After spending a wonderful week exploring Banff National Park, it was time to continue my journey through the Canadian Rockies. My next destination was Kootenay National Park in British Columbia, a park known for its dramatic mountain scenery, the turquoise Kootenay River, scenic drives, hiking trails, and natural hot springs.

On August 20th, I made my way toward Castle Junction and Highway 93, also known as the Banff–Windermere Highway, which would take me through the heart of Kootenay National Park.

I had three nights reserved at Redstreak Campground, just outside the Village of Radium Hot Springs, near the southern end of the park.

I was looking forward to exploring somewhere new, enjoying a little downtime, and, of course, soaking in those famous mineral hot springs!

As it turned out, Kootenay was another one of those places that reminded me why I love traveling the way I do. Beautiful scenery, peaceful mornings, interesting people, and a few unexpected wildlife encounters along the way.

Crossing the Continental Divide — Again!

Before I even made it into the heart of Kootenay National Park, I crossed the Continental Divide.

Again!

During my travels in 2025, I crossed the Continental Divide so many times that I honestly lost count. Every time I thought I had left it behind, there it was again!

At the northern entrance to Kootenay National Park, the Continental Divide marks the boundary between Alberta and British Columbia, as well as the separation between watersheds that eventually drain toward the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

It’s pretty amazing when you stop and think about it. Rain or melting snow falling on one side of the divide can eventually make its way toward the Atlantic, while water falling just a short distance away on the other side begins its journey toward the Pacific.

Of course, while I appreciated the geography, I was also thinking about the drive ahead of me. I had a campground reservation, an RV with a Jeep in tow, and a goal of arriving before 5 p.m.

Time to keep moving!

Driving Highway 93 Through Kootenay National Park

One of the Most Scenic Drives in the Canadian Rockies

Highway 93 runs approximately 94 kilometers (58 miles) through Kootenay National Park, connecting the Castle Junction area in the north with Radium Hot Springs in the south.

And what a beautiful drive it is!

The scenery changes constantly as Highway 93 winds through mountain valleys, dense forests, and rocky canyons, following the beautiful Kootenay River through much of the park.

The mountains rise dramatically above the highway, sometimes appearing so close that you feel surrounded by them. Other stretches open into broad valleys with sweeping views of the Canadian Rockies.

One of my favorite sights was the brilliant turquoise water of the Kootenay River. That beautiful color, created by fine glacial sediment suspended in the water, is something I never get tired of seeing.

The contrast between the blue-green water, dark green forests, and towering mountains was spectacular.

I made several stops at roadside pullouts to admire the scenery and take photographs. However, traveling in a 32-foot motorhome with my Jeep in tow made stopping a little more complicated than simply pulling over in a car.

Some of the smaller parking areas weren’t practical for my setup, and I certainly wasn’t going to risk getting into a situation where I couldn’t easily maneuver the RV.

There were several places where I would have loved to stop and explore on foot, but I also had that 5 p.m. campground arrival in the back of my mind.

So, unfortunately, I didn’t get to do much hiking along Highway 93 during this visit.

That’s one of the trade-offs of RV travel in Canada. Having your home with you is wonderful, but sometimes the size of your rig limits where you can stop, particularly when you’re towing another vehicle.

Still, even without hiking, the drive itself was worth the trip.

Kootenay Summit and Mountain Driving

As I continued south, I passed Kootenay Summit, which sits at an elevation of 1,774 meters (5,820 feet).

The drive through the mountains is beautiful, but it’s also a reminder that traveling in the Canadian Rockies requires paying attention to road grades, curves, and changing conditions.

There are long stretches without services, and the mountain terrain means you need to be mindful of your speed, especially when descending steep grades.

I also encountered commercial truck traffic along the route, including logging trucks. Sharing a mountain highway with large trucks is another good reason to take your time and avoid rushing.

RV Travel Tip: Fill your fuel tank before entering Kootenay National Park. There are no fuel stations along the park’s Highway 93 corridor between the Castle Junction area and Radium Hot Springs. Make sure you have sufficient fuel before beginning the drive.

I would also recommend checking road conditions before traveling, especially outside the summer months. Mountain weather can change quickly, and conditions at higher elevations may be very different from those in the valleys. For current road information, visit DriveBC.

Arriving at Redstreak Campground

My Home Base Near Radium Hot Springs

My destination for the afternoon was Redstreak Campground, located on the hillside above the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

I had chosen Redstreak for a couple of reasons. First, it offered more amenities than the other frontcountry campgrounds in Kootenay National Park. Second, and probably just as important, it was conveniently located near Radium Hot Springs.

