Kootenay National Park — Attraction in Area G (Forster Creek/Mount Assiniboine)

Kootenay National Park in Canada is an absolute gem for nature enthusiasts, and I can't recommend it enough! The park's rugged beauty, pristine wilderness, and variety of activities make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

Here are some tips for your visit:

Scenic Drives: The drive through the park along the Banff-Windermere Highway (Highway 93) is breathtaking. Be sure to stop at viewpoints like Vermilion Pass and Marble Canyon for stunning vistas.

Hiking Trails: Kootenay National Park boasts an array of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. The Stanley Glacier Trail and the Paint Pots Trail are popular choices. The refreshing alpine air and striking landscapes will leave you in awe.

Hot Springs: Don't miss the Radium Hot Springs. It's a wonderful way to relax after a day of exploring. The soothing mineral-rich waters amidst a mountain backdrop are pure bliss. Camping: If you're into camping, Kootenay National Park offers fantastic campgrounds. The feel of sleeping under a blanket of stars surrounded by nature is truly magical.

Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! The park is home to diverse animals like elk, deer, and even bears. Remember to maintain a safe distance and respect their natural habitat.

Photography: If you're into photography, you're in for a treat. The changing seasons bring a kaleidoscope of colors, making every shot picture-perfect. Visitor Centers: Make sure to stop by the visitor centers. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and can provide you with valuable information about the park's history, geology, and the best spots to explore.

Pack Essentials: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Dress in layers, carry sufficient water, and pack some snacks for...

Kootenay National Park is a national park located in southeastern British Columbia, and is one component of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. The park consists of 1,406 km2 (543 sq mi) of the Canadian Rockies, including parts of the Kootenay and Park mountain ranges, the Kootenay River and the entirety of the Vermilion River. While the Vermillion River is completely contained within the park, the Kootenay River has its headwaters just outside the park boundary, flowing through the park into the Rocky Mountain Trench, eventually joining the Columbia River. It ranges in elevation from 918 m (3,012 ft) at the southwestern park entrance, to 3,424 m (11,234 ft) at Deltaform Mountain. Initially called "Kootenay Dominion Park", the park was created in 1920 as part of an agreement between the province of British Columbia and the Canadian federal government to build a highway in exchange for title to a strip of land, approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) on either side of the 94 km route, the Banff–Windermere Highway, to be used solely for park purposes. While the park is open all year, the major tourist season lasts from June to September. Most campgrounds are open from early May to late September, while limited winter camping is available only at the Dolly Varden campground. The Kootenay National Park is one of seven contiguous parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World...

I visited Kootenay National Park in September 2020 for a day trip from Canmore (it was approx. a 45 minute to 1 hour drive), just over the BC/Alberta border, and hiked Stanley Glacier and Marble Canyon.

This was my first time venturing into Kootenay and it was a beautiful park! Stanley Glacier was a moderately difficult, 8.5 km hike (not including the loop at the end) that led through forest and opened up to amazing views of the mountains along the way. It was not a busy trail and I enjoyed it mostly to myself, with only a few other people on the way back.

Marble Canyon was a short drive from Stanley Glacier. It was a 1.5 km loop trail leading alongside the deep and narrow canyon and over a series of foot bridges. There were incredible views and photo opportunities and it was amazing to see this canyon. Again, it was not busy here at all and I visited during midday. Kootenay had gorgeous natural beauty and I liked that the park was quieter than Banff. Note that there is no cell service at all in the park so make sure to plan accordingly. There were outhouses at the trailheads for Stanley Glacier and Marble Canyon.

Would love to visit Radium Hot Springs during a future visit and explore more...