Columbia Valley Swimming
The lakes and rivers of the Columbia Valley are warmer than elsewhere in the Canadian Rockies, but for visitors from warmer climes, the water is still considered cool for swimming, even on the hottest summer days. The following swimming spots are listed from north to south.
The town of Invermere is at the north end of large and busy WINDERMERE LAKE. The original lakefront town site is protected as JAMES CHABOT PROVINCIAL PARK, a popular recreation spot where a pleasant grassy area dotted with picnic tables runs right down to a sandy beach and the shallow waters of the lake.
A short distance south of Invermere is FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS, comprising a sprawling residential and resort complex where the hot springs (5225 Fairmont Resort Rd., 250/345-6311 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily) are the main attraction. Their appeal is simple: Unlike most other springs, the hot water bubbling up from underground here contains calcium, not sulfur with its attendant smell. The pools are a magical experience, especially in the evening. Lazily swim or float around in the large warm pool, take to the diving boards of the deep pool, or soak away your cares in the hottest pool.
Fairmont Hot Springs.
Continuing south, the Canadian Rockies open up and the scenery becomes more pastoral. Five kilometres (3.1 miles) south of Canal Flats, an unsealed logging road takes off east into the mountains, leading to the 1,994-hectare (4,930-acre) Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. The road climbs steadily from the highway, entering Lussier Gorge after 11 kilometres (6.8 miles). Within the gorge, a steep walking trail descends to LUSSIER HOT SPRINGS. Two small pools have been constructed to contain the odorless hot (43°C/110°F) water as it bubbles out of the ground and flows into the Lussier River, but otherwise, the site remains in its natural state and there is no admission charge.
The 144-hectare (360-acre) WASA LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK, 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of Cranbrook, centres on a warm lake, making for good summer swimming. The park encompasses a number of sandy beaches scattered around the east side of the lake, but all are linked by an eight-kilometre (five-mile) paved walking and biking trail that encircles the lake. The park campground is across the road from a small stretch of beach and has hot showers. You’ll need campsite reservations through BC Parks.
Wasa Lake has sandy beaches and warm water.
South of Cranbrook 22 km (16.7 miles) is MOYIE LAKE, which has warm water and a stretch of sand protected by a provincial park. There is also a dog-friendly beach and a campground with sites reservable through BC Parks.
Moyie Lake Provincial Park.