After all, soaking in those mineral pools was definitely on my agenda!

The road climbing up to Redstreak Campground is fairly steep, but once I reached the campground, I found it surprisingly easy to navigate.

The campground is nestled among the trees, with well-maintained roads and a layout that accommodates a variety of camping setups.

I had reserved a pull-through site, H13, which turned out to be a great choice. Not only was the site spacious enough for Gypsy Louise and my Jeep, but it was also perfectly level!

Now, anyone who travels in an RV knows what a wonderful surprise that can be.

No pulling forward and backward trying to find just the right spot. No spending time getting the leveling blocks positioned. I was able to park, get situated, and extend my slide-outs without the usual leveling routine.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make an arrival day especially nice!

Redstreak Campground Amenities and RV Camping

Redstreak is the most developed frontcountry campground in Kootenay National Park, offering a mixture of serviced and unserviced campsites.

Depending on the site, camping options include electrical hookups, water and electrical hookups, and more traditional unserviced sites. The campground also has washrooms, showers, and a dump station.

During my stay, firewood was available for campers, which was another nice convenience.

One thing I appreciated was the forested setting. Even though Redstreak is a fairly large campground, the surrounding trees helped create a peaceful atmosphere.

The campsites were well maintained, and the roads were easy to navigate once I was inside the campground. After getting everything set up, I could finally relax.

The weather was beautiful, and the sounds of nature in the evening were a welcome change from the noise and activity of traveling.

Sitting outside, surrounded by trees, with nowhere I needed to be that evening, I was reminded once again why I love this lifestyle so much.

There’s something special about having your home with you and being able to settle into places like this, even if it’s only for a few days.

Exploring the Village of Radium Hot Springs

A Leisurely Morning and a Little Sightseeing

My first full day at Redstreak started exactly the way I like my mornings to begin. Slowly!

I enjoyed my morning coffee while watching the sunlight filter through the trees. No alarm clock demanding that I get moving, no packed itinerary, and no particular reason to rush.

After spending so much time exploring Banff, I was ready for a slightly more relaxed pace. Eventually, I got dressed, hopped into the Jeep, and headed down the hill to explore the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

What a cute little place!

One of the first things that caught my attention near Radium Hot Springs was the large welcome sign with a message underneath: “Slow Your Roll, Save the Sheep!”

Well, that’s certainly one way to remind drivers to slow down!

The area is known for its bighorn sheep, which apparently don’t always concern themselves with where the road ends and their territory begins. It’s a good reminder that we’re the visitors here, and the wildlife has the right of way.

Radium is a small mountain community in British Columbia’s Columbia Valley, surrounded by beautiful scenery and serving as the southern gateway to Kootenay National Park.

The village has restaurants, shops, accommodations, and other services that make it a convenient base for exploring the area.

I stopped at the Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre to pick up a park map and, of course, purchase my obligatory national park sticker.

Yes, I collect them! Some people collect postcards or magnets. I collect national park stickers as little reminders of the places I’ve explored.

After visiting the information center, I spent some time driving around the village and enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

From some of the higher vantage points, the scenery stretched across the Columbia Valley, with forests, mountains, and the village below. It’s a beautiful setting for such a small community.

Exploring Sinclair Canyon and Highway 93

Later, I headed back toward Highway 93 to explore the area around Radium Hot Springs and check out the location of the mineral pools before my planned visit.

One of the most striking features near the southern entrance to Kootenay National Park is Sinclair Canyon. The highway passes between towering rock walls that rise dramatically on either side of the road.

Looking up at those cliffs, it’s hard not to feel very small!

The rugged rock formations, narrow passage, and surrounding mountains make this one of the most memorable sections of the drive.

It’s also an area where drivers need to pay attention. The highway curves through the canyon, and the dramatic scenery can be a little distracting.

I took my time exploring and photographing the area, enjoying the freedom of having the Jeep rather than trying to navigate every stop with the motorhome.

This is one of the reasons I love having a tow vehicle. Once Gypsy Louise is settled into a campground, I can explore places that would be much more difficult to access with the RV.

Radium Hot Springs — A Soak With a View

Relaxing in the Famous Mineral Pools

The following day, after another leisurely morning at the campground, it was finally time to visit Radium Hot Springs. This was one of the experiences I had been looking forward to since planning my visit to Kootenay National Park.

The hot springs are located along Highway 93, surrounded by steep rock cliffs and forested mountains.

