Located in Kootenay National Park, the pools at Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt feature hot mineral waters nestled in a dramatic canyon setting.   No hiking boots are required to visit this accessible attraction for all ages and abilities. Odorless mineral waters flow year-round; fall and winter bring rising steam on cold mornings, and with summer, sunbathing and cold plunges help visitors beat the heat. Read on to soak in the history of the facility, the improvements being made, and how you can experience these historic mineral waters.  

1923 Radium Hot pool with log dressing room

History  Since time immemorial, the hot springs have been a site of health and relaxation for Indigenous peoples. Since the late 1800s, visitors to the area have enjoyed the hot springs, from dipping in natural rock pools to a concrete pool with a log bathhouse, and the current ‘modernist style’ 1951 Aquacourt. The first registered property owner of the springs from 1880-1922 was Roland Stuart. He initially named the location Sinclair Springs for the spring's proximity to the iconic Sinclair Canyon (the namesake of John Sinclair, an early settler in the area). Later the location was renamed Radium Hot Springs following the discovery of trace amounts of radon in the water. Visitors flocked to “take the healing waters”, popularized by the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs counterpart.  The hot springs were a driving force in the development of Kootenay National Park, the Banff-Windermere Highway (93s), and in the establishment of the Radium Hot Springs townsite. The early 1920s were marked by the explosion of automobile tourism. With the completion of the Banff-Windermere Highway in 1923, a new Tudor/rustic-style bathhouse was developed by the National Parks branch serving weary road travelers. In 1949, fire destroyed this building, making way for the current Aquacourt. 

Radium Hot Springs 1926/27 Bathouse and pool. Credit Byron Harmon, Whyte Museum

The modernist-style Aquacourt was the first major post-war building project in the western mountain parks. It took three years to complete.  When the building opened in 1951, it featured steam and massage rooms, a coffee bar, an elevator for wheelchair-bound patients, a roof terrace for sunbathers and spectators, and a new cool pool equipped with three diving boards and underwater lighting. By the late 1950’s the Aquacourt was a center of activity in the Columbia Valley, featuring everything from precision diving displays to swim meets, concerts on the sundeck, and interpretive film screenings. Today, the design features of the Aquacourt have been preserved and maintained as a Classified Federal Heritage Building.  Over 70 years after opening, visiting the Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt remains a must-see attraction in Kootenay National Park. 

A view of the cool pool during the 1951 Aquacourt opening

Revitalization Visitors to the Aquacourt in 2023 may be familiar with signs of construction and an imposing blue crane towering over the site. The hot pool remains open while the facility’s 25m cool pool is undergoing a much-needed makeover.  Recent improvements to revitalize the 1951 building include: 

• Modernized changerooms
• A new rooftop sundeck
• The introduction of green technology to capture excess geothermal energy generated by the hot spring
• Protection of the building foundation from the rushing water of Sinclair Creek which runs underneath the structure.

The cool pool is also being modernized as it has not seen upgrades in 25 years. When construction is complete in the fall/winter of 2023, visitors will enjoy improved amenities including heated decks, faster lane swim experience with reduced waves, and an accessible lift for mobility-limited users.  Major investments in the restoration of the Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt ensure this heritage experience is available for future generations of Canadians to enjoy.

How to visit Radium Hot Springs is accessible to a wide range of visitors, from families to those with mobility restrictions. From the larger parking lot (north side of Highway 93s) take the stairs into a tunnel for an interpretive journey about wildlife and crossing structures, great for families with young kids. Alternatively, a ramp from the smaller parking lot (south side of Highway 93s) allows wheels to roll to the entrance with ease from accessible parking stalls.  When traveling in Kootenay National Park, consider taking a dip in these natural and historical waters. During construction, the hot pool remains open, and a cold plunge pool provides a way to beat the heat. Entry to Radium Hot Springs is first come, first served and admission may only be purchased in person at reception. Towels and both modern and 1920s heritage-styled swimsuits are available for rent for the perfect photo op. The facility is open year-round, including on all Canadian Holidays.  For hours of operation and pricing, visit hotsprings.ca Learn more about accessibility at Radium Hot Springs here.  

Plan Your Trip to the Village of Radium!

