Attractions and Places To See around Area F (Columbia Lake/Windermere Lake) - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Area F (Columbia Lake/Windermere Lake) include a diverse range of natural features and points of interest. This region in British Columbia is characterized by its two large lakes, Columbia Lake and Windermere Lake, which are the headwaters of the Columbia River. The landscape features the Kootenay Rockies and Purcell Mountains, along with extensive wetlands and numerous trails. It offers opportunities for water sports, hiking, and exploring natural monuments.
Best attractions and places to…
Last updated: August 4, 2026
Turret Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
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Sinclair Creek
Highlight • River
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Chester Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Viewpoint
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Hoodoo Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Tips from the Community
You can access this waterfall as part of the loop hike, as a short out and back hike, or via canoe. However you manage to get here, it is a nice waterfall with great views across the lake as well.
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The Hoodoo Trail stretches 3.5 km from Westside Road to an overlook of the Columbia Valley and some Hoodoo rock features. This trail is wide a easy to follow.
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In summer, you can fish for trout in the lake, but you can also swim or have a picnic on the shore. Alpine flowers bloom in the meadows and in autumn the larches color the lake shore golden yellow.
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Even on hot summer days it is pleasantly cool here.
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A great destination for a snowshoe hike in winter!
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Beautiful, pleasantly fresh even on hot days. But there are a lot of mosquitoes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Area F (Columbia Lake/Windermere Lake)?
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Sinclair Creek, a river known for its cool, fresh air, or discover Turret Falls, accessible by hiking or canoe with great lake views. Don't miss the Viewpoint offering scenic vistas of the Hoodoos and the Columbia Valley. The Columbia Wetlands are also a crucial habitat for diverse wildlife and birds, perfect for paddling.
Are there any family-friendly activities or attractions in the Area F region?
Yes, the area offers several family-friendly options. Windermere Lake features warm, shallow waters and sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and various water sports. Kinsmen Beach in Invermere and James Chabot Provincial Park both provide public beaches, playgrounds, and picnic areas. You can also enjoy easy walks in Windermere Lake Provincial Park, where you might spot local wildlife like deer and elk.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking on trails like the Hoodoo Trail near Fairmont Hot Springs or the Mount Swansea Trails. For water activities, both Windermere Lake and Columbia Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, motorboating, and windsurfing. In winter, the Lake Windermere Whiteway offers ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Where can I go for a scenic hike or walk?
For scenic hikes, consider the Hoodoo Trail near Fairmont Hot Springs, which offers diverse outdoor experiences. The Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail is a 25-kilometer multi-use path connecting Invermere and Fairmont, providing scenic views, picnic areas, and viewpoints, including a Picnic Table With View of Windermere Lake. You can find more hiking options in our guide to Hiking around Area F.
Are there any cultural or historical sites to visit?
Yes, in Invermere, you can explore the Pynelogs Cultural Centre and the Windermere Valley Museum to learn about local culture and history. Additionally, the Historic Spirit Trail on the eastern uplands of Columbia Lake allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of First Nations and early European explorers, connecting with the area's rich past.
What are the best places for water sports and swimming?
Windermere Lake is renowned for its warm, shallow waters and wide sandy beaches, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, motorboating, wakeboarding, and windsurfing. Columbia Lake, the headwaters of the Columbia River, also offers pristine, clear waters perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Area F?
Visitors particularly enjoy the refreshing environment of places like Sinclair Creek, which remains pleasantly cool even on hot summer days. The impressive views from Turret Falls and the panoramic vistas of the Hoodoos and Columbia Valley from the Viewpoint are also highly recommended. Many appreciate the opportunity to relax at scenic spots like the Picnic Table With View of Windermere Lake.
Can I go mountain biking in the Area F region?
Absolutely. The Mount Swansea Trails near Windermere are very popular for mountain biking and offer spectacular views. The Hoodoo Trail near Fairmont Hot Springs also provides opportunities for mountain biking. You can find more routes in our guide to MTB Trails around Area F.
Are there any hot springs nearby?
Yes, the region is known for its hot springs. Radium Hot Springs, a short drive north of Invermere, features popular hot pools and serves as a gateway to Kootenay National Park. Fairmont Hot Springs, located to the south, is another notable resort area with natural hot springs.
What is the best time to visit Area F (Columbia Lake/Windermere Lake)?
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for water sports on Windermere and Columbia Lakes, with warm waters and sandy beaches. Autumn brings beautiful golden larches around Chester Lake. Winter transforms the area into a hub for ice skating and cross-country skiing on the Lake Windermere Whiteway, and Chester Lake is a great destination for snowshoeing.
Where can I find viewpoints with panoramic scenery?
For stunning views, visit the Viewpoint overlooking the Hoodoos and the Columbia Valley. The Mount Swansea Trails also offer spectacular views of the Columbia Valley for hikers. Additionally, the Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail has several designated viewpoints, including a Picnic Table With View of Windermere Lake.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting?
The Columbia Wetlands are a crucial habitat for at least 300 wildlife species, including endangered ones, and over 250 species of migratory birds, making it an excellent spot for wildlife observation, especially by paddling. Windermere Lake Provincial Park also offers good opportunities for walking and observing local wildlife like deer and elk.
Most popular routes around Area F (Columbia Lake/Windermere Lake)
Most popular attractions around Area F (Columbia Lake/Windermere Lake)
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