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Kootenay National Park follows a long, narrow corridor through the Rockies of southeastern British Columbia, flanking Highway 93 between the Continental Divide and the Columbia Valley. Its landscape ranges from icy peaks and glacier-fed rivers to dry, grassy slopes in the south, and it forms part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site alongside Banff, Jasper and Yoho.
The southern entrance begins at the village of Radium Hot Springs, where the park's hot pools sit at the base of red cliffs in Sinclair Canyon. The Old Coach Trail offers a short hike above the canyon, and the Sinclair Pass viewpoint and nearby Olive Lake are easy roadside stops. Heading north, Numa Falls rushes through a narrow rock channel, and Marble Canyon's trail crosses footbridges over a deep, carved gorge. A short walk farther on, the Paint Pots are iron-rich springs and ochre beds once used as a source of pigment by Indigenous peoples. Vermilion Pass, on the Continental Divide, passes through forest regenerating after wildfires, and hikers seeking a full-day or overnight trip aim for Floe Lake, beneath a sheer limestone wall.
The park suits road-trippers and hikers who want a quieter alternative to Banff. Most services are seasonal, and winter driving requires care. Banff and Invermere sit at either end.
WiserMap travel guideKootenay British Columbia Paint Pots and Marble CanyonPlan a trip along Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park, with Radium Hot Springs, Sinclair Canyon, Marble Canyon, the Paint Pots, Floe Lake and more.Read the guide
Iron-rich cold springs that stain the ground deep orange and red, once used by the Ktunaxa for ochre paint. A flat 2 km return trail crosses a suspension bridge over the Vermilion River to the ochre beds and old mining remains. Stay on the trail to protect the fragile pools.
A narrow limestone gorge carved by Tokumm Creek near the northern end of the park. An easy trail of about 1.6 km return crosses the canyon several times on bridges, looking down into blue-green water and ending at a waterfall. There are some stairs and railings; go early in summer to find parking.
Easy forest walk of about 2.6 km one way from McLeod Meadows to a quiet lake, crossing two suspension bridges over the Kootenay River. The lake is a good spot to look for birds and, sometimes, moose. It is one of the gentler hikes in the park and suits families.
A powerful waterfall on the Vermilion River where it churns through a short rocky gorge right beside Highway 93. A footbridge crosses just above the falls, and there is a picnic area at the pullout. It is a quick stop of a few minutes; keep children close to the railings and off the wet rocks.
One of the classic Rockies hikes, climbing about 10.5 km to a turquoise lake under the 1,000 m cliffs of the Rockwall. Most people go as a long day hike or camp at the backcountry site, which needs a Parks Canada reservation. Larches turn gold here in late September.
Moderate 4.2 km one-way hike through a forest regrowing after the 1968 fire into a hanging valley below Stanley Glacier. The upper valley has waterfalls, glacier views and Burgess Shale-type fossils in the rocks. Fossil collecting is not allowed, so look and leave them.
Famous multi-day backpacking route of about 55 km along the base of the Rockwall, a towering limestone escarpment in the Vermilion Range. It links Floe Lake, Numa Pass, Tumbling Pass and Helmet Falls. Backcountry campsites must be reserved with Parks Canada well in advance.
Demanding day hike that climbs from Highway 93 near Sinclair Pass to Kindersley Pass and the ridge above, with wide views over the Brisco Range and alpine meadows. The usual loop is around 16 to 18 km. Start early and carry plenty of water and bear spray.
The Continental Divide crossing on the Alberta border, where a sign marks the boundary between Kootenay and Banff parks. The short Fireweed Trail loops through a forest regenerating after the 1968 fire. In summer the burn is full of wildflowers and young lodgepole pines.
Roadside pullout on Highway 93 above Hector Gorge, looking down on the turquoise Kootenay River as it bends through the valley. Mountain goats are sometimes seen on the slopes nearby. It is a quick stop with interpretive signs and is best in morning light.
Highway 93 South runs about 94 km through the park from Castle Junction to Radium, following the Vermilion and Kootenay rivers. There are few services along the way, so fuel up before you start. Black bears, elk and moose are often seen near the road at dawn and dusk.
Historic log lodge at Vermilion Crossing, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1920s and still offering rustic cabins, a restaurant and a small shop. It is the only place for food along the middle of Highway 93. It opens seasonally, so check dates before relying on it.
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