Lake Windermere Whiteway
Although BC’s Lake Windermere has long been attracting enthusiastic crowds of summer recreationists, more and more locals and visitors have been enjoying it in the winter as well, and all because of the Lake Windermere Whiteway. A unique project of a partnership between the Columbia River Greenways Alliance (CRGA) and the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, the Whiteway is a 15km groomed track that runs all the way around the lake on the ice, connecting Invermere and Windermere. There are actually 2 loops, a large and a small one that form a figure 8, allowing users to make appropriate choices.
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 the two communities — promoting healthful activity while at the same time, having a negligible impact on the environment. Skiers, skaters, snowshoers, bicyclers (studded bicycle tires recommended), runners, or walkers with infant strollers and sleds 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.
The Invermere Business Committee is planning to expand the potential of the Lake Windermere Whiteway in the winter of 2012 by creating a ‘winter village’ on the lake. Plans include:
- Doubling the width of the ice tracks to 10 metres
- Building 12 pond-hockey rinks
- Adding a curling sheet for beginners and experienced curlers
- Creating a snow-golf course
- A dog park and/or doggie-bag stations
- A racing track
- A snowball park which will have obstacles and bunkers for organized snowball fights
- Hiring a paid staff person to maintain the area
Cross-country skiing on Lake Windermere
Since ice fishing is so popular on Lake Windermere, ample space will be left for the usual ice fishing huts which dot the lake every winter and provide so much enjoyment for enthusiasts.
The business committee has already purchased an ice-resurfacing machine and 100m of hose for flooding the ice.
There are 3 official entry points onto the Whiteway, one each at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere, the Invermere Bay Condos and Windermere Beach. At each entry point, there is a sign which provides users with information about both the Whiteway itself and the Nordic Ski Club, maps, and a box for donations.
Those using the facility are asked to purchase a membership to the club or pay an individual day-use fee of $5, which goes toward promotion and maintenance of the trails. A membership application may be completed online at http://www.tobycreeknordic.ca/join-club and dropped into one of the donation boxes. Memberships include group insurance coverage through Cross Country BC while the Whiteway is being used.
If you didn’t bring yours with you when you come to visit, cross-country skis and ice skates are available to rent at:
- The Inside Edge Sports Store – 905 7th Ave, Invermere – 250-342-0402
- Coluumbia Cycle & Ski – 375 Laurier Street – Athalmer – 250-342-6164
So come on down to the Lake Windermere Whiteway and join the fun. Hope to see you there!
To learn more about the Columbia River Greenways Alliance, visit: http://www.greenways.ca.
For information about the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, see: http://www.tobycreeknordic.ca.
The lifetime of the Whiteway each winter is purely dependent upon the weather. So far, our weather has been unseasonably warm and at this point, the ice doesn't look nearly as inviting as you see in the above photos. But winter is only half over and we could, and likely will, still see cold temperatures before it's over.
Hopefully, you and your family will be able to enjoy the Whiteway when you come in March. Perhaps you can check back before you arrive and we will have a more definite answer for you. ~