Fernweh: Home
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAll highlightsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    Kootenay National Park

    Canada

    Kootenay National Park

    Point of Interest

    This diverse national park, east of the main chain of the Rockies, features dramatic canyons, colorful mineral springs and alpine meadows and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Canada
    7. The Canadian Rockies
    9. Kootenay National Park
    This diverse national park, east of the main chain of the Rockies, features dramatic canyons, colorful mineral springs and alpine meadows and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    Must-See Sights

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Mt Nixon

    Mt Nixon rises majestically in the heart of Kootenay National Park in Canada, a prominent peak of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is part of the Vermilion Range and offers you a breathtaking backdrop of rugged rock formations and alpine landscapes. Although Mt Nixon itself is not among the highest peaks in the region, it is known for its scenic beauty and the panoramic views that can be enjoyed from surrounding hiking trails or viewpoints. Its naming honors a figure connected with the park's early development, underscoring its historical roots in the region. Here you can experience Canada's pristine nature firsthand and, with a bit of luck, observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Our Tip: For the best photos of Mt Nixon, we recommend the viewpoints along Highway 93 South, especially in the early morning hours when the light bathes the rock faces in gold and the crowds are still sparse. A hike on the nearby Stanley Glacier Trail also offers spectacular perspectives of the mountain and its surroundings.
    Open in Google Maps

    Dining & Drinks

    1

    The Cantina at Spur Valley

    The Cantina at Spur Valley is not located within the national park itself, but in the Columbia Valley north of Radium Hot Springs, on the grounds of the Spur Valley Golf Course. It serves uncomplicated Tex-Mex and American cuisine – a convenient stop if you're continuing on Highway 95 towards Golden or staying overnight in the valley after a day in the park. Dining options are scarce within the park itself; most restaurants can be found in Radium Hot Springs.
    Show on Google Maps

    Heritage

    The area is traditional land of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc. The park was created in 1920 as part of an agreement between the federal government and British Columbia: Canada built the Banff-Windermere Road, the first motor road across the central Rockies, and in return received a strip of land on both sides of the route as a national park.

    Getting Here & Around

    From Banff, you drive about 30 km on the Trans-Canada Highway to Castle Junction, then turn onto Highway 93 South. From there, it's about 1.5 hours to Radium Hot Springs, non-stop. The park has no gas station and limited cell reception. A Parks Canada Pass is required.

    Accommodations in Kootenay National Park

    Find perfect stay in Kootenay National Park

    Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Agoda* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Airbnb
    Vacation Rentals

    * Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

    Campgrounds in Kootenay National Park

    Find perfect campground in Kootenay National Park

    Search via Google Maps
    Campgrounds nearby (15km)
    Camping.info
    Find Campgrounds
    Park4Night
    RV Parks & Camping

    Nearby

    Banff

    Banff

    A vibrant mountain town in the heart of Banff National Park, serving as a central hub for outdoor adventures, shopping, and relaxation.
    Banff National Park

    Banff National Park

    Founded in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Rocky Mountain Parks. Covering approximately 6,600 km², it encompasses the town of Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the southern section of the Icefields Parkway.
    The Canadian Rockies

    The Canadian Rockies

    The Canadian Rockies are a majestic mountain range known for their breathtaking alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, they offer unforgettable experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, from spectacular hikes to picturesque scenic drives.
    Yoho National Park

    Yoho National Park

    An impressive national park, located directly west of Banff, known for its majestic waterfalls like Takakkaw Falls, the emerald-green Emerald Lake, and unique natural bridges.
    Calgary

    Calgary

    Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and is located where the prairie transitions into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city is known for the Calgary Stampede in July and, with its airport, is the main gateway to Banff, which lies approximately 130 km to the west.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI