers | | | | residents. In three years it grown to 100, mostly |
| the most public access to Lake Windermere. All the | | | | miners from the nearby Paradise Mine. Nowadays, |
| recreational activities one can think of in a mountain | | | | Wilmer is home to the beautiful Delphine Lodge, the |
| resort town are available in Invermere, along with | | | | last remaining hotel from the valley's heyday. It is |
| rental and specialty shops geared to the outdoor | | | | now a country style bed and breakfast.More |
| enthusiast.North of the town is one of the finest | | | | information about Invermere and environs can be |
| examples of a wetlands ecosystem in the world. The | | | | found in the local weekly, The Valley Echo, or on the |
| Upper Columbia River Wetlands are internationally | | | | town's website at If you have the opportunity to |
| recognized and are the stage of a special annual | | | | visit the Columbia Valley area, be sure to investigate |
| event, the Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival. It is | | | | the many charms of Invermere. |