Kootenay National Park is traversed by the Banff-Windermere Highway in British Columbia, Canada. It protects 543 square miles (1406 square km) of mountainous terrain in the Rocky Mountain range. Providing breathtaking scenic driving, front and back-country hiking, hot springs, canyons, and lakes, this national park is worth a visit if you are traveling between Banff and Glacier National Parks, or anytime!
Note: Our drive down the Windermere Highway through Kootenay National Park was part of a larger trip to Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, Canada, and Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. We decided to drive the scenic Windermere Highway (Hwy 93) rather than taking Alberta Hwy 2 (which skirts the city of Calgary), even though doing so would mean a little more time behind the wheel.
We visited Kootenay National Park, the Icefields Parkway – Banff and Jasper National Parks, Banff National Park, and Glacier National Park in the US in one trip. Check out our other guides!
Marble Canyon
Marble Canyon lies about 30 minutes (26 miles / 42 km) south of the town of Lake Louise on the Windermere Highway. The easy hike here (.9 mile, 1.5 km) crosses a breathtaking canyon formed by the Tokumm Creek via a series of bridges.
This is a fun stop with plentiful photo opportunities. Look for the iconic red Adirondack chairs just off the trail. We had read about “red chairs” at stops along the Icefields Parkway. At Marble Canyon, we were able to sit in some, rest a few minutes and take pics.
Numa Falls
Numa Falls, only 4.5 miles (7 km) south from Marble Canyon in British Columbia, features a gorgeous 40-meter waterfall set in a lush forest and surrounded by majestic mountains. The hike to see the falls is only .4 miles on an easy out-and-back trail, making this an easy stop in Kootenay National Park.
Radium Hot Springs, BC
The town of Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia makes a good stopover if you are traveling from Banff National Park to Glacier National Park, or a great place to stay for exploration of Kootenay National Park or the area’s hot springs.
There are several resorts in Radium Hot Springs, some with golf courses. The town also has a few restaurants and a grocery store (Mountainside Market, 7546 Main St E, Radium Hot Springs, BC).
For information on visiting the hot springs, visit the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs Resorts page.
Recommended Campground in Radium Hot Springs – Canyon RV Resort
The Canyon RV Resort is right in the town of Radium Hot Springs, and walking distance to the well-stocked grocery store, Mountainside Market (7546 Main St E, Radium Hot Springs, BC), restaurants and bars.
The beautiful campground is set in a grassy lawn on a creek with bountiful flowers. The office staff were efficient and checked us in quickly. Sites are level and spacious.
The laundry facility was clean and had quick washers and dryers. Office staff will make change for you.
Dining in Radium Hot Springs
We ate dinner at Back Country Jacks, where portions from the meat-focused menu were large and okay.
We do recommend the great ice cream and fun experience across the street at the vintage-music themed Screamers Ice Cream Cafe.
Final Thoughts
Kootenay National Park is an easy addition that delivers big rewards. With scenic drives, quick-access hikes like Marble Canyon and Numa Falls, and relaxing stops in Radium Hot Springs, it’s a worthwhile detour between Banff and Glacier — or a destination in its own right if you have a little extra time.
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Related Guides
Ultimate Two Tea House Hike – Banff National Park
Icefields Parkway – Banff and Jasper National Parks (includes Maligne Canyon)
Planning a trip to both Banff and Glacier National Parks? We’ve got an itinerary for that.
Epic Banff and Glacier National Parks Itinerary
Glacier National Park with links to area guides and trail guides
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