Kootenay National Park
Visitor Centre 7556 Main St. East V0A 1M0 Radium Hot Springs, BC, Canada

Mask up! Masks are now required in ALL indoor public spaces throughout B.C. If you are coming to soak in the Radium Hot Springs pools, please remember to wear a mask in the lobby, hallways and change rooms. Masks may be stowed in your locker while enjoying the hot springs. ... Learn how your visit will be different: http://ow.ly/LH5E50CqPPc For more information about B.C’s provincial health orders: http://ow.ly/jT7Q50CqPPd #InThisTogether #RadiumHotSprings #Radium365

"New snow, wind, and a weak layer of crust and facets are making the snowpack more complex. Time to dial back terrain choices. Good ski conditions in sheltered areas that are deep enough to cover the rocks! Head to avalanche.pc.gc.ca. to read today's avalanche bulletin.

Eeeeep! Despite their small size, pikas have a lot to say! They’re closely related to rabbits and hares but can be considered the louder cousin. To find out what these little rock-rabbits can tell us about the health of alpine ecosystems, check out our newest Stories of Kootenay blog post: https://www.pc.gc.ca//kootenay/activ/2020/histoires-stories... . : Andre Lodder Productions #Kootenay100

This tree is full! Did you know, Parks Canada attaches pheromone pouches to five-needle pine trees? These pouches release a pheromone that tells newly arriving beetles that the tree is already occupied, and they should go find a different tree. This helps protect five-needle pine! Celebrate International Year of Plant Health with us by checking out how Parks Canada is helping five-needle pine increase their chances of survival. Learn more here > http://ow.ly/wV5k50BBJ6f ... #PlantHealth #IYPH

A dusting of snow makes the mountains pop! Don’t you think? When snow comes to the mountains, driving conditions can get tricky. It’s a great time of year to brush up on your winter driving safety. Winter Driving Tips:... Drive slow. It’s all about the journey not the destination anyways! Use snow tires. Winter tires or all-season tires are required on Highway 93S in winter. Plan ahead. Pack a shovel, flashlight, blanket, food and extra warm clothing just in case. Check Drive BC. For the latest road conditions look before you leave. https://www.drivebc.ca/

Mountains covered in ice and snow sure are beautiful, but they can also be dangerous. If you choose to play in Kootenay National Park this winter make sure to be prepared. You don’t have to go far from the road to find natural hazards. Unsure about how to be winter safe in the mountains? Check out these great tips.... P. Zizka http://ow.ly/UyWc50Cm8cR

And just like that, Redstreak Campground has closed and the 2020 camping season in Kootenay National Park has come to an end. We know this season looked different than prevoius ones and we want to thank everyone who came out (and stayed home) for your part in keeping staff and visitor’s safe. Can’t wait until next camping season? We can’t either! ... Make sure to check our website over the winter for the most up to date information for park visitors: https://www.pc.gc.ca//pn-np/bc/kootenay/visit/covid-19-info Information for the 2021 camping season will be updated as it is available. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay/activ/camping

We think views like these are worth protecting into the next 100 years and beyond! 2020 is moving fast and Kootenay National Park’s Centennial year will be coming to a close. How will you celebrate the last few months of the #Kootenay100 year? We want to know! Dani Lefrancois

#HappyThanksgiving! The hot pool at #RadiumHotSprings is open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. today. Please #PlanAhead and remember the hot springs operate on a first come, first served basis. ... Check our website for information about what has changed and arrive prepared: https://www.pc.gc.ca//voy/promotion/sources-springs/radium

Are you planning a soak at the Radium Hot Springs pools this weekend? Make the most of your visit by planning ahead and arriving prepared. Please remember that:... Towels and swimsuits rentals are NOT available Radium Hot Springs operates on a first come first serve basis, which means you may have to wait in line For more information and hours of operation, check out: https://www.pc.gc.ca//voy/promotion/sources-springs/radium

