The following hiking trails are only a few of my favorites!  I find myself returning to these trails time after time for the breathtaking views, and of course, the challenge!

Trail Description (Ridge)
From the parking area; walk about 100m back on the road and then turn left to the Mt Swansea trail - a hike of 15 minutes.  The ½ km trail gains 90m in elevation and leads to the top of the ridge.
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Lake of the Hanging Glacier
Trailhead Access
Access to the Lake of the Hanging Glacier trailhead is via the Horsethief Creek Forest Service Road.  From Wilmer, drive north along the Westside Road for 16.4 kms to its junction with the Horsethief FS Road.  From Radium, at the Hwy 93/95 junction, drive west past the sawmill.  Trailhead parking is at road’s end at the km 50 mark.  Overnight camping is available at the Stockdale Creek FS Recreation Site at km 39.
Trail Description
The Lake of the Hanging Glacier is the most popular trail in the District.  The first portion of the trail follows an old roadway for two kilometres.  The trail then narrows and ascends before crossing a footbridge over Hell Roaring Creek.  ( Note: this footbridge is installed for the months of July through September only.  Crossing when the creek is not bridged may be treacherous.)  A second bridged crossing takes you over Horsethief Creek and then through mature forest gaining elevation over 13 moderate switchbacks.  Detouring above a small slough, the trail continues a gradual climb to alpine meadows.  Open camping and a toilet are available here.  The lake and trail’s end are a further 800 metres through open meadows.  The sharp glacier tongue is some 2.5 kms from the north shore.  A spectacular panorama of rugged peaks encircle the lake. 

Access to the vicinity of the glacier is possible along the east shore over rocky terrain with no trails.  Do not attempt to travel on glaciers without experience and proper equipment.  Please do not camp or light fires along the lakeshore.  Horse use is not recommended. 
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Jumbo Glacier
Trailhead Access
From the north end of Invermere follow signs to Panorama Resort (18kms), and continue along the gravel Toby Creek road for 20 kms to the abandoned Mineral King mine.  Just past the tailings field turn right and follow the Jumbo Creek Forest Service Road north.  Park along the road at the 15.8 km mark where a signed old spur road will lead you to the trailhead.
Trail Description
The steep ascent towards the alpine meadows of Jumbo Pass begins along an old roadway.  After 500 metres and two creek crossings (difficult at high water) turn right off of the roadbed onto the actual trail.  The dense forest cover thins eventually breaking into a large avalanche path at the base of a vertical rock face, the northern flank of Bastille Mountain.  The trail tread is less distinct beyond this halfway point and is identified by orange blazes and flagging.  The route travels over several rock bands, through larch forested alpine meadows, and past small lakes as the pass is approached.  Views in the pass area are expansive.

The Jumbo Pass Cabin, a B.C. Forest Service facility, is located 500 metres north of the pass.  Reservations for overnight use must be made through the Invermere Forest District office.

Castlerock Trail 
A steep trail with 27 switchbacks to Castle Rock; over looking the Columbia Valley.  Trail starts west of the hydroline.
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Visit the Ministry of Forests "Recreation" Site for more local hiking trails.
All Recreation Trails

Visit the Kootenay National Park Site for more hiking trails throughout the Park.
Kootenay National Park

Here are a couple of my favorite camping sites in the valley.

Whitetail Lake

Access
Drive 4.5 kms north of Canal Flats on Hwy 93/95 and head west on the Findlay Creek FS Road.  Follow signs to Blue Lake Forestry Camp along the Findlay Creek FS Road and the Deer Lake FS Road.  Do not take the final turn to Blue Lake at km 23.5.  Stay right at km 25.5, then one more right will lead you to Whitetail Lake Recreation Site.  The access road is passable by 2WD vehicles with trailers, but may be quite potholed depending on road maintenance scheduling.
Characteristics and Description
Whitetail Lake Recreation Site is the busiest recreation site in the District due mainly to its trophy fishery.  Most campsites offer shade and easy lake access.  The sites are generally full each weekend from May through August.  Popular with fishers and families.  The first group of sites reached is accessible by trailers.  A boat launch and day use parking also provided.  The second group of sites further south along the lake shore has no trailer turn around area.  Water skiing is prohibited.

Rehabilitation plans for the campground include reducing crowding, protecting surrounding vegetation and improved facilities for boat launching.  Your comments on site conditions and required improvements are welcome.  Comment boxes are located at both the north and south recreation sites. 

Cleland Lake

Access
Access the Westside Road from Wilmer, Radium Hot Springs or Brisco.  Cleland Lake Recreation Site is located off of the Westside Road at the km 50 mark.  Stay on the main road avoiding spur roads cut for logging access.  The road in is passable by 2WD vehicle with the last portion rough for trailers.  Alternate access using Westside Road from Brisco is rougher, narrower and not as suited for trailers.

Characteristics and Description
Light to moderate use.  Camping is dispersed into three separate forested sites.  Limited turnaround area for trailers.  The well spaced private sites give Cleland Lake its remote mountain character.  Campers enjoy lake and mountain views from each site.  Little through traffic, especially on weekdays.  North site has boat launch for small boats.  Current logging in the area is designed to minimise visual impact to campsites.  Other fishing lakes are close by: Jade Lake, Topaz Lake and Cub Lake, each with single campsites and rougher access. 

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Lake Lillian

Lake Lillian is a crystal-clear spring fed mountain lake located along the road up to Panorama. This day use area is a fantastic location for canoeing, fishing, swimming and a campfire!

Dry Gulch Provincial Park

A quiet shady retreat only 4.5km south of Radium! This provincial park is a beautiful setting for camping or a peaceful walk in the trees!
For more info, please visit BC Parks: Dry Gulch Provincial Park

For all recreation sites please visit the BC Ministry of Forests site:
BC Recreation Sites

For all BC Parks please visit: BC Parks

The Columbia Valley has two amazing ski hills that cater to skiers of all abilities.  Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and Panorama Mountain Village offer a wide variety of trails to accomodate the whole family!

Panorama Mountain Village: www.panoramaresort.com

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort: www.fairmonthotsprings.com

View of Mount Nelson from second chairlift

Beaches

James Chabot Provincial Park and Kinsmen beach, both in Invermere, have swimming areas, children's playground equipment and lots of shade for Mom and Dad.  There is also the Windermere Community Beach and the public beach at Canal Flats Provincial Park.  The warm waters and quiet beaches are the perfect place for water activities, fun and relaxation!