A Guide to Panorama

Skiing & Snowboarding

If you’re here in the winter, you probably already know that Panorama is a ski resort that offers some epic skiing and boarding opportunities. Located in the Purcell mountains, globe trotters descend on this resort every year to enjoy this powder paradise. Panorama spans over 3,000 acres of terrain and boasts over 4,000 vertical feet. The resort has 129 different runs making it an ideal place for skiers and boarders of all levels to have the time of their life. 

If you have any children just starting out or you’d like to brush up on your skills, definitely check out the Ski and Ride Snow School programs that Panorama has available. The kids will love it, you’ll feel more confident, and you’ll get a bit of free time from your “littles.” It’s a win-win.

Nordic Skiing

Head on over to the Panorama Nordic Centre, where you’ll be able to pick up your pass to cross-country ski. With more than 20 kilometres of dedicated and impeccably groomed trails, you’ll be blown away by the unreal scenery you encounter.

Additionally, for more cross country ski activities, you may want to visit the Toby Creek Nordic Club, where you can ski beside the famous Whiteway, named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest skating track in the world at 30 km. These trails connect the communities along Lake Windermere and is an incredible way to spend a day out in the fresh air, seeing the sights and making memories.

Snowmobiling

Now, this is A LOT of fun. With 32,000 acres of breathtaking terrain to explore, this is an experience you and your family will not forget. Toby Creek Adventures offers tours that range from half a day to multiple days of exploring the back-country. The guides here are known for being incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They’ll ensure that your ride has just enough adrenaline for the thrill-seekers while ensuring safety for everyone. This truly is a family adventure.

Suitable for riders as young as 5 Custom group tours are available if you’re here with a group and would like to have your own epic trip.

Heliskiing

Are you ready to check an item off your bucket list? Located right in the Panorama village is RK Heliski. A premier heliskiing company with  43 years of experience and top-notch professionalism, this is arguably the most epic experience to be had while staying here. It’s not unusual for guests to say that this adventure will go down as one of the best days of their life. RK has multiple packages to choose from and legendary guides just waiting to take you on a deep powder, high elevation adventure. 

Just don’t forget to tag us in your pics. We love to see our guests having the time of their lives.

Skating 

Get the kids ready because it is time to go skating. You simply cannot stay in Panorama during the winter without heading over to The Whiteway for the world’s most majestic skating experience. With 34 kilometres of groomed skating track, you will be able to ski the length of Lake Windermere and back while experiencing all the little communities along the way and being surrounded by the Purcell and Rocky mountain range. This is skating at its finest. There are also hockey rinks and opportunities for fat tire biking along the way.

Skating and skate rentals are also available in the village at an outdoor rink right near the Candy Cabin. This rink also has stellar views of the mountain range. We love heading over for an aprés ski evening activity.

Fat Tire Biking

And you thought bike riding was just for the summer!? Not here, it isn’t. Fat tire biking is perfect for biking on designated snow-packed trails. Rentals are available at the Greywolf Clubhouse.

You can learn more about the sport at the Columbia Valley Cycle Society.

All this activity is bound to leave you a bit sore, and in need of some R&R. You can do just that by paying a visit to the Panorama Hot Pools located in the village. With pools set at different temperatures, you’re sure to find one that’s just right for you. It’s a great place for families to kick back, relax and chat.

Panorama Mountain Resort offers guests an activity pass that can include up to six activities available in the village. This makes it easier than having to buy individual tickets each time you head out to do something. 

Activities you can choose from are:

Mile 1 Sightseeing Chairlift

Eurobungy

Howling Wolf Mini Golf

Rock Climbing

Paradice Mining Co.

This is world-class mountain golf at its finest. Ranked one of the top 15 courses in Canada and the number one public course in BC, you’ll want to make sure you play at least one round here. Golfers love this course for the breathtaking views and varying elevations at every hole. They also have a fantastic restaurant and pro shop you’ll want to spend some time enjoying. This will be a long-lasting memory that’ll leave you wanting to come back again and again.

