Hiking & Walking

#1- Fairmont Creek Waterfall Hike

From your doorstep at Marble Canyon and Residences at Fairmont Ridge, this trail is an easy 1.0 km walk/hike that is perfect for small children, walking your dog, or just stretching your legs. Walk along and up to the Waterfall below the Fairmont Hot Springs pools. Bring your bathing suit for a dip on a hot day. View hiking trails around Fairmont map.

#2 - Spirit Trail

Only a 5 minute drive south of Fairmont’s Main Street, the Spirit Trail continues from Columbia River Road down the east side of Columbia Lake to Canal Flats. This moderate trail is suitable for all abilities – continue on the double track trail or deviate on one of the single tracks trails through the Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir and Golden Western Larch. Great beach spots to enjoy a picnic along the shores of the pristine Columbia Lake. Once used by the Ktunaxa people for hunting and trading goods up and down the valley this near wild trail is perfect for a short stroll or day hike.

#3 - The Hoodoos

Located on the south side of Fairmont, the Hoodoos Trail is an easy hike for all the family. Approximately 3km with moderate elevation gain, this hike offers spectacular views of Columbia Lake, local farmland and the Valley. You'll climb to viewpoints atop the impressive Hoodoo rock formations. The trailhead is easy to find – located 2 km up Westside Road from Highway 93/95. Starting off with a moderate uphill climb along double track as the trail soon becomes single track through sweet-smelling Sagebrush. Stay left at all junctions until you reach the Hoodoos – make sure to keep children and dogs close by as the cliffs are steep.

#4 - Swansea Mountain

15 minutes from Fairmont Hot Springs Swansea Mountain is a well-marked hiking and downhill biking trail. From the bottom of the mountain a 4.5km loop trail provides fantastic viewpoints. This steep trail can be quite challenging for some. A 15 minute hike from the top parking lot is suitable for all ages, although 4 wheel drive is recommended for the drive up to the parking lot as the road can be rough. View Swansea hiking/biking map.

#5 - Poet's Trail

This wide switchback trail connects the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort with the townsite. Enjoy the various poems that are posted on the trees en route.

#6 - Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail

The Westside Legacy Trail is a beautifully maintained, paved trail leading from Fairmont Hot Springs to Invermere. The trail is 25 kms in total, and makes a great half-day adventure to go out-and-back, or pack a lunch and make a day of it! Taking its name from the Westside Road, the trail runs parallel to the road, offering beautiful mountain and forest views. Find detailed information on difficulty level of each leg of the trail here.

#7 - Wilmer Wetlands Walk

The Wilmer Wetlands are a spectacular place to take in the beauty of the Columbia River Wetlands. An easy hike just outside of the town of Invermere, the Wilmer Wetlands hike is a great option for any time of year. Also a great place to birdwatch and scout out wildflowers. Find directions and more information on the BC Bird Trail website.

#8 - Findlay Falls

Findlay Falls is a beautiful and quick outing just south of Fairmont Hot Springs properties. This trail is a great opportunity to soak in the beautiful views of the canyon and green waters of the Findlay Creek. Find access information and directions here.

#9 - Source of the Columbia Trail

Take a walk where it all begins! The headwaters of the Columbia River in Canal Flats, BC is a beautiful short hike perfect for families. This trail winds beside and overtop (via bridges) the Columbia River, lending itself for lovely nature watching spots (watch for painted turtles!). More trail information is available here.

#10 - Sinclair Falls & Juniper Trail

The Juniper Trail is located just inside the Kootenay National Park in Radium Hot Springs, BC. A 20-minute downhill jaunt from the parking area will lead to the stunning Sinclair Falls in a shaded, treed trail. Hikers can extend the trail and continue atop the Sinclair Canyon for birds-eye views of the Village of Radium. Trail information is available here.

#11 - Junior Johnson Trail

Junior Johnson is a delightful hiking loop near Panorama. On the shores of Lake Lillian, the Junior Johnson Trail is a 3 k.m. loop with minimal elevation gain, but beautiful views. Keep in mind that this trail multi-sport and is shared with mountain bikers as well. Find directions to the trail here.

From a leisurely stroll to an adventurous full day hike there are a ton of great walks and hikes at Panorama. Choose from a variety based on your energy level and time.

#1 - The Valley Trail (Easy)

Free for visitor use, this paved multi-purpose loop is a great summer stroll for the family or a romantic leisurely walk. From the village, the trail sidles above Greywolf before descending to Cliffhanger Restaurant. The remainder of the 3.5 km trail winds along the cool waters of Toby Creek. Approx. 1 hour loop.

