Invermere, BC: Your Lake Windermere Recreational Basecamp
For the recreational buyer, Invermere isn't just a town—it's the primary gateway to Lake Windermere and the mountain lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance lock-and-leave condo or a lakefront cottage, Invermere minimizes the "drive-time to boat-time" ratio.
The Lifestyle Vibe
Invermere is where the "Valley" meets the water. For second-home owners, the vibe is centred on efficiency and enjoyment. It’s about being close enough to the pub and the grocery store that you don't need your car once you’ve arrived for the weekend. It offers the "Low-Maintenance" lifestyle, allowing you to spend your time on the lake or the links rather than mowing the lawn.
The Investment Angle
In 2026, the recreational investor prioritizes properties that "pay for themselves" through lifestyle and potential rental yield.
The Lock-and-Leave Play: Condos near the downtown core are in high demand among buyers who want zero yard work.
Proximity Premium: Homes within walking distance of Kinsmen Beach hold the highest resale velocity for the recreational market.
The service center for the Columbia Valley with two beaches, a boat launch, unique shopping, a new community center (2017), Eddie Mountain ice arena, curling rink, a new public library (2017) and a cultural centre. Residential, recreational, and retirement properties, condos and townhomes are available.
Copper Point
has two golf courses - The Point (Championship) and The Ridge (Executive).
The Point - Copper Point Golf Course
Eagle Ranch Golf Course
Eagle RanchGolf Course was voted as one of Canada's best for course conditioning by SCOREGolf Magazine and rated four stars by Golf Digest.
Key Takeaways: The Golf Life (Eagle Ranch & Copper Point)
Eagle Ranch Precision: Perched on the bluffs, this course offers 360-degree mountain views and is famously "mountain golf without the squeeze." It’s a 5-minute drive from central Invermere.
Copper Point Efficiency: With two courses (The Point & The Ridge), Copper Point is the go-to for Alberta buyers looking for a "masters-style" experience. The Ridge course can often be played in under 3 hours—perfect for maximizing weekend time.
Proximity is Luxury: Both courses are located within the "Sunbelt" of the Rockies, often enjoying a longer playing season than courses in the Alberta foothills.
Westside Legacy Trail is a multi-use, human-powered, paved 25 km trail connecting the communities of Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs.
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know
The 25km Connection: This multi-recreational, human-powered paved trail directly connects the communities of Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs, offering a safe, scenic alternative to Highway 93/95.
Road-Bike Friendly: Unlike rugged mountain bike trails, the entire 25km stretch is paved, making it ideal for road bikes, e-bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs.
The "Westside" Lifestyle: Properties near Westside Road trailheads are seeing increased demand from buyers who prioritize immediate access to "The Valley's" active lifestyle over traditional lakefront.
Scenic Pitstops: The trail features 17 rest areas and benches, providing "Hidden Gem" views of Lake Windermere and the Rocky Mountains that are inaccessible by car.
Larch Point: An exclusive lakeside development of 18 recreational residences adjacent to Invermere, where you will find some of the most private waterfront properties on Lake Windermere. CastleRock on Lake Windermere: Five-minute drive from downtown Invermere, BC. CastleRock is alpine living with single-family homesites and lots for sale Wilmer: Six kilometres northwest of Invermere is a quiet and charming bedroom community of Invermere. Juniper Heights: Close to the amenities of Invermere, just north of the crossroads, you will find a development of small private acreages with drilled wells. Dry Gulch: Dry Gulch is situated at the foot of Redstreak Mountain on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountain Trench, shadowed by the peaks of the Stanford Range. This quaint community is a short drive south of Radium Hot Springs, where you can enjoy hiking and camping in the Dry Gulch Provincial Park and Campground, fabulous antique shopping, and family activities, including Go-Karts, Mini Golf and horseback riding. Toby Benches: Located between Invermere and Panorama Mountain Village you will find a host of small acreages some with views of Toby Creek Canyon.
Global BC Small Town - Invermere
Living in Invermere - Featured on Shaw TV
Invermere Lifestyle Snapshot
Q: Why is Invermere considered the "Core" of the Columbia Valley?
A: As featured on Shaw TV, Invermere is the primary service and recreational hub of the Valley, offering the most consistent access to shopping, dining, and the world-famous Whiteway skating trail.
Q: Is Invermere a good choice for a low-maintenance vacation property?
A: Yes. Invermere offers a wide range of strata-managed condos and townhomes near the lake and downtown, making it the ideal "lock-and-leave" destination for Alberta buyers who want to maximize their recreational time.
Q: How does the "Small Town" vibe of Invermere impact real estate value?
A: The "Small Town" charm highlighted in regional media drives high demand for "legacy estates" and walkable properties, ensuring strong long-term equity for buyers looking to secure a piece of the BC Interior.
Commonly Asked Questions: Invermere Recreational Real Estate
How far is the drive from Calgary to Invermere?
A: Invermere is approximately a 3-hour drive from Calgary, making it the first and most accessible major lake destination in the Columbia Valley for Alberta-based weekenders.
Can I walk to the beach from downtown Invermere?
A: Yes. The downtown core is designed for a "park-and-walk" lifestyle, where you can stroll from local boutiques and pubs to Kinsmen Beach in under 10 minutes, significantly reducing the need for a car during your stay.
Where is the best place to launch a boat in Invermere?
A: The primary public motorized access point is the Athalmer Boat Launch (Yaqakxaqⱡamki), which features floating docks and dedicated trailer parking. For non-motorized crafts like paddleboards, Kinsmen Beach is the preferred local launch spot.
Are short-term rentals (STRs) allowed in Invermere?
A: Yes, but they are zone-specific. Many recreational buyers target developments in the Athalmer district or specific strata-managed condos downtown that are pre-approved for STR use to help offset carrying costs.
What is the best neighbourhood for a "lock-and-leave" vacation home?
A: For those seeking zero yard work and high security, the condo developments, Lake Windermere Pointe near the downtown core, Vista Heights new downtown townhomes and the CastleRock community offer excellent low-maintenance options that are perfect for secondary homeowners.
How do I access the Westside Legacy Trail from Invermere?
A: The northern trailhead for the 25km paved Westside Legacy Trail is located near the intersection of Westside Road and Panorama Drive, providing a direct human-powered connection all the way to Fairmont Hot Springs.
