Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Kootenay National Park.
Q:Can you hike at Kootenay National Park?
A:
Yes, you can. There are many great trails throughout the park. The best time to hike in the park is July through mid-September. In late Spring and throughout the winter some of the passes have a lot of snow and an avalanche could happen. Be prepaid for weather changes as well, you are hiking in the Rockies.
Short Hikes and Walks:
Easy Trails
Juniper / Sinclair Canyon
Redstreak Campground
Redstreak Loop
Redstreak Restoration
Valleyview
Redstreak Creek
Olive Lake
Cobb Lake
Dog Lake
Paint Pots
Marble Canyon
Marble Canyon to Paint Pots
Fireweed Loops
Day Hikes:
Easy Trails
Helmet - Ochre Junction
Simpson River
Prospector's Valley Moderate Trails
Stanley Glacier
Kimpton Creek Difficult Trails
Kindersley / Sinclair Loop
Hawk Creek & Ball Pass
Floe Lake
Q:What kind of activities are in the Kootenay National Park besides hiking?
A:
There is plenty to do and experience in Kootenay National Park. Since the park is encompassed around the highway why not take a scenic drive through the park. The highway through the park is 94 km (58.41 miles) long. Be sure to pack a lunch and stop at one of these popular sites to enjoy your meal and the surrounding scenery. Picnic areas: Numa Falls, Vermilion Crossing, Dolly Varden, Kootenay River, Olive Lake, Valley View.
Discover some fossils at Burgess Shale. Take a selfie while sitting in Kootenay Park's Red Chairs, you can find them at Marble Canyon, located at the fourth bridge on the trailhead, and Radium Hot Pools, located on the Juniper Trail.
Mountain biking or road biking is very popular in the warmer seasons. Fishing is also popular but be sure to get all the permits you need and make sure you are up to date on all of Canada's laws and regulations when it comes to fishing.
Q:What are other points of interest in Kootenay National Park?
A:
Redstreak Restoration Area
Sinclair Canyon and the Redwall Fault
Radium Hot Springs
Kootenay Valley viewpoint
Guided Hikes at Stanley Glacier
The Paints Pots
Marble Canyon
The Continental Divide
The Rockwall
Fire Landscapes
Q:What is the Kootenay National Park's Red Chairs?
A:
Red lawn chairs are placed in two locations in the park that offer spectacular views and offer a great photo opportunity to take a selfie and share with your friends and family. The first location is at Marble Canyon it is located at the fourth bridge on the trail. The second set of chairs is at the Juniper Trail by the Radium Hot Pools.
Q:Can I soak in the Radium Hot Springs?
A:
Yes, you can. The hot springs are located inside the park by the Radium Village. They offer a family-friendly facility with plenty of spaces to soak and relax. You can soak in the hot pool or if you want a little lower temperature, try the swimming pool. Day spa services are available too at the Pleiades Spa and Wellness.
Q:What is the entrance fee at Kootenay National Park?
A:
A day pass provides entry into Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Waterton Lakes and Elk Island. The pass is valid until 4:00 pm on the day after purchase. Park passes are available in person at Canad's park gates and information centers.
Daily
Adult $10.50
Senior $9.00
Youth FREE
Family/Group $21.00
Adult: Person 18 to 64 years of age Senior: Person 65 years of age or over Youth: Person 6 to 17 years of age Family/Group: Up to seven people arriving in a single vehicle in a national park. School Groups: Students of elementary and secondary schools.
Q:Is there cellular and WiFi service at Kootenay National Park?
A:
No cell phone service is available at Kootenay National Park. No WiFi is available in the park either. There is an emergency phone available at the Kootenay Crossing.
Q:Are pets allowed at Kootenay National Park?
A:
Dogs are allowed on most trails unless otherwise specified in trail restrictions and closures. You can not leave your pet unattended or tied up to an object. Pets must be on a leash, and under control at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Q:Do I need a passport?
A:
Yes, a valid passport is required when crossing the border into Canada and back into the USA.