#2 - Cox Creek Trail (Moderate)

The Cox Creek Trail starts at the upper village left of the Mile 1 Express Chair. It switchbacks and climbs the mountain slope across ski runs and through alpine forests. This hike is moderate and the trail conditions are uneven so wear good shoes and pack water. Due to variations in elevation along the route more physical effort is required.

#3 - Lynx Loop (Easy)

Take the Mile 1 Express to the top of the chair and enjoy the views for a moment. Embark and short and easy mountainside hike on the Lynx Loops. This trail is an invigorating walk, suitable for families, and all are within the close vicinity of Panorama Mountain Resort.

#4 - Creekside Trail (Moderate)

The Creekside Trail is a loop that follows along the Toby Creek. This hike is moderate in length. Hikers will encounter uneven trail conditions so decent shoes are a good idea (flip-flops not recommended). Due to variations in elevation along the route more physical effort is required. It is a good idea to bring along some water.

Note about wildlife: Panorama Mountain Resort is surrounded by some of the most rugged mountain terrains in North America. The alpine meadows, forests, and valleys are frequented by wildlife. Bears and cougars tend to avoid human contact, so hiking in larger groups and making lots of noise helps avoid aggressive encounters. Wearing bells, talking or singing helps alert animals to your presence without startling them. Do not approach wildlife to take photos. You may consider carrying bear spray; remember that this is a deterrent and not a life-saving device.

Explore off the beaten path to peaks and trails that you may otherwise not see. The experienced guides at Playwest Mountain Experience will take you on legendary day-hikes with epic views!

#1 - Brewer Lakes Hike | 5-8 Hrs | Easy/Moderate hike with a little bit of everything!

The Brewer Lakes Hike is a Playwest favorite! This easy/moderate hike has a little bit of everything. Travel through old growth Douglas Fir and Larch, incredible meadows filled with millions of wildflowers and several sub-alpine lakes. The Brewer basin is full of hidden little gems and if your group is feeling adventurous and has the fitness, ask about the Mt. Brewer option. A great peak to bag with stunning views of the Rockies, the Fairmont range and the local favorite, Mt. Nelson.

#2 - Jumbo Pass | 7-8 Hrs | Enjoy epic views of multiple glaciers and mountains! (Moderate) 9km/600-800m Elev. range: 1680m-2480m

Jumbo Pass is a legendary hike with epic views of the Cauldron Glacier, Horseshoe Glacier, Jumbo Mountain, Mt. Karnak, Red Top and so many more. This hike moves through amazing stands of old Douglas Fir, Larch and Spruce. It also travels through incredible meadows stocked with more wildflowers than one could count. A great lunch spot awaits with a wonderful view of the Cauldron Glacier beside the famed Jumbo Cabin. If you have the energy, a little more effort gets you to a full 360* view of the Purcell Range. This is a trip for the books!

#3 - Pedley Pass |8-9 Hrs | A great day hike on the Rockies side of the Columbia Valley! (Moderate) 10km/600m Elev. Range 1980m-2450m.

This is a great day hike on the Rockies side of the Columbia Valley Trench. Starting at 1980m, the trail takes the hiker through old growth Douglas Fir, Spruce, and the endangered White Pine as well as an abundance of wildflowers. An amazing tarn (alpine lake) awaits the hiker who might be looking for a cool and refreshing dip. Many fossils can be seen along its shores within the old limestone rock. Additionally, a wonderful ridge walk awaits with stunning views East to the Rocky Mountain Range. The famous “Matterhorn of Canada” Mt. Assiniboine, The Royal group as well as other notable peaks are all within eyesight. The Pedley Pass Hike is a gem of the Columbia Valley and should be experienced by all.

#4 - Lake of the Hanging Glacier |8-9 Hrs | Lush Forests, Cascading Waterfalls & Mindblowing Glacial Lakes! (Moderate/Hard) 16km/700m Elev. range: 1680m-2480m.

Another classic hike in the Columbia Valley! Working up and along the headwaters of Horsethief Creek. Several notable objectives await. The first is Hell Roaring Creek...you have to see it to understand how it gets it name. Then we cross the Horsethief and begin the main ascent up to the Lake of the Hanging Glacier basin. Moderate switchbacks give way to a spectacular cascading waterfall, hinting at what is to come. A short little climb through a sub-alpine meadow brings the hiker to the awe-inspiring Lake of the Hanging Glacier. Truly a hike that should not be missed. Join us!

Visit Playwest Mountain Experience for more information on guided hiking experiences.