Fall Activities in the Columbia Valley
From Adventures to Relaxation & Larches to Hot Pools
The rafts are packed away for another season, but that doesn’t mean the adventures have to stop! Fall in the Columbia Valley is a pretty special time to explore Golden, Invermere, Panorama and Radium Hot Springs. The mountains are changing colour, the pace is slower, and there are still plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the Rocky Mountains.
Here are a few of our favourite ways to keep the adventure going after rafting season.
Chase the Larches by ATV or SXS
If you’re not quite ready to put the adventure gear away, head into the mountains with Toby Creek Adventures for an ATV or SXS trip. Fall is a fantastic time for their guided adventure, with clear skies, fresh mountain air and golden larch trees putting on a spectacular show.
Wind your way along mountain trails, take in the views and explore the Purcell Mountains from a completely different perspective. It’s a great way to experience the landscape we spend our summers rafting through.
Get Out for a Fall Hike
Fall is prime hiking season in the Columbia Valley, with trails throughout Golden, Invermere, Panorama and Radium Hot Springs. From easy scenic walks to more challenging mountain hikes, there are plenty of ways to spend a day outside.
Keep an eye out for changing leaves, golden larches and wildlife, and don’t forget your camera. If you know the right spots, you can even catch the brilliant red of Kokanee salmon in some of the local streams. Add the Rocky Mountain backdrop, and it’s hard to find a better time to hit the trails.
Trade Rapids for Hot Pools
After a day of exploring, swap the river for a soak at Radium Hot Springs. There’s something pretty great about relaxing in the hot pools while surrounded by mountain scenery.
Pair a hike or other outdoor adventure with an afternoon at the pools, then settle in for a relaxed evening. It’s the perfect way to unwind during a fall getaway in the Columbia Valley.
Take Your Time Over Coffee
Not every adventure needs to involve a trail. Fall is also a great excuse to slow down and enjoy the little things.
Start your morning at Bacchus in Golden or Kicking Horse Coffee in Invermere, grab a coffee and something to eat, and take your time. Wander through town, browse the shops, enjoy the mountain views or simply sit back and watch the morning go by.
Keep Exploring
While we may be saying goodbye to another rafting season, there’s still plenty happening around the Columbia Valley in fall. From chasing larches and exploring mountain trails to soaking in hot pools and lingering over a good coffee, there are lots of reasons to make a trip out this way.
And if you find yourself missing the river, there’s always next season to look forward to. Until then, come explore the Columbia Valley from a different perspective and start planning your next rafting trip over that great coffee.
Photo Credits:
Toby Creek Adventures
Destination BC/Kari Medig
KRT/Mitch Winton