Kootenay National Park
A Hidden Gem of the Canadian Rockies
Kootenay National Park is a natural masterpiece, brimming with hikes, lakes, mountains, glaciers, and even hot springs. With so many activities to choose from, it was challenging to narrow down our top four things to do in Kootenay National Park. This park is one of the most underrated national treasures we've explored.
Hiking Highlights
You don’t have to venture far into Kootenay to find exciting hiking opportunities. Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots are two family-friendly hikes you won't want to miss. The park offers 125 miles of trails, plus the scenic drive along the Banff-Windermere Highway, which adds another layer of adventure.
First Stop: The Continental Divide
You can't pass by the Continental Divide without stopping for a quick photo. It was a fun concept to think that part of my kids were in different national parks, two different provinces of Canada AND divisions of the continent. With being on the river, we also got to see the pivotal shift in the water flow as we passed through the Continental Divide. Way neat! Although there's not much to see near the Divide, it's worth pausing to appreciate the significance of this natural boundary.
Next Up: Marble Canyon
Marble Canyon is a short, easy hike with a huge payoff. The deep, narrow walls of the canyon are carved by the vivid blue waters of Tokumm Creek. The one-mile out-and-back trail includes a series of bridges offering various viewpoints into the gorge. Marble Canyon reminded us of the Utah Slot Canyons we visited in the summer of 2023.
Our Favorite: The Paint Pots
The Paint Pots trail is listed on AllTrails as the number one hike for families in Kootenay, and it's easy to see why. This 1.3-mile roundtrip hike is the easiest in the park, leading to a group of mineral-rich springs that display incredible colors—like natural pots of paint. The vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues of the Paint Pots were once used as pigments for painting until 1920. The iron-rich water has stained the surrounding soil a vibrant ochre, creating a striking contrast with the bright green grass and the blue waters of the Vermilion River (And yes, I did try to find a sign with Vermilion River on it since that is my maiden name; no luck nearby!). Along the way, interpretive signs offer insights into the cultural significance of the area for Indigenous peoples and the historical use of ochre. We haven’t seen anything quite like the Paint Pots in any of our travels to national parks around the world.
As a fun bonus, our kids couldn't resist getting a little "war paint" on their bodies, shoes and clothes. The colors left marks that will serve as lasting memories of our adventure. Just be sure to wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty!
Final Stop: Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs offers an incredible view right from the water, surrounded by the steep cliffs and tall pines of the Canadian Rockies. In addition to the view, the hot springs boast amenities that set them apart from others we've visited. The site includes a massive hot pool and an equally large cold pool with a diving board and slide. While Radium Hot Springs isn’t free, the experience is well worth the price. The hot pool's temperature ranges from 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cold pool stays between 80 and 84 degrees. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum capacity of 200 people. For our family, including locker and towel rentals, the cost was about $75 CAD.
A Hike We Missed: Dog Lake Trail
Although we had to skip it due to time constraints, the Dog Lake Trail is another must-do in Kootenay. This moderately easy hike spans just over a mile and a half each way. The trail crosses the Kootenay River via a bridge that offers stunning views, encapsulating the essence of Kootenay National Park. The lake itself is incredibly beautiful, with a mountain backdrop framing the blue-green waters.
Where We Stayed: Golden Riverfront RV Park
We stayed at the Golden Riverfront RV Park in Golden, which, despite its beauty, was swarming with mosquitoes. We couldn't step outside without being instantly surrounded, which made it difficult to enjoy the park. However, Golden is a charming little town perfectly located near five national parks: Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Glacier, and Kootenay. It's right off Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway), making it a convenient stop on any Western Canada road trip, especially for those traveling between Vancouver and Calgary. (check our full review on Golden here: https://www.rollinroadshow.com/our-stays/golden-bc)
Do You Need a Parks Canada Pass?
While you don’t need a National Parks Pass to visit Golden or the surrounding towns, you will need one if you venture into any of the nearby national parks: Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Glacier, and Kootenay. Passes can be purchased online or at the park entrance gates. The cost is $10 per adult per day, and kids under 18 are free. If you plan to spend seven or more days in Canada’s national parks, consider purchasing an annual family pass for $140, which offers better value.
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A picture of Vermilion River in honor of my maiden name.