KOOTENAY
NATIONAL PARK
British Columbia, Canada
Established
in 1920, the 1406 square km (543 square miles) Kootenay
National Park in British Columbia, Canada, offers a wide
array of scenic attractions. Hanging glaciers and breathtaking
summits, the limestone Marble Canyon and natural mineral
pools at Radium Hot Springs are just some of the attractions
the park has to offer.
The
area that is now Kootenay National Park was once a meeting
place for Plains and Mountain First Nations as well as fur
traders and explorers. Pictographs and ancient paint pots
used by the Kootenai Indians to decorate themselves and
their teepees years ago are found in this park.
LOCATION:
Kootenay
National Park lies 888 km east of Vancouver and 170 km west
of Calgary. It can be reached from the north at two access
points on the Trans-Canada Highway: Castle Junction in Banff
National Park (via Highway 93 South - the Kootenay Parkway)
or Golden (via Highway 95); or from the south via Highway
93/95. The closest full service towns are Radium Hot Springs,
just outside the park's West Gate, and Banff, 33 km east
of the park's north entrance.
Highway
93 (also called the Kootenay Parkway) runs 94 km through
the centre of the park. Make sure to factor in plenty of
time for breaks, slow traffic, and inclement weather conditions.
The maximum speed limit inside the national parks is 90
km/hr, with several areas having slower limits for wildlife
safety.
| BC
Adventure Members serving this area: |
| Nipika
Mountain Resort - A spectacular setting, with energy efficient
luxurious well appointed accommodations right on the trail system.
We maintain harmony with the environment and emphasize many self-propelled
recreation opportunities. Kids and pets are welcome. |
| Purcell
Mountain Lodge - Purcell Mountain Lodge, near Golden BC,
offers extraordinary nature based rocky mountain adventures. Unique
backcountry lodging in pure, untouched wilderness. Guided alpine
ski tours, cross-country skiing, telemarking and snowshoeing. Hiking,
nature walks, photography. Personalized guest services, quiet and
cozy accommodations and casual gourmet dining. Accessible only by
helicopter |
| Radium
Hot Springs Lodge - Enjoy spectacular hospitality in the
natural untouched setting of Kootenay National Park, with direct
access through our elevator to the world famous Radium Hot Springs
pools. Afterwards enjoy the many activities in the area, have a
taste sensation in our dining room, and refreshments and conversation
in our lounge. We’re your perfect business or holiday getaway. |
PARK
FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES
Camping
- Fully facilitated campgrounds are as follows:
- There
are four seasonal campgrounds located in Kootenay National
Park: Redstreak (50 sites), McLeod (98 sites) and Marble
Canyon (66 sites), Crook's Meadow Group Camp (61 sites).
Water, fire pits and toilets are provided. Showers and
sewage facilities are located at Redstreak campground.
- Hiking
& Trails
- An
extensive trail system leads the visitor to scenic viewpoints,
glaciers and lakes. The Floe Lake trail leads to the
mountain lake where pieces of glacier float near the
stunning backdrop of a sheer rock wall. A 2 hour hike
leads to Stanley Glacier. With its hanging valley this
hanging glacier must be seen.
PARKS
INFORMATION
Two
seasonal information centres operate in Kootenay National
Park.
Kootenay
National Park Visitor Centre
7556 Main Street East; Radium Hot Springs, B.C.
Telephone 250.347.9505; Fax 250.347.6307;
E-mail: kootenay.info@pc.gc.ca
In
the off-season, information can be obtained from the Yoho
National Park Visitor Centre.
Telephone 250.343.6783. Fax 250.343.6012.
E-mail: kootenay.info@pc.gc.ca
