Radium Hot Springs
Columbia Valley, Kootenays, BC, Canada
( swimming, attraction, sightseeing )

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.