Radium Hot Springs is one of B.C.'s top natural hot springs

One of British Columbia’s top natural hot springs lies within Kootenay National Park, and you can dip into its mineral waters year-round. Situated between the Purcell Mountains and Canadian Rockies, visitors enter the village of Radium through its famous entrance at Sinclair Canyon, with sweeping mountain views to greet them. So if you’re planning a road trip across the province, this certainly warrants a stop and a half!

The hot springs themselves consist of odourless water that’s rich in sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, silica, and magnesium, according to Parks Canada, making them a rejuvenating spot to visit. Kootenay National Park is also home to the world’s oldest fossils – the Burgess Shale fossils.

A part of the Canadian Register of Historic Places, Radium Hot Springs has been used by First Nations communities for centuries, protected under the Parks Canada system since 1922. Today, travellers come from around the globe to experience its warm, soothing waters and explore this remarkable national park.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tourism Radium (@tourismradium)

Note that all other waterbodies at the park are currently closed until the end of March.

Winter operating info

The hot springs 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. Currently, the cool pool is open on Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on weekends starting at 10:30 a.m.

The hot pool is open from Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 10:30 a.m. on weekends. Note that the last entry for both pools is 8:30 p.m.

Admission

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.

The hot springs are a scenic 1.5-hour drive away from Banff and Lake Louise and a nine-hour drive from Vancouver. Amenities and cell service are available at the Village of Radium, so be sure to prepare ahead of your visit!