The minimum age for golfers here is 8 years old.

Other golf courses in the area are:

Eagle Ranch Golf

Copper Point Golf

Windermere Valley Golf 

Hiking in Panorama can be summed up in one word - EPIC! Whether you’re a newbie at hiking or you eat challenging trails for breakfast, there’s a trail here for you. There’s also plenty of trails and areas to go for a leisurely stroll if you have some people in your group that aren’t up to steep climbs or managing uneven terrain. Whichever path or trail you choose, definitely don’t forget to take pics. 

There are also opportunities for guided hikes and walks. If you’re visiting in the fall (our favourite time to hike), the scenery is breathtaking. It’s completely worth it to book one of the organized fall walks to view the trees and mountain range in their full fiery orange and red display.

Just because you’re up in the mountains doesn’t mean you won’t be able to spend time on the water. Right in Invermere, you’ll find stunning Lake Windermere and the opening to the magnificent Columbia River. 

This is the perfect spot for Canoeing, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle-Boarding. Panorama offers guided and self-guided tours that will take you through the wetlands, home to over 250 species of birds, making it virtually impossible not to see them as they fly above.

Grab your suit and some sunscreen because there are lots of options for you and the kids to take a dip in the water. 

In the village, you can find expansive outdoor pools located at Panorama Spring Lodge or Toby Pool in the lower village. 

James Chabot Park is also a great option if you want to spend some time at a beach and swimming in Lake Windermere. James Chabot has lots of great amenities for picnicking and spending a day in the sun.

If fishing is more your speed and you’d like to take some time to float out on the water surrounded by breathtaking views, then Lake Windermere is the spot. It’s also one of the few lakes that allow bass fishing. 

You may even want to book yourself in for a tour where your fishing guide will show you all the best spots to drop anchor and lower your rod along the Columbia River. 

Getting out on your mountain bike or fat bike in Panorama is nothing short of legendary. Riders love it here because of the extensive bike park with tons of trails across all different types of terrain. If you need to rent a bike, they have cross country and full suspension options at Mountain Outfitters. There’s also a map of the trails available for download to help you plan your route. 

Who doesn’t love picnics, suntanning and water activities, all while being surrounded by the mountains? At James Chabot Provincial Park, it simply doesn’t get better. Located on the northeast end of Windermere Lake, you can find yourself windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding at this popular wide sandy beach. 

Also available for the family to enjoy is a large adventure playground and beach volleyball court. For your convenience, designated picnic areas and washroom facilities are also available.

Only 5 minutes from James Provincial Park, you’ll find yourself at Kinsmen Park. Home to many area events and festivals, like the Invermere Music Festival, this is a popular spot with locals and tourists. It also boasts a sandy beach for lounging on, a beach volleyball area, a “Splash and Play” park for the kids and of course, the epic views of the mountains surrounding the lake.

A true nature photographer’s dream, you’ll want to get out your camera and head over to Windermere Lake Provincial Park. Completely undeveloped, this park is one of the last remaining areas of native grassland and waterside habitats. Being so untouched has made it the perfect place to watch as deer and elk roam or to do some birdwatching. It’s also a great place for a nature walk with the whole family. We recommend packing a lunch and spending some time watching the wildlife.

Located along the foothills of the Purcell mountains, Kimberley Nature Park is the largest municipal park in British Columbia. This park plays an important role in protecting local wildlife and has tons of options for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and running during the summer months and skiing in the winter. Here’s a link to suggested activities while you’re in the park. There’s so much to do here; it’s hard to pick which to do first.

This park isn’t close, but it is incredibly pretty. The seclusion and beauty will take your breath away, especially when you see the mountains perfectly reflected in its emerald-green lake. Located in East Kootenay, this park is beloved for its fishing and hunting opportunities. The trails here cater to a wide range of fitness levels that take from only 30 minutes up to 4 hours to complete, making it a great spot to go hiking with the whole family. Also available is a boat launch, showers, drinking water, and a large playground for the kids to enjoy.

