HIKING IN KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK

Photo: Aina Cernenoks

In Kootenay National Park’s rich landscape, you can find everything from high
elevation glaciers to post-wildfire regrowth and diverse wildlife. The park is best explored
on foot along Kootenay’s 230 km of trails. Use the chart below to choose a hike suitable
for everyone in your party. For detailed route finding and trail information, consult the
staff at the Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre or purchase a hiking guide book.
We are documenting the presence of rare, large carnivores in the backcountry of Kootenay National Park.
Please report sightings of wolverines, grizzly bears, wolves, cougars, and lynx to the Visitor Centre. A. Dibb

Type Hiking Trail Estimated Distance Elevation Trail Description

Time (Return) (Return) Gain
1. Juniper / Sinclair Canyon 2 hours 6 km gain / loss 260 m Spend time both above and deep in the canyon along this popular loop trail.
2. Redstreak Campground 1.5 hours 4.6 km gain / loss 30 m Gentle trail connecting the campground and hot pools with numerous viewpoints.
3. Redstreak Loop 45 minutes 2.2 km 90 m Sunny exposure, and clear views to the Columbia Mountains.
4. Redstreak Restoration 20 minutes 1 km 5m Wander an interpretive meadow trail reborn by prescribed fire – watch for sheep.
5. Valleyview 45 minutes 2.4 km 125 m Good views on a steep trail connecting the campground and the village.
SHORT HIKES

6. Redstreak Creek 1.5 hours 4.6 km 195 m A cool, forested path, ideal in the early season.
7. Olive Lake 15 minutes 0.5 km 0m Fully accessible interpretive trail alongside a quiet lake.
8. Cobb Lake 2 hours 5.4 km loss 190 m Hike downhill to a beautiful reflecting lake. Enjoy wildflowers in May and June.
9. Dog Lake 1.5 hours 5.2 km 40 m Lots of variety, with two suspension bridges, a quiet forest and a peaceful lake.
10. Paint Pots 40 minutes 2 km 25 m Interpretive trail to culturally important springs and ochre deposits.
11. Marble Canyon 30 minutes 1.6 km 20 m Popular interpretive trail atop a narrow and dramatic limestone gorge.
12. Paint Pots to Marble Canyon 2 hours 6.8 km 40 m Lots of variety: mature & burnt forest, plus beautiful riverside sections.
13. Fireweed Loops 30 minutes 0.5 & 2 km 20 m Interpretive trail through forest regrowth from the 1968 Vermilion Pass fire.
14. Stanley Glacier 3 hours 8.4 km 365 m Fire and ice are on display on Kootenay’s most popular half day trail.
15. Kimpton Creek 3 hours 9.6 km 335 m Cool forested trail on a hot day.
16. Simpson River Up to 5.5 hours Up to 17.6 km 140 m Long, easy trail leading to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.
DAY HIKES

17. Prospector’s Valley Up to 6.5 hours Up to 20.8 km 200 m Since the 2003 wildfire, this sloping trail features open views and wildflowers.
18. Kindersley / Sinclair Loop 6 hours 17.5 km 1055 m Kootenay Park’s top-rated loop trail. Trailheads are 1.2 km apart.
19. Hawk Creek & Ball Pass 7 hours 20.2 km 885 m A challenging day hike to a rugged, rocky pass.
20. Floe Lake 7 hours 21 km 715 m A classic day hike or backpacking trip to a spectacular lakeside destination.
21. Helmet / Ochre Junction 2 days 12.6 km 50 m Good backpacking destination for beginners through lush forest. Also a 4 hour day hike.
22. Numa Creek 2 days 12.8 km gain / loss 60 m An easy, forested creekside trail. Also a 4 hour day hike.
MULTI-DAY

23. Tumbling Creek 2 days 21 km 440 m Forest, flower-filled slide paths and Tumbling Falls.
24. Helmet Creek & Falls 2 to 3 days 30 km 310 m Rich forest and a 300 m high falls. Stay an extra day for side trips to nearby passes.
25. Tumbling / Helmet / Ochre 2 to 3 days 38 km 800 m An abridged loop version of the Rockwall Trail, with its famous high meadows.
26. Rockwall 3 to 4 days 55 km gain / loss 2600 m Premier backpack trip, featuring high passes. Shuttle required.
27. Honeymoon Pass/Verdant 2 days 17 km 730 m Rough trail for skilled backpackers – creeks are unbridged.

