Lake Windermere Whiteway
In summer, the Columbia Valley BC’s beautiful Lake Windermere attracts enthusiastic crowds of recreationists to its shores. In winter, the Lake Windermere Whiteway transforms it into a winter paradise where families can make happy memories as they play on the ice together. In 2014, the Guinness Book of Records declared it the longest skating path in the world!
What is the Lake Windermere Whiteway?
A unique project of a partnership between the Columbia River Greenways Alliance (CRGA) and the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, the Lake Windermere Whiteway is a 30+ km groomed track that links Invermere and Windermere together on the ice.
The track forms 4 loops of varying lengths, that lazily meander around the lake, allowing users to choose a loop or two, or even all of them, depending upon how far they wish to travel.
Everybody gets to have fun!
There are well-groomed tracks for classic cross-country skiing and skate skiing, plus a cleared track for ice skating, offering family recreation adventures for all ages and abilities right in the heart of the two communities, while, at the same time, having a negligible carbon impact on the environment.
Skiers, skaters, snowshoers, fat bicyclers, runners, or walkers with infant strollers and sleds enjoy getting out on the ice for fun and exercise. Even dogs are welcome off the leash as long as owners clean up after them. And because motorized vehicles are not permitted on the Lake Windermere Whiteway, the atmosphere is peaceful, making for a pleasant experience for all.
Ice Fishing
Since ice fishing has long been such a popular sport on the lake, ample space is available for the usual ice fishing huts which dot the lake every winter and provide so much enjoyment for enthusiasts.
Rinks
Skating rinks for hockey and pleasure skating are groomed with an ice resurfacing machine and 100m of hose, provided by the business committee.
Rentals
If you didn’t bring yours with you when you come to visit, cross-country skis and ice skates are available to rent in Invermere at:
- The Inside Edge Sports Store – 905 7th Ave, Invermere – 250-342-0402
- Columbia Cycle & Ski – 375 Laurier Street – Athalmer – 250-342-6164
So come on down to the Lake Windermere Whiteway and join the fun. Hope to see you there!
To find out more about the Columbia River Greenways Alliance, visit: http://greenways.ca.
To find information about the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, see: http://tobycreeknordic.ca.
The ice was very bumpy and sketchy but i guess we missed the better ice earlier. The pictures we saw must of been from a different year.
Wow! Way to go everybody involved in getting this awesome project to this level. I lived in Invermere 20 years ago and would have given body parts to see this type of facility. Makes a truly wonderful part of the world even more special, regards John from Australia. ~
Hi Dan
The lifetime of the Whiteway each winter is purely dependent upon the weather. So far, our weather has been unseasonably warm and at this point, the ice doesn’t look nearly as inviting as you see in the above photos. But winter is only half over and we could, and likely will, still see cold temperatures before it’s over.
Hopefully, you and your family will be able to enjoy the Whiteway when you come in March. Perhaps you can check back before you arrive and we will have a more definite answer for you. ~
Have you considered renting kicksleds that are popular in Scandanavia? ~
Skating on the lake is fabulous! Our family has so much fun! Can’t think of a better way to spend the day! Hat’s off to the organisers! ~