Tucked in the protective mountains of Kootenay National Park near the red-hued rocks of Sinclair Canyon lies the largest hot springs pool in Canada at Radium Hot Springs. I spent a relaxing afternoon soaking in the hot pool (40°C) which has a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. The water is 44°C at its source and flows at a rate of 1375 l/min. It's filtered and chlorinated before it enters the pool (required of all public hot springs pools). The water is tasteless and odorless and has sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and sodium as its major components. 

The hot pool is family-friendly with a shallow lounging area perfect for children. Next to the hot pool is a new 8-person whirlpool tub that is kept cooler than the hot pool in the summer and hotter in the winter. On the other side of the 1950's era building is a 25 m cool pool with diving board. 

2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the existing heritage buildings at Radium Hot Springs Pools. The Aqua court was constructed from 1949-1951 for a cost of $958,653. In 1997, Radium Hot Springs began major renovations which included a new reception area, information center and gift shop on the main level. The women's changing room on the lower level was renovated with non-slip flooring, new change cubicles, built-in benches, and 11 vanities with mirrors and electrical outlets. 

The facility is universally accessible and open year-round. At the time of my visit, the fees were quite reasonable - just $6.00 CAD for an adult in high season (Mid-May to Mid-October), $1.50 CAD for swimsuit rental (1950's style), $1.25 CAD for towel rental, and $0.25 CAD for locker rental.

Radium Hot Springs Pools Massage Clinic

Future Plans

Radium Hot Springs plans to open a new 4000 square foot spa in 2002. The plan includes 5 treatment rooms overlooking the river that flows beneath the building, 2 Vichy shower rooms, a steam room, a sauna, a plunge pool, and a waiting area that will overlook the cool pool. Click here to see "before" photos. Spa Director, Blake Johnson, who also directs the spa at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, has promised to provide photos of the spa when it opens. It will be fun to see the transformation.

UDATE: The Pleiades Massage and Spa Opened Summer 2003. Click HERE to read more and see photos.

Footnotes

Radium Hot Springs in Kootenay National Park is located 260 km west of Calgary and 3 km northeast of the Town of Radium Hot Springs. It is a day-use facility and offers no accommodations. However, there are plenty of places to stay nearby. I stayed in a very nice room on the golf course at the Radium Resort in Radium Hot Springs. Campers at the park's nearby Redstreak Campground can walk a trail connecting the campground and the hot springs. If you visit Kootenay National Park to camp, hike or ski or the lovely Columbia Valley to golf, be sure to take time out to enjoy the Radium Hot Springs.

Please help support this site by clicking the ads that appear here.

Like this article? Want to read more? Check out the Previous Features