The town of Invermere has everything a resident requires. With a population of over 3,000, Invermere is the economic hub of the valley community, offering retail stores, services, restaurants of all variety, accommodations and more. Real Estate in Invermere is a Hot Commodity!

Called Copper City when it came into existence in 1890, its name was changed to Canterbury in 1900 and nine years later to Invermere. Invermere was incorporated in 1951. Mining, agriculture and lumber are major industries in the area but now tourism adds much to the economy.

With two beautiful beaches, Kinsmen and James Chabot, the town offers the most public access to Lake Windermere. All recreational activities are available in Invermere, along with rental and specialty shops geared to the outdoor enthusiast.

North of the town is one of the best examples of a wetlands ecosystem in the world. The Upper Columbia River Wetlands are the stage of an annual event, the Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival, held at the beginning of May each year. It is a birdwatchers’ mecca. Other special events are held regularly on weekends from the Victoria Day long weekend to Labour Day in September to keep Invermere buzzing.

Upon entering the town in summer traffic moves quite slowly through the winding streets as visitors soak in the sights. Your patience will be rewarded. If you are looking for parking, there is a large municipal lot east of main street. The Noteworthy Bed and Breakfast is located a few minutes away in Windermere.

Wilmer, six kilometres northwest of Invermere is a quiet and bedroom community of Invermere. It was originally the valley’s first community, settled in 1896 and named Peterborough, until it was changed to avoid confusion with the Ontario city. Three years later the population had grown to 100, mostly workers from Paradise Mine in the Purcell Mountains. Early in the century it had two hotels, several stores, a government agent office, an assayer’s office, court house, two churches and a newspaper. Wilmer is home to the Delphine Lodge, a country style bed and breakfast.

Invermere has an excellent museum and a great historical walk. The town’s main function for tourists, other than as a place for them to stay, is its shopping, dining and travel opportunities. The town has developed into a mix of small town charm with big town assets, as business owners continue to serve visitors.

An abundance of flower beds and hanging baskets splash colour throughout the town, which has retained much of its turn-of-the-century architecture and the town’s parks offer serene surroundings. For culture and art lovers Invermere is hot. Pynelogs Cultural Centre, near Kinsmen Beach displays the works of many of the valley artists, as well as tea and baked goodies during the summer months. The town also boasts several small private art galleries, as well as the Village Arts, a main street store which profiles and benefits local artists.

Invermere is a great place to base yourself if you are planning to hit the many golf courses in the area or if you intend to do some backcountry hiking up the many drainages spilling down into the Columbia Valley from the Rockies and Purcells.