Craig Douce photo
Dramatic canyon walls surround the Radium hot springs pool
By Paula Worthington
The Kootenay Region of British Columbia is an adventurer’s delight — mountains, valleys, wildlife, and hot springs. Set on the west side of Kootenay National Park, and located at the stunning entrance of the park’s red-walled Sinclair Canyon, Radium Hot Springs is a perfect destination for a British Columbia road trip.
“Sinclair Canyon is the gateway to Kootenay National Park,” says Donna Cook, spokesperson for Canadian Rockies Hot Springs. “In this canyon, iron in the rock along the red wall fault make for a stunning back drop to the herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep that often graze in the steep meadows between the cliffs. The sheep may be seen at any time of year and it’s amazing to see them up on the slopes when you are relaxing in the pool.”
Located at the crossroads of Highways 95 and 93, the village of Radium Hot Springs is well situated between an abundance of well-known destinations: Golden to the north, Panorama to the southwest, Fairmont to the south and Banff and Lake Louise to the east.
The village of Radium Hot Springs offers a number of attractions beyond the hot springs, from world-class golf courses to nearby hiking, skiing, lake activities and more. Perfectly perched on what is referred to as the “warm” side of the Rockies, Radium offers milder winter temperatures, and long, dry summers.
This area is also home to some rare plant and animal species,” says Cook. “One of my favourite ways to enjoy the plants and canyon is by hiking the short Juniper trail that starts just down the road from the hot springs’ parking area. This short loop features a waterfall, lush vegetation, the opportunity for big views and a chance to see wildlife.”
The hot springs themselves are nestled in the canyon, offering a quiet respite from sightseeing and mountain adventuring, no matter the season. The hot springs hold an abundance of history too, as businessmen such as 19th century Englishman Roland Stuart immediately saw the cachet of the area. He paid a whopping $160 for a Crown grant of the 160 acres around the Radium Hot Springs in 1890.
Known for their curative powers, hot springs throughout the Rockies became sought- after destinations from visitors around the world. Radium Hot Springs eventually became Crown land with the establishment of Kootenay National Park. The benefits continue today.
“Today, doctors recommend hot springs for the stress-relieving properties and for soothing sore muscles or the aches of arthritis,” says Cook. “Naturopaths believe that the hot water helps the body detoxify itself. As many illnesses are associated with stress, the hot springs can be beneficial to people's health and well-being.”
The on-site spa has modernized the springs, but the feeling of sanctuary among the mountains remains charming with its retro vibe.
There are a number of hot springs throughout the Canadian Rockies, but the springs at Radium are unique in that they are odourless. This is because the hydrogen sulfide gas has already dissipated when exposed to oxygen before it reaches the outlet of the spring. The pools are kept at a very comfortable 39C, and the top five minerals, including sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, silica and magnesium, are thought to have healing properties.
For those feeling nervous about a cold Rocky Mountain walk to the hot pool, never mind, the locker areas are heated, and a warm hallway leads to a covered walkway which allows the bather to slip into the springs without catching a chill. Towel, locker and bathing suit rentals are available for those who make a spontaneous stop to the hot pools; and a single adult admission is economically priced at $6.30 CAD.
The park gate fee is included in the admission price if visitors are only visiting the hot springs pool.
Easily accessible complimentary parking is located in the vicinity of the pools, making the stop an easy one for both west and eastbound traffic. The hot pools are open daily, year round, and offer the chance to experience nature’s medicine, all while located in a spectacular Rocky Mountain setting.
Getting there:
From Calgary or the town of Banff, take the Trans-Canada highway (Highway 1) to Castle Junction in Banff National Park. At Castle Junction, take Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park to the Radium Hot Springs.
Where to stay:
Camping, complete with hook ups and electricity, is available close to the hot springs at Redstreak. Redstreak Campground is open from mid-May until mid-October and reservations are highly recommended on long weekends and in July and August. There’s a nice walking trail linking the campground to the hot pools. Camping is also available at McLeod Meadows and Marble Canyon from late June until early September. More details at: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/knp-camping