Immerse yourself in rising steam among canyon walls at the tranquil Radium Hot Springs. The journey to Radium Hot Springs in Kootenay National Park is as stunning as the destination.
Consider making it a day or overnight trip from Banff, Canmore, or Lake Louise. You’ll find numerous scenic stops and short hikes perfect for cooler days. Along the way explore canyons, bridges over rivers and waterfalls, and tiny turquoise lakes. Conclude your journey by relaxing in the odorless mineral waters of the Radium Hot Springs pool.
Read on for scenic stops and information on the drive through in Kootenay National Park to the relaxing Radium Hot Springs Pool.
From top to bottom: Hot Pool from Ridge credit: Olivia Robinson, PC; Marble Canyon crédit: Youth Ambassadors, PC; Big Horn Sheep Credit: Stevens S, PC
The trip from either Banff or Lake Louise can be made in just 90 minutes… but why rush when you can stop, explore and enjoy the views.
- Visitors have been exploring Kootenay National Park by car since 1923, when the Banff-Windermere Highway first opened. Today, the 94-kilometre drive through the park reconnects you with history as Highway 93 twists and turns through valleys and over two mountain passes.
- Radium Hot Springs is located 1.8km east of the Village of Radium Hot Springs.
- Winter tires or chains are required by law for travel in B.C. from October 1 to April 30. Keep in mind that cell phone reception outside of townsites is unreliable. For the latest road reports and weather cameras, check 511 Alberta or DriveBC.
- Construction work rerouting traffic from the Trans-Canada highway near Golden onto Highway 93 South may increase evening traffic (10 pm to 7 am).
- Accessible and RV Parking available. Details on our website.
Look up at the walls of Sinclair Canyon as you soak in Radium Hot Springs hot pool. The mineral water of Radium Hot Springs is uniquely odourless and clear, making this hot springs perfect for a relaxing soak. The hot pool water temperature is between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius or 98 and 104 Fahrenheit.
- This family-friendly facility offers plenty of space to relax and soak in the expansive hot pool. There is an accessible ramp, and other accessibility features.
- Take a refreshing dip in the cold plunge pool to cool down and contrast your hot pool soak.
- Cool Pool Closure. The cool pool at Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt is currently undergoing repairs. Once renovations are complete, the modernized cool pool will feature heated decks, a faster lane swim experience with surface level gutters to reduce waves, a new accessible lift for mobility-limited users, and improved safety features. Construction estimates indicate that the cool pool construction will continue into winter (2024), estimated timelines are subject to change.
Stops are listed from North to South and all located on Highway 93 South. Don’t Forget to buy a National Parks Pass for the duration of your time in Kootenay National Park.
1. Continental Divide day-use area: Stand on the dividing line between the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds.
2. Marble Canyon Hike: Admire the dramatic colours and sounds of Marble Canyon’s deep carved chasms as this trail criss-crosses the narrow gorge and takes you into the heart of a recent wildfire. Relax in Kootenay National Park’s new red chairs and snap a selfie to share with your friends and family.
3. Paint Pots trail: An easy walk takes you to three iron-rich mineral springs that stain the surrounding earth a vibrant ochre colour. Trail: 2 km return, 25 m elevation gain.
4. Numa Falls day-use area: (Just a couple steps from the parking lot), feel the cool breath of the Vermillion River as it tumbles over Numa Falls.
5. Kootenay Valley Viewpoint: Enjoy breath-taking views of the Mitchell and Vermilion ranges from the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint.
6. Olive Lake Trail & day use area: A forested picnic area at the summit of Sinclair Pass next to a bright emerald green lake. Follow a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk around blue-green Olive Lake. Look for brook trout! Trail: 0.5 km return, no elevation gain.
7. Don’t miss Sinclair Canyon and the Sheep!
Look up at the towering red cliffs of the Redwall Fault in Sinclair Canyon and don’t forget to #sharethechair as you relax in the new red chairs located on the bench across from the Radium Hot Spring pools. Get a bird’s eye view of Sinclair Canyon on the 6 km return hike along the Juniper / Sinclair trail. Keep your eyes peeled for the area’s iconic big horn sheep. If you don’t see the sheep themselves, its hard to miss the massive horn sculpture at the round-about entering the village.
Always check trail conditions and closures prior to departure!