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If you’re looking for the perfect mix of crisp mountain air, fall leaves, and small-town charm, Invermere, BC, is the perfect getaway. In two days, you’ll paddle the calm waters of the Columbia River, hike up Swansea Mountain for panoramic views, soak in the steamy Radium Hot Springs, and wander the Old Coach Trail surrounded by autumn colours. Evenings are just as memorable — from laid-back drinks at The Station Pub to hearty home-style comfort food at Huckleberry’s Family-Style Dining. Whether you’re chasing adventure or simply slowing down for sweater-weather bliss, Invermere delivers the best of both worlds.
Table of Contents
Day 1: From Gentle Currents to Pub Comforts
The Columbia River offers a peaceful paddle to soak in the scenery. You might spot Kokanee fish in the clear water through the wetlands as you drift past mountain views. After docking the kayaks, my mom and I traded paddles for refreshing drinks and headed to The Station Pub, where delicious food and even better atmosphere wrapped up the day.
Kayak the Columbia River in the Fall
We kicked off our self-guided experience by renting two single kayaks for $99 each from Columbia River Paddle in Invermere, BC. It included a shuttle service to bring us from Radium, where we ended, back to Invermere. It saved us from having to drive two vehicles, which was lovely!
We used our clear MEC Brooks Dry Bag to put our lunch and windbreaker to keep our items dry. My mom and I had a water bottle to stay hydrated on our four-hour kayaking adventure.
Interesting Columbia River Facts
We were given several helpful tips, including where to watch for wildlife such as turtles and eagles and landscape markers indicating how far we’d travelled and how much was left. We were also advised which side of the river to paddle on, depending on the current, and sandbars that could affect our route, depending on the water level.
Columbia River Paddle Launch
It’s a big parking lot, as shown in the picture above, at the end of the day. However, with multiple people doing guided trips, self-guided trips or their own float, the parking lot fills up quickly. When we showed up for kayaking at around 11 A.M., the parking lot was close to full.
Tip: If you’re doing a self-guided trip, it’s advisable to go earlier in the day.
Departure
You’ll depart from the Invermere boat launch and head north under Athalmer Rd (the Columbia River Bridge) towards the wetlands. This was the spot where we were told to keep an eye out for bald eagles and turtles. While the turtles stayed hidden among the rocks and grass, the clear water made it easy to spot plenty of bright red Kokanee fish.
Tip: Take your time and enjoy looking in the water beside your kayak; you might spot different types of fish swimming through the plants.
Eagles
We spotted many bald eagles throughout our kayaking excursion. Some were perched high on the sandstone cliffs above the wetlands, while others were on branches looking for fish in the cloudy river.
Tip: Keep your eyes open to your surroundings, and you might be lucky enough to see some eagles yourself.
Catch a Train on the CN Rail
As the Columbia River is situated beside the CN railway tracks, you might not only get to see a train but also hear the horn blown as you wave hi passing them by. Other than the train, it’s a calm location to enjoy nature.
Kilometre Markers
Kilometre markers appear along the river, often attached to trees or branches, like the one shown above on the right. We noticed them roughly every two kilometres throughout the seventeen-kilometre excursion.
For most of the kayaking trip, the river was wide and easy to navigate. There were a few narrow sections that we carefully maneuvered our kayaks to stay in the middle of the current, but otherwise, it was a relaxing paddle to enjoy each other’s company in the middle of a beautiful mountain landscape.
Columbia River Paddle Exit
Near the end of the trip, there’s a large sign on the bridge indicating that it’s time to pull over to the right side and exit your kayak to board the shuttle and return to your parked vehicle. My mom and I really enjoyed this four-hour paddling trip. It was relaxing, and we highly enjoyed spotting wildlife. I would highly recommend this adventure. I can’t wait to do it again!
For other kayaking adventures in the area, check out Lake Minnewanka kayaking near Banff.
Relaxed Evening at The Station Pub
After heading for a walk around Invermere and appreciating the gorgeous views of Windermere Lake, we enjoyed a relaxing atmosphere overlooking the water at The Station Pub, eating the tasty feta and beet salad and chicken souvlaki.