Easy Moderate Difficult

 S. Morgan

Created in 1920, Kootenay National Park was designed to trail – right beside the road. For adventurous hikers, there
straddle the first road to be cut across the central Canadian are trails to sublime destinations above the timberline. More
Rockies – the Banff-Windermere Highway. The park’s long, than any of the other mountain national parks, Kootenay
slim profile is an artefact of its history, but Kootenay offers has a unique look created by fire. Natural wildfires in the
great rewards to those who stop along this scenic route. 20th century and in 2001 and 2003 have shaped the park’s
Today you will find easy to visit treasures – like Olive Lake, biology and offer visitors annual snapshots of forests and
Numa Falls, the Paint Pots, Marble Canyon and the Fireweed landscapes in glorious transition.
Photos left to right: Hiking Floe Lake Trail; pasque flower; grey wolf

Plan Ahead and Prepare Safety

Remember, you are responsible for your own safety. Emergency
• Get advice from a Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Call 911 or, if using a satellite phone, the park dispatch office at
• Study trail descriptions and maps before starting. 403-762-4506. Cell phone reception is unreliable.
• Check the weather forecast and current trail conditions.
• Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member in Keep Wildlife Wild, and Yourself Safer
your group. • Travel in groups and make noise to avoid surprise encounters.
• Pack adequate food, water, clothing, maps and gear. • Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife. Stay at least 30 to 50 metres
• Carry a first aid kit and bear spray. away from most animals, and 100 metres away from bears.
• Tell somebody where you’re going, when you’ll be back and who to • Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
call if you don’t return.
• Pets must be on a leash at all times.
• Travel with a friend or group.
• Be prepared for emergencies and changes in weather.
Avalanches
Stay on Maintained Trails The right combination of snow cover and slope angle can produce
• To prevent trail damage stay on the trail and avoid shortcuts. avalanches. Be careful when crossing snow slopes or when exposed to
avalanche paths.
Leave What You Find, and Take What You Bring
• Pack out all garbage, including diapers and food waste.
• Dispose of human waste at least 100 m from any water source. More Information
Bury solid human waste in a hole 15 cm deep. Pack out your toilet
paper. • Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre: 250-347-9505
• Natural and cultural resources such as rocks, fossils, artifacts, • Website: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/kootenay
horns, antlers, wildflowers and nests are protected by law and must
be left undisturbed for others to discover and enjoy. • Kootenay Trail Conditions Report:
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/kootenaytrails
Backcountry
• Weather: www.weatheroffice.gc.ca
A backcountry camping permit is required for any overnight trip.
Reservations can be made up to three months in advance by calling • Avalanche Reports and information: avalanche.pc.gc.ca
250-347-9505. Reservations begin mid-May. • Maps and Guide Books: Friends of Kootenay National Park at
Radium Hot Springs Visitor Information Center, 250-347-6525 or
Random Camping
www.friendsofkootenay.ca
Non-designated or random camping may be permitted. Ask Parks
Canada Visitor Centre staff for details. Done with this Brochure?
Fishing Please return for re-use to a park facility or share it with others.
A National Park fishing permit is required. How was your trip?
Cycling Please send us your comments at [email protected] and report
Mountain biking is only allowed on trails designated for cycling. trail problems to park staff.
Cyclists are susceptible to sudden, dangerous bear encounters - slow
down, stay alert and make noise. Cyclists yield to hikers. Cyclists and Également offert en français Printed in 2015
hikers yield to horses. Stay on trails and avoid skidding.
 
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This is not a topographical map and is not suitable for route-finding.

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Note: Distances on map are indicated in kilometres.