Plan your visit

Kootenay National Park

The historic Highway 93 South runs through the centre of Kootenay National Park in British Columbia. It is the only major route through the park. Kootenay is accessible from the east via Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) from Banff, AB (40 km) or Calgary, AB (167 km), or access via Highway 95 at Radium Hot Springs, BC. Full amenities are available in the village of Radium Hot Springs, just outside the park’s west entrance. Plan in advance as cell service is not available in the park.

Fees

Cost of daily park admission, Parks Canada Discovery Pass, camping, backcountry permits, Burgess Shale guided hikes, Radium Hot Springs and fishing...

Hours of operation

Kootenay National Park is open year round. The peak season is during July and August. Open dates for visitor centre, campgrounds and seasonal closures.

Pre-arrival checklist

Plan ahead for the best travel experience in Kootenay National Park. See our pre-arrival checklist, bonus tips and local recommendations for things to do.

Map and brochures

Download the visitor guide, trail guide with hiking maps, fishing guide, safety and wildlife information brochures for Kootenay National Park.

Stay

Book your overnight stay in advance. Choose a hotel, guesthouse or campground in the Columbia Valley, around Radium Hot Springs, and in the park.

How to get here

Discover how to get to Kootenay National Park by car or plane. Check out distances and road conditions before you start your road trip. 

Facilities and Services

Radium Hot Springs is the closest town just outside the park. About the visitor centre, pool, restaurants, accommodation, accessibility, shopping and gas.

Fire information and updates

Stay informed about forest fires and wildfire management in Kootenay, including wildfire status, fire bans, prescribed fires and fire protection projects.

Visitor guidelines

Follow visitor guidelines and regulations when you visit Kootenay National Park. Learn about wildlife, nature, bear safety and find contact information.

How to get here

Location

Visitor Centre
7556 Main Street East
Radium Hot Springs BC V0A 1M0

Emergency phone: Kootenay Crossing, 
43 km north of Radium Hot Springs. 

Phone
1-250-347-9505

Email
kootenayinfo-infokootenay@pc.gc.ca

Directions

By car

Highway 93 South (also called the Banff-Windermere Highway) runs 94 km through the centre of the park. It is the only major route and can be accessed from Banff National Park to the east and Radium Hot Springs to the west. Vehicle rentals are available in Invermere, B.C. as well as in Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta.

By air

Calgary and Vancouver are the closest airports serviced by major national and international carriers. Connections may be made to Cranbrook, 145 km south of Radium Hot Springs, B.C. Airport shuttles from Calgary, Alberta are available to Lake Louise and Banff near the park's east entrance.

Services and amenities

Accommodation Accommodation
Bus parking Bus parking
Camping Camping
Dogs on leash Dogs on leash
Gift Shop Gift shop
Information Information
Lookout Lookout
Picnic area Picnic area
Picnic Shelter Picnic shelter
Playground Playground
Restrooms Restrooms
Accessible Facilities Accessible services
Swimming Swimming pool
Bighorn sheep crossing the highway

Safety and guidelines

Natural hazards are a part of the national park experience. Reduce the impact of an unfortunate circumstance by being well informed and prepared.

a camper setting up their tent

Camping

Whether you’re going frontcountry or backcountry camping, planning ahead is essential. A valid park pass and camping permit are required.

Kootenay National Park Visitor Guide

Download the comprehensive visitor guide as a PDF to explore what the park has to offer.

Date modified :