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Kootenay National Park wilderness guide
National Park · BC

Kootenay National Park

Kootenay National Park is a diverse natural reserve in British Columbia showcasing rugged landscapes and a variety of ecosystems, making it a boon for outdoor enthusiasts.

National Park346,0184+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

346,018

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Kootenay National Park

Kootenay National Park is a diverse natural reserve in British Columbia showcasing rugged landscapes and a variety of ecosystems, making it a boon for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Kootenay National Park, located in southeastern British Columbia, is one of the remarkable national parks forming the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Spanning over 543 square miles, it encompasses a rich array of landscapes including deep valleys, towering peaks, and scenic rivers. Key attractions include the vivid Paint Pots, a series of ochre beds used historically by Indigenous peoples, and Radium Hot Springs, one of the park's most relaxing spots. Wildlife is abundant, with opportunities to spot creatures such as elk, mountain goats, and black bears. The park is threaded with over 100 miles of hiking trails that lead through unique ecosystems and offer stunning vistas. Established in 1920, the park is steeped in history and offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and photography.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Kootenay National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Scenic Hiking at Simpson River Trailhead, East Kootenay, BC★ 7.2⌖ 2 miHiking
Simpson River Trailhead

Scenic Hiking at Simpson River Trailhead, East Kootenay, BC

Simpson River Trailhead near Cranbrook, BC offers an easy hiking experience with river and mountain views. Ideal for families and casual hikers, enjoy peaceful walks, wildlife observation, and scenic rest spots like red chairs. Best visited late spring to early fall.

Scenic Hiking at Floe Lake Trailhead in British Columbia★ 8.8⌖ 10 miHiking
Floe Lake Trailhead

Scenic Hiking at Floe Lake Trailhead in British Columbia

The Floe Lake Trailhead near Banff offers a challenging hike through forests and alpine meadows to a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by limestone cliffs. Ideal for camping, wildlife viewing, and photography, best visited late summer to early fall when trails are clear and crowds are light.

Numa Falls Waterfall in East Kootenay, British Columbia★ 7.8⌖ 15 miSightseeing
Numa Falls

Numa Falls Waterfall in East Kootenay, British Columbia

Numa Falls is an easy-access waterfall located in Kootenay National Park near Cranbrook, BC. Perfect for quick visits, it offers scenic views, a short walk to a viewing bridge, and nearby hiking trails. Ideal for families and photographers especially from spring through fall.

SightseeingView Details→
Majestic Peaks of Sundance: A Canadian Adventure★ 8.5⌖ 15 miHiking
Sundance Peak

Majestic Peaks of Sundance: A Canadian Adventure

Discover the beauty of Sundance Peak in Alberta, Canada. A moderate 8 km hike with stunning views, ideal for adventure seekers. Accessible by a scenic drive from Banff, it's quieter year-round, offering beautiful hikes, snowshoeing, and wildlife spotting.

Natural Wonders of Marble Canyon Trailhead in East Kootenay, BC★ 7.8⌖ 18 miHiking
Marble Canyon Trailhead

Natural Wonders of Marble Canyon Trailhead in East Kootenay, BC

Explore Marble Canyon Trailhead in East Kootenay, BC, featuring hiking trails with bridges spanning a dramatic limestone canyon. Ideal from late spring to early fall, it offers wildlife viewing, striking geological formations, and scenic photography opportunities.

Hiking To Stanley Glacier Trailhead in East Kootenay, BC★ 8.7⌖ 18 miHiking
Stanley Glacier Trailhead

Hiking To Stanley Glacier Trailhead in East Kootenay, BC

Hike the Stanley Glacier Trailhead near Cranbrook, BC for a moderate 10 km round trip through pine forests to glacier views. Along the way, enjoy wildlife sightings and unique geological features. Best between late spring and early fall when the trail is snow-free.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Paint Pots – colorful ochre beds with historical significance.✦ Radium Hot Springs – natural thermal pools ideal for relaxation.✦ Floe Lake – a pristine alpine lake surrounded by dramatic peaks.✦ Marble Canyon – a canyon carved by glacial forces with stunning rock formations.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Kootenay National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Kootenay National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Kootenay National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Kootenay National Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Kootenay National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Kootenay National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Kootenay National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Park entry fees apply; Multi-day passes available.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Kootenay National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Marble Canyon Campground

Located near the dramatic cliffs of Marble Canyon, offering a basic, rustic camping experience.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Kootenay National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Banff
⌖ 20.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Banff, Alberta

An outdoor paradise offering spectacular mountain landscapes and a gateway to adventures in the Canadian Rockies.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Banff
⌖ 20.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Banff, AB

A world-class mountain town offering diverse alpine adventures with stunning peaks, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

June to September for summer activities; December to March for skiingExplore Town
Canmore
⌖ 25.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Canmore, Alberta

A vibrant mountain town offering year-round outdoor adventures amidst the stunning Canadian Rockies.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Radium Hot Springs
⌖ 25.33 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia

A tranquil mountain town offering diverse outdoor activities, set against the stunning backdrop of the Columbia Valley.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Athalmer
⌖ 31.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Athalmer, British Columbia

A gateway community offering vibrant access to mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and winter sports nestled in the Canadian Rockies’ dramatic landscape.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Invermere
⌖ 32.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Invermere, British Columbia

A vibrant mountain town offering diverse year-round outdoor adventures from alpine peaks to serene lakes, perfect for those seeking both adrenaline and tranquility.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Kootenay National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Sunshine Meadows Vistas: Easy Guided Hike to Alpine Wildflowers & Continental Divide ViewsBanff, Alberta · 17.98 mi away
All Adventures· White Mountain Adventures

Sunshine Meadows Vistas: Easy Guided Hike to Alpine Wildflowers & Continental Divide Views

Take an easy guided loop across Sunshine Meadows' high alpine bowls—12 km roundtrip with sweeping Continental Divide views, wildflower meadows, and larch stands. This guided 5–6 hour hike includes gondola/shuttle fare, lunch and a guide, and suits hikers comfortable with moderate distance at altitude.

5–6 hours

Check dates & book

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.