Radium Hot Springs is on the boundary of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Included in this conglomeration of Canada's most spectacular protected areas are Kootenay National Park, which starts at the edge of the village, and Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park, which shares a boundary with Kootenay National Park to the northeast.
Kootenay National Park
Initially known as the Highway Park, it was comprised of 8km/5mi of land on either side of a rough gravel trail through the wilderness. Kootenay National Park was established in 1920 as part of a federal/provincial deal to build the first motor road across the Canadian Rockies - from the Windermere Valley to Banff in Alberta. The completion of the road in 1922 meant that for the first time, visitors could drive into the wilderness in the questionable comfort of their Ford Model Ts. Today's visitors are able to take the 94km/58mi paved highway and stop at fascinating roadside attractions such as the spectacular Marble Canyon. Check out the Paint Pots, which historically yielded the ochre collected by the Ktunaxa Aboriginal people for trade and ceremonial purposes.
Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park
This mountain park lies between Kootenay National Park and the BC/Alberta boundary. There are no roads in the park, and the access trails are lengthy. For example, the trail from Simpson River (which crosses Highway #93 in Kootenay National Park) to the Porcupine Creek Campground is 14km/9mi each way. The payoff, however, is the chance to get close to Mount Assiniboine, one of the most spectacular peaks in the Kootenay Rockies. Note that wintry weather can occur in this area even in the height of summer.
Bugaboo Provincial Park
The granite spires of Bugaboo Provincial Park attract climbers from all over the world. This park is one of the great alpine rock climbing centres. Although there are a few easy to moderate climbs, most routes involve difficult traverses and require the use of crampons, ice axes and ropes. Access to the park is via a 50km/30mi gravel road that intersects with Highway #95, 27km/17mi north of Radium Hot Springs. The Conrad Kain Hut accommodates up to 40 people. Reservations should be made through the Alpine Club of Canada.
If planning to spend the night in the park, protect the car with chicken wire. Seriously, the porcupines will chew on tires and brake lines otherwise.
Practical Points
- Always carry extra clothing, food and water, and be aware that encounters with wildlife are not uncommon in this wilderness area.
- Check with the Visitor Centre for updated information about the parks and their amenities or visit the BC Parks website for more information.