Itineraries

Camping & Hiking Wilderness Escape in Radium Hot Springs

By Tourism Radium on June 2, 2019

Radium Hot SpringsCamping & Hiking Wilderness Escape in Radium Hot Springs

Bordering ruggedly beautiful Kootenay National Park, Radium Hot Springs offers the best in camping and hiking this side of the Rocky Mountains.

Day 1: Pick Your Campground! Hot Springs and Kids’ Interpretive Tours Redstreak Campground

Settle in to Redstreak Campground, overlooking the Village of Radium Hot Springs and boasting a magnificent view of the Columbia Valley and Purcell Mountains. Located in the southern most portion of Kootenay National Park, 2.5 km above the village of Radium Hot Springs on a sunny plateau, this scenic campground offers open kitchen shelters, potable water, fire rings and firewood, playgrounds, food storage, and other practical amenities (except for Wifi).

A steep 1.8 km trail leads to restaurants and services in the village. Access the Redstreak Loop Trail as well as Redstreak Restoration Trail right from the campground.

A 2.7 km hiking trail leads you to the Radium Hot Springs Pools. Relax and rejuvenate with a blissful soak in the hot, languid mineral waters, nestled beneath rugged rock cliffs. Perfect for soothing weary bones after hours of travel and your walk to the pools. Need to cool off? Dive into refreshment in the cold pool adjacent to the hot springs before your vigorous stroll back to the campground.

Redstreak Campground oTENTiks

Exclusive to Canada’s national parks and national historic sites, oTENTiks, located in Redstreak Campground, are part tent, part cabin and sleep up to six people. Each oTENTik, surrounded by incredible mountain views and arid grasslands, includes homey comforts such as high density foam mattresses for a restful sleep, raised wooden floors and an indoor sitting area for late night card games.

Redstreak oTENTiks

Canyon RV Resort 

Settle in to Canyon RV Resort, tucked away in its own narrow valley below the Village of Radium Hot Springs. A family-run campground for generations and catering to families and seniors looking for a peaceful, meticulously maintained park.

It’s only a short walk to enjoy the restaurants and services in the village.

Plan a scenic walk through Sinclair Canyon for a soak in the Radium Hot Springs Pools. Be sure to dive into refreshment in the cold pool adjacent to the hot springs before your stroll back down to the campground.

Radium Valley Vacation Resort

Settle in to Radium Valley Vacation Resort, a short drive north of Radium, you can enjoy full service RV sites as well as all manner of resort amenities including indoor/outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, exercise room, tennis and racquetball courts, beach volleyball, playground, games room, and much more.

Radium Valley Vacation Resort Radium Valley Vacation Resort Radium Valley Vacation Resort

Radius Retreat

Settle in to Radius Retreat. Located 2 Kms North of Radium Hot Springs this unique yurt retreat borders Kootenay National Park, allowing uninhibited wildlife flow and boundless trails for exploration. If you’re looking for a truly unique stay in Radium, Radius Retreat is founded on the “vibe of returning to nature, and inspiring people to live differently, letting nature’s rhythms flow freely.”

Dinner: drive or walk to town where you’ll find no shortage of delicious tasty, casual dining options. Stock up on food items at the fully stocked grocery store and deli, or find the perfect meal to wind down your first day in one of Radium’s many great restaurants – not to mention a delicious glass of BC beer, wine or spirits.

Day 2: Sinclair Creek and the Red Chairs and the Visitor Centre

Breakfast: Start what’s sure to be an incredible day with a great cup of coffee or quick break- fast at a nearby cafe to start the day. Don’t forget to grab something for later – healthy sandwiches and snacks because this is going to be a day spent outdoors on the trails.

A stop in at the Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre is definitely worth the time. Talk to the trained and expert staff and learn about all there is to see and do as well as where you can explore some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. An attraction in its own right, the Visitor’s Centre is home to a wonderful local wildlife exhibit that includes many pieces to pick up, touch, and feel. The exhibit is constantly growing, and is great for kids of all ages. The exhibit includes print material to take home, or a digital version HERE.

