Windermere, “claims justly, that there is no more beautiful townsite on earth than her own. She is modest about it, is Windermere, and she never institutes comparisons which are invariably odious.”53
“Windermere [was] a magnet for land speculation by government officials.”
The Windermere Hotel was, “The neatest and best appointed house in East Kootenay, fitted up with every modern convenience, baths, electric bells, etc.”24
Other names: Salmon River
From the earliest records, this was Salmon River. So established was the name that, even after it was officially changed, “Salmon River” continued to be used.
Settlers would arrive with expectations of a rural British utopia, and so Edgewater was created in the image of an idealized English country village.
Although provincially classified as a small mine, the Mineral King Mine was the largest underground mining enterprise in the Windermere Valley.
Those who examined the Mineral King property in these early years agreed that that it was, “very encouraging”24, but as the scattered investment in the property suggests, there were a number of factors impeding development.
Other Names: Radium Springs, Radium Hot Springs, Brewer Springs
“From the springs a particularly fine view can be enjoyed, and to many it will prove a very novel experience to sit comfortably immersed up to one’s neck… enjoying with luxurious ease an open air hot bath, while at one’s feet is spread out one of the most glorious views imaginable, ranging far over lake, river, forest, and glacier-clothed peaks.”35
Other Names: Sinclair Hot Springs, Kootenay Mineral Springs
“If these Springs were properly developed they would be a great benefit to the public as well as an improvement and attraction to the Kootenay Park.”5
Other Names: Sinclair Hot Springs, Kootenay Mineral Springs, Radium Junction
Early settlers travelling through the area… make no reference at all to the springs… As the waters of Radium Hot Springs are odourless, it is reasonable to assume that groups could pass the springs without being aware of their presence.
In The Windermere 