 35 minutes from Invermere, Spillimacheen is another access point to Purcell Mountain backcountry locations. A few hundred feet down this road is an information kiosk on the Columbia River and its sprawling wetlands. The kiosk, established by the Friends of the Columbia River, was unveiled during the 4th annual Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival by official patron Robert Bateman, the internationally revered wildlife artist. The Friends have since added a couple of more kiosks at locations between Radium and Spillimacheen. Spillimacheen is also home to the annual Spilli Chilli Cookoff, is held at the Spillimacheen Festival Grounds off Highway 95, featuring a host of excellent chili cooks vying for prizes, as well as music, family fun and arts and crafts wares available for sale. The drive between Golden and Invermere, with Spillimacheen the half way point, follows the river and its wetlands and is one of the most beautiful 130 km (81 mile) drives you will ever experience. During the autumn months when the trees change colour, the Invermere to Golden drive is among the top three most beautiful tours on the continent. |