Introduction
Windermere is a growing town (pop. 1500) located on the east shore of Windermere Lake. Located just off of Highway 93, this community ideally situated close to the town of Invermere for shopping and services but is distinctly separate with panoramic views of Windermere Lake. This part of the Columbia Valley has seen considerable development in cottages, camping grounds, recreational beaches, golf courses and various tourist attractions.
Long, hot summers and snowy winters attract people from all over to enjoy the lake and ski hills. Winters are fairly mild with most of the snow falling in the mountain areas. Back country and heli-skiing are favourites with the locals. During the summer, the lake is a destination for boaters and anglers from both provinces and swimmers enjoy the warm, late season water temperatures. Several local golf courses are open most of the year for your enjoyment.
High style and low-key rhythm draw artisans to live and work in the area, providing a cultural experience unique to this area of the Purcell Mountains. The Pynelogs Art Gallery is host to a number of events year round including art shows, a fall concert series, and a youth open mike night each month. From October to April, the Cinefest Independent Film Series screen films from the latest producers.
Windermere real estate
Windermere features an eclectic mix of home types and styles ranging from mobiles, character homes, luxury properties, and forest cottages. Land ownership varies by development. Both freehold and leased land (mostly recreational) are available depending on use and budget. Starter homes are affordable for single people and retirees.
Homes in this area might be situated directly on the lake with foreshore access for boating and a swimming dock or at an elevation that provides views of the entire lake and spectacular sunsets. If you prefer water, forest, views, or something closer to town, Windermere has it all.
View Windermere real estate listings
Community highlights
Aerial video
Windermere Lake neighbourhood guide
- Windermere Core – an eclectic mix of older homes, mobile homes and newer upscale homes (replacing some of the older homes). Close to the lake and public beach. Prices range from $250 and up depending on what the property offers (some homes $1 million+). See all Windermere real estate listings.
- Tretheway Beach – west side of Victoria Avenue between Ash Street to Rowan Street. A small community offering private lake and beach access, marina and boat launch. Very desirable area as most properties include a boat slip (owned). Short walk to the beach. Prices range from $300 and up depending on location/views. Homes on the east side of Victoria Avenue (Copper Crescent and Mercury Street) are considered “associate members” to the Tretheway Beach and have beach access but do include boat slips. Community Fees are $200.00 year.
- Indian Beach Estates – Leased land community (Akisq’nuk First Nations) with private beach, marina, boat launch and playground. Cottage community with 150 +/- homes/cabins. Prices from $250 and up depending on the property/location. Annual Head Lease fees approx. $2,200, IBE Management Fees approx. $1,200 – the head lease expires December 2026 – extension negotiated to December 2058.
- Cold Stream Landing – gated waterfront community with custom homes, each home owner gets a boat slip in the private marina. Homes $800+ and lots $400+ depending on location/views
- Lakeview Meadows – upscale development offers higher end larger homes, lake and beach access (no boat launch or marina), day use dock, soccer field/playground, indoor amenity building (indoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, arcade, owners lounge), outdoor hot tub, walking trails. Community fees approx. $1,700 annually (all owners pay regardless of use). Homes range from $550 and up.
- Timber Ridge Phases 1, 2 and 3 – cottage community with Timber Ridge Phase 1 being the most popular – prices range in all phases from $400 + depending on location. Homes on the ridge in Phase 1 overlooking the lake typically start at $1 million. Community offers private lake and beach access, boat launch, marina (waiting list for a boat slip but community has slips for rent), tennis courts, playground, beach volleyball.
- Beach access from Timber Ridge Phase 1 and 3 only
- Timber Ridge Phase 2 uses either Phase 1 or 3 access
Multi-family Windermere real estate listings
- Akiskinook – Built in the late 1970’s, town home condos, some garages, gated entry, lake and beach access, marina/boat launch, recreation center (indoor pool, hot tub, sport court, owners lounge area). Prices $150 + for a 1 bedroom, 300+ for a 3-bedroom, flat top town homes offer the best views and range in price from $500+ depending on location/renovations. Strata fees include water, sewer, exterior building maintenance, grounds maintenance, snow removal, garbage, on-site amenities, building insurance, management. Owner pays BC Hydro.
- Terra Vista – Built in the late 1970’s, town home condos, gated entry, lake and beach access, marina/boat launch. Known for the level walk to the beach and the gigantic sand hill for the kids. Prices range from $250 for the smaller units (1 bedroom + loft) and $400 + for the larger 3-bedroom units depending on location and renovations. Strata fees include water, sewer, exterior building maintenance, grounds maintenance, snow removal, garbage, on-site amenities, building insurance, management. Owner pays BC Hydro.
- Swansea Heights – newer townhome development on the east side of the highway just off Swansea Road. All with single garages and finished on 2 floors – prices range $250 and up. Strata fees include exterior building maintenance, grounds maintenance, snow removal, garbage, building insurance, management. Owner pays utilities.
- Lakeview Meadows – lake/beach access (no boat launch or marina), day use dock, soccer field/playground, amenity building (indoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, arcade, owners lounge), outdoor hot tub, walking trails. All condo home owners pay the Community fee of approx. $1,700 annually, in addition to their monthly strata fees, the same as the detached home owners.
- The Cottages – town home style condos with single/double garages, many floor plans and prices range from $350 to $500. Strata fees include exterior building maintenance, grounds maintenance, snow removal, garbage, building insurance, management. Owner pays utilities.
- Mountain Heights – town home style condos with double garages, many floor plans and prices range from $450 to $550. Strata fees include exterior building maintenance, grounds maintenance, snow removal, garbage, building insurance, management. Owner pays utilities.
- Copperside – high end apartment style condos with elevator, 2 underground parking stalls with many floor plans and prices range from $350 to $600depending on size and location. Backs onto the Copper Point Golf Course. Strata fees include water, sewer, electricity, propane, exterior building maintenance, grounds maintenance, snow removal, garbage, building insurance, management.