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 60 miles.

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, Alberta
⌖ 20.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Banff, Alberta

Banff is a vibrant mountain town in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, perfect for thrilling adventures like hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing. Experience stunning alpine scenery and rich natural beauty.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Banff, AB
⌖ 20.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Banff, AB

Banff, AB, offers spectacular mountain adventures year-round from hiking towering peaks and paddling turquoise lakes in summer to skiing world-class slopes in winter. Its charming townsite is the perfect base for exploring the Canadian Rockies’ iconic landscapes.

June to September for summer activities; December to March for skiing
Explore Town
Canmore, Alberta
⌖ 25.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Canmore, Alberta

Canmore is the adventure enthusiast’s paradise—renowned for its year-round access to stunning trails, lakes, and rich wildlife in the Canadian Rockies. From hiking and biking to paddling and skiing, this vibrant town offers countless ways to explore nature.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia
⌖ 25.33 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia

Radium Hot Springs, BC, is a serene mountain town ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and soaking in natural hot springs. A must-visit for outdoor lovers seeking adventure and relaxation.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Athalmer, British Columbia
⌖ 31.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Athalmer, British Columbia

Athalmer is a vibrant outdoor hub in British Columbia’s Columbia Valley offering superb hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing. This mountain town serves as a down-to-earth basecamp for wilderness adventure year-round.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Invermere, British Columbia
⌖ 32.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Invermere, British Columbia

Invermere, BC, is an all-season outdoor playground offering hiking, mountain biking, paddling, skiing, and fishing. Set on Lake Windermere’s shores with nearby mountains and parks, it’s a versatile basecamp for adventure seekers.

Summer and Winter
Explore 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.

Along the Road That Keeps Outdoing Itself: A Day on the Icefields Parkway
ADVEXPEDITION
Banff, Alberta
Guided TourADV Bookable

Along the Road That Keeps Outdoing Itself: A Day on the Icefields Parkway

A full-day, 8-hour guided tour from Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore that follows the Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake, Waterfowl Lakes, Bow Lake and the Columbia Icefields, pairing panoramic stops with local stories and wildlife spotting.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Banff in a Day: Gondola Sunrise to Turquoise Lakes on a Calgary Pickup
ADVEXPEDITION
Calgary, Alberta
Walking TourADV Bookable

Banff in a Day: Gondola Sunrise to Turquoise Lakes on a Calgary Pickup

A 10–12 hour, small-group Banff National Park circuit from Calgary or Canmore that includes the Banff Gondola ride, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise—this guide helps you plan the practical details and what to expect.

Walking TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Banff in Two Hours: A Local-Led Walk Through Mountain Stories
ADVEXPEDITION
Banff, Alberta
Walking TourADV Bookable

Banff in Two Hours: A Local-Led Walk Through Mountain Stories

A two-hour, gratuity-based walking tour led by local guides that orients you to Banff’s Indigenous heritage, architecture, and riverside scenery—ideal for your first day in town.

Walking TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip