Invermere

History

Invermere was established in 1810 as a trading post. It originally went by the names Copper City and Canterbury before settling on the name 'Invermere', a Scottish name derived from the words 'Inver' ("out of the mouth") and 'mere' ("lake").

Location

Invermere is located at the northern end of Windermere Lake on Highway 93/95 in the Kootenay River Valley, 19 kilometres (12 miles) south of Radium Hot Springs and 19 kilometres (12 miles) north of Fairmont Hot Springs.

Places to See

• Artym Gallery
  
  Owners Connie Artym-Bradatsch and Grey Bradatsch are excited to be entering another year of business and foresee many more years as the premiere art gallery in Invermere, BC. In 2005, the gallery was delighted to accept a Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce "Business Excellence Award", and will continue to provide the art and the service that clients have come to expect and appreciate from the Artym. Stop by and enjoy the sculptures, paintings, and jewellery created by over 65 Canadian artists.
  
  
• Windermere Valley Museum
  
  Enjoy a hands-on look at the history of the Windermere Valley and its settlers at the Valley Pioneer Museum. On display are extensive archival materials, a large historic photograph collection, mining cabins and heritage buildings, and even a dugout canoe crafted by an early member of the First Nations Shuswap Band.
  
  
• Pynelogs Cultural Centre
  
  The Pynelogs Cultural Centre is used as an art gallery throughout the year and serves as the primary venue for a variety of arts-related workshops. A gift shop featuring the works of local artists and artisans operates throughout most of the year.
  
  
• Jacob Chabot Provincial Park
  
  Situated at the north end of Windermere Lake, Jacob Chabot Provincial Park provides grassy play areas and a sandy beach where families can go windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or play volleyball.
  
  
• Eagle Ranch Golf Resort
  
  Its name is Eagle Ranch - a distinctive, master-planned resort community amid the rugged, unspoiled splendour of BC's Columbia Valley. With access to Lake Windermere, the Columbia River and more outdoor adventures, Eagle Ranch immerses you in unique experiences that far transcend the ordinary. The resort's centrepiece: eighteen magical holes of golf perched along ancient bluffs overlooking the Columbia River - a stirring setting made even more dramatic by its Rocky and Purcell Mountain views.

Things to Do

• Windsurfing
  
  Excellent windsurfing opportunities can be found at Windermere Lake and Columbia Lake.
  
  
• Fishing
  
  Launch your boat from Jacob Chabot Provincial Park and fish for trout on Windermere Lake.
  
  
• Biking
  
  Enjoy the gorgeous scenery as you bike along Windermere Lake.

Events

• Farmers' Market
  
  From June to September, the Farmers' Market in Invermere and Edgewater features crafts, music, art, and great food.
  
  
• Valley Appreciation Day
  
  Valley Appreciation Day begins with a popular pancake breakfast, and is followed by local entertainment throughout the day. There will be business displays, a farmers' market, local talent, and plenty of activities in the downtown core. Clowns will be handing out balloons, and square dance twirlers will dazzle you with their skills.
  
  
• Bull Riding in the Rockies
  
  This ever-popular event features scintillating displays of horse-riding, the famous Mexican Poker competition, and of course, lots and lots of bull riding!
  
  
• Loop the Lake Triathlon
  
  Run, jog, or walk around Windermere Lake. There are multiple courses for participants of all skill levels, from an easy 10-kilometre race to a full 63.3-kilometre ultra-marathon. Everyone finishes at the Pynelogs Cultural Centre, where a pancake breakfast is provided. A wrap-up social and a dinner are also provided for all participants and volunteers.
  
  

Contact Information

District of Invermere
Municipal Hall

914 8th Avenue
PO Box 339
Invermere BC V0A 1K0

Telephone: 250-342-9281
Fax: 250-342-2934
Email: info@invermere.net
Website: www.invermere.net