Invermere

Invermere sits at the heart of the Columbia Valley, where Lake Windermere stretches out like a warm-water playground that shouldn’t exist this far north in the Rockies. The lake reaches swimming temperatures that would make coastal dwellers jealous, turning this mountain town into something of an anomaly—a place where you can ski Panorama Mountain in the morning and paddleboard in the afternoon.

The numbers tell a story of steady growth without the chaos. Population jumped 15.5% since 2016, but we’re talking about reaching just under 4,000 people. That’s growth with breathing room. The median household income of $84,000 reflects a community that’s moved beyond basic survival mode, while the 24.3% senior population signals this isn’t just a place people visit—it’s where they choose to stay.

Tourism drives 15.1% of employment, but construction and retail each claim over 12%, creating economic legs that don’t all wobble at once. When Albertans need to escape their winters (which is most winters), they head here. When retirees want mountain views without mountain prices, they land in Invermere. The result is a housing market with 63.3% single-detached homes and enough vacation property demand to keep values stable.

The Columbia Valley’s agricultural potential has been quietly expanding as the climate zone improved by half a step over recent decades. What used to be marginal growing conditions now support more diverse farming, adding another economic foundation beneath the obvious tourism appeal.

For mortgage brokers working with clients who’ve discovered that mountain living doesn’t require sacrificing modern amenities, Invermere delivers options. Tekamar lends here with a maximum LTV of 60%, recognizing that properties backed by lake access, ski hills, and hot springs tend to hold their appeal even when markets get choppy.