Very remote and situated in the Purcell Mountains, Bugaboo serves as a basecamp for climbers from around the world, eager to climb mountainous spires and trek the rugged glacial terrain. It’s a rough ride into the park but will undoubtedly leave you awe-struck. 

This park is absolutely stunning. We have to warn you, though, there’s a really big chance that the glacier topped mountains, wildlife and scenery will leave you speechless and feeling a little overwhelmed.

At Kootenay National Park, there’s no better place to take a slow drive, with the plan to stop every once in a while for an unreal photo op or to go hiking, swimming, biking or snowshoeing in winter. But if all that wasn’t enough, this is also where you can soak in British Columbia’s best natural hot springs. It’s an experience everyone who visits has to put on the top of their “to-do” list. This is the kind of place you’ll make memories that are cherished forever.

Don’t forget your bathing suit!

This gorgeous lake surrounded by the Purcell and the Rocky Mountains is 15 kilometres long and one of the warmest in the area...you have to love that. 

This lake is loaded with activity during the summer. Tourists and locals love to swim, boat and fish here. But that doesn’t mean that the winter is any less busy.  During the winter months, people come from all over to skate The Lake Windermere  Whiteway - a 30km ice track for families to enjoy with stop-offs along the way and huts for ice fishing. The Whiteway is an activity that the whole family can enjoy, all while being surrounded by the epic mountain range. 

Whichever season you’re visiting us in, Lake Windermere will be a central hub for views, fun and relaxation.

This just might be your favourite out of all the lakes here in East Kootenay. Located closer to Fairmont, the drive here takes you along the Columbia River.

The road is bumpy but totally worth it. The lake is less crowded than Lake Windermere and has a gorgeous undeveloped shoreline that’ll allow you and your group to experience nature completely untouched. This place is so beautiful everywhere you look; it will seem like a postcard photo. It’s also the largest warm water lake in East Kootenay, making it a great place for windsurfing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and of course...fishing. 

Insiders Tip: Make sure to bring your drinking water as there’s no potable water made available.

Located only 1.3 kilometres from Windermere, you’ll definitely want to bring the kids here. Dorothy Lake has a special designation for children to fish without a license (as long as two adults accompany them) and is stocked regularly with trout. This is an idyllic lake, with a fountain in the middle, making it a lovely spot to picnic, sunbathe and let the kids lower their fishing rods. 

There’s also a pretty good chance the kids will see some of the western painted turtles that love to bask in the sun around the lake or swim just below the water's surface.

Although this fantastic restaurant is not located in Panorama, we had to add it because it’s such a good spot for fine dining. Many locals and guests have made this their favourite restaurant. 

If you’re looking for a romantic night out, celebrating a milestone or just want a top-notch dining experience, Birchwood checks all the boxes. The ambiance is cozy and intimate, with impeccable service and delicious food to match. We love the Strawberry Rhubarb Margarita and the poké nachos, but we’re confident anything you choose will be a hit.

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free  Options Available

Take Out Available

This restaurant is the best smokehouse in the village. We recommend going early for drinks in their cozy bar. You’ll love the ambiance and hometown vibe that feels much more authentic than eating at a typical chain restaurant. 

Cabin restaurant offers large portions of pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken tacos, roasted veggies, and salads, which are all very popular. It’s also a great choice for hosting a large group or event. 

Great meals and gorgeous views. This modern clubhouse-style restaurant is a guest favourite, and it’s no secret why when you can enjoy your meal while overlooking the mountains and the 18th hole at Greywolf Golf Course. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the village or a quick drive if taking a car. 

Take it from us; you won’t want to miss this place while staying in Panorama.

Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Options Available

Located at the top of the Mile 1 Chairlift, this restaurant offers a unique experience of having a delicious dinner while overlooking the slopes at night and then skiing back to the village when you’re done. There’s also the option of riding the chairlift in your winter boots if you don’t intend to ski but would like some of their pulled pork or fun fondue options. 

