The Natural Hot Springs near
the village of Radium Hot Springs is considered the largest
hot spring pools in Canada. It is an odorless mineral hot spring
that is continually fed by the warm waters coming from the earth
via Sinclair Creek.
The year round attraction is located next door
to the village and is located within the Kootenay National Park
boundaries. Many services have been built around the attraction
which is next to the stone walls of Sinclair Canyon.
The warm hot spring waters flowing from beneath
the earth are captured in two giant wading pools. The larger
pool hoovers around 39 degrees celsius (103 F) and the smaller
pool is around 27 degrees celsius (84 F).
The hot springs are fed from the seeping ground
water that penetrates into the earth. Once in the earth, the
ground water is then exposed to intense heat before it is quickly
returned back to the surface. During the journey the water picks
up minerals like sulphate, calcium, silica and magnesium.
An upper level cement walkway surrounds the
hot springs. From the upper level walkway are views of both
pools. Along some sections of the walkway are sitting benches
and outdoor tables, stores and services.
Some of the services include spas, gift shops,
cafe and restaurants. Across the street from the pools are some
accommodations. More accommodations are also available in the
community of Radium Hot Springs.
Admission to the park and hot spring pools
is required before entering the Kootenay National Park.
How to Get to the Natural
Hot Springs:
Travel to the Village of Radium Hot Springs.
From the village turn onto Highway #93. Continue driving 3 km
(2 miles) east of the village to the hot springs. Parking is
limited near the pools. Best parking is at the upper parking
lot located just past the pools. There is a short hiking trail
from the parking lot to the pools. |