There are MANY short beautiful family friendly hikes in the Columbia Valley in British Columbia. Most of the hikes below are by Invermere. I’m still working my way through all the hikes in the valley. I’ve found a few I really enjoy with my family. I’ve included some others that are also very enjoyable but didn’t make my top three.
My current top 3 short hikes (6kms round trip and under):
Mt Swansea (Look Out): 1km, hiking, paragliding, mountain biking, 3 season would be slippery in winter. TOP on my list due to the distance and AMAZING view. I have a 6 month old and 2 year old, short hikes with views like this are not common.
A short, steep trail leads to the summit of a 360 degree view from the top of Mt Swansea. It is amazing to be on top of a mountain with such little effort – I especially appreciated when 8 months pregnant and with small children to carry up. The summit has an outhouse, picnic tables, little trails, a weather station and paragliding launch pads! Many people drive up the mountain to drop off people to mountain bike back down. The drive up the mountain is part of the adventure!
Location: The road to get to the look out is steep, gravel and I'd recommend a vehicle with ground clearance but have seen small sedans at the top. From Invermere driving south on Hwy 93/95 take a left onto Windermere Loop Road (left just after the bowling ally). Take a left on Westroc Gypsum Mine Haul Road and onto Mt Swansea Forest Service Road. Take the 5km road up Mt Swansea, use caution as it is narrow and you will likely see other vehicles or bikes on the road.
Wilmer Wetlands: 3 km, hike, snowshoe, all season. This is my family's 'go-to' hike when we want a walk - it is stunning! The trail is easy to find from the parking pull out. Follow through the fence (a strolled would not fit).The trail is narrow/single track and a toddler could walk this hike. The walk is short but offers wonderful views of the Wilmer Wetlands and valley. The trail goes downhill to a small hill. Makes sure to stay on the trails as this is a wildlife refuge. The end narrows and may be challenging or unsafe for some children.
Location: From Invermere take Panorama Drive, then cross Toby Creek and take your immediate right to Wilmer. Turn right on Main Avenue in Wilmer. Follow Main Avenue until the road turns to gravel. About 2kms out of town there is a distinct pull off on the right hand side of the road.
Hoodoos Trail: 6km, hike, bike, x-country ski, snowshoe, all season accessible. More effort than the other two hikes above but also beautiful and sometimes it's nice to go on a walk that requires more effort. A wide trail that offers many views of the Columbia Lake Valley. There are forks in the trail, keep left at the forks. The trail ends itself, come back the way you come for the most scenic view. The trails does go close to a steep cliff, I keep toddlers in a carrier or by hand for many areas.
Location: 25 minute drive from Invermere. Drive along Hwy 93/95 through Fairmont Hot Springs and continue along for around 3.5km. Turn right onto Westside Road. Follow the road for about 1km, take your first left and there is a large parking lot with a trail-head sign.
Other good hikes:
Lake Enid: 2.5km, hike, bike, snowshoe, free camping, all season accessible
Old Coach Trail: 18km but you can just go as long as you want and return same way, hike, bike, snowshoe, all season accessible (I know many people that this would be in their top three!)
Juniper Trail: 6.4km, hike, 3 seasons – would be slippery in winter
