Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located along the upper Columbia River in southeastern British Columbia, the Columbia River Wetlands spans approximately 180,000 hectares (445,000 acres) of floodplain, marshes, lakes, sloughs, and riparian forests. This vast wetland complex supports an exceptional diversity of plants and animals, including hundreds of bird species, fish populations, and mammals. The wetlands play a crucial ecological role as a breeding ground for migratory birds such as sandhill cranes, waterfowl, and trumpeter swans, as well as spawning areas for salmon and sturgeon. Historically, the area has been used by Indigenous peoples for millennia for fishing, hunting, and gathering. Today, it is recognized as a vital habitat under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Outdoor recreation opportunities include birdwatching, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking along interpretive trails and conservation area paths. The wetlands are accessed from nearby towns such as Golden, Invermere, and Radium Hot Springs, providing easy routes to explore this unique ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy tranquil views of open water interspersed with cattail marshes and forested islands while observing rare and endangered species. Managed primarily for conservation and wildlife habitat protection, the area offers limited but pivotal facilities like boardwalks and observation decks to minimize impact. The Columbia River Wetlands attract naturalists, photographers, and outdoor lovers seeking solitude and an immersive natural experience in a critical North American wetland environment.
