Upper Columbia Valley
The Upper Columbia Valley in East Kootenay, British Columbia, Canada, is located between the Rocky Mountains in the east and the Purcells in the west. The headwaters of the Columbia River originate in the Columbia Lake north of Canal Flats and the river continues north for more than 200 km before bending southward reaching the Pacific Ocean at Astoria, Oregon, 2000 km from its point of origin.
Visitors can find a variety of accommodations, activities and amenities in the towns and villages located along the valley. The roads north and south of Invermere are a sightseer’s delight. Head north along Highway 95 to the popular visitor destination of Radium Hot Springs and then through the pastoral communities of Edgewater, Brisco and Spilliimacheen, and the town of Golden. Heading south along Highway 93/95 enjoy visiting Windermere, Fairmont Hot Springs and the village of Canal Flats, near magnificent Columbia Lake. In every direction, visitors spot bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose and even the occasional black bear.
Along with countless mountain fishing lakes, the valley boasts two of the finest recreation lakes, Lake Windermere and Columbia Lake.
Each year, during the first week of May, valley residents celebrate the return of more than 250 species of birds during the educational and entertaining Wings Over the Rockies Festival. Engage in bird watching, one of the world’s fastest growing recreational activities and discover the habitats that sustain them.
For more information on the communities and accommodations, click on the sites below.
Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce
Local papers:
wingsovertherockies.com
