Our first Canadian national park experience – Kootenay National Park — did not disappoint! It’s here you’ll find epic sights of the Canadian Rockies, including parts of the Kootenay and Park Mountain ranges, the Kootenay River, and the entirety of the Vermilion River. Get ready for ample panoramic views!
About Kootenay National Park
Established as a protected land in 1920, Kootenay National Park is 347,430 acres of spectacular panoramic mountain views within southeastern British Columbia, Canada. It’s named after the Ktunaxa (pronounced “k-TOO-nah-ha”) First Nations but is commonly pronounced “koo-tuh-nay” or “koo-tuh-nee” by local Canadians.
While Banff and Jasper National Parks get most of the international attention, Kootenay is well worth a visit. Our first impression of Kootenay was just how impressive the rivers are. Fed by glacial run off and snow melt, the rivers have this crystal turquoise-green color that is unlike anything we’ve ever seen!
As we recommend with any national or state park, be sure to stop by the Visitor Centre in Radium Hot Springs, just outside of the park’s western boundary. Visitor services are available May through mid-October.
It’s always good to chat with the park staff and learn about the geology, geography, flora, and fauna of the Kootenay area. There isn’t much cell service within the park itself, so don’t forget to pick up a map to highlight your desired stops. The visitor centre also offers an Xplorer program for children ages 6-11 (similar to Junior Ranger programs in the United States), where kiddos can fill out their booklet and receive a dog tag and stickers upon six pages of completion.
It should be noted that Kootenay National Park is home to lots of wildlife like wolves, cougars, elk, big horn sheep, grizzly bears, and black bears. Be aware of your surroundings and the possibility of encountering wildlife in all areas of the park, including paved trails and roads. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise and stay alert! If you see any bears, cougars, coyote, or wolf sightings, report it to the Parks Canada Dispatch when it is safe to do so at 403-762-1470. Dogs must be always on leash and under control.
When to Visit Kootenay National Park
The park is open year-round because the main thoroughfare, B.C. Hwy 93 or Kootenay Park Highway, is accessible 365 days a year for local residents. The weather in Kootenay National Park is enjoyable but can be unpredictable. The average high temperature during the day in spring and summer ranges from 60° to 73° Fahrenheit, though temperatures at night can drop below zero. It can also rain, snow or hail any time of year – and we experienced all the first two in May!
In Spring, you can expect to see ample wildlife, like black and grizzly bears, elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, coyotes, wolves, owls, and migratory birds including bald and golden eagles. If you’re looking to do more hiking, backpacking or whitewater paddling within the park, visit during the summer months. In the fall, you’ll still be able to hike and backpack through early October. During Autumn, Kokanee salmon spawn in the Kootenay and Vermilion Rivers where you can spot bald eagles preying on them. The winter months are perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and soaking in the hot springs.
The summer months are prime tourist season for this entire region, but we found that visiting in late May was perfect. It was still brisk with snow and ice on some trails, but the incredible snow-capped mountain views made up for the colder temps. We didn’t have any issues finding parking (while towing our 28’ Airstream) and the trails were not super busy.
We opted to buy the Parks Canada Discovery Pass (Family), as there are several nearby national parks like Banff, Yoho, and Jasper.
Daily Park Fee
- Adult – $10.50
- Senior – $9.00
- Youth – FREE
- Family/Group – $21.00
- Commercial Group, per person – $9.00
Parks Canada Discovery Pass (Annual Access) – Buy Here
- Adult – $72.25
- Senior – $61.75
- Family/Group – $145.25
We found that you don’t need more than one day to drive through and enjoy Kootenay National Park.
Hiking Trails, Sights & Things to Do in Kootenay National Park
There are many other hikes and sights within this national park but given the timing of our visit (and our goal to get to Banff and Jasper National Parks sooner than later), these are our recommended must stops if you only have one day to visit. Keep in mind that all Canada trails are measured in kilometers (vs. miles) and meters (vs. feet for elevation gain).
