Kootenay National Park

Stretching from the BC–Alberta border to the foothills of the Rockies, Kootenay National Park is a wild, less-trodden corridor of glacier-fed rivers, fire-rejuvenated forests and dramatic canyons. Unlike its busier neighbours Banff and Yoho, Kootenay offers a raw, intimate experience of the Canadian Rockies — think steaming hot springs, ochre-stained cliffs and quiet trails where the only sound is the crunch of gravel underfoot. This is a park that rewards self-drivers with roadside pullouts and short walks that pack a serious punch.

Highlights & What to See

• Radium Hot Springs – Soak in mineral-rich pools set against a cliff face; the cool pool is perfect for a bracing summer dip.
• Marble Canyon – A series of footbridges trace the churning turquoise waters of Tokumm Creek, carved through ancient limestone.
• Paint Pots – A short boardwalk leads to three ochre-coloured mineral springs used by Indigenous peoples for pigment; the rusty hues are otherworldly.
• Stanley Glacier Trail – A moderate hike through fire-regenerated forest to a hanging glacier, with wildflowers and fossil-bearing rocks en route.
• Kootenay Valley Viewpoint – A quick pull-off on Highway 93 that delivers sweeping views of the Vermilion River valley and distant peaks.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two days is ideal: use day one to drive the 94-km park highway, stopping at Marble Canyon, the Paint Pots and the hot springs. On day two, tackle a longer hike like Stanley Glacier or the Dog Lake loop. If you only have a half-day, combine the hot springs with the Marble Canyon walk — both are close to the park’s west entrance. The park is compact enough for a self-drive loop from Banff or Lake Louise, but lingering overnight at a campground or lodge lets you catch wildlife at dawn and dusk.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Banff National Park – Just a 40-minute drive east; pair Kootenay’s solitude with Banff’s iconic sights like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
• Yoho National Park – Adjacent to the north; don’t miss Takakkaw Falls and the Burgess Shale fossil sites.
• Radium Hot Springs Village – The park’s gateway town, with restaurants, golf and the Radium Hot Springs itself.
• Kootenay River – Excellent for canoeing and flatwater paddling near the park’s southern end.
• Vermilion Pass – The high mountain pass at the park’s boundary, offering panoramic views and a short interpretive trail.

Please check official sources for current details.