The Best Of Lake Windermere – Year Round
Located in the heart of the Columbia Valley, Lake Windermere offers year-round beauty and endless ways to connect with nature. Whether you’re paddling under a summer sun or skating across its frozen surface in winter, the lake is a constant source of recreation, relaxation and inspiration.
Here’s how to enjoy Lake Windermere in every season.
Summer: Boating, Beaches & Open Water Bliss
In summer, Lake Windermere becomes the centre of outdoor life. Its clear, calm waters are perfect for boating, swimming and all things lakeside.
Local marinas like Pete’s Marina and Shadybrook Resort rent everything from speedboats and pontoons to paddleboards and kayaks. Those seeking adventure can try wakeboarding or waterskiing, while others may prefer a slow paddle along the shoreline.
Kinsmen Beach in Invermere is a popular spot for families, with its warm shallows, playground and shaded picnic areas. On the northern edge of the lake, James Chabot Provincial Park offers a wide sandy beach and grassy areas for sunbathing or casual games.
Fishing is another warm-weather favourite. Anglers can drop a line from the shore or a boat to catch rainbow trout, kokanee and mountain whitefish—especially along the eastern shoreline or near Windermere Creek.
To end the day, take a sunset cruise or head out on the water to watch the sun set behind the Purcell Mountains, casting golden reflections across the lake.
Fall: Fresh Air & Changing Colours
As the valley transitions into fall, Lake Windermere offers a quieter, more reflective experience. The surrounding hills blaze with autumn colour, and the crisp air invites slower-paced outdoor activities.
The Westside Legacy Trail is a paved, multi-use path ideal for biking or hiking, with sweeping views of the lake and mountains between Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs. The Old Coach Trail is another scenic route for a relaxed nature walk, following the Columbia River just east of the lake.
Fall is also a great time for birdwatching. The Columbia Wetlands come alive with migratory birds and wildlife. With a pair of binoculars and some patience, you may spot bald eagles, herons or osprey gliding over the water.
If the weather cooperates, designated firepits at Kinsmen Beach and James Chabot Provincial Park are perfect for a late-season bonfire. Bring a blanket, roast marshmallows and listen to the water lapping at the shore.
Winter: Ice Trails & Mountain Air
When the lake freezes, it becomes one of the most iconic winter destinations in the Columbia Valley. The Lake Windermere Whiteway, a 34-km skating loop between Invermere and Windermere, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest naturally frozen skating trail.
In addition to skating, the Whiteway offers groomed cross-country ski tracks for both classic and skate techniques. Short loops near Kinsmen Beach are great for beginners, while longer segments provide a challenge for experienced skiers.
Ice fishing is a winter tradition here, with many setting up tents over deeper sections near Timber Ridge. Beneath the ice, burbot, kokanee and mountain whitefish keep things exciting for patient anglers.
After a day in the snow, warm up with hot chocolate at Circle Café or Stolen Church Coffee. Both offer locally sourced ingredients and a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Spring: New Growth & Gentle Paddles
Spring at Lake Windermere marks the return of colour and wildlife. As the snow melts and the ice thaws, the shoreline becomes a peaceful place to explore by canoe or kayak.
Rentals are available from Columbia River Paddle in Invermere, making it easy to access quiet coves and the nearby Columbia Wetlands. Paddling early in the season often means still water, little wind and great birdwatching.
Nature trails begin to bloom with wildflowers, and areas like the Conrad Kain Trail or Wilmer Wetlands become prime spots for photography and wildlife viewing. Look for elk near the water, eagles overhead and even bears emerging from hibernation.
Sunrise and sunset walks along the lake are especially beautiful this time of year, with long golden light stretching across the valley.
A Lake For All Seasons
Lake Windermere is more than a scenic backdrop—it’s a four-season playground that offers something unique every month. Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of watersports, the quiet of a frozen morning, or the richness of seasonal wildlife, life at Lake Windermere offers something few places can match.
Thinking of building a life around these year-round experiences? Grizzly Ridge Properties offers private acreages just minutes from the shoreline. Contact us to learn more about living close to everything Lake Windermere has to offer.