24 BCBusiness Month Year Photo Credit
b c c h a m b e r o f c o m m e r c e
S P E C I A L F E A T U R E
A Hidden Gem
Whether you're looking for adventure, a little rest and relaxation
or to reconnect with Mother Nature, the Columbia Valley is a
year-round destination that has it all
W
hat makes for a great
city or town? Perhaps it's
breathtaking scenery and
access to endless outdoor
adventures like fishing,
golfing, hiking or skiing. Or
maybe it's a solid economy
built around tourism, natural resources,
affordable housing and great public services.
Nestled within The Valley of a Thousand
Peaks, located between the Rocky
Mountains and the Purcell Mountain Range
in the East Kootenays, is arguably one of
B.C.'s best hidden gems: the Columbia Valley.
"Invermere and its neighbouring
communities have long been treated as the
backyard playground for Calgarians, but
it's still pretty much undiscovered in B.C.,"
says Susan Clovechok, executive director,
Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce.
"Many people move here for the lifestyle and
then they figure out how to make a living."
Clovechok was one such tourist. She
moved here after living in big cities such as
Montreal and Calgary, because of the sheer
beauty of Columbia Valley.
"I also fell in love with the people and
the sense of community—you really know
your neighbours here," she adds.
The Valley, which consists of Invermere,
Windermere, Fairmont Hot Springs, Canal
Flats, Panorama, Wilmer, Radium Hot
Springs, Edgewater, Brisco and Spillimacheen,
is also blessed with quality schools, great
medical services, low crime, a lower cost of
living and minimal commute times.
