Radium Hot Springs: a thermal village at the gateway to the Rockies

Radium Hot Springs is a village of 1,300 residents located in British Columbia, in the East Kootenay region, 16 kilometres north of Invermere and at the entrance to Kootenay National Park. The Canadian Rockies and the Purcell Mountains frame the Columbia River valley, giving the locality a mountainous setting that shifts with every season.

The village owes its name and reputation to the thermal springs installed in Sinclair Canyon, frequented year-round, and to the regular presence of bighorn sheep around residential areas.

Why visit Radium Hot Springs

Three elements set Radium apart from other Kootenay villages: historic hot springs accessible in summer and winter alike, wildlife visible even on the village streets, and a crossroads position between Kootenay National Park, Banff National Park and Panorama ski resort. The village functions both as a stopover on the Rockies route and as a base for exploring the Columbia Valley.

History of the springs

The story of Radium Hot Springs begins underground. Surface water infiltrates more than two kilometres below the ground, warms through contact with rock and rises again carrying minerals. Long before settlers arrived, First Nations peoples already frequented these springs.

In the early twentieth century, a group led by Lord Northcote undertook the construction of a first pool. Work was interrupted by the First World War, then resumed by the Canadian government. The thermal pool was completed in 1923. An entrance portal was erected shortly after, bearing the inscription "The mountains will bring peace to the people".

Following the 1948 fire, the baths were rebuilt and enlarged. The Aquacourt, which today houses the pools, is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

What to see and do at Radium Hot Springs

The thermal springs

Installed in Sinclair Canyon, at the entrance to Kootenay National Park, the springs welcome visitors year-round. The water is mineral, odourless and crystal-clear. The pools remain accessible in July as much as in January.

Bighorn sheep

Bighorn sheep regularly descend to the village's edges and allow close observation. The visitor centre features an exhibition on local wildlife as well as a space dedicated to Ktunaxa heritage.

Hiking and mountain biking

Kootenay National Park and surrounding areas offer a network of trails suited to all levels. Cyclists have several marked courses available, including Old Coach, Lake Lilian and Nipika River Canyon.

Golf and rafting

Several golf courses are accessible around the village, some with direct views of the Rockies. River descents are organized on surrounding waterways for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Columbia wetlands

Located between Golden and Invermere, these wetlands rank among North America's most extensive. They are home to diverse birdlife and serve as a prime birdwatching site.

Skiing and snowshoeing

Panorama ski resort, nearby, ranks among British Columbia's largest ski areas. Trails in Kootenay National Park are equally suited to walking and snowshoeing in winter.

When to visit Radium Hot Springs

Radium Hot Springs welcomes visitors year-round. The most favourable conditions for outdoor activities fall between May and September.

May and June

Mild temperatures, moderate crowds. Weather remains variable, but this is often the best period for spotting wildlife around the park.

July and August

High season. Trails, lakes and thermal springs operate at full capacity, with steady visitor numbers and summer temperatures.

September

Temperatures remain pleasant, crowds thin out and autumn light showcases the Rockies' slopes.

December to February

Winter brings a particular calm to the village. Bathing in the springs against a snowy backdrop, with mountains in the background, remains a characteristic winter activity.

Practical information

• Thermal pools open year-round, including winter. Check seasonal hours with Parks Canada before your visit.
• Modest entry fees, with day passes or single-entry options.
• Change rooms, swimsuit rental and towel services available on-site.
• Visitor centre at the heart of the village for information on wildlife and Ktunaxa heritage.
• Electric vehicle charging stations available throughout the village, plus a local electric vehicle sharing programme.

How to reach Radium Hot Springs

Radium Hot Springs sits at the junction of highways 93 and 95, in southeastern British Columbia, approximately 90 minutes west of Banff National Park and roughly 3 hours from Calgary.

From Calgary or Banff

• Take the Trans-Canada Highway to Castle Junction
• Head south on Highway 93 towards Kootenay National Park
• Follow Highway 93 to Radium Hot Springs

On the ground

The village centre is walkable: shops, restaurants and main services are clustered on a few streets. A vehicle is necessary to reach Kootenay National Park and explore the Columbia Valley. BC Transit runs connections between Radium and neighbouring communities.

Nearby attractions

• Kootenay National Park: directly accessible from the village, with trails, canyons and Rockies viewpoints.
• Invermere: 16 kilometres south, on the shores of Windermere Lake.
• Panorama ski resort: major ski area at short distance, frequented year-round.
• Banff National Park: reachable in approximately 90 minutes via Highway 93.

To explore other stops in Canada, consult our guides on Miles Canyon in Yukon, the heritage site Historic Hat Creek in British Columbia, or Cowichan Bay on Vancouver Island.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Radium Hot Springs fits naturally into an itinerary through the Canadian Rockies, between British Columbia and Alberta. To build your bespoke journey, consult our Canada itineraries.