Highlights of Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park is located in British Columbia, Canada. Along with Banff, Jasper and Yoho national parks and other areas, it is listed as a World Heritage Site as part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks.
Marble Canyon
If you want to add a short walk in northern Kootenay, you can cross the bridge and follow the narrow valley carved by Tokumm Creek. You can also observe the terrain up close while making your way through the park.
The water plunging toward the valley floor can be viewed from several heights, and the shape of the rock walls changes as you walk.
The article below provides more details about the trail’s highlights and how to stop by.
Paint Pots
When people think of the Canadian Rockies, emerald-green lakes and glaciers are common images, but the landscape at Paint Pots is distinctly different.
The Paint Pots are mineral springs rich in iron oxide. They are reminiscent of the “Blood Pond Hell” on Beppu’s Hell Tour.
The balance of minerals such as manganese, zinc and lead creates variations in the springs’ colors. Indigenous peoples are said to have fired and hardened the earth from the Paint Pots for use as pigment.
Because you may get mud on your shoes, it is best to wear footwear that can get dirty or is easy to clean.
The mountain in the foreground is Vermilion Peak.
A bridge over the Vermilion River. Rust is clearly visible on the railing.
Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs is a natural hot spring containing trace amounts of radium. It has both a hot pool and a cold pool, and swimwear is required in both.
Radium Hot Springs is the name of both the hot springs facility and the town. The town center lies about 4 kilometers west of the facility.
Basic information about Kootenay National Park
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- Information about facilities in the park is available in Parks Canada’s official guide.
Facilities and servicesFind information about facilities and services in Kootenay National Park and the village of Radium Hot Springs. Vis...parks.canada.ca - 📍 Location
- Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre: 7556 Main Street East, Village of Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia
- 🕒 Opening hours
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- Kootenay National Park: open year-round
- Visitor centre: daily 9:00–17:00. Parks Canada information services from May to mid-October; Tourism Radium information services year-round
- Both Radium Hot Springs pools (September 1–October 12, 2026): Monday–Friday 11:30–21:00, Saturday–Sunday 10:30–21:00
- Radium Hot Springs hot pool (October 13, 2026–May 2027): Monday–Friday 11:30–21:00, Saturday–Sunday 10:30–21:00
- Radium Hot Springs swimming pool (October 13, 2026–May 2027): Friday 18:00–21:00, Saturday–Sunday 10:30–21:00
Last admission to the Radium Hot Springs pools on the dates above is 20:30.
- 🚫 Closed days
- The visitor centre is closed on December 25 and 26 and January 1. The day-use area and toilets are primarily available from May to mid-October; many remain available in winter, but snow may restrict access. The swimming pool is closed Monday–Thursday during the winter schedule. ⚠️ Road and trail conditions may change due to weather or construction.
- 💶 Park and bathing fees
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- National park adult 1-day pass (ages 18–64): CA$12.25
- Radium Hot Springs adult ticket for 1 visit (ages 18–64): CA$19.75
⚠️ A park pass is required when stopping to use park facilities, including Radium Hot Springs; bathing fees are separate.
- 🎫 Using Radium Hot Springs
- Radium Hot Springs is first come, first served, and tickets are sold only on site. There are no advance reservations, advance sales, or online tickets.
- ⏱️ Time required
- Allow half a day to 1 day to visit Marble Canyon, Paint Pots, and Radium Hot Springs on the same day. ⚠️ Allow extra time because walking and bathing time, roadwork, and parking congestion vary.
Getting to Kootenay National Park
By car
The drive from Banff Visitor Centre to the Marble Canyon parking lot takes about 36 minutes. Turn off Highway 1 onto Highway 93 and continue west. Johnston Canyon requires a slight detour if you stop there first.
Drive west for about 2 minutes from the Marble Canyon parking lot to reach the Paint Pots parking lot. Continue west on Highway 93, and in about 54 minutes you will reach the Radium Hot Springs pools.
From June through October 2026, safety and infrastructure work is scheduled on Highway 93 South. At Sinclair Canyon near Radium Hot Springs, alternating one-way traffic is expected to cause delays of up to 45 minutes during peak traffic periods. The village and hot springs pools will remain open. During construction, the sidewalk through the canyon, pedestrian access from the Lower Juniper Trail parking lot, 2 nearby parking areas, and the pullout at the former West Gate entrance will be closed. Since cellular and Wi-Fi service is unavailable in the park, check road conditions before setting out.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Canadian Rockies: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transportation, and Suggested Itineraries”.
