Kootenay National Park

Kootenay National Park protects steep limestone and quartzite ranges, glacier-fed rivers, deep canyons, hot springs, and dry interior forests along the continental divide’s west slope in southeastern British Columbia. Linked historically to the construction of the Banff–Windermere Highway, the park forms part of the UNESCO-listed Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks with Banff, Jasper, and Yoho.

At a glance — Kootenay National Park

Location	Canadian Rockies, along Hwy 93 South (Banff–Windermere Hwy) between Castle Junction (AB) and Radium Hot Springs (BC)
Province	British Columbia
Established	1920 (as part of the Banff–Windermere Highway agreement)
Area (approx.)	≈ 1,406 km²
Notable features	Radium Hot Springs pools & Sinclair Canyon; Marble Canyon & Tokumm Creek; Paint Pots (ochre springs); Floe Lake & The Rockwall; Kootenay & Vermilion rivers; fire-shaped open forests and views
Nearby communities	Radium Hot Springs (gateway), Invermere; east approaches via Castle Junction/Lake Louise (AB)

Overview

Kootenay compresses dramatic contrasts into a single north–south corridor: icy headwaters and hanging valleys at the divide, narrow marble canyons, ochre mineral springs, and—lower down—open, drier forests shaped by frequent wildfire. Wildlife includes bighorn sheep near Radium, elk and deer in valleys, mountain goats on cliffs, and both black and grizzly bears.

Lands and relationships

The park lies within the traditional territories and travel routes of Indigenous peoples including Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, and Stoney Nakoda. Ochre from the Paint Pots has long cultural significance. Parks Canada works with Indigenous partners on stewardship, fire, and cultural interpretation.

Landscapes and ecosystems

Peaks & glaciers: High ridges and passes along the Continental Divide feed the Kootenay and Vermilion rivers.
Canyons & springs: Narrow gorges at Marble Canyon and Sinclair Canyon; mineral-rich cold and hot springs, including the modern Radium pools.
Forests & fire mosaic: Open lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and aspen/grass openings created by historic and recent wildfires with notable wildflower displays.
Alpine lakes & meadows: Turquoise tarns and larch meadows beneath cliff bands along the famous Rockwall.

Things to do

Hiking (classics): Floe Lake (day/overnight), Rockwall multi-day traverse (permit required), Stanley Glacier, Marble Canyon & Paint Pots loops, Kindersley–Sinclair Pass traverse.
Hot springs & scenic stops: Soak at Radium Hot Springs; roadside viewpoints at Sinclair Canyon, Kootenay Valley Viewpoint, and the Vermilion Crossing area.
Rivers & picnic areas: Pullouts along the Kootenay and Vermilion for day use; short interpretive trails.
Camping & backcountry: Frontcountry campgrounds (e.g., Redstreak near Radium; Marble Canyon & McLeod Meadows seasonal). Backcountry permits required for the Rockwall and designated sites.
Winter: Snowshoe routes and nearby Nordic options when conditions allow (roads may be icy; avalanche terrain borders many valleys).

Access and visitor services

The Banff–Windermere Highway (Hwy 93 South) runs the park’s length. East approach via Trans-Canada at Castle Junction; west via Radium Hot Springs (Hwy 95).
Visitor information is available at Radium Hot Springs and at seasonal kiosks/trailheads. Services (food, fuel, lodging) cluster in Radium/Columbia Valley; there is no townsite inside the park.
Passes & reservations: Parks Canada pass required. Reserve frontcountry sites and backcountry permits (Rockwall/Floe Lake) well ahead for peak season.

Safety and low-impact travel

Wildlife: Keep 100 m from bears/wolves and 30 m from elk/deer; carry bear spray where recommended; never feed wildlife.
Steep & loose terrain: Rockwall routes involve cliffs, avalanche paths, and creek crossings—turn back in poor weather or high water.
Road hazards: Hwy 93 South is narrow and winding with frequent wildlife crossings and winter ice—use signed pullouts for photos.
Avalanche & winter:** Many shoulder/winter routes enter avalanche terrain—check bulletins and carry proper gear/training.
Practice Leave No Trace and obey fire bans, area closures, and restoration signage.

External links (official)

Parks Canada — Kootenay National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/kootenay
Parks Canada — Visit (Radium, Marble Canyon, Paint Pots, Rockwall): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/kootenay/visit
Parks Canada — Reservations (frontcountry/backcountry): https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, fire/avalanche): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp