Kootenay National Park lies just outside of the Banff National Park. It is not as well-known but it makes for some great hiking and camping away from the rush of tourists.
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Kootenay Park offers some great hiking and camping spots away from the usual rush of tourists that you will find in Banff National Park.
During summer there are some excellent outdoor opportunities to take advantage of. I visited during the colder season to hike at the base of the Stanley Glacier.
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Kootenay National Park
If you’re not from British Columbia or Alberta, Canada, you may not have heard of Kootenay National Park in British Columbia. It lies just outside the famous Banff National Park.
It is, however, one of seven parks comprising the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kootenay National Park still offers the same quality of spectacular hiking trails as found in Banff Encounters. Wildlife encounters are also an occurrence here!
The park gets its name from the Kootenay River which is one of 2 rivers that flow through the park. Kootenay is open year long but is most popularly visited from June to September.
The park is popular for hiking, camping, and its spectacular views. A great destination for beginner hikers wanting a glimpse of mountain ranges.
The camping grounds are usually open from May to September each year besides Dolly Varden Campground which stays open in winter.
The park offers you several different experiences such as the Radium hot springs and the caves. The caves here have rock drawings from some of the earliest inhabitants the indigenous Ktunaxa people. Also known as the Kootenay people.
The Stanley Glacier in Kootenay National Park
One of my favorite hikes in Kootenay National Park is Stanley Glacier. You won’t actually be hiking on Stanley Glacier itself. Glacier hiking can be extremely dangerous even for experienced hikers.
An awesome view from a safe distance is seen on this hike though. A bird’s eye view of a glacier! Now that makes any day trip worth it.
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This hike begins in an area hit by a forest fire some years ago. The forest is young and regrowing into a lush forest. In spring and summer, it’s a good place to spot wildflowers.
After a moderate 4.3km hike your efforts are rewarded with Stanley Glacier, pictured above. Stanley Glacier is relatively small as far as glaciers go, but still inspiring.
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One of the reasons that glaciers can be dangerous is that they’re always moving. You may not see it but it could still be moving.
I just enjoy outdoor recreation and I love glaciers. I even seek out hikes where I will find them.
Caution however because you definitely don’t want to be standing right under a glacier. Since these are large chunks of ice that can break off and klunk you on the head – definitely not a good thing.
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Hiking The Stanley Glacier
The Stanley Glacier Trail in Kootenay National Park can normally be hiked or snowshoed any time of year. Paved trails and roads could give you the possibility of having encounters with a range of wildlife too, so look out for those!
It’s not a difficult hike since it only has a relatively low elevation gain of 320 meters. It’s not enough to get your heart rate up, but not super strenuous. Although it looks cold in these photos, it was just cloudy mountain weather.
These pictures were taken in March and I only had on a fleece and a windbreaker and was fine. Of course, it can get much colder, so dress appropriately.
If you want to do a day hike in winter as we did, keep an eye out for snow swirling around Storm Mountain, as shown above. It’s very pretty. It’s also lovely in summer when the wildflowers are out.
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As if a glacier alone wasn’t enough on one hike, you also get fantastic views of Storm Mountain (pictured on the right); Stanley Peak (the peak where the glacier sits) and Mt. Whymper in the far background.
All for just over 2 hours of a moderate hike. Outdoor enthusiasts will love this hike for sure!
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One of my favorite things about hiking in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is hiking the same trail at different times of the year. An easy favourite hike for me.
In winter, you get snow-capped peaks, in spring and summer wildflowers, and in fall bright crisp yellow leaves. However, on this trail, you always get Stanley Glacier – no matter what time of year.
A caution, avalanche hazard is issued to fellow trail users who plan to hike in the summertime. I mean, all steep slopes have the potential to avalanche, so being extra careful is always a good thing.
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There is also an alpine lake to visit if you wish to set out on challenging yourself through the active Stanley Glacier. Floe Lake Trail offers an adventure through an open and meadowy trail, burnt forest, glaciers, alpine passes, and a beautiful lake.
Know Before You Go To Kootenay National Park:
- Kootenay is ~6 hours from Alberta and ~30 minutes from Banff
- See the Parks Canada Website for more info on Stanley Glacier in Kootenay National Park.
- Note if you are going in winter, you should also contact Parks Canada to inquire about the trail conditions. The trails are weather dependent. So tracking theweather forecast is advantageous.
- Dress warm, and make sure to be prepared during the colder months. Hiking gears should also be in good condition.
- Make sure to check the trails before you visit. Each of the trails has seasonal closures for different reasons, including Grizzly bears and Black bears.
- If you’re visiting in summer, there is a great selection of picnic sites so make sure to bring extra food.
- Click here to find out about the park entrance fees.
Where To Stay Near Kootenay
Stay at the Rocky Mountain Springs Lodge and Citadella Restaurant in Radium Hot Springs. Here you will have easy access to the park and the hot springs. The hotel is seasonal and offers comfortable rooms that are well situated for day hikers.
Alternatively, you can stay at the Mount Royal Hotel in Banff as an excellent option. The hotel offers a restaurant and rooms equipped with private bathrooms, tea and coffee facilities, and desks.
