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Best trails in Kootenay National Park

Best trails in Kootenay National Park

4.3(16,425 reviews)

·

Canada
: 
#6 of 49 national parks

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Kootenay National Park, a core component of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a spectacular and often quieter alternative to its famous neighbors, Banff and Jasper. Running the length of the Kootenay Parkway (Highway 93S), the park is a journey in itself, with incredible trails and viewpoints accessible right from the roadside.

Kootenay is defined by its powerful geology and its story of regeneration. A massive wildfire in 2003 swept through a significant portion of the park, and today, hikers can witness the remarkable process of a forest reborn. Young, vibrant green growth contrasts sharply with the silvery skeletons of old trees, creating a unique and poignant landscape backdropped by snow-dusted mountains.

The park's trail network offers something for every level of adventurer. The park is open year-round, though visitor center hours vary.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Marble Canyon
    4.7(2792)
    •Easy
    •0.9 mi
    •Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Marble Canyon is a beautiful natural space, with great viewpoints of some of the best views in the Rocky Mountains. The route is very approachable and there are side trails if you are looking to increase the difficulty or length. This is one of the easiest canyons to access in the area, so it is usually busy here all year-round. In winter, wearing crampons or snowshoes is recommended, but in summer, running shoes are sufficient. The trail is not paved and is uneven, so it is not suitable...
  2. #2 - Stanley Glacier Trail
    4.7(3702)
    •Hard
    •6.8 mi
    The first step in planning your trip to the Stanley Glacier is consulting the park trail condition page here: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/kootenay/activ/randonnee-hike/etat-sentiers-trail-conditions The segment from the trailhead to the beginning of the ascent is relatively easy, but the ascent is challenging. The trail starts off with a creek crossing and then gains steady elevation on long switchbacks through a new-growth forest. The section close to the Lower Falls can be a little...
  3. #3 - Floe Lake Trail
    4.7(1508)
    •Hard
    •12.6 mi
    •Est. 7–8 hr
    It is recommended to check the trail conditions in advance. This trail begins along a flat stretch with two bridged river crossings. This is followed by a series of switchbacks through the forest. After the treeline the route flattens out again and is relatively flat until the final ascent. This segment passes through open meadows with pink fireweed flowers. The final ascent to Floe Lake near the end of the trail is the most strenuous, consisting of a series of steep switchbacks out of the...
  4. #4 - Paint Pots
    4.3(1035)
    •Easy
    •1.3 mi
    •Est. 0.5–1 hr
    The Paint Pots are a really interesting feature of Kootenay National Park and only requires a short hike to reach. The pathway passes through marshes, creeks, rivers and small lakes, to the area with coloured water and streams. The small ponds are iron-rich mineral springs and get their name from the history of people putting their hands in the coloured water and clay-like mud, which then makes them an orange colour that they could paint with. It can get extremely muddy and flooded in the...
  5. #5 - Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail
    4.4(880)
    •Moderate
    •3.6 mi
    •Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This is an easy hike with good trail conditions, and a great option for those staying at Redstreak Campground. There are a lot of changes in elevation but nothing too strenuous. The road is not too far away from the path and can be heard at certain points on the way. There is a lovely view of a waterfall at the end and there are many mountain goats to see on the way there.
  6. #6 - Marble Canyon from Paint Pots Trailhead
    4.5(414)
    •Moderate
    •4.5 mi
    •Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This route begins at the trailhead to the Paint Pots and follows the highway and the Vermilion River to Marble Canyon. The Paint Pots themselves are not part of the route but can be visited with a small extension at the beginning to the left at the first trail junction. This is one of the easiest canyons to access in the area, so it will be very busy here during all seasons.
  7. #7 - Numa Falls
    4.5(513)
    •Easy
    •0.4 mi
    •Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This absolutely stunning trail is only 300 metres to the falls! The bridge is right over the beautiful falls, giving hikers an amazing close-up view. The blue water looks magnificent over the black rocks. If wanting to extend the hike, you can carry on to the Numa Creek Trail to see the famous Rockwall.
  8. #8 - Paint Pots from Marble Canyon
    4.4(440)
    •Moderate
    •5.3 mi
    •Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Marble Canyon is a beautiful natural space, with great viewpoints to take photos of some of the best views in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This is one of the easiest canyons to access in the area, so it is usually very busy here during all seasons. The trail to the Paint Pots follows along the Vermillion River, where hikers will eventually come to the area of coloured water and streams. These small ponds get their name from the history of people putting their hands in the coloured water and...
  9. #9 - Sinclair Falls Trail
    4.3(321)
    •Easy
    •0.5 mi
    •Est. 0.5–1 hr
    The Sinclair Falls Trail takes you through a lush forest to the picturesque Sinclair Canyon, where you can enjoy the sight and sound of water cascading over rocks. The path is well-maintained, with a few gentle inclines, making it accessible for hikers of all levels. The quiet forest and surrounding cliffs make this a perfect spot for a quick nature retreat or a peaceful stop when visiting Radium Hot Springs.
  10. #10 - Juniper Loop
    4.4(404)
    •Moderate
    •3.5 mi
    •Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Juniper Loop is an easy trail, great for those looking for a trail within walking distance from Redstreak Campground. It starts on the road in the overflow parking lot of the hot springs. There are nice views of the mountain and valley, and lots of mountain goats. The path runs close to the highway all along the route, so there are frequently traffic noises that can be heard.
Showing results 1–10 of 76
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(250) 347-9505

