Question 1

Hot Springs

Accepted Answer

If you've come for the relaxing and rejuvenating hot springs experience, there are many to choose from in the area.
 
The Fairmont Hot Springs are the largest mineral pools in Canada and only 8 minutes drive from The Timbers.
35 minutes to the north will bring you to Radium Hot Springs nestled into the red walls of Sinclair Canyon.
 
The four picturesque natural pools of Lussier Hot Springs are located 30 minutes south of The Timbers, just inside the Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park down a short walking trail.
 
For the avid adventurer, Ram Creek Hot Springs is only accessible via 4x4 and substantial hike. These are natural hot springs located in an ecological reserve.

Question 2

Wintersports

Accepted Answer

Winter in the Columbia Valley is supreme with an abundance of activities to choose from.
 
Down Hill Skiing
 
Fairmont - Five Minute Drive
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Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area has the luxury of having it's own ski hill! The uncrowded slopes offer terrain for all of the family. They have a magic carpet for the wee ones and a tubing park for non-skiing family members. It is the perfect spot for family fun. You can soak in the Hot Springs on the way down from your day of skiing as well!
 
Panorama - Forty Minute Drive
 
Panorama Ski Area is about a 35-40 minute drive from The Timbers. Heli-skiing is also offered from the base.
 
Kimberley - One Hour Drive
 
Kimberley Ski Resort The town’s Bavarian theme is carried throughout the ski resort.  The skiing is exceptional at Kimberley!
 
Golden - Two Hour Drive North
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Kicking Horse Ski Resort at Golden will give all the others in the area a run for their money.  It is located about 2 hours to the north of the Timbers Resort.  There is an exceptional dining experience to be had from the top of the mountain as well!
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Fernie - Two Hour Drive South
 
Fernie Ski Resort is about a 2-hour drive south but is well worth it for a days outing.  The traditionally heavy snowfalls make the trip worthwhile.
 
Alberta Skiing - Two Hour Drive West
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Also in the neighborhood of a 2-hour drive or less are Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Norquay Ski Resorts in Banff National Park.
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Cross Country Skiing
 
There are many trails in the area offering wonderful winter views of the lakes, mountains and scenery.
 
Right Next Door
 
You can ski right out of your Timbers cabin and head to nearby Columbia Lake just down the crown land path.
 
Invermere - Twenty Five Minute Drive
 
Toby Creek Nordic Club is very active and enhances the trails in the valley including in Panorama, and the famous White-Way on Windermere Lake at Invermere.
 
Radium Hot Springs - Thirty Minute Drive
 
Nipika Mountains Trails are set amid a massive and scenic trail network built and maintained for cross country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing.
 
Kimberley - One Hour Drive
 
Kimberley Nordic Club trail network is a first class facility consisting of a variety of snowcat groomed trails complete with primary trails that allow skate and classic skiing. There are also narrower single track trails ideal for classic skiers who are looking for more solitude.

Question 3

Lakeside Activities

Accepted Answer

Just 20 meters from Timbers Resort is the head of the 300m crown land trail. A short 5 minute walk along a natural hoodoo formation brings you to the undeveloped shore of Columbia Lake. This shallow access is great for swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking in the summer. In the winter, enjoy cross-country skiing, skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing and more.

Question 4

Hiking

Accepted Answer

Scenic marked walking trails are immediately at hand and a short drive provides many additional picturesque trail options with varying difficulty.
The 5 km Hoodoo Trail is a 5 minute drive from the Timbers and brings you to stunning views atop the areas Hoodoo formations. 
Across the lake is the 16 km Spirit Trail running through Columbia Lake Provincial Park from Fairmont Hot Springs to Canal Flats.

Question 5

Boating and Fishing

Accepted Answer

Nearly 7000 acres of water makes Columbia Lake ideal for a variety of boating activities including plentiful fishing. 
 
At the south end of Columbia lake, about 15 minutes drive from the Timbers is Tilly Memorial Park. This is the only public boat launch on Columbia Lake. In addition to the boat launch and trailer parking, the park has shaded picnic tables, and a pebbled beach with an enclosed swimming area.

Question 6

Biking

Accepted Answer

Riders of all disciplines and abilities will appreciate the wide variety of terrain in the Columbia Valley.
 
The head of the Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail is only 5 Km north of the Timbers and runs for 24 kilometers from Fairmont Hot Springs to Invermere along the west side of lake Windermere.
 
A 20 Minute drive north from the Timbers will bring you to the lower parking area of Swansea Mountain. Swansea has some amazing mountain bike trails ranging from medium difficulty to black diamond.
 
A bit further down the road are Lillian Lake, and Panorama with some world renowned trails.
 
Check out Trailforks or the Columbia Valley Cycling Society for more details and current riding conditions

Question 7

Shopping

Accepted Answer

Fairmont has several locally owned shops that are fun to explore. The strip mall has an excellent grocery store that contains a fine deli and bakery as well as a liquor outlet and post office. Other amenities in the mall include a cafe, pizza and ice cream parlour, gift shop, realty office and more.
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Invermere's bustling main street has many welcoming shops. An eclectic collection of businesses including gift shops, sports and outdoor equipment, toys and games, and much more. The main street also includes many great restaraunts. Invermere is a 20-minute drive from the Timbers.  
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Kimberly offers a unique shopping experience as it is the Bavarian capital of Canada! The bavarian themed downtown "Platzel" is a collection of pedestrian-only brick streets and water fountains, bordered by unique local shops, boutiques and restaurants. Kimberly is 1-hour south of Timbers Resort.

Question 8

Dining

Accepted Answer

Due to the nature of tourism in the Valley, we always recommend calling to confirm hours, and whether a reservation may be necessary.
 
Coy’s Bistro
4486 Columere Rd
(250) 345-6504
A local favorite for delicious food and great cocktails!

Sushi Sawa
4985 Hot Springs Rd #1
(778) 525-5009
Sushi yes but there is so much more on the menu!

Fairmont Pizza and Ice Cream
4992 Fairmont Frontage Rd 
(250)  345-6233
Go to place for take out pizza and with lots of flavors to choose from, why not get an ice cream too?
 
Su Casa Authentic Mexican Kitchen
5833 BC-93 Next to Hoodoos Gas station
(778) 525-0022
Delicious, Fresh, home made Mexican dishes
 
The Local Coffeehouse
4992 Fairmont Frontage Rd
(778) 525-5044
Tasty coffee and amazing baked treats!

Farm Kitchen Market
5019 Fairmont Resort Rd #8
(778) 525-3222
A lovely selection of bold, flavourful dishes made fresh!

Bear’s Paw Bar and Grill
5097 Riverview Dr
(250) 345-6016
Family friendly restaurant with great pub fare and drinks

Question 9

Golf

Accepted Answer

Timbers Resort has the advantage of being at the epicentre of some of Canada's finest golfing. There are over twenty unique courses within two hours of The Timbers.
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Right Next Door
 
Bordering our property is the hugely popular Coy's Par 3.  It provides a short but challenging course surrounded by the beauty of towering pines and overflowing flowerbeds, walking bridges and water fountains. After a round, stop by the restaurant for a delicious meal! 
 
Fairmont - Five Minute Drive
 
​Heading into Fairmont gives you access the Par 3 Creekside Golf Course. You can also choose from the legendary 18-hole courses: Riverside Golf Course and Mountainside Golf Course.
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Windermere - Twenty Minute Drive
 
Windermere Valley Golf Course is an 18-hole course and offers good value for your round.
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Invermere - Twenty Five Minute Drive
 
Copperpoint Golf Club choose from The Ridge Course, which takes advantage of the majestic views and character filled terrain it is situated on or The Point Course, which follows the rise and fall of the Kootenay Rockies. 
Eagle Ranch combines stunning views with the challenge of their famous gorges.
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Radium Hot Springs - Thirty Minute Drive
 
In Radium Hot Springs, you will find The Springs Course situated along the cliffs and ravines of the Columbia Valley. The beauty of this course is matched by the fun of "playing through" the many herds of mountain sheep that roam the fairways. You could catch another round at The Radium Course with equally stunning views.
 
Panorama - Forty Minute Drive
 
Grey Wolf Golf Course is accessed by a scenic drive along Toby Creek up the mountain from Invermere.
 
​Kimberley - One Hour Drive
 
The Bavarian Capital of the Rockies boasts three world class courses: Trickle Creek Golf Course, Bootleg Gap, and Purcell Golf Course.
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Cranbrook - One Hour and Ten Minute Drive
 
With spectacular views, dramatic elevation changes, and immaculate greens and fairways, Shadow Mountain is a golf experience that is second to none. You can also choose from Cranbrook Golf Club, Wildstone Golf Course, St. Eugene Mission, and Mission Hills Golf Course.​

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