Day 2: Mountain Views and Local Flavours
Swansea Mountain is the perfect place to start your morning with a short hike to check out the picturesque views of Invermere, BC. After exploring the sights in the town, head for a relaxing soak in Radium Hot Springs. Old Coach Trail is a fantastic trail overlooking the valley and the Columbia River for an afternoon walk before heading for supper at Huckleberry’s Family-Style Dining.
Hike Swansea Mountain
Swansea Mountain is a rewarding six-kilometre climb with panoramic views overlooking the Columbia Valley. It’s well worth the effort for two hours of hiking. They have a picnic table at the peak, encouraging you to embrace the views while you eat lunch.
Parking Lot
This is where you want to park. It says you can keep going with your vehicle, but a high clearance vehicle is recommended to go further up the road.
The trail is shared between hikers and bikers on the way up and supposedly splits at the top, although we couldn’t find it and ended up on a bikers’ trail.
Tip: Stay on the shared trail on the way down, like we did, so as not to get hit by a biker on the way down.
After this spectacular hike with gorgeous views of Invermere, BC, it’s time for some relaxation.
Radium Hot Springs
Treat your tired muscles to an afternoon soak in the warm waters of Radium Hot Springs. It tends to be less busy, and you’ll have more room to move around without having to worry about sitting beside a stranger.
There’s an awesome tour from Calgary that takes you to Radium Hot Springs, Marble Canyon, Kootenay Valley Viewpoint, and a stop in Canmore — all in one action-packed day for just $80 if you’re looking for a winter adventure!
Explore the Fall Colours on the Old Coach Trail
Time to wake up and go for a short walk on your way back to Invermere. The Old Coach Trail trailhead is located on the right side of the highway. It will be the perfect opportunity to see beautiful fall views while overlooking the valley. You’ll see the Columbia River from a different perspective compared to kayaking it yesterday.
It’s a great way to build up an appetite for supper and actually enjoy some conversation — rather than dozing off from the cozy warmth after the hot springs.
Red Rock Canyon near Waterton also offers vibrant fall colours if you’re looking for easy hikes in southern Alberta.
Trailhead
You’ll spot this sign as soon as you reach the parking lot. That’s your cue to get ready for your walking adventure.
The trail is fifteen kilometres long, but you don’t have to do it in its entirety; go for an hour to see the beautiful fall foliage and get a view of the valley.
Supper at Huckleberry’s Family-Style Dining
After the exercise from the day, refuel at Huckleberry’s Family-Style Dining, where hearty comfort food makes it feel like supper at Grandma’s house. It’s a welcoming atmosphere located on the left side of the highway as you come into Invermere.
They have an assortment of food, including stir-fry, fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti bolognese and this mushroom schnitzel with vegetables, which was delicious. Check out more delicious menu options.
Overnight Stay at Invermere Inn & Suites
Invermere Inn & Suites was the perfect location for my mom and I to stay. It’s located downtown, making it easily accessible to walk to different shops. We were able to walk to the Station Pub for supper on our first night. The streets felt safe to park our vehicle in front of it. There is also a parking lot behind the building if you prefer to park there.
We had comfy beds for sleeping and plenty of space to get our stuff organized for different adventures. We had a microwave to heat our oatmeal for a quick and easy breakfast in the mornings.
Final Thoughts
Invermere, BC, in the fall is a perfect mix of warm drinks, bright leaves, and adventure. One minute you’re paddling past fish and eagle sightings, the next you’re melting into hot springs or demolishing pub food with zero guilt. If you’re looking for an escape from the crowds with spectacular views, this is one of the best times to visit this Columbia Valley gem. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and already planning your next trip back. So pack your layers, grab your paddle and hiking boots, and let Invermere wrap you in all the magic that it has to offer. Don’t forget to grab my Travel & Hiking Checklist to help you get ready for your trip.
Additional Links
- Epic 4 Day Jasper Summer Itinerary for Adventurous Couples
- Guide to Kayaking in Revelstoke
- Gorgeous Hiking to Laughing Falls
- 7 Gorgeous Hikes Near Banff
- Guide to Banff National Park Larch Hikes
Trip Resources
- Book your flights with Expedia
- Book your hostel through Hostelworld.com
- Book your hotel with Booking.com or Hotels.com
- Book your vacation rental with Vrbo
- Book your experiences through TripAdvisor or Manawa
- Book your guided trips through Viator or GetYourGuide
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