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Canal Flats, British Columbia

Gateway to the Columbia Headwaters

Canal Flats is a quiet rural community located at the southern end of Columbia Lake. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, and open landscapes, Canal Flats offers a peaceful lifestyle within a tight-knit community, and opportunities for those seeking affordable living, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm.

Two people stroll along the beach at Tilley Memorial Park on the shore of Columbia Lake. The emerald green water is very still and clear, so rocks are visible at the bottom of the lake. A dock is visible on the lake. Conifers line the lake, and large mountains rise behind them.
Photo: Canal Flats, by Mitch Winton / KootenayRockies.ca

Highlights

  • Access to Columbia Lake, rivers, and beaches
  • Peaceful rural setting with wide-open spaces
  • Affordable housing and low-density living
  • Strong sense of community and local involvement
  • Excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and nature-based recreation

Opportunities

  • Trades, construction, and property services
  • Local retail, tourism, and seasonal services
  • Agriculture, land-based, and self-employment opportunities
  • Remote work supported by lifestyle and affordability

Services

  • CBAL (Invermere) – Newcomer settlement and English language services, community connections, information and orientation
  • Invermere Public Library
  • Family Dynamix – a supportive place where people are comfortable seeking assistance in dealing with personal, family or career issues they face 
  • WorkBC Centre Invermere – Employment centre offering job search help, workshops, resume support, training info, and employment planning for job seekers. 
  • Kootenay Employment Services Invermere – Local employment support organization that can assist with work skills, local job connections, and resources for finding work in the area. 
  • Service BC Centre Invermere – Government office where you can access provincial services, assistance with IDs, health coverage info, and general benefits navigation. 
  • Columbia Valley Centre – Community hub offering events, activities, and connections — great for meeting people and getting involved locally. 
  • Invermere Mental Health & Substance Use / B C Invermere Mental Health 
    Local mental health support services that can help with well-being and counselling resources for individuals and families.