In Kootenay National Park, waterfalls cascade down rugged cliffs, wildflowers bloom across valleys, and towering mountains create a dramatic backdrop at every turn. This landscape in the Canadian Rockies is beautiful but also a wildlife sanctuary. The park has gone to great lengths to protect the animals, allowing animals like bears, elk, wolves, and deer to cross the busy roads safely.
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Planning Your Visit
If you’re considering exploring multiple parks in Canada, the Parks Canada Discovery Pass is a great option. It covers admission to over 80 national parks and historic sites nationwide. Here’s the breakdown of the cost:
- Family Pass: $151.25
- Adult Pass: $75.25
- Here’s Pass: $64.50
- Daily Admission: Adult – $11.00, Family – $22.00
If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the Xplorers Book—a fun and educational book that’s the Canadian equivalent of the Junior Ranger program in the United States. Our daughter Lexie enjoyed the detailed map at the front, which helped her navigate and point out the spots we needed to visit to complete the activities. And the reward? A dog tag necklace! We loved that these dog tags can be strung together on one chain, making them a unique keepsake of our adventures.
A Bit About Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park is located on the western slope of the Continental Divide and stretches 104 kilometers (65 miles) from east to west. The park is bordered by Banff National Park on the east side and the village of Radium Hot Springs on the west. The Banff-Windermere Highway (Hwy 93) cuts through Kootenay, connecting the Columbia Valley to the Bow Valley, making it a scenic drive.
The park covers approximately 1,406 kilometers (543 square miles), featuring rugged mountains, deep valleys, alpine meadows, and a hot spring. Notable natural features include Marble Canyon, the Vermilion River, and Stanley Glacier.
Camping around Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park offers a variety of camping options to suit different preferences and needs. Redstreak Campground is ideal for those seeking a more comfortable camping experience, providing full electricity, water, and sewage hookups. This campground can accommodate larger rigs up to 35 feet long, making it perfect for RV travelers who want easy access to all amenities.
For those seeking a more rustic experience, McCloud Meadows Campground offers primitive camping without the frills. This campground is suitable for smaller vehicles, with sites accommodating setups up to 30 feet. Lastly, Marble Canyon Campground provides a similar primitive camping experience for cars up to 15 feet. This campground offers a quieter, more intimate setting.
For those who prefer boondocking, we discovered a fantastic spot near Canal Flats at Johnson Lake Rec Site, about 55 minutes from Kootenay National Park. It’s tucked away off the beaten path, how we like it! The area has two sections, the north and south shores of Johnson Lake. It’s easily accessible by 2WD vehicles with trailers, making it a perfect spot for a more rugged camping experience.
Relax and Unwind at Radium Hot Springs
One of the highlights of Kootenay National Park is Radium Hot Springs. This naturally occurring mineral spring is a popular spot for visitors. You can’t buy tickets online, but they’re reasonably priced, with family passes for $57. Lockers are included with entry, and you can rent swimsuits and towels if needed.
Exploring the Continental Divide
Kootenay National Park is positioned on the Continental Divide, where water flows to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The divide also marks the boundary between British Columbia and Alberta. We’ve been on multiple spots of the Continental Divide – Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, and Glacier National Park in Montana is a triple divide.
The Fascinating Burgess Shale
The Burgess Shale is a must-see for those interested in geology and paleontology. These fossils, dating back 508 million years—long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth—offer a glimpse into a diverse marine ecosystem from the distant past. The fossils are high in the mountains, pressed into the shale rock beds. Parks Canada offers guided hikes to explore these remarkable fossil beds. You can see this in Kootenay National Park and also in Yoho National Park.
Wildlife Encounters
The wildlife in the park includes black bears, grizzly bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and numerous bird species. The park has made considerable efforts to protect wildlife, including tall fences along the road to prevent animals from wandering onto the highway.
Every so often, you’ll see sections cut away to allow animals on the roadside a way to cross back into the forest safely. They’ve also built numerous tunnels under the road specifically for wildlife.
Scenic Stops and Short Hikes
Driving through Kootenay National Park, you will see gorgeous canyon walls, towering mountains, and dense forests. Kootenay National Park offers a range of scenic spots and trails that cater to all levels of explorers. Olive Lake is perfect for a leisurely stop, featuring a short 0.3 km walk that leads to a tranquil lake with an interpretive loop and boardwalk, ideal for a picnic. The Kootenay Valley Viewpoint is a must-see for those who love panoramic views. This fantastic pull-over spot offers breathtaking views of the Mitchell and Vermillion Mountain ranges. Not far away, the Kootenay River Day Use Area provides a beautiful setting by the river for a spot to stretch your legs.
If you’re up for a bit more of a hike, the Dog Lake Day Use Area features a trailhead that takes you through old-growth forests and ends at the lake surrounded by mountains. The Dolly Varden Day Use Area is a fun, informative stop, especially for kids. Enjoy learning about local wildlife, animal crossings, and park history. They also have picnic spots and small playgrounds. For those interested in history and ecology, the Simpson River Interpretive Trail offers an easy 1.5 km out-and-back hike and extends to the park boundary of 7.5 km.
The Numa Falls Day Use Area offers a picturesque bridge over the falls, where fast-rushing waters have carved out unique rock formations. The Paint Pots Trail is another easy walk, leading you along a boardwalk to mineral springs with vibrant, colorful deposits.
Finally, the Marble Canyon Campground is a short 0.9 km hike featuring seven bridges that crisscross a dramatic canyon, providing views and insight into the natural forces that have shaped the landscape over thousands of years.
Wrapping Up at Kootenay
When planning a journey through the Canadian Rockies, set aside time for Kootenay National Park. Whether you’re traveling from British Columbia or approaching from the Alberta side, Kootenay National Park is easily accessible and worth the visit. The park offers an unforgettable experience with its diverse scenery, wildlife, and geological wonders. Whether you’re soaking in the soothing waters at Radium Hot Springs or exploring the trails, the park is a great National Park.
