Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance

Lake Windermere Whiteway

Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance
Invermere/ Lake Windermere

32.00 km
Distance
1 m
Elevation Gain
828.63 m
Trail Head Elevation
828.63 m
Maximum Elevation
1 m
Cumulative Elevation
1-2 hour(s)
Average Time

Trail Description

With well groomed tracks for classic cross-country skiing, skate skiing, and ice skating, the Whiteway offers family recreation adventures for all ages and abilities right in the heart of Invermere and Windermere. The Whiteway track promotes healthy activity with a negligible impact on the environment. Skiers, skaters, snowshoers, cyclists (studded bicycle tires recommended), runners, or walkers with infant strollers and sleds can enjoy getting out on the ice for fun and exercise. Even dogs are welcome as long as owners clean up after them. And because motorized vehicles are not permitted on the Whiteway, the atmosphere is peaceful, making for a pleasant experience for all. There are 3 official entry points onto the Whiteway; at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere, at the Invermere Bay Condos and at Windermere Beach. At each entry point, there is a sign which provides users with information about both the Whiteway and the Nordic Ski Club. There are also maps and a box for donations. If you use the Whiteway, please buy a membership to the ski club or pay an individual day-use fee of $5. The money is used for promotion and maintenance of the trails. A membership application may be completed online at: http://tobycreeknordic.ca/join-club; and dropped into one of the donation boxes. Memberships include group insurance coverage through Cross Country BC while using the Whiteway. If you don’t have your own equipment when you come to visit, cross-country skis and ice skates are available for rent at: The Inside Edge Sports Store – 905 7th Ave, Invermere – 250-342-0402, or Coluumbia Cycle & Ski – 375 Laurier Street – Athalmer – 250-342-6164. So come on down to the Lake Windermere Whiteway and join the fun.

Directions to Trail Head

Driving directions to the Kinsmen Beach Trailhead: From the traffic lights on Highway 93/95 at the Invermere junction, turn west on Athalmer Road towards Invermere. Stay on the main road. It turns into Laurier St and then turns into 7th Ave which runs through downtown Invermere . Once you leave the business centre 7th Ave swings right. Make a quick left onto 7a St. Follow 7a St. until it crosses the railway tracks and you enter the parking lot at Kinsmen beach.

Planned Mainenance and Trail Events

It is maintained on an as needed basis. The cross country tacks are set by snowmobile and the ice surface is plowed, swept and Zambonied with a tractor.

Trail Surface

Packed snow for cross country skiing. The ice is at least a foot thick before it opens each year.

Trail Season

Late December to mid April

Points of Interest

Uncommon Hazards

Cracks in the ice that allow water to flow up onto the ice surface. It is a non motorized trail but the rest of the lake sees lots of motorized traffic.