Here are five things that I’d recommend to do if you plan on visiting Invermere:

1.     Musical Bingo. 

We’re starting off your introduction to Invermere with a bang. A night at Ullr’s musical bingo. Now, if you’re a veteran to Invermere, you’ll be no stranger to Ullr. Themed each week from Drag Queens, Australia, Emo, or Kylie Minogue (our hosts favourite choice), Tuesday night bingo is a solid choice to discover Invermere’s night life. She may be small but God she is mighty. 

With a five-dollar cost (per card) it’s an affordable night out if you’re looking to meet fellow workers from across the globe. Drinks are optional, vibes are high and there’s lots to talk about the next morning. Each week’s jackpot sits around seven hundred to one thousand dollars, with smaller rounds running up to the full card. Plus, the winner each round gets a shot (usually honey jack), again, host’s favourite. 

Located in the centre of town, Tuesday night bingo is the one to beat. 

2.     Pottery Painting. 

Now onto a slightly more wholesome (and expensive) use of your time, pottery painting. To every new seasonal worker I’d recommend an afternoon at Carm Haven Studios. Take your friends, sit your bums down and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of painting your new house mugs, plates or gnomes if you fancy. Found on Invermere high street between a boutique and a tea shop, Carm Haven Studios is the perfect place for a debrief. Whilst she’s more on the pricey side, pottery painting is well worth the trip at least once during your season. They stock cheaper jewellery dishes to full blown house decorations, even offering a takeaway option. Did someone say painting, cheese boards and wine?

3.     A walk on Lake Windermere or a swim if you’re brave enough.

Another brave option for your day off is a visit to Lake Windermere. Mostly accessed via Kingsmen Beach, the lake freezes over the winter months allowing locals to take their skates, or winter boots, and embark on a trip across the ice. With paths etched and routes created, spend the morning walking across the ice with a hot chocolate in hand or try your skills at ice skating. At the very least, your efforts will provide some entertainment for passers-by. 

Alternatively, if you’re completing a summer season in Invermere, go for a dip. If locals can create plunge pools in mid-January, you can pop down to the beach for a summer swim or boat trip across the lake. A five-minute walk from the centre of town you can pop back up to the high street for a cooked lunch or toasted sandwich before heading home for a well-deserved afternoon nap.  

4.     Visit the local shops. 

Ranging from convenience stores to specialty tea companies and art galleries, Invermere high street is a lovely location for a browse. Often peering my head into the window of the local bookshop then finding myself in the corner of a café, there’s plenty of options. While the town isn’t massive there’s a decent array of options on the high street. Alternatively, up the hill are some chain shops like Canadian Tire, No Frills, McDonalds and more. 

5.     Attend a Columbia Valley Rockies game. 

Last but certainly not least is a good old game of ice hockey. If you’re a Panorama staff member it’s compulsory to become a fan of the Columbia Valley Rockies (I don’t make the rules). 

Playing weekly games, home and away, the Panorama staff are known for holding down the fort in support of the Rockies. Chanting at any team who dares play us, competitiveness is compulsory, even if you have no idea what’s happening. We score, you stand, shout and bang on the plexiglass that protects us from the fights and if you happen to build a tower of empty beer cans that tumble over, you groan in despair. Often leading to a night out at Ullr bar, visiting a local hockey game is a core part of being on a work abroad holiday in Canada.

Now, with all of this in mind, enjoy your time in Invermere. She may be a small town, but she has a whole load of experiences to share with you, so embrace them with open arms and enjoy!