Whether you have allocated a few days to explore the Village or an action-packed afternoon along your Golden Triangle road trip, there are some must-see spots in Radium Hot Springs! Make the most of your trip and be sure to include time for the must-see attractions.    Take in Nature Calling all bird lovers! Did you know? Radium Hot Springs is an ideal place to bird-watch. A great place to start is at the Old Coach Trail, overlooking the beautiful Purcell Mountains and the Columbia River Wetlands. The Wetlands are home to over 267 species of birds and many other types of mammals, insects, amphibians, and fish. Those visiting Radium will also love to see the iconic Bighorn Sheep roaming the Village, spotted most frequently in the autumn.  Soak in the Hot Springs Stop in for a soak at the namesake Radium Hot Springs pools! Bring your own towel and bathing suit, or rent some at the entrance. Plan for a few hours to soak in the relaxing thermally heated, odorless mineral waters of the Hot Springs pools.  Radium Hot Springs pools operating information > Hike the Trails Whether you’re looking for an all-day adventure or an after-dinner stroll, the trails in and around Radium Hot Springs have got you covered. Hiking in Radium > Explore Main Street Peruse the local shops and activities of Main Street in Radium Hot Springs. Pick up a sweet treat at the candy shop or peruse local artisans. Stop at the Sinclair Canyon Take in the Sinclair Canyon, the magnificent entrance to Radium Hot Springs from Kootenay National Park, for a great view and photo opportunities. Hikers can continue on the trails up to the top of the canyon, or down to the Sinclair Falls. Visit the Visitor Centre Your adventure starts at the Radium Visitor Centre! Stop by for intel on the best things to do and places to see, according to locals. Pick up any maps, activity suggestions, and information you may need at the Visitor Centre, open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. While you’re there, make sure to visit the interpretive displays to learn more about wildlife and the Ktunaxa people.  Visitor Centre Hours & Location > Take in the Views There are many scenic spots and pullouts to check out in Radium! From the roadside pullouts on Highway 93/95 (just south of Radium Hot Springs) overlooking the Columbia River Wetlands to the bright green Olive Lake in Kootenay National Park to the birds-eye view of town at the Valley View Lookout, you don’t have to travel far to earn good views.  Grab a Bite Stop in at one of the tasty local restaurants in Radium Hot Springs. Known for local and fresh food, you’ll find a surprising variety of great choices in the charming town.  View all of the restaurants in Radium Hot Springs and make your choice > Find Your Adventure Are you ready to raft down the beautifully scenic Kootenay River? Looking to test your skills in an escape room, fly high on a zipline course, or head out on an interpretive guided hike? There are so many activities and adventures in Radium Hot Springs! Find your fit and invite your crew along for an unforgettable experience.  Explore Activities & Adventures in Radium Hot Springs > Settle in for a Stay Find the best place to stay in Radium Hot Springs! With a diverse range of places to stay, check out options ranging from affordable to luxurious. Stay within walking distance to local restaurants and shops, or tuck away to a quiet cabin surrounded by nature.  Explore Places to Stay > There’s so much to see and do in Radium Hot Springs! Extend your trip for a few days by taking on the Golden Triangle Road Trip to explore the other side of the Rockies. Gain iconic views of the Rockies in two National Parks: Kootenay and Yoho. And spend time in the charming mountain towns of Radium Hot Springs and Golden.

Family Fun in the Fall Your kids are going to love this route! It’s one of my favourites – because well, I’m a kid at heart. The Golden Triangle three-day route has you standing at the base of towering waterfalls, taking short hikes to awesome sites and interesting geological formations, stopping at spectacular viewpoints and screaming with delight at an outdoor adventure park. Sure, you can do it in the summer, but in the fall, there are less crowds and a magnificent display of autumn foliage. Pack the overnight bags – it’s going to get bumpy.   Yoho National Park showers you with splendor I’m serious on the shower. There is a short relatively flat hike to the base of the 373-metre tall Takakkaw Falls. Enjoy the view from the brilliant red Parks Canada chairs, or follow the kids as they dash across the bridge towards the base of the falls. The water flows from the Daly Glacier, to drop and bounce for that final freefall of 254 metres. In July when the water shoots like a firehose, the spray drifts across the trees and anyone standing at the base gets soaked. In the fall however, the flow is diminished, the thunder of the waterfall is slightly less deafening, and the rocks are easier to wander through to the base. It really is magnificent.  Now that you have seen a waterfall from the bottom up, take a short drive to the Natural Bridge on the road to Emerald Lake to see that same flow of water cascades through a hole sculpted in the bedrock as it continues its journey to the coast. There are vantage points to see the feature near the parking lot but take the kids a bit further to see the water come gushing through the hole. All it took was a few million years for the water to erode through a layer of soft sediment, but you can see it all in less than an hour. Continue on the road to Emerald Lake for an easy walk around the shore or explore further on the rugged trails. Rent a canoe to dip a paddle in the beautiful teal blue waters.  Golden shines with family activities Remember I said I was a kid at heart? The new Golden Sky Bridge attraction makes me giddy like a kid in a playground. Two of Canada’s highest suspension bridges draped 130 metres (426 ft) above the expansive canyon and waterfall. Yes, that’s cool but even better is the new Canyon Edge Challenge. Three different courses test your balance, nerve and ability on ladders, bridges, and ropes. It’s great for the whole family. In the town of Golden, take a break and wander the new River Walk alongside the Kicking Horse River. Include a walk across the Kicking Horse Pedestrian bridge. It’s the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada. Stop in at the nearby sports and recreation shop to rent some gear to try disc golfings. If you can throw a Frisbee you can play disc golf at the course in Golden.  Have you met Boo yet? He is the grizzly bear living at the Grizzly Bear Interpretive Centre at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. I met him last summer and was amazed at how much I learned on my tour. Of course, he was on the other side of a fence but getting up close to a grizzly and learning about the species is a bucket list adventure for any age.  Wetlands to Hot Springs – it’s Radium The Columbia River Wetlands stretching from Golden to Radium Hot Springs is a perfect area to slow down and play “Spot the wildlife.” More than 216 species of birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals all use this valley. Rent a few kayaks or paddleboards and drop them in the river to let the current take you on a journey. If you silently slip along with the current, the birds and shore species are less likely to flee too quickly. Last time we were through we saw a few Great Blue Herons. If you don’t like the option of getting wet, the 9-km long Old Coach Trail overlooks the wetlands and is perfect for hiking or biking. Considering it was first constructed in the 1920s for Model T cars, you know it will be easy.  If the kids are game for a few hours on a pretty hike, tempt them with the Sinclair Canyon Trail. It offers opportunities to see Sinclair Falls and the narrow canyon. The best part about this trail is that it ends in the Radium Hot Springs parking lot. Did you bring your swimsuit? Don’t worry if you didn’t. Parks Canada has some retro suits you can rent. After a day on the trail or paddling the waterways, a soak in the mineral rich hot water is appreciated by any age.  In Radium, you’ll see the resident Bighorn Sheep wandering through town. Always keep your distance. Those horns mean business. See if the kids want to tour the town and nearby trails on a Segway.  Travelling along highway 93 there are a few perfect spots to let the kids out to explore the colours. Olive Lake boardwalk is super short. The kids will love how the lake changes colours with the light. The trees will be putting on a brilliant orange and red show too. Further along is Marble Canyon. In the summer, the short trail to see the emerald-blue glacier-fed stream tumble through the gorge can be crowded, but in the fall, you’ve got the trail to yourself.   

Trouvez l’aventure taillée sur mesure pour vous à Radium! Choisissez parmi les nombreux exploitants des environs pour faire l’expérience d’une tyrolienne, d’une randonnée guidée, d’une excursion en Segway® et plus encore!

Arrêtez-vous à la magnifique sculpture du carrefour giratoire, tout nouvellement installée dans le village de Radium. L’imposante œuvre art, appelée Bighorns (Grosses cornes), porte bien son nom. Construite en acier patinable (CORTEN), elle fait 6 m de hauteur, 12 m de largeur et 6 m de profondeur.

Find the perfect adventure in Radium! Choose from one of many operators nearby to experience a zipline, guided hike, Segway tour, and more!

View the beautiful Roundabout Art new to the Village of Radium. The art, aptly named "Bighorns" is a breathtaking 20 feet tall, 40 feet wide, and 20 feet deep, constructed with COR10 weathering steel.

Le Centre d’accueil de Radium renferme des expositions sur la faune ainsi que sur le récit de la Création et l’histoire de la Nation ktunaxa. Obtenez-y des ressources utiles, des cartes et des conseils pour votre voyage avec l’aide de nos conseillers.

Ce panneau décrit le véritable credo de Radium Hot Springs : les montagnes apporteront la paix à leurs habitants. Faites-vous prendre en photo dans le parc au pied de la chaîne Purcell.

L’espace vert du village. Il renferme un terrain de jeux, une aire de pique-nique et un gymnase extérieur. Une patinoire extérieure y est aménagée pendant les mois d’hiver pour la tenue de matchs de hockey et de séances de patinage familial.

Un petit terrain de jeux au coin de la rue Kirk, où les enfants ont accès à des balançoires et à des glissoires. Un endroit tranquille à l’écart du va-et-vient de la circulation.

Ce parcours, l’un des deux terrains de golf de 18 trous de Radium, vous convie à un match de golf palpitant dans le décor des terres humides du Columbia. Le public a accès à cet espace vert pendant les mois d’hiver pour le ski de fond et la raquette.