The Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre is closed from January 1 to April 30 and from October 15 to December 31. It is open from May 1 to October 14, daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
At Kootenay National Park, daily passes are $10.50 for adults, $9.00 for seniors, and $21.00 for families. Annual Discovery Passes are $75.25 for adults, $64.50 for seniors, and $151.25 for families. Youth 17 and under enter free.
From Calgary, take Highway 1 west through Banff, then Highway 93 into the park. From Vancouver, follow Highway 1 east. From Banff, take Highway 1 west. No direct public transit, but nearby towns like Banff or Golden offer options.
At Kootenay National Park, parking is available for cars, RVs, and motorcycles. RV and bus parking is found in the Village of Radium Hot Springs, Radium Hot Pools, and Kootenay River sites. Redstreak Campground near Radium allows overnight RV parking. Fees apply, and passes can be purchased online or at entrances.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Located in southeastern British Columbia, Kootenay National Park is one of Canada’s most diverse and visually stunning national parks, offering a mix of Rocky Mountain peaks, Radium Hot Springs, glacier-carved valleys, narrow slot canyons, and fossil-rich sedimentary cliffs. Part of the Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kootenay spans 1,406 square kilometers and runs along the Banff–Radium Highway (Highway 93 South), making it a prime stop on any Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary.
Popular attractions in Kootenay National Park include the mineral-rich thermal waters at Radium Hot Springs, scenic hiking trails like the Paint Pots Trail and Marble Canyon, and the iconic Sinclair Canyon, which greets visitors with towering red cliffs as they enter from the west. Hikers, wildlife photographers, and geology enthusiasts are drawn to the park’s varied terrain—from subalpine meadows to burnt forest ecosystems recovering from wildfire.
Wildlife viewing is a top activity in Kootenay, with chances to see bighorn sheep, elk, black bears, and mountain goats, especially near open meadows and along the highway corridor. In summer, visitors can hike to Stanley Glacier for views of hanging valleys and exposed Burgess Shale fossil beds, or explore the Kindersley-Sinclair Loop for panoramic mountain vistas.
Kootenay National Park also offers picnic areas, interpretive viewpoints, and backcountry camping, along with easy access to the resort town of Radium Hot Springs, known for its wellness experiences and alpine charm.
- Area (km²)
- 873.87
- Annual visitors
- 561 000
- Established year
- 1920
Top 3 Facts about Kootenay National Park
This area has been a major north-south travel route since prehistoric times, with pictographs indicating human settlement near the hot springs about 11,000 to 12,000 years ago, at an elevation ranging from 918 meters to 3,424 meters.
Straddles the Continental Divide, directing water either to the Pacific or Atlantic.
Soak in Radium Hot Springs’ 44°C mineral waters, famed for relaxation and healing.
Family programs
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Research road conditions, trail maps, and seasonal access. Book campgrounds early.
Pack Appropriately
Dress in layers for mountain weather; bring bug spray, sunscreen, food, and water.
Respect Wildlife
Observe from afar—no feeding wildlife. Store food safely in bear-safe containers.
Stay Informed
Stay on marked trails, watch for weather shifts, and notify someone if going remote.
Seasons
Spring (Apr–Jun): Melting snow reveals wildflowers, waterfalls, and active wildlife.
Summer (Jul–Sep): Warm weather, top hiking season, lake paddling, and peak visitation.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Stunning foliage, wildlife sightings, and cool, crisp hiking days.
Winter (Dec–Mar): Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, and soaking in Radium.
Frequently Asked Questionshgh
Ready to dive into what Kootenay National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit Kootenay National Park, it is convenient to stay in Radium Hot Springs, which is close to the park and offers several hotels and amenities. Other nearby options include the Columbia Valley and areas around Vermilion Crossing.
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The Marble Canyon hike is the most family-friendly, as it is an easy and accessible trail that passes through a deep, dramatic canyon with wonderful views, and it has fencing along most of the route, making it safe for children.
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Dogs are allowed on the trails, but they must be on a leash at all times. They are not permitted on groomed cross-country ski trails when they are covered in snow. Pets are welcome in the backcountry as long as they are leashed.
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There are no specific parking fees mentioned, but all visitors stopping in the park, even for a short time, require a park permit. Driving straight through the park does not require a permit. Camping and admission fees apply for other activities.
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The Rockwall Trail is a major attraction, a 54km trail that travels along gorgeous alpine terrain and is extremely popular. However, many visitors also highlight Radium Hot Springs as a top draw, with its naturally heated mineral waters. Additionally, Marble Canyon, known for its scenic canyon trail and panoramic views, is another highly visited site.
