3 Activities to Discover Wildlife around Invermere & Panorama

On the edge of the Canadian Rockies, the playground of Invermere on the Lake and Panorama Mountain Resort is home to an incredible and diverse ecosystem. With an abundance of outdoor adventures to experience, the majestic wildlife never disappoints.

To take full advantage of the many viewing opportunities, here is a list of unforgettable experiences:

#1: Birding along the Columbia River Wetlands

The region surrounding Invermere BC is often referred to as the Columbia Valley due to water flow from nearby Columbia Lake. Through this region, the waters flow northward first before turning near Golden and journeying to the south. After meandering through Lake Windermere, the waters settle and warm in the bountiful wetlands of the Columbia National Wildlife Area. These protected wetlands are home to a variety of birds making the annual trek along the Pacific Flyway migratory path, as well as those found in the Rockies and across the Prairies.

Species of bird that can be found here (depending on the season) include: ruffed grouse, Barrow’s and common goldeneye, golden and bald eagle, merlin, grebes, mergansers, and several woodpecker species

Feel like going with the flow? Canoe along the Columbia River and discover intricate facts about this great North American river and its ecologically important wetlands, along with its abundant birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals.

And don’t forget to prepare online for your birding trip, locate the trails and study the local bird species with the BC Bird Trails!

#2: Bear viewing in the mountains

With the current estimate of the black bear population in British Columbia somewhere between 120,000–160,000, your chance to spot one of these impressive creatures is relatively high!

The encounter can be as exhilarating as it can be unexpected, so make sure to keep your distance from these wild animals at all times and be aware of your surroundings. And if you want to ensure a safe viewing, the best way is to reach out to an expert guide! Playwest Mountain Experience offers you the “Bear Necessities” where you can learn about bear biology, habitat, feeding habits, and behaviour as you hike the Kindersley Pass trail. This moderate-level hike is an excellent potential for (safe) wildlife sightings.

To learn more about safety tips, visit WildSafeBC.

#3: Bighorn sheep observation

If you are travelling through Kootenay National Park, on your way to Invermere, be sure to take slow down and keep an eye out when heading through nearby Radium Hot Springs. The biggest traffic jams you may find here are oftentimes related to the Bighorn sheep sauntering across the roadways. Focal attraction in the village for decades, they have inspired Radium Hot Springs’ two-day Headbanger Festival. The event is timed to coincide with the Bighorn’s annual rut, in which the rams compete for the ewes by challenging each other to head-butting contests. Don’t miss this annual opportunity to celebrate, learn about, and see these spectacular four-footed locals!

To complete your wildlife exploration, join the Wings Over the Rockies Festival, one of the largest nature festivals in Canada, that takes place every year in May in the Columbia Valley. Attend streamed presentations or join guides on hikes and paddles at various locations across the Columbia Valley to learn more about local plants and animals.

Whatever the season, you will find plenty of unforgettable wilderness experiences so get ready and start planning! Browse our current travel specials to save on your trip to Invermere on the Lake and Panorama Mountain Resort, and if you need directions, our helpful community map will guide you to your next adventure!

Travel Safely

For more information about current travel status, please visit the Province of British Columbia’s web page detailing Travel Affected by COVID-19 as well as our Wide Open Spaces blog.