Unlike a natural undeveloped hot spring, Radium Hot Springs is a developed facility operated by Parks Canada, with a large mineral-water soaking pool and a separate cooler swimming pool.

The naturally heated mineral water is a wonderful way to relax after spending time exploring the mountains.

Parking can be somewhat limited, especially during busy periods, but my timing worked out perfectly. I managed to find a parking space across the highway from the facility.

Fortunately, Canada had planned ahead and provided a pedestrian underpass connecting the parking area to the hot springs. That meant I didn’t have to attempt to cross a busy mountain highway just to enjoy a relaxing soak. Much appreciated!

Once inside, I changed into my swimsuit and headed for the warm mineral pool. And yes, it felt wonderful.

Surrounded by mountains, soaking in warm water, and enjoying the beautiful weather — what more could I ask for?

Well, apparently a little unexpected wildlife entertainment!

Bighorn Sheep Above the Mineral Pool

As it turned out, I had my own little sheep encounter while soaking in the mineral pool.

Looking up toward the cliffs surrounding the pool, I spotted several sheep making their way along the rocky mountainside. I couldn’t believe how effortlessly they navigated those steep, seemingly impossible ledges.

There I was, relaxing in warm mineral water, while these sheep were practically defying gravity above me!

I watched them move along the cliffs, seemingly without a care in the world. Of course, my phone was safely tucked away with my towel, so I didn’t get a single photograph.

And you know what? That’s okay. Sometimes the best travel memories are the ones we simply experience rather than photograph.

Although I must admit, I would have loved to capture those sheep on camera!

It was one of those unexpected moments that made the visit even more memorable.

A Few Things to Know Before Visiting Radium Hot Springs

One minor disappointment during my visit was discovering that the café at the hot springs was closed. From the looks of things, it hadn’t been operating for quite some time.

I had been hoping to grab something to eat while I was there, but that wasn’t going to happen.

Note to self: Next time, pack snacks or lunch before heading to the hot springs!

For anyone planning a visit, I recommend checking the current facility information before arriving, including operating hours, admission prices, and available amenities. You can find updated information on the Parks Canada Radium Hot Springs website.

Even with the closed café, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the pools. Between the warm mineral water, mountain scenery, and unexpected bighorn sheep sighting, it was definitely one of the highlights of my stay.

My Final Morning at Redstreak Campground

Campground Conversations and the RV Lifestyle

My final morning at Redstreak was spent getting things organized and preparing for the next leg of my journey.

One thing about living in an RV full-time is that even when you’re staying somewhere beautiful, eventually it’s time to pack up and move on.

Before leaving, I stopped to chat with some of my campground neighbors. They were a young family vacationing with their two small children and had rented an RV for several weeks.

Their plan was to try out RV travel before making the commitment to purchase one of their own. I thought that was a pretty smart approach.

An RV can be a significant investment, and renting one first gives you an opportunity to experience the lifestyle, figure out what works for your family, and discover what features you really need.

We talked about their experience, and from the sound of things, they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. In fact, I got the impression that they were pretty much sold on the idea of buying an RV in 2026!

I always enjoy conversations like that.

After more than two years of living on the road full-time, I’ve met so many interesting people along the way. Some are weekend campers, some are taking extended vacations, and others, like me, have made RV travel a way of life.

Everyone has a different story, and that’s part of what makes campground life so interesting.

Other Campgrounds in Kootenay National Park

RV Camping Options Beyond Redstreak

Although I chose Redstreak Campground for my visit, there are two other established frontcountry campgrounds within Kootenay National Park worth considering: Marble Canyon and McLeod Meadows.

These campgrounds offer a more rustic camping experience than Redstreak, with fewer services and facilities.

Marble Canyon Campground is located toward the northern end of the park and provides convenient access to the Marble Canyon area. This would be a great location for exploring the northern portion of Kootenay National Park without having to drive the entire length of Highway 93 from Radium.

McLeod Meadows Campground is located along the Kootenay River in a beautiful mountain setting. It’s another option for campers looking for a quieter experience surrounded by nature. Because it’s better suited to smaller RVs, I would need to consider my motorhome’s size before planning a stay there.

Crook’s Meadow is a separate group camping area rather than a conventional campground offering individual RV reservations.

Each campground has its own restrictions regarding RV length, facilities, and seasonal availability. Most of the smaller campgrounds operate during the summer months, generally from June into September, although exact opening and closing dates vary.

For current campground details and reservations, visit Parks Canada’s Kootenay National Park camping information.

