Discover the beauty of the Canadian Rockies in (and on route to) Radium Hot Springs, nestled on the eastern edge of the Kootenays. Captivating experiences await travellers, who can conveniently access this charming village with a quick 3-hour drive journey from the Calgary, Alberta; the scenic 277-km drive is totally worth it!
Following BC’s Rainforest to Rockies routes, here are three ways to get to Radium Hot Springs.
1 – Calgary, Alberta to Radium Hot Springs
This journey along the historic Highway 1 through Banff National Park, and seamlessly transition to the majestic Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park. Turning back time to 1923, when the road less travelled was established, the ‘Banff-Windermere Highway‘ began its quest to navigate adventurous travellers to British Columbia. Today, with every curve and bend of the 94-kilometre drive, Highway 93 reintroduces you to an age-old narrative of traversing valleys and conquering two mountain passes.
Make a day of it and surrender to the radiant sunshine, sauntering from the Marble Canyon Day Use Area past multiple bridges – each offering a unique view into the rock-carved pathway of the Vermilion River. Take a moment, a deep breath, and let the vibrant turquoise charm of the Kootenay River stun you as it flows past the Kootenay River Day Use Area. Make your journey unforgettable with a stopover at the ‘Kootenay Valley Viewpoint‘ and surrender yourselves to the stunning vistas of the Mitchell and Vermilion mountain ranges. And remember to stride leisurely around the serene olive-green lake at the Olive Lake Day Use Area.
Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating experience right at the edge of Kootenay National Park, part of the illustrious UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Open throughout the year, this soothing hot springs is a cornerstone of revitalizing human spirit for centuries. Nestled within the breathtaking Sinclair Canyon, they offer two expansive outdoor pools, a hot one for a balmy dip and another cooler one for an invigorating swim. Discover a tradition of wellness in this picture-perfect setting.
2 – Pacific Ocean to Radium Hot Springs (Highway 1)
Enjoy the a scenic valley and mountain Trans-Canada (Highway 1) route along BC’s Rainforest to Rockies towards Radium Hot Springs. Remember to add extra time to thoroughly delve into the wonders of Revelstoke and Golden on your journey. Then, steer your expedition southwards along the Columbia River Wetlands (Highways 93/95) right to Radium Hot Springs.
3 – Pacific Ocean to Radium Hot Springs (Highway 3)
The majestic Crownest (Highway 3) weaves through BC’s Rainforest to Rockies, leading you to the inviting Radium Hot Springs. This adventure tour boasts some of the loftiest mountain passes imaginable, including the formidable Kootenay Pass (1,774-m) and impressive Nancy Greene Summit (1,575-m), and the Blueberry-Paulson Summit (1,535-m) all nestled in the Kootenays. Ensure to allocate extra time to fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring sights of Rossland/Trail, Castlegar, Nelson Kootenay Lake, Creston Valley, Cranbrook & Kimberley during your remarkable journey. Next, drive north on Highway 93/95 to explore the panoramic Columbia Valley, before your reach your destination – Radium Hot Springs.
Make no mistake, Radium Hot Spring isn’t just a stop along the way, it’s a premier destination to this route, as well as a ‘hub’ for the Columbia Valley Bird Trail and the Golden Triangle road trip adventures.
Radium Hot Springs & the Columbia Valley
The mountainous community welcomes you to Radium Hot Springs – lovingly known as the “Warm Side of the Rockies”. Here you can bask in pleasant temperatures, offering extended seasons for stunning hikes, fun mountain bike rides, challenging rounds of golf, and serene camping ventures. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker or a curious-wanderer needing a mountain getaway in nature’s bounty, they’ve got it all. In this tight-knit mountain village, you’re not just a visitor – you become part of the community.
At Radium Hot Springs, they take immense pride in their beloved local residents, the majestic Bighorn Sheep. As you tour the scenic town, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of these incredible creatures. Now, let’s learn some remarkable facts about them: First off, a Ram’s horn, impressively, can tip the scales up to 14 kilos (30 pounds)! As seasons shift, the Bighorn Sheep descend from their summer high-elevation sanctuaries down to Radium Hot Springs to endure the colder months. The sight of female Bighorn sheep, charmingly known as ewes, sporting their short, spikey horns is something to behold. Plus, you’ll often observe the ewes traveling cohesively with their young ones, showcasing a heartwarming family-oriented lifestyle.
Enjoy the splendour of Columbia Valley, nestled majestically between the stunning Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges. This valley is the proud centre to the thriving communities of Radium Hot Springs, North Columbia Valley, Invermere, Panorama, Windermere, Fairmont Hot Springs, and Canal Flats. Whether your explorations take you to stunning beaches, or rejuvenate in hot springs, or mingle with the locals, the Columbia Valley is a mesmerizing delight with limitless adventure.
Travel Information
Travelling to the Pacific Ocean from Radium Hot Springs:
~ Trans-Canada Highway 1, via Golden to Vancouver is a ten-hour drive (825-km)
~ Highway 3, via Cranbrook to Vancouver is an eleven-hour drive (997-km)
Highway routes back to the Calgary, via Field & Lake Louise with Hwy 1 or Fernie with Hwy 3, are viable options as well. Visit DriveBC.ca to view highway updates and Know Before You Go with travel alerts.
A National Park Pass is required to visit Canada’s parks; you can purchase them online or at most entry points into the Park(s).
