Kootenay Rockies & Columbia Valley
Local Events
The Columbia Valley and Kootenay Rockies are host to many of the best festivals and events in BC. From the Snowflake Festival in January in INvermere to Radium's Music and Market on Main in the summer months, your vacation can be as busy or as relaxed as you like.
Starlight Challenge
Every Friday in February
Every Friday evening, during the month of February, the Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Resort turns on the floodlights and hosts the popular annual Starlight Challenge, now in its 33rd year. Races include 4 person teams and individual racers, both skiers and snowboarders.
Alberta Family Day Fireworks
February 18, 2017
Celebrate family day by checking out the fireworks show on February 18th at Panorama.
Columbia Valley Rockies Pond Hockey Championship
January 27 - 29, 2017
This event formally known as the BC Pond Hockey Championship encompasses everything a Canadian winter weekend looks like (pond hockey, hot coco, beer, snow, ice, friends and fun). For hockey fanatics, it's hard to imagine it getting any better than this. Outdoor rinks, on either Lake Windermere or Lake Lillian, are approximately 75' x 150', nets are 6' wide and 10" tall and side boards are made of snow. It's 4-on-4 hockey with no goalies; teams can have up to 6 players. More information
Kinsmen Ice Fishing Derby
Invermere + Windermere
Panorama Mountain Village
Radium Hot Springs
Fairmont Hot Springs
January 28, 2017
The 16th Annual Ice Fishing Derby drops line on Saturday, January 28 from 9 am to 3 pm . Registration begins at 8 am. The derby is $35 per person. Catch a net full of squaw fish and you could win up to $500 (prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place). Follow up the fishing action with a great post-derby meal and drink at the Station Pub with your fellow ice fishermen.
Super Hero Sun Fest and Slush Cup at Panorama
April 15 & 16, 2017
Come spend the closing weekend of Panorama with us and enjoy all the festivities. Dress up as a super hero and participate in the famous slush cup. Tons of prizes and fun!
Winter in Motion Festival
Invermere + Windermere
Panorama Mountain Village
Radium Hot Springs
Fairmont Hot Springs
December - March
The Columbia Valley doesn't slow down when the snow hits! We turn up the volume on getting outdoors in our winter wonderland.
December - March is the time to be in the Columbia Valley to enjoy the following activities and events.Click here for a full list of events.
Nipika Toby Creek Nordic Skate Loppet
Invermere + Windermere
Radium Hot Springs
January 28 & 29, 2017
A weekend of Nordic skiing fun with Saturdays event being classic technique and Sunday is skate technique. There are lots of age categories for all events. There are distances for all ages and abilities and awards will be presented to the top skiers in each category on both days. There are lots of draw prizes to be had. Top male & female will be awarded a special prize for the two day total time. After the loppet, join in the awards barbecue.
Easy Rider Snowboard Cup
April 1 & 2, 2017
It's the 30th Easy Rider Snowboard Cup at Panorama. It is the longest running snowboard contest. It is a fun event designed so that snowboarders of all ages and abilities can participate and have a great time.
Bonspiel on the Lake / Snowflake Festival
January 20 - 22, 2017
Bonspiel on the Lake is a curling event combined with Invermere's Snowflake festival. Friday kicks off with food vendors, live music, cocoa and warming stations as well as dazzling fireworks. Curlers from all over BC and Alberta enter teams to take on curling in the great outdoors on sheets of Lake WIndermere ice.
Invermere’s Famous Easter Egg Hunt
Invermere + Windermere
Radium Hot Springs
April 15, 2017
Bring the kids and join in the fun at Kinsmen beach in Invermere. The event is organized by the district and kids of all ages get to hunt for eggs.
Torchlight Parade at Fairmont Resort
December 24, 2017
Located at the Fairmont Ski Hill on Christmas Eve, dozens of skiers and their blazing torches wind down the slopes through the darkness during this annual event – a cherished tradition that kicks off the holiday season at the resort.
Wings Over the Rockies
Invermere + Windermere
Panorama Mountain Village
Radium Hot Springs
Fairmont Hot Springs
May 9 - 15, 2017
Wings takes place in Radium, Brisco, Edgewater, Windermere, Panorama, Fairmont and Canal Flats. Many different aspects of migration will be explored including the migration of waterfowl and songbirds and the seasonal movement of ungulates, carnivores, butterflies, bats, fish and even humans. The festival coincides with International Migratory Bird Day and will include hikes, river floats, workshops, presentations, children's activities, guest speakers, exhibits, food and more.
Headbanger Festival
November 5, 2016
Only in Radium do the headbangers take it to the streets - Bighorn Sheep Rams that is. Come see nature in action as the Bighorn Sheep ram heads on our streets. Radium is hosting their annual Headbanger Festival in November. The weekend is full of activities and educational opportunities for the whole family.
East Kootenay Wine Festival
November 5, 2016
The East Kootenay Wine Festival celebrates the very best wines from British Columbia. The 15th annual event will again feature over 50 of BC's most acclaimed wineries. Get your tickets now as this event sells out every year. For details visit https://www.fairmonthotsprings.com/events-and-festivals/wine-festival/