In the summer, guests enjoy the locally brewed Kicking Horse coffee on their patio while taking in the views. It’s also a great place to stop in midday when skiing or boarding to warm up with some of their delicious hot chocolate and a baked treat.

This restaurant, located in the village, is a super laid-back sports bar that caters perfectly to the aprés ski crowd. You’ll love heading here midday for lunch or after a full day on the slopes for a cold brew, yummy burger and socializing with other guests. If there’s a game on, no worries, you’ll definitely be able to catch it here.

Vegan-Friendly, Dairy and Gluten-Free options are Available.

Take Out Available

Alto is known for its wood fire pizza and delectable Italian fare. It also delivers on ambiance and friendly service. If you’re in the mood for an upscale pizza experience in the village, this is a great option.

Take Out Available

“Dining Adventures, Dramatic Views”

Food to die for and views that’ll leave you awestruck. What more could you ask for? Located halfway up the mountain is the ever-popular historical Elk Horn Cabin. It’s an experience not to be missed with dishes like their infamous Swiss alpine-style raclette and their extensive list of craft beers and wine. 

There’s also a snowcat limousine service to get you there and back for an aprés ski experience you won’t soon forget.

If you haven’t been to the Summit Hut when you visit Panorama, then you’ve seriously missed out. Its location is the highest building in the area and literally makes you feel like you’re on top of the world with  360-degree unobstructed views. 

Guests love this restaurant for its breathtaking scenery, cozy atmosphere and outstanding comfort food. Popular items on the menu are bratwurst, burgers and chilli.

Take Out Available 

Need a quick bite to warm up, cool down or meet up with a friend? Then Fireside Café is it. Conveniently located right in the middle of the village, this is a fantastic place to grab breakfast before hitting the slopes, hiking, or designate as your meeting spot for checking in with your family. The staff here are also super friendly, making it a place you’re most likely to spend quite a bit of time at, even if it’s just to pick up a coffee and run.

Although this cafe is in Invermere, it’s definitely worth the visit. This place is pretty iconic in the valley and can’t be missed with the big pretzel above their sign. Known for their feature donuts, fresh bread and other baked goods served with their micro-brewed coffee, you’re sure to have a happy tummy after your visit. The donuts are so good; you’ll probably want to order some to take home with you. 

Custom cakes are also available if you’re celebrating someone special while you’re here. Just make sure to call ahead to see if they have availability.

Dates: September 18th & 19th - Yearly Event

Address: Panorama Mountain Resort, 2000 Panorama Drive

There’s no better way to experience the colours of the season than participating in the annual Colourful Summit Ridge Walk. Located at the Panorama Mountain Resort, this event offers three different guided hikes to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. Anyone in your group with a fair level of fitness will be able to spend the day taking in the gorgeous vibrant colours of the fall leaves.

Make sure to call and book ahead because tickets to this incredibly popular event sell out fast. 

Hike Choices 

Goldie Plateau

Goldie Lake

Mount Goldie

Tickets include lift access, a guided walk and a catered lunch of gourmet sandwiches.

Dates: March 5 - March 11th

Address: Panorama Mountain Resort, 2000 Panorama Drive

With over 40 years of hosting some of the world’s highest-level ski races, Panorama is excited to announce that the FIS Alpine Junior Ski World Championship is being held here for the very first time in Western Canada. This is an incredible opportunity to come and be a part of the excitement of this epic event. It’s sure to be full of high energy and celebration as the skiers descend on the mountains to make their mark. We can only imagine how much fun the aprés ski will be later on in the village. 

Date: TBD 2022

If an ice fishing derby sounds like something you’d like to try your hand at, check in with Google to see if these dates have been finalized yet.

Date: TBD 2022

This event is always a good time. If you or someone in your group would like to check out this event, check-in with Google to see the final dates.