For this particular trip, Redstreak was definitely the right choice for me. I appreciated the campground amenities, the spacious pull-through site, and especially the convenient location near Radium Hot Springs.

But on a future visit, I’d love to experience some of the other camping areas along Highway 93.

Things to Do in Kootenay National Park Beyond My Visit

Scenic Stops and Kootenay Hikes for a Return Trip

One thing I realized during my visit was just how much more there is to explore in Kootenay National Park.

Although I enjoyed the scenic drive, Radium Hot Springs, and my time at Redstreak Campground, I barely scratched the surface of the park’s hiking opportunities.

There are several places along Highway 93 that I would love to explore on a future trip.

Marble Canyon is one of the park’s most popular stops, with a short walking trail and bridges overlooking a narrow limestone gorge carved by rushing water.

Paint Pots offers a relatively short hike to colorful mineral-rich pools and ochre deposits that have cultural and historical significance to Indigenous peoples.

Stanley Glacier Trail is a longer, more challenging hike that leads through a landscape shaped by wildfire and glaciers, with impressive mountain scenery along the way.

Juniper and Sinclair Canyon trails provide additional opportunities to explore the rugged landscape near Radium Hot Springs.

For anyone researching Kootenay hikes, the park offers everything from short scenic walks to more demanding mountain adventures.

I didn’t get to experience these trails during this visit, primarily because of my arrival-day time constraints and the limited time I had in the park. But they’re definitely on my list for next time!

Before heading out on any hike, check current trail conditions, closures, and wildlife advisories through Parks Canada.

Planning a Kootenay National Park Itinerary

What I Would Do Differently Next Time

If you’re putting together a Kootenay National Park itinerary, my biggest recommendation is simple: Don’t rush through the park!

Highway 93 is beautiful enough to enjoy as a scenic drive, but there is so much more to experience if you allow time for stops and hiking.

Looking back, I would approach my next visit a little differently. Rather than driving the entire length of the park in one afternoon, I would plan additional time along Highway 93, perhaps staying at more than one campground.

That would give me an opportunity to explore Marble Canyon, Paint Pots, and some of the other hiking trails without feeling pressured to reach my next destination.

I’d also make sure to allow plenty of time for photography. There were so many beautiful places where I wanted to stop, but finding suitable parking for a motorhome towing a Jeep wasn’t always possible.

Having the Jeep available for day trips made exploring much easier once I was settled at Redstreak.

For travelers visiting in an RV, I think a combination of campground stays and day trips in a smaller vehicle is an excellent way to experience the park.

And, of course, I would absolutely include another visit to Radium Hot Springs. Maybe next time I’ll even remember to bring lunch!

Is Kootenay National Park Worth Visiting?

Absolutely!

Kootenay National Park may not receive quite the same attention as neighboring Banff, but it has plenty to offer.

The dramatic mountain scenery, turquoise Kootenay River, winding highway, and natural hot springs make it a wonderful destination in the Canadian Rockies.

For RV travelers, it also offers several camping options, from the more developed Redstreak Campground to smaller, rustic campgrounds tucked into the mountains.

And for anyone who enjoys photography, there seems to be something beautiful around practically every corner.

My visit wasn’t filled with long hikes or a packed sightseeing schedule. Instead, it was a few days of scenic driving, relaxing mornings, exploring a small mountain community, soaking in mineral waters, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of a beautiful campground.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what a trip needs to be.

Final Thoughts: I’ll Be Back, Kootenay!

As I prepared to leave Redstreak Campground, I found myself thinking about everything I hadn’t gotten to see. That’s something that happens fairly often during my travels.

No matter how much time I spend exploring a place, there’s almost always another trail, another scenic overlook, or another experience waiting for a future visit.

And I’ve learned that I don’t have to see everything in one trip. One of the greatest things about this lifestyle is knowing that I can return.

Next time, I’d like to take a more leisurely drive along Highway 93, spend additional nights at some of the other campgrounds, and explore more of the hiking trails.

I’d love to have more time to photograph the mountains, river, and canyons without watching the clock. But I wouldn’t change the experience I had.

From crossing the Continental Divide yet again, to finding a perfectly level campsite, to watching bighorn sheep effortlessly navigate the cliffs above Radium Hot Springs, Kootenay National Park gave me some wonderful memories.

And really, isn’t that what traveling is all about?

Not just checking another national park off the list, but collecting experiences and memories along the way.

Until next time, Kootenay!

Have you visited Kootenay National Park or soaked in the mineral pools at Radium Hot Springs? I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment and share your favorite places to explore in the Canadian Rockies.

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