Kootenay National Park of Canada

Kootenay National Park of Canada is located in southeastern British Columbia, in the Canadian Rockies. It is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site and is bordered by Yoho National Park to the north and Banff National Park to the east. The nearest towns are Radium Hot Springs and Invermere in British Columbia, while Banff and Lake Louise are nearby in Alberta. Established in 1920, Kootenay National Park was created as part of a land exchange that allowed for the construction of the Banff-Windermere Highway. The park has since become known for its diverse landscapes, which range from glacier-capped peaks to semi-arid grasslands and hot springs. Parking is available at various points throughout the park, including popular spots like the Marble Canyon, Paint Pots, and the Radium Hot Springs pool area. The park does not charge for parking, though entry fees are required. These fees cover a range of activities, including day use and camping. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, and grizzly bears. Birdlife includes golden eagles, great horned owls, and Clark's nutcrackers. Kootenay's rich ecosystem offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Flora within Kootenay includes montane forests with species such as Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, and Engelmann spruce. Wildflowers like glacier lilies and Indian paintbrush bloom in the meadows during summer, while larch trees bring vibrant fall colors. Significant landmarks include Marble Canyon, Sinclair Canyon, and the famous Radium Hot Springs. The Paint Pots, rich in ochre, provide insight into Indigenous use of the area for pigments. Public transportation is limited to private tours or shuttles that operate from nearby towns, but most visitors access the park via personal vehicles along the Trans-Canada Highway and Banff-Windermere Highway.