Kootenay National Park, spread over 1406 square kilometers, promises unparalleled natural beauty in British Columbia. You can reach this park by travelling through the road connecting Banff and Radium Hot Springs. Expect multiple stops along the way, each offering something new ranging from clear lakes to tons of wildlife. Today we have collated a list comprising the best activities to undertake in the Kootenay National Park.
Let’s check awesome things to do in Kootenay National Park…
Boom Lake
You will come across this gorgeous alpine lake on Highway 935 while going towards Kootenay National Park. However, it can only be reached via foot following a 10 km hike. You can complete the hike in a 3-4 hour round trip. June to October is the best time to hike the Boom Lake trail. The trail is mostly flat and will take you through the dense forest. You will gain 100 meters at the onset of the hike. After that it’s mostly flat terrain. The beautiful Boom Lake is surrounded by glacier-capped peaks. It offers an exquisite view of the north side of Boom Mountain.
Numa Falls
Numa Falls is situated near the Rockwall trailheads at the north end of Kootenay National Park. This is a 24km journey from the turning point on the Trans Canada Highway (1) towards the Banff-Windemere Highway (93). If you are in a mood for going on short road trips, then Numa Falls can be your perfect pick. You can reach it within 40 minutes from Banff and within 35 minutes from Lake Louise by car. You will find a small car parking space right next to the highway. Numa Falls is a few hundred meters walk from the parking point.
Vista Lake Viewpoint
This is a family-friendly lake on your way towards Kootenay National Park off Highway 93. Moreover, you can park your vehicle in the small parking slot on the left-hand side of the road. Get ready for a jaw-dropping view of Vista Lake the moment you step out of the car. You can reach the lake following a 30-minute hike encompassing 100 meters. This hike isn’t stroller friendly.
Stanley Glacier
Everyday hikers will get a chance to get close to a glacier the moment they reach Stanley Glacier. Despite being a big one, it gets fewer footfalls than the Athabasca Glacier. However, you will have to hike for around 12.5 km to enjoy the unparalleled views. It’s best to plan your visit between June and September. However, you can also go snowshoeing during winter. This moderately difficult trail is well suited for experienced hikers.
The first 4 km is well maintained. However, the last kilometer requires walking through uneven and steep terrain. If you suffer from mobility issues, then the Stanley Glacier hike isn’t recommended for you. You will get to see brachiopods, trilobites, sponges, and hyolithids at the Stanley Glacier basin. Often, tourists book guided tours to the Stanley Glacier Trail, which costs around $110 CAD for 4 hours.
Paint Pots
Just as the name suggests, you will get to see vibrant water pools in rainbow hues. The water here has high iron content. As a result, it has stained the surrounding soil into a radiant ochre shade. Paint Pots stands out in all its brilliance against the extraordinary backdrop of a deep turquoise Vermillion River and bright green grass.
The best thing about Paint Pots is that it is a low difficulty journey but with excellent mountain views from all sides. The entire trail is 2km long back and forth, making it well suited for families having children and the elderly. Also, be respectful to the native Ktunaxa people for whom this area is highly sacred.
Continue reading about best things to do in Kootenay National Park…
Floe Lake
This Instagram-famous spot lures in visitors for the alluring Floe Lake and uniquely shaped Floe Peak. This alpine lake rests at the base of an immense rock face and is the highlight of Kootenay National Park. However, you can reach it following a 21 km round-trip hike with 1000 meters of elevation gain. Further, you can camp for the night at the Floe Lake Backcountry Campground if continuous hiking becomes too tiring for you.
The camping reservation can be booked by paying around $12.75 CAD per person at the Parks Canada website. The large number of larch trees around Floe Lake makes it perfect for hiking during fall months. Photography enthusiasts can take advantage of the magical sunrise and sunset hours for beautiful frames. During this time you can capture a crystal-clear reflection of the mountain on the lake.
The Rockwall Trail
Get ready for a multi-day backpacking adventure as you take the 54 km Rockwall Trail through Kootenay National Park. It will take approximately three days and two nights to complete this series of trails. You can rest at any of the five campsites that come along the way. It’s best to hike through the Rockwall Trail between mid-July and early October.
Moreover, the campsite reservations need to be made in advance from the Parks Canada website. You will walk past stunning blue lakes, wildflower meadows, and glaciers along the horseshoe-shaped trail. The USP of this trail is a limestone cliff that attains a height of 900 meters in some places. You can finish the Rockwall Trail in approximately 3 days alongside an elevation gain of 3000 meters.
Cobb Lake
If you are visiting Kootenay National Park during summer, then Cobb Lake should be your foremost spot. This out-and-back trail spans 5 km and takes 2-3 hours to complete. This hike comes with 250 meters of elevation gain while returning back from the lake. You will pass through the forest while on this hike, making it ideal for summer days. The hike will take you near the top of Sinclair Pass. Next it will go downhill for some time and finally level out along the Swede Creek towards Cobb Lake. Often travelers pack the picnic boxes along to have a hearty meal in this scenic place.
Marble Canyon
Marble Canyon is among the popular geographical locations near Marble Canyon Campground, Kootenay National Park, British Columbia. Who would not like to witness those blue glacial waters where you can be lost in those movie scenes shot in similar ways? The beautiful mountain views compliment the surrounding beauty makes it one of hidden gems in BC. Believe me! You cannot afford to miss such beauty if you are around Alberta.
Olive Lake
The Olive Lake is located at a short distance from the Radium Hot Springs. You can access the boardwalk via pushchair and wheelchair to enjoy the tranquil lake views. As the turquoise water glistens under the sun, it presents the perfect opportunity to capture some stunning frames. The water is so clear that you can easily spot fish swimming around the waterbed. The Olive Lake trail is well marked. On reaching the lake, the trail turns into a Y junction. You can take either of the paths to reach a viewing platform offering excellent views of the lake. Tourists can also be seen enjoying packed meals at the multiple picnic benches.
Sinclair Canyon
You can reach this scenic canyon while driving on Highway 93. Sinclair Canyon is popular for its towering cliffs with a height exceeding 500 meters above Sinclair Creek. The numerous trails traversing the lower part of Sinclair Creek promise a fulfilling day of hiking. There is also a designated area in these trails where you can keep your dog off leash. The canyon lies at the border of Radium Town and Kootenay National Park. You can easily drive through the canyon and enjoy the sight of walls rising up on each side. Also, there is a nice viewpoint here offering impressive views of the deep canyon.
Radium Hot Springs
Just as the name suggests, the Radium Hot Springs are naturally heated mineral waters. Open rock faces surround these hot springs. Often you might see bighorn sheep wandering by as you relax in these hot pools. Be it summer or winter, you can head out to these hot springs for treating your muscle aches. The spring water is rich in calcium, sulfate, silica, magnesium, and other minerals. Also, the water temperature ranges between 37 and 40 degrees, and it is odor-free. There is also a pool next to the springs where you can swim with your family. You will also find a day spa for booking a pampering session. Moreover, pay $16.50 per person to enter these pools.
There are more than 200 red Adirondack chairs scattered across Parks Canada. They have positioned them at scenic spots offering excellent photo backdrops. You will come across three sets in the Kootenay National Park. Get ready to enjoy mesmerizing views from these chairs.
