Kootenay National Park

Introducing Kootenay National Park

Shaped like a lightening bolt, Kootenay National Park (250-347-9505; www.pc.gc.ca/kootenay; adult/child $9/4.50) is centered on a long, wide tree-covered valley shadowed by cold, grey peaks. Encompassing 1406 sq km, Kootenay has a more moderate climate than the other Rocky Mountains parks and, in the southern regions especially, summers can be hot and dry (which is a factor in the frequent fires). It’s the only national park in Canada to contain both glaciers and cacti. From BC you can create a fine driving loop via Kootenay and Yoho national parks. See below for details on the main park visitor center.

Many sights such as Marble Canyon were closed after a disastrous 2003 fire. Check to see when these conditions will change. The short interpretive Fireweed Trail loops through the forest near the continental divide.

Some 2km further south on the main road is a short, easy trail to ochre pools known as the Paint Pots. Panels describe both the mining history of this rusty earth and its past importance to Aboriginal people.

Learn how the park’s appearance has changed over time at the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint where informative panels vie with the view. Just 3km south, Olive Lake makes a perfect picnic or rest stop. A lakeside interpretive trail describes some of the visitors who’ve come before you.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009