Why Lake Windermere Is Special

Lake Windermere is more than a pretty place to take photos. It is the centre of many Invermere vacations because it works in almost every season.

In summer, visitors come for swimming, boating, water-skiing, fishing, paddling, picnics, beach days, and long sunny afternoons. The Lake Windermere area receives around 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, which helps explain why the lake becomes such a busy warm-weather destination.

In winter, the lake becomes one of the most unique outdoor recreation areas in the Columbia Valley. The Lake Windermere Whiteway is a maintained ice track between Invermere and Windermere, offering more than 30 kilometres of winter recreation for skating, cross-country skiing, skate-skiing, walking, running, snowshoeing, dog walking, and fat biking.

Best Things to Do at Lake Windermere

1. Spend the Day at Kinsmen Beach

Kinsmen Beach is one of the easiest lake access points for guests staying in Invermere. It is close to town, convenient for families, and ideal for a classic beach day.

Guests can swim, relax on the grass, bring a picnic, launch a paddleboard, or walk over to nearby shops and restaurants afterward. It is a strong choice for arrival day because it does not require a long drive or a complicated plan.

Best for:

• Families

• Casual swimming

• Paddleboarding

• Picnics

• Guests staying near downtown Invermere

2. Visit James Chabot Provincial Park

James Chabot Provincial Park sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere and is another popular family-friendly lake spot. Columbia Valley tourism describes it as a small green oasis and a popular place for family adventures and annual events.

This is a great place for guests who want a beach day with more space, easy lake access, and a relaxed outdoor setting. It also works well for group stays because people can spread out, swim, play, picnic, or simply enjoy the lake views.

Best for:

• Family beach days

• Larger groups

• Summer picnics

• Annual lake events

• Guests looking for a simple outdoor plan

3. Go Boating, Water-Skiing, or Tubing

Lake Windermere is a strong summer boating lake because of its size, warmth, and scenery. Visitors often come to boat, water-ski, tube, or spend a day moving between beaches and shoreline views.

For guests staying at a Horizon property, boating can turn a regular weekend into a full lake vacation. It is especially valuable for groups, families with older kids, bachelor or bachelorette weekends, and summer visitors who want a more active experience.

Best for:

• Summer groups

• Active families

• Water sports

• Full-day lake plans

• Guests searching for “boating in Invermere”

4. Paddle Into the Columbia Wetlands

Lake Windermere connects to one of the most important natural areas in the region: the Columbia Wetlands. The wetlands cover more than 15,000 hectares and are described as one of the longest intact wetlands in North America. They support at least 300 wildlife species, including endangered species, and more than 250 recorded migratory bird species.

For guests who want something calmer than boating or beach crowds, paddling by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard is one of the best ways to experience the natural side of the Columbia Valley.

Best for:

• Kayaking

• Canoeing

• Birdwatching

• Wildlife viewing

• Peaceful mornings on the water

5. Try Fishing in Any Season

Lake Windermere is known as a four-season fishing destination. Species listed for the lake include northern pike, kokanee, burbot, brook trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, char, mountain whitefish, and largemouth bass. Columbia Valley tourism notes that it is one of the few lakes in the region where bass fishing is allowed.

Guests can fish from boats, shorelines, or, in winter, through the ice when conditions allow. Anyone planning to fish should check current B.C. freshwater fishing regulations and licensing requirements before heading out.

Best for:

• Anglers

• Ice fishing

• Family fishing days

• Early mornings

• Guests looking for outdoor activities beyond the beach

6. Experience the Lake Windermere Whiteway

In winter, the Lake Windermere Whiteway is one of the top things to do in Invermere. The maintained winter track connects Invermere and Windermere and forms multiple loops across the frozen lake. Activities include skating, cross-country skiing, skate-skiing, snowshoeing, walking, running, dog walking, and fat biking.

This is one of the best ways to show that Invermere is not only a summer destination. A winter stay can include skiing at Panorama, soaking at Radium Hot Springs, and spending a day on the Whiteway.

Best for:

• Winter guests

• Families

• Non-skiers

• Skating

• Cross-country skiing

• Unique Invermere experiences

What to Bring for a Lake Windermere Summer Day

A good Lake Windermere day is easy to plan, but guests will enjoy it more if they pack properly.

Bring:

• Swimsuits

• Towels

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Hats

• Water bottles

• Snacks or picnic food

• Sandals or water shoes

• Paddleboard, kayak, or floaties if available

• A beach blanket or folding chairs

• Cooler bag

• Phone charger or power bank

• Light sweater for later in the evening

• Garbage bag to pack out waste

Nice extras:

• Waterproof phone pouch

• Bluetooth speaker used respectfully

• Reusable cups

• Beach games

• Bug spray

• Dry bag for paddling

• Book or magazine

• Camera

What to Bring for the Lake Windermere Whiteway

Winter lake days need a different setup. Conditions can change quickly, so guests should check current Whiteway and ice conditions before going.

Bring:

• Warm winter jacket

• Gloves or mittens

• Toque

• Neck warmer

• Snow pants or warm layers

• Skates, cross-country skis, or fat bike

• Helmet for skating or biking

• Warm socks

• Sunglasses or goggles

• Thermos with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate

• Water bottle

• Snacks

• Small backpack

• Headlamp if going later in the day

Important: Always check local conditions before going on the lake in winter. Ice safety matters, even on maintained routes.

Best Time to Visit Lake Windermere

Summer

Summer is the best time for swimming, boating, beach days, water sports, and picnics. This is when Lake Windermere is at its busiest and most energetic. Invermere’s population can swell significantly in summer because of tourism and second-home owners returning to the lake area.

Best summer activities:

• Swimming

• Boating

• Paddleboarding

• Kayaking

• Water-skiing

• Fishing

• Beach picnics

• Farmers market visits before or after the lake

Winter

Winter is the best time for skating, skiing, fat biking, ice fishing, pond hockey, and winter photography. The Whiteway is the main winter attraction on the lake, and seasonal events such as the Bonspiel-on-the-Lake, ice fishing derby, and snow golf tournament have helped make the lake a true cold-weather destination.

Best winter activities:

• Skating

• Cross-country skiing

• Skate-skiing

• Fat biking

• Ice fishing

• Snowshoeing

• Walking the Whiteway

• Winter events

Spring and Fall

Spring and fall are quieter seasons around Lake Windermere. These months can be excellent for scenic walks, photography, fishing, paddling when conditions allow, birdwatching, and peaceful weekends away from peak summer crowds.

Nearby Places to Explore

A Lake Windermere day can easily connect with other Invermere and Columbia Valley attractions.

Nearby places worth adding to the itinerary:

• Downtown Invermere

• Kinsmen Park

• James Chabot Provincial Park

• Windermere Beach

• Windermere Lake Provincial Park

• Columbia River Wetlands

• Panorama Mountain Resort

• Radium Hot Springs

• Kootenay National Park

• Fairmont Hot Springs

• Copper Point Golf Club

• Greywolf Golf Course

Quick Lake Windermere Facts

• Lake Windermere is located in southeastern British Columbia’s Columbia River Valley.

• It sits between the Rocky Mountains and the Purcell Mountains.

• It is 17.7 kilometres long, or almost 11 miles.

• It is technically a widening of the Columbia River.

• The average depth is only about 15 feet, or 4.5 metres.

• It was originally called Lower Columbia Lake.

• Invermere and Windermere were named after regions in Britain.

• The area receives around 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.

• The lake is one of the warmest in the Kootenay region.

• In winter, the Whiteway provides more than 30 kilometres of maintained recreation track