Spillimacheen
Thirteen kilometres north of Brisco is Spillimacheen, 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, which you have been following since you left Golden or Invermere.
The kiosk, established by the Friends of the Columbia River, was officially 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. The event this year, to be held once again at the Spillimacheen Festival Grounds off Highway 95, will once again feature a host of excellent chili cooks vying for prizes, as well as music, famil y fun and arts and crafts wares available for sale. Call Nola Alt at 346-3390 for details.
As mentioned, 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.