Radium Hot Springs
The kids absolutely loved this stop in Kootenay National Park! The hot springs have been attracting folks since the late 1800s. A formal pool was built in 1915 and the sight was added to Kootenay National Park in 1922. There are two pools – one is 104 degrees, and the other is 82 degrees. The “cooler” pool has a diving board and a slide and is a better area for kids to jump in and play. The warmer pool has more of a relaxed vibe and is restricted to just soaking. There are also showers and lockers on site for your belongings, as well as swimsuit and towel rentals.
We were admittedly a little less than excited to visit a developed hot spring, but it turned out to be a great way to spend our morning and it was a welcome break from the cold weather. And it was only $24.50 CAN (~$20 USD) for the whole fam!
Olive Lake
Distance: 0.3 mile (out & back) | Elevation Change: 42 feet
This stunning, small, spring-fed emerald-green lake offers a short interpretive trail and boardwalk. We didn’t have a chance to stop here as it was closed due to bear sightings, but if it’s open, be sure to check it out! There are pit toilets on site, along with picnic tables to enjoy lunch.
Kootenay Valley Viewpoint
As you enter Kootenay National Park from the west entrance at Radium Hot Springs, the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint will be one of the first worthwhile overlooks. Stop to stretch your legs and take in the beautiful views of the Mitchell and Vermilion mountain ranges.
Kootenay River Day-Use Area
This is a must-stop as you make your way deeper into Kootenay. It’s here that you’ll see the striking turquoise-green hue of the Kootenay River when the glacial silts are much more predominate. There are restrooms and picnic tables on site, or you can fish in the river.
Numa Falls
Distance: 0.3 mile (out & back) | Elevation Change: 19 feet
File this one under “easiest access” to a spectacular waterfall! ??
Numa Falls is amid the Canadian Rockies, and its cascade flows as a part of the Vermilion River. This waterfall is an ever-popular stop for adventurers traveling the Banff-Windermere Highway 93, a main corridor for the region.
I’m not sure you can honestly count this as a trail… it’s not even 0.10 of a mile to the bridge from the parking lot to the waterfall view. On AllTrails and park materials, it shows that this trail is actually 0.3 of a mile, but we hiked it and weren’t able to see where the trail leads to because of snow, ice and mud.
There are restrooms and picnic tables on site, where you can enjoy lunch as the Vermillon River flows by. Dogs are allowed on the trail if they are leashed.
Paint Pots
Distance: 1.3 mile (out & back) | Elevation Change: 193 feet
Immediately after Numa Falls, it’s a five-minute drive to a parking area for Paint Pots, another key attraction within Kootenay. The trail starts out with a lot of promise – crossing a foot bridge over the Vermillon River. You’ll want to stop here and take in the scenic views!
Once you head deeper onto the hike, the trail conditions get interesting. When you see the orange-colored pools and mud, you’ve officially reached the Ochre Beds. This area is sacred to the Ktunaxa people because they used the red clay to make red ochre paint. There are boards and logs to help you get across this section but be forewarned: you WILL get muddy on this hike!
As you continue past the Ochre Beds, the trail gets easier as its less muddy. Once you reach the top of the hill, you’ll find the Paint Pots, which are formed by the collection of iron oxide that bubbles up from the cold mineral springs. The iron ore, zinc, manganese, and lead make this a vibrant sight to take in.
We’ll be honest – we didn’t care for this hike at all. In fact, the kids rated this a 0 on a scale of 1-10! Learning about the First Nations history and the geology after the fact did spark more interest for me.
If you do decide to go… Do yourself a favor and leave your dog in your rig for this hike. It’s super muddy and dirty! Plus, hiking with a dog on a leash during the muddy parts – without getting dirty – is impossible. And watch for bears!
