Categories: Travel

One of BC’s top natural hot springs sits beneath vibrant rock cliffs with colourful fall foliage

Photo via Shutterstock

Fall is a time to slow things down, unwind, and take inventory of all the natural wonders around us. In British Columbia, we’re fortunate to have many – from towering waterfalls and ancient forests to relaxing natural hot springs. This includes the breathtaking Kootenay National Park – home of some of the world’s oldest fossils and the famed Radium Hot Springs – AKA one of BC’s top natural hot springs!

The location

The canyon-side natural hot springs are open year-round, but fall is truly a magical time to visit. Crisp air, relaxing mineral waters, gorgeous fall colours, and Bighorn sheep grazing nearby. It’s almost too perfect to visualize!

Situated between the Purcell Mountains and Canadian Rockies, the village of Radium can be accessed through the famous entrance at Sinclair Canyon, where visitors are greeted by its signature mountain views.

Photo via Shutterstock

Job opportunities

That’s right, the hot springs could become your new office if you play your cards right! Parks Canada is hiring for the following roles at Radium Hot Springs right now:

Lifeguards ($29.98 to $32.55 per hour)
Head Lifeguards ($30.66 to $33.28 per hour)
Snow Plow Operators (28.82 to $32.38 per hour)
Visitor Services Attendants ($26.86 to $29.20 per hour)
Various admin/clerical positions ($56,131 to $60,587 per year)

Employees get to experience what it’s like to both work and live at the beautiful hot springs through the Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay (LLYK) Field Unit.

The unit is responsible for three iconic national parks spanning BC and Alberta, including Yoho, Kootenay, and Banff National Parks, as well as the Radium Hot Springs Pools and seven national historic sites in both provinces.

So if living and working at the doorstep of three national parks sounds like your cup of tea, now is a great time to apply if you live in the area.

Those interested can start by creating a GC jobs account and uploading your resume and cover letter to the online portal. Applicants will then complete a brief screening questionnaire, according to Parks Canada.

Visiting the hot springs

The hot springs themselves are open on a first-come-fist-served basis, offering visitors the chance to unwind in odourless mineral waters in both a hot and cold pool.

From September 3rd to October 14th, the pools will be open from 11:30 am to 9 pm on weekdays, and from 10:30 am on weekends (last entry at 8:30 pm).

Starting October 15th, the hot springs will operate from 6 to 9 pm on Friday evenings and from 10:30 am to 9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Single-entry is priced at $17.50 for adults and $15.25 for youth and seniors, or $27 and $23.75 for day passes respectively.

Admission can be purchased in person at the reception area.

So there you have it, BC. If working for Parks Canada has always been a dream of yours, consider this your sign! Good luck!