Last Updated: May 2026
From Glacier National Park we crossed into British Columbia, Canada and made our way to Kootenay National Park. The border crossing was quick and easy — they asked about firearms, fruits and vegetables, and how much alcohol we had, and we were through in minutes.
Kimberley, BC
What a beautiful campground. We were nestled among tall pine trees right next to the St. Mary River, with hiking trails threading through the property and down to the water. Kimberley itself is a charming mountain town with a Bavarian-themed downtown and a relaxed pace. The one significant downside to the campground: no Wi-Fi, no cable, no local TV, no satellite reception, and no cell coverage. As full-time RVers who depend on connectivity, we made it work for a night but decided to move on.
Radium Hot Springs, BC
Without cell, cable, or satellite service in Kimberley, we adjusted our plans and headed south toward Kootenay National Park and the town of Radium Hot Springs.
We stayed at the Radium Valley Vacation Resort. An older property, but it had everything we needed — a pool, hot tub, racquetball court, internet, satellite reception, and reliable cell coverage. They didn’t charge for RV washing, so we took advantage of that. We made new friends who had a Great Dane puppy — Jake was baffled by a dog that was already larger than him. The one downside: the mosquitoes were relentless. Sandy dispatched over 20 inside the coach in a single evening with our trusty mosquito zapper.
Kootenay National Park, BC
Address: Highway 93 South, Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0. Hours: Open year-round; visitor centres are seasonal. Admission: CAD $10.50 per adult per day or CAD $21.00 per vehicle per day; Parks Canada Discovery Pass accepted. Phone: (250) 347-9615. Website: pc.gc.ca/kootenay.
Kootenay National Park stretches along Highway 93 South through the Canadian Rockies, linking Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia with Banff in Alberta. The park was established in 1920 when this trans-mountain highway was built, becoming one of the first parks created to protect a road corridor. The Kootenay River runs alongside much of the highway, its colour an extraordinary turquoise from glacial silt.
Unlike US National Parks, Kootenay allows leashed dogs on most trails — Jake was thrilled to finally get out of the Jeep and explore on his own four paws. It made the visit considerably more enjoyable for all three of us.
While the daytime temperature hit 92°F during our visit — keeping most hikers off the trails — the park’s scenery from the road was stunning enough on its own. Kootenay is in many ways the quieter, less-visited sibling of Banff and Jasper, and all the better for it.
Redstreak Campground
Redstreak Campground is Parks Canada’s flagship campground in Kootenay, perched on a ridge above the town of Radium Hot Springs with outstanding views. The sites are well-spaced and private, surrounded by forest. The downside for full-time RVers: only 30-amp service, no satellite reception, and no internet — a pattern we were noticing in Canadian parks. Beautiful setting, limited connectivity.
Even in mid-July with temperatures in the 90s, the wildflowers at Redstreak were spectacular — pinks, yellows, and purples covering the hillsides around the campground.
Bighorn sheep were a daily feature of the campground — wandering through the sites as casually as if they owned the place. The rams’ enormous curved horns made for extraordinary close-up photography. One of the unexpected highlights of the trip.
Radium Hot Springs Pools
Address: Highway 93 South, Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0 (within Kootenay National Park). Hours: Open daily; hours vary seasonally — check the Parks Canada website. Admission: CAD $7.50 adult; CAD $6.50 senior; CAD $5.70 youth. Phone: (250) 347-9485. Website: pc.gc.ca/kootenay/aquacourt.
Radium Hot Springs is one of the largest natural mineral pools in Canada, fed by hot springs within Kootenay National Park. The water is clean and the setting pleasant, but in all honesty it feels more like a well-maintained public swimming pool than the rustic, secluded hot springs experience we had hoped for. Worth a visit if you are in the park, especially in shoulder season when the crowds thin out.
Practical Tips for Kootenay National Park
Connectivity in Canadian parks: Many Parks Canada campgrounds — including Redstreak — have limited or no Wi-Fi, satellite, or cell coverage. If connectivity matters to your travel style, consider staying in the town of Radium Hot Springs and driving into the park for day trips.
Dogs are welcome on trails: Unlike US National Parks, Kootenay allows leashed dogs on most hiking trails. This makes it a far more enjoyable experience for pet owners — Jake was delighted. Always carry bags and follow Leave No Trace practices.
Currency and customs: You will need Canadian dollars or a card accepted in Canada. If you are crossing from the US, be prepared for customs questions about firearms, ammunition, fresh produce, and alcohol — store firearms in a secure location before the crossing or declare them properly at the border.
RV electrical hookups: Redstreak Campground offers only 30-amp service, which can be limiting for large motorhomes in summer heat. If you rely on air conditioning and multiple appliances, plan accordingly — run your generator during generator hours if needed, or consider the private resort in Radium Hot Springs for better hookups.
Heat and hiking: Summers in the Kootenay valley can be surprisingly hot — we saw 92°F in mid-July. Plan hikes for early morning and bring plenty of water. The riverside trails near the campground offer shade and are more manageable in the afternoon heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kootenay National Park worth visiting?
Absolutely — especially if you are traveling between Montana and Banff. The highway through the park offers outstanding Rocky Mountain scenery, the Kootenay River’s turquoise colour is stunning, and the park sees far fewer visitors than Banff or Jasper. The bighorn sheep at Redstreak Campground alone are worth the stop.
Are dogs allowed in Kootenay National Park?
Yes — leashed dogs are allowed on most trails in Kootenay, which is a significant advantage over US National Parks. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than three metres at all times. This made a huge difference for us traveling with Jake.
What is Redstreak Campground like for RVers?
Redstreak is a beautiful campground with well-spaced, private, forested sites and excellent wildlife viewing — bighorn sheep wander through daily. The downsides for full-time RVers are the 30-amp electrical service (no 50-amp), no internet, and no satellite reception. It is a wonderful place to unplug for a few nights, but not ideal for extended stays if you need connectivity.
What are the Radium Hot Springs pools like?
The pools are large, clean, and well-maintained natural mineral springs within Kootenay National Park. They are more of a public aquatic facility than a wilderness soak — two large outdoor pools, good facilities, and a beautiful mountain backdrop. If you are expecting a private, rustic hot spring experience, temper your expectations. But for a relaxing afternoon swim in mineral water with mountain views, they are well worth the visit.
How close is Kootenay National Park to Banff?
Kootenay National Park is the western gateway to the Canadian Rockies park cluster. From Radium Hot Springs, Banff townsite is roughly 130 kilometres (about 1.5 hours) north via Highway 93 through Kootenay and into Banff National Park. The drive through Kootenay itself is one of the most scenic stretches of road in the Canadian Rockies.
Do I need a Parks Canada pass to drive through Kootenay?
Yes — if you are driving through Kootenay National Park on Highway 93 South, you are required to have a valid Parks Canada pass. A daily vehicle pass is CAD $21.00 per vehicle. The Parks Canada Discovery Pass covers unlimited visits to all national parks and historic sites for a full year and is an excellent value if you plan to visit multiple Canadian parks.