Kootenay National Park charges a fee to enter.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Kootenay National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Kootenay National Park is Marble Canyon, which has a 4.7 star rating from 2,792 reviews. This trail is 0.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 160 ft.

What is the longest trail in Kootenay National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Kootenay National Park is Great Divide Trail Section C: Kananaskis - Field. This trail is estimated to be 127.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Kootenay National Park?

There are 76 trails in Kootenay National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 16,425 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Kootenay National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Kootenay National Park has you covered. Great Divide Trail Section C: Kananaskis - Field boasts the most elevation gain with 28,851 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is The Rockwall: Alt Route via Goodsir Pass, which will get you 10,652 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Kootenay National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 46 camping trails in Kootenay National Park and the most popular is Stanley Glacier Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 3,702 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Kootenay National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 33 running trails in Kootenay National Park and the most popular is Marble Canyon with an average 4.7 star rating from 2,792 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Kootenay National Park?

Some popular summer hiking trails in Kootenay National Park are Stanley Glacier Trail, Marble Canyon, Floe Lake Trail, Paint Pots, and Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail.

What are the best fall hikes in Kootenay National Park?

Some popular fall hiking trails in Kootenay National Park are Stanley Glacier Trail, Floe Lake Trail, Marble Canyon, Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail, and Paint Pots.

What are the best winter hikes in Kootenay National Park?

Some popular winter hiking trails in Kootenay National Park are Marble Canyon, Stanley Glacier Trail, Chickadee Valley, Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail, and Numa Falls.

What are the best spring hikes in Kootenay National Park?

Some popular spring hiking trails in Kootenay National Park are Marble Canyon, Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail, Stanley Glacier Trail, Paint Pots, and Sinclair Falls Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Kootenay National Park?

Yes, there are 14 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Kootenay National Park, including Numa Mountain and Floe Lake, Pharaoh Peaks and Egypt Lake via Ball Pass Junction, Mount Whymper, Vermilion Peak, and Boom Mountain.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Kootenay National Park?

Yes, there are 9 trails with waterfalls in Kootenay National Park, including Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail, Numa Falls, Sinclair Falls Trail, Juniper Loop, and Sinclair Creek Falls via Redstreak Campground Trail.

Are there any trails with lakes in Kootenay National Park?

Yes, there are 14 trails with lakes in Kootenay National Park, including Floe Lake Trail, Dog Lake Trail, The Rockwall, Dog Lake Loop, and Olive Lake.

Are there any trails with rivers in Kootenay National Park?

Yes, there are 10 trails with rivers in Kootenay National Park, including Dog Lake Trail, Dog Lake Loop, Numa Creek Trail, Cobb Lake Trail, and Simpson River Trail.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Kootenay National Park?

Yes, there are 11 trails with picnic areas in Kootenay National Park, including Numa Falls, Dog Lake Trail, Dog Lake Loop, Numa Creek Trail, and Chickadee Valley.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Kootenay National Park?

Yes, there are 8 trails with scenic viewpoints in Kootenay National Park, including Stanley Glacier Trail, The Rockwall, The Rockwall: Floe Lake to Paint Pots, Numa Pass Trail, and Numa Pass from Floe Lake.

Are there any trails with springs in Kootenay National Park?

Yes, there are 13 trails with springs in Kootenay National Park, including Paint Pots, Paint Pots from Marble Canyon, The Rockwall, Helmet Creek and Falls, and The Rockwall: Floe Lake to Paint Pots.

Are there any trails with gorges in Kootenay National Park?

Are there any trails with historical monuments in Kootenay National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with historical monuments in Kootenay National Park, including Chickadee Valley, Fireweed Loops, Chickadee Peak, and Storm Mountain Ridge via Vermillion Pass.