Flat and level

Stroll into the world dragonflies, muskrats and heron along this 0.25 mile greenway and enjoy a close-up look at the Columbia Wetland, an internationally recognized wetland of significance. The trail provides scenic views of the Rocky and Purcell Mountains and the Columbia River at Lake Windermere.

Interpretive panels along the boardwalk tell the story of the wetland ecosystem and the migratory birds who stop into this site along the Pacific Flyway.

This easily accessible trail carries you over the Columbia Wetland with bulrushes and cattails providing a thriving habitat for 26 species of dragonflies, muskrats, ducks, geese, herons and other waterfowl. The trail is marked by educational panels, that provide information on how this highly efficient wetland works and what makes it significant.

The viewpoint overlooks the Columbia River at Lake Windermere as it makes its long journey to the Pacific Ocean with the Rocky Mountains and Purcell Mountains as a backdrop. Due to its proximity to James Chabot Provincial Park, this short trail can be combined with a day at the beach or shopping in the nearby art galleries and boutique stores of Invermere.

The trail is currently an out-and-back layout, however construction is underway to link this greenway to the 100 mile greenway linking Canal Flats to Donald in the Columbia Valley of BC.

The trail is adjacent to James Chabot Provincial Park which provides picnic, swimming, volleyball and other recreation opportunities, so you likely will not be alone on a hot summer day. However, the trail is lightly used in the fall, winter and spring and you likely will have solitude.

The boardwalk is elevated 2' above the surrounding marshland and caution should be exercised in areas where there are no railings.

The boardwalk carries you through bulrushes and cattails with sparse poplar stands. The trail is flat and level and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

The trail head is a compacted gravel surface leading to a boardwalk approximately 6 feet in width.

0.25 miles

Out-and-Back

0.5 hours

This greenway is located within the District of Invermere, 3 hours southwest of Calgary, AB and 1.5 hours north of Cranbrook, BC. From Highway 93/95 head west toward Invermere and turn left (south) on 3rd Avenue. This avenue terminates in James Chabot Provincial Park and the trailhead is located on the west side of the parking lot.