If you prefer your hikes to offer a reward at the end, here’s a scenic hiking adventure for you find the Kootenay Park Red Chairs! Selfie-worthy, these two sets of red Muskoka chairs placed at scenic locations by Parks Canada in Kootenay National Park offer a wonderful hiking goal. While some chairs are easy to find, others require more of an adventure. Each location offers views of exquisite views of nearby mountains, rivers or lakes. Watch for sheep as you walk up the Juniper Trails across the Radium Hot Springs pools to take in the view from this newly reclaimed area. Go further afield into Kootenay National Park to find the red chairs where you can relax in a landscape shaped by fire and erosion as you admire the turquoise, glacial waters and startling canyon walls of Marble Canyon.

A great hike perfect for a family outing is scenic and peaceful Sinclair Creek Trail. The Trail is a loop of approximately 2.5 km in length and provides a series of information kiosks outlining points of interest along the scenic route adjacent to the peaceful creek, which serve to educate users on the environment and history of the area. A gentle hike, great for hikers of all ages.

After a day of outdoor exploration it’s time to relax and enjoy the wonderful patio options around Radium. Walkable Radium lets you take advantage of some serious patio hopping. Take in striking Columbia Valley views from the comfortable outdoor seating of several great Radium restaurants and pubs. Order up incredible salads, appies, and mains along with your favourite BC brews, wine, and spirits. Want a different view? Wander along to the next great location. Looking for something different? Head into beautiful Invermere and enjoy a great meal, great patios and a fun evening out.

Day 3: Easy Radium Hikes 

Breakfast: enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your campsite or wander into Radium for some delicious home-cooked pancakes, a hearty breakfast burrito or traditional bacon ’n eggs in one of the delicious eateries nearby. Don’t forget to stock up on sandwiches and snacks for later!

Hike the Old Coach Trail (Radium to Dry Gulch). This 9 km (one way) trail has moderate elevation gain and is perfect for walking and for hikers of all ages. The trail winds along the bench lands above the Columbia River and offers great views of the Columbia River Wetlands. An interpretive trail guide is available.

Juniper Trail is one of the best kept secrets in Kootenay National Park. This scenic trail meanders through different ecosystems – open Douglas-fir forest and along the edge of Sinclair Canyon. Enjoy expansive views of the Columbia Valley and verdant Sinclair Canyon falls as well as a chance to take in the view from one of the Red Chairs.

Redstreak Restoration is a 20 minute walk through meadows reborn by prescribed fire on a gentle interpretive trail. A perfect place to spot Bighorn Sheep too!

Valley View Trail is a short 2.4 km path that packs a punch. Steep and challenging, it connects the village of Radium Hot Springs with Redstreak Campground. The perfect spot for good views of the Columbia Valley.

If you are looking for more advanced hiking terrain, please stop in the Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre / Parks Canada Visitor Centre and the expert team will be happy to supply you with suggestions.

Dinner: a day on the trails around Radium will leave you in the mood for a great meal. If you’re not up for cooking at camp, a delicious meal in town awaits you in one of the many fine restaurants Radium has to offer.

Camping and Hiking in Kootenay National Park

Parks Canada offers a variety of camping options in Kootenay National Park. At locations north to south throughout the park, these campgrounds offer a variety of services while allowing visitors to unplug, relax and stay close to all of the adventure.

McLeod Meadows, set in the centre of Kootenay National Park, is the perfect secluded sanctuary for families looking to unplug. Listen to the sound of the Kootenay River and watch for wildlife, including deer and elk. Enjoy a gentle hike to Dog Lake then take a short trip down the highway to the Village of Radium for dinner and a soak in the hot pools.

Crooks Meadow Campground, 35 km north of the Village of Radium Hot Springs, is open to large groups up to 60 people. This open-meadow concept is also the oldest homestead in the park and is the perfect place to see wildlife.

Marble Canyon Campground, located at the northernmost end of Kootenay National Park, is convenient to many of the park attractions at that end of the park. From Marble Canyon, visitors are only a short drive from spectacular hiking trails in Kootenay including Stanley Glacier, Floe Lake and Ball Pass. The campground’s close proximity to Banff and Yoho national parks makes day hikes on the Iceline, Taylor Lake, Bourgeau Lake and Twin Lakes trails easy to enjoy.

2 comments

  1. Hello,
    My husband and I are interested in spending a few nights at Radius Retreat. We are seniors and avid hikers. Our dates would be July 14th, 15th and possibly the 16th. Please let me know about cost and availability.
    Thanks,
    Teri

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