Family Fun in the Fall
Highlights: Waterfalls, natural wonders, disc golfing, hot springs, & hiking
You can start this itinerary from any location on the route and travel around the triangle.
Experience waterfalls, beautiful natural landscapes, natural wonders, hiking, and hot springs. The crowds are gone and now it is time for you and your family to travel the Golden Triangle. This fall itinerary will help your family make beautiful memories!
Download a printable version of this itinerary.
Hints & Tips:
- Purchase your National Park pass at the Visitor Information Centres in Golden, Radium, Yoho or Kootenay national parks. If you are planning to stay more than 6 days or visit other Parks Canada administered destinations this year, consider buying a Discovery Pass!
- Arrive early to avoid busy parking lots.
- Always carry a first aid kit and bear spray. Pack adequate food, water, clothing, maps, and gear.
- Get updates on trail conditions from Parks Canada’s website for Yoho National Park, Kootenay National Park or at Visitor Information Centres.
Day 1- Yoho National Park
Takakkaw Falls
Yoho National Park
Start your day in Yoho National Park at Takakkaw Falls trail. Enjoy the 13km drive up the beautiful Yoho Valley Road. Then take this short hike to one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls and enjoy beautiful scenery with the mist on your face.
The access road is only passable by cars and small RVs due to the tight switchbacks. Trailer can be parked at the bottom of the road near Monarch Campground.
Natural Bridge
Yoho National Park
Stop by this naturally formed rock bridge. Directly accessible from the parking lot, and a great option for when your family is low on energy. See how the water of the Kicking Horse River has forged its path through the rock over time.
Continue down the road to Emerald Lake for a half day hike or short walk to a viewpoint.
Emerald Lake
Yoho National Park
Take some time and enjoy your lunch with a view alongside the lake! Explore beyond the lakeshore viewpoint and be rewarded with a much quieter trail circling the lake, surrounded by mountain and glacier views.
Day 2- Golden to Radium, B.C.
Disc Golf
Golden, BC
Start off the day with a family disc golf session right in Golden. You can rent discs from the sports and recreation shop in town.
Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge
Golden, BC
While exploring downtown Golden, take a trip over the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge at 8th Ave North. Spanning the river of the same name at 46 meters (151 feet) across, it’s the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada. Planned as a community event in 2001, over 100 members of the Timber Framers Guild came from the US, Europe and all over Canada to help raise the bridge.
Heading South on the 95 to Radium
Drive south to Radium on Highway 95 passing the Columbia River Wetlands, 180 km of wetlands home to over 260 species of birds, animals, and fish.
Visit the Radium Hot Springs
Radium, BC
Spend the afternoon or early- evening relaxing in the iconic Radium Hot Springs pools. Nestled in the Sinclair Canyon, the village’s namesake hot springs are filled with naturally heated, mineral-rich water and are a must-see on any trip to the Columbia Valley. Swim and play in the cool pool or relax and take in the Rocky Mountain scenery from the hot pool.
Remember to check hours of operation before you visit.
Day 3- Radium to Kootenay National Park
Adventure Tours
Radium, BC
Find the perfect adventure in Radium! Choose from one of many operators nearby to experience a zipline, guided hike, Segway tour, and more!
The Village of Radium is home to many outfitters and operators to find your perfect adventure for the whole family.
Sinclair Canyon Trail
Kootenay National Park
This moderate 6 km trail starts near Kootenay National Park’s west boundary and leads deep into Sinclair Canyon. Here you can look up at Sinclair Falls then climb 260 m above the highway and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Bugaboo Mountains and Sinclair Canyon. The trail ends in the iconic Radium Hot Springs’ parking lot, the community’s namesake and original location!
Olive Lake
Kootenay National Park
A short drive into Kootenay National Park brings you to Olive Lake. Take an easy stroll on boardwalks around this turquoise-green lake. Look for tiny brook trout as you enjoy the area and read the interpretive signs. This is a great place to hang out any time of day.
The Great Divide/ Fireweed Trail Short hike
Kootenay National Park
Stand in two provinces at the same time! Enjoy the fall colours while you walk through a quiet forest.
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