Quick FactsOverview
About Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs, Canada is a Parks Canada mineral pool facility in Sinclair Canyon at the southern boundary of Kootenay National Park in British Columbia, 3 kilometres east of the village of Radium Hot Springs on Highway 93. The facility operates two outdoor pools fed by geothermal water sourced from a fault deep below Redstreak Mountain. The hot pool is Canada's largest hot springs pool, and the site's historic Aquacourt building is a Classified Federal Heritage Building.
The hot pool is maintained between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius and holds the largest soaking surface of any hot springs pool in Canada. The cool pool is kept between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius and is suitable for swimming. The spring water is naturally odourless and clear, filtered through limestone, and contains sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, silica, and magnesium. The water is lightly chlorinated for public health. The source produces approximately 1,700 litres of geothermal water per minute. The hot pool water temperature and the volume of the facility make it popular with families, seniors, and visitors on the highway between Banff and the Columbia Valley. Hot springs near Invermere of this scale and accessibility are unique in the Kootenay region.
Location & Access
Getting to Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs pools are at 5420 Highway 93 (BC-93), 3 kilometres east of the village of Radium Hot Springs and just inside the southern boundary of Kootenay National Park. The GPS coordinates are 50.63457, -116.03972. From Banff and Lake Louise, take the Trans-Canada Highway to Castle Junction, then Highway 93 south for approximately 105 kilometres; the drive takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Calgary, take the Trans-Canada west to Castle Junction then Highway 93 south for a total drive of approximately 3 hours.
A national park day pass or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required to enter Kootenay National Park. Pool admission is a separate per-entry fee charged at reception; tickets cannot be purchased online and entry is first-come, first-served. Accessible parking is in the small lot on the northbound side of Highway 93 with ramp access to the Aquacourt. Standard parking is on the southbound side, with a pedestrian underpass connecting both sides. Some visitors walk via the sidewalk along Highway 93 or the 3.3 kilometre Juniper and Sinclair trail from the park boundary.
The facility is open year-round including all Canadian holidays. Hours vary by season; check the Parks Canada website before visiting. Hot springs near Invermere on Highway 93 do not require backtracking; the pools are a direct highway stop between the mountain parks and the Columbia Valley.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs suits the full range of visitors, from families with young children and seniors to couples and solo travellers looking for an accessible, well-maintained mineral pool experience in a spectacular canyon setting. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking stalls, push-button entry doors, an elevator, accessible changerooms, a ramp into the hot pool, a chairlift into the cool pool, and submersible wheelchairs available on request. One caregiver may enter at no charge when accompanying a person with a disability who requires assistance.
The cool pool at 27 to 29 degrees Celsius provides a swimming option for active visitors and children. Youth under 18 years of age enter national parks free with a paying adult, and a family pass is available. The facility has lockers, changerooms with showers, and a locker token is included with admission. The site does not have accommodation on the grounds, but the village of Radium Hot Springs is 3 kilometres west on Highway 93 and has hotels, restaurants, golf, and other services within easy reach.
Parks Canada recommends limiting soaking time to one to two hours per visit and taking frequent breaks to cool down and drink water. Visitors with cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, or pregnancy should consult a healthcare provider before using the hot pool. The Kootenay Rockies Tourism accessible travel circuit includes accessible hot springs near Invermere and Radium as key stops on the regional loop for mobility-assisted travellers.
Safety & Etiquette
Radium Hot Springs Safety Tips
Radium Hot Springs is a well-managed Parks Canada facility with staff on site, but visitors should observe standard hot spring safety practices. The hot pool is maintained between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius, which can cause overheating if you soak for extended periods. Parks Canada recommends all bathers take a break to cool off every ten minutes and drink water while soaking. Recommended total visit time is one to two hours. Exit the pool immediately if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or short of breath.
Visitors who are pregnant, have heart conditions, diabetes, or other chronic health concerns should consult a healthcare provider before using the hot pool. People with diarrhea or a history of diarrhea in the previous two weeks, open sores or wounds, or who are feeling unwell are not permitted to use the pools. Water must be in an unbreakable container; glass is not permitted. A water fountain is available on site to refill bottles.
The cool pool deck can become slippery when wet, particularly in winter when water from the pool vacuum may freeze on the deck surface. Footwear is recommended in transition areas. The lane ropes in the cool pool are removed in winter to prevent ice hazards; swim in the outer lanes during those months. Sinclair Canyon can be windy and cool even in summer; bring a layer for time between the pools.
A national park pass is required in addition to the pool admission fee. Visitors without a valid park pass must purchase one at reception before entry. Arrive early during summer weekends, as the facility can be busy and there is no advance booking. Parking can fill during peak periods; visiting on weekdays or in shoulder seasons will typically mean a quieter experience.
