Summer in Invermere offers many activities and things to do, but few summer experiences capture the laid-back spirit of the Columbia Valley quite like a paddle down the Columbia River float. Floating from Invermere toward Radium Hot Springs offers a unique perspective of the valley, with calm waters, abundant wildlife and stunning mountain views around every bend. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful afternoon on the water or a guided adventure, it’s one of the region’s most memorable summer activities. Read on to discover how one guest experienced this scenic float with Columbia River Paddle.
Written By Eleanor Crabb
If you’re coming to the Columbia Valley this summer, why not try a relaxing river paddle!
When you’re planning a trip to the Rockies, you’re probably picturing bright blue lakes so cold that only the bravest people dare dip a toe in. But the Columbia Valley is often lovingly called the “warm side of the Rockies,” and that doesn’t just refer to the winters. Windermere Lake and the Columbia River are made for long, hot summer days.
As for the water temperature? I’d describe it as “exactly what you’re hoping for on a hot day.” Not very scientific, but you know exactly what I mean.
We rented two double kayaks from Columbia River Paddle, conveniently located between the Columbia River and Lake Windermere in Invermere. If kayaking isn’t your thing, they also rent canoes, paddleboards and even hydrobikes. Everything was ready when we arrived. The team showed us a map, pointed out a few landmarks to look for along the way and gave us a gentle push off the dock. Just like that, we were off on our Columbia River float heading downstream towards Radium.
If you’re looking for an adventure where all you have to do is show up, they’ve absolutely nailed it.
Within minutes of leaving town, it felt like we’d escaped completely. The only sounds were birdsong and the splash of our paddles. We spotted herons stalking the riverbanks, sparrows darting through the trees and bald eagles circling overhead.
One of the best things about this stretch of river is that you don’t have to work that hard. The current quietly carries you downstream, so you can paddle when you feel like it or simply drift along and enjoy the scenery without worrying about making progress.
My favourite spot was where Toby Creek meets the Columbia River. The creek sends a ribbon of icy, glacier-fed water into the warmer river, and you can actually see the line where the two meet. Because of the temperature difference, they don’t immediately mix. My kayak drifted right along that seam, so naturally I had to dip one hand into each side. One hand was warm, the other freezing. It felt so strange – like nature had forgotten to stir its drink.
The paddle to Radium is around 17 kilometres and can take up to three hours. I’ll admit, before we started I wondered if that might feel a little long. Instead, I was disappointed when we reached the take-out. Before we’d even been driven back to Invermere, I’d already messaged my group chats asking who wanted to come back and do it again.
The Columbia River Paddle team were already waiting for us when we arrived. They helped us out of the kayaks, loaded everything up and drove us straight back to our car. There was no logistics to figure out, no shuttles to organise – just an afternoon spent floating through one of the most beautiful stretches of the Columbia Valley.
If you’re visiting during the summer, I genuinely can’t think of a better way to slow down. You can even book a guided trip if you’d like to learn more about the area or simply let someone else worry about the timing.
It’s the kind of day that leaves you completely relaxed – and already planning the next one. However, as we unfortunately learned… don’t forget your sunscreen.
InvermerePanorama.com is the official travel and tourism site for Invermere on the Lake in partnership with Panorama Mountain Resort, Tourism Radium, and TravelColumbiaValley.com. Learn more about us.