Marble Canyon
Distance: 0.9 mile (out & back) | Elevation Change: 180 feet
This short trail was our most favorite — it doesn’t even feel like a hike! The one-mile path takes you along the rim of the limestone canyon and provides a birds-eye view of the glacial blue water, smooth canyon rock and impressive ice formations in the winter.
There are seven bridges that cross the canyon, giving you an incredible perspective of the steep drops where the gorge has been etched out of the limestone by Tokumm Creek. Be sure to relax in the Red Chairs at the end! Dogs are allowed on the trail if they are leashed.
Canada’s Red Chairs
Parks Canada is known for placing red Muskoka chairs at scenic locations, including Kootenay National Park. The iconic red chairs always have amazing views and can be accessed all year round. In Kootenay, you can find these at Marble Canyon and on the Juniper Trail at Radium Hot Springs.
Where to Camp in Kootenay National Park
There are plenty of places to camp near Radium Hot Springs, whether you’re looking for designated campgrounds, RV parks, or dispersed camping. Kootenay National Park’s campgrounds operate from mid-May until early October.
Camping Inside Kootenay National Park
By far the most popular and recommended by locals, Redstreak Campground offers 242 sites between early-May to mid-October and is close to Radium Hot Springs. There are 19 walk-in tent sites, 50 full hookup sites, 38 sites with electric hookups, 125 dry camping sites, and 10 oTENTik tent-cabins, (these are a cross between an A-frame cabin and a prospector tent mounted on a raised wooden floor). Showers and restrooms available, and reservations are recommended on long weekends and from mid-June until early September. All campsites are best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 35 feet.
McLeod Meadows has 88 dry camping sites limited to tents or motorhomes/trailers under 30’ and is open late June to early September. This campground is near a quiet wooded area on the Kootenay River banks and features remarkable mountain views. There is also easy access to the Dog Lake Trail.
Marble Canyon offers 61 dry camping sites up in a sub-alpine spruce forest with impressive mountain views. It is open late June to early-September and is limited to tents or RVs/trailers under 15’.
To reserve any of these campsites, click here. Fees range from $23 to $128 per night depending on which location and site you choose. There are dump stations are available at Redstreak and McLeod Meadows. These are free for registered guests or $8.80 for dump station use only.
Dispersed Camping
For those who prefer to camp for free, we found a fantastic dispersed camping area just a few minutes from the village of Radium Hot Springs. There are plenty of spots available along the main dirt road. We stopped at the first major site, which can fit several rigs and had wicked fast 5G AT&T. Just look for the fire rings! It was very active with dirt bikes and quads during the day, but super quiet at night. Please remember to leave no trace!
The Canyons RV Resort & Campground
For those looking to camp within Radium Hot Springs, The Canyons RV Resort and Campground is a great option. This family-run RV park offers basic amenities, including showers, laundry, and a playground in a quiet natural setting. There are nice, spacious sites that run along the creek with views of the Rocky Mountains out the front, and the Purcells out the back. Lots of big old trees, huge lawns, and flowers. Rates start at $55/night.
Where to Eat in Radium Hot Springs
While we were only in Radium Hot Springs for one night, we did stop at a couple places that we highly recommend if you’re in the area.
Radium Brewing
Who doesn’t love an ice-cold beer? Radium Brewing is a worthwhile stop. Their taproom features high ceilings, a wood burning fireplace, and a patio with a large selection of board and card games available. I enjoyed the Purcell Pilsner and Steven loved the Redstreak Red. While they don’t offer food on site, Radium Brewing does allow outside food from any number of the establishments nearby.
The Snack Bar
Think of The Snack Bar as food truck in a permanent location. Best known for its Quebec poutine (French fries and cheese curds smothered in brown chicken gravy) six different ways, they also offer hot dogs, fish and chips, BBQ pulled pork sandwich, beer mac ‘n cheese, milkshakes and more.
In Summary
If you plan on exploring Canada’s National Parks, make a point to stop by the scenic Kootenay National Park, you won’t be disappointed with its incredible views, gorgeous waters, and easy hikes!