In case you haven’t heard, the Radium Hot Springs pools have reopened! While Parks Canada is excited to welcome you back, please keep in mind there have been some major changes to make this reopening possible, including: Reduced hours to allow for additional cleaning;... Limited capacity to allow for physical distancing Increased safety protocols in place, including mask-use being strongly recommended indoors, hand sanitizing stations, Plexiglas barriers and signage to help you move safely through the building; Towels and swimsuits are not available to rent. Radium Hot Springs pools operate on a first come first serve basis which means you may have to wait in line. Thank you for keeping Kootenay National Park safe by following the guidance of public health authorities, and being respectful to other visitors. For more information and hours of operation, please visit: http://ow.ly/SieJ50BNI79

Bear encounters become less frequent, but are still possible any time of the year in Kootenay National Park. (Yes, even in winter!!!) Bears are still getting ready for winter! Take some time this #wildlifewednesday and freshen up your bear safety skills (including carrying bear spray all year and knowing how to use it). http://ow.ly/I59d50BLkFU

We know you’re trying to sneak in a few more hikes in 2020! The smell of fall is in the air and snow could come (again) at any time. Here in Kootenay National Park, there are less daylight hours and the weather can change suddenly. Did you pack these MUST HAVES for fall hiking ... Minimum 1L of water per person Extra layers of clothing (including a waterproof layer) Food and snacks Bear spray First aid kit Headlamp or flashlight A detailed plan and a backup plan A COVID-19 kit (including mask and hand sanitizer) An emercency contact (someone who knows where you will be going and when to expect you back) Looking for more #ParksSafe tips? Click the link below. http://ow.ly/X2rQ50BLjUz

Time to limber up! Did you know, limber pine gets its name from its flexible branches that were designed to withstand snow and ice? These extraordinary trees often live on rocky outcrops in Kootenay National Park. Despite their ability to withstand strong winds and draughty conditions, they are currently listed as endangered. You can spot these long-needled pine trees along Sinclair Canyon high above the Radium Hot Springs!... Celebrate International Year of Plant Health with us and learn what Parks Canada is doing to help the limber pine population recover. Learn more here > http://ow.ly/Acqt50BBISe #PlantHealth #IYPH

Pumpkin spice latte or hot apple cider? Whatever you choose, a warm beverage pairs well with fall hiking in Kootenay National Park! Make sure to pack out beverage containers and snacks from trails and place them in a bear-proof garbage container. Help keep the trails free from litter. Check out more tips to keep animals safe and trails garbage free. ... http://ow.ly/RZK950BIgE6

Are you missing summer already? The best cure for the post-summer-blues is to embrace autumn outside! Bring along a cozy blanket, a lunch, and visit Kootenay National Park for a colourful fall hike or scenic picnic experience. We bet you’ll wish fall would never end! #MountainMotivaton.... Before you pack the car, plan ahead with some tips to make the most of your time in Kootenay this fall: Check online for seasonal closures http://ow.ly/Momn50BnCuw Look at the trail report for current conditions when choosing your trail http://ow.ly/qSLR50BnCux Have a backup plan if your destination is too busy Pack bear spray and a COVID 19 kit (Including water, snacks, hand sanitizer, non-medical masks and toilet paper) Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and change quickly. Pack layers and be prepared for a variety of conditions.

Can you identify five-needle pine? What about telling limber pine and whitebark pine apart? Tree identification can be hard work! Here are a few tips: Limber pine and whitebark pine can be identified as five-needle pine by their needles that occur in bunches of five. Take a look at the cones to tell these two trees apart. Limber pine have larger cones that measure 8 to 20 centimetres long. They are cylindrical with thickened scales towards the tip. Whitebark pine cones m...easure 3 to 8 centimetres long and are egg-shaped to almost round. When you identify one of these trees, don’t forget to record it in your Kootenay 100 Challenge! http://ow.ly/eF0z50BBIbW Celebrate International Year of Plant Health with us by learning some interesting facts about five-needle pine. Learn more here > http://ow.ly/zWgQ50BBIbV #PlantHealth #IYPH #Kootenay100

Are your hiking dreams filled with golden larches? Us too! While you plan your hike this weekend, please remember we aren’t the only ones who love larch season, bears are busy foraging for food before the winter. Remember to: - Keep distance between other groups while you are in your own tight covid cohort... - Stay alert - Make noise - Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Bears are an important part of the Kootenay National Park ecosystem and are very sensitive to human activity. You can help to keep yourself and bears safe. Before you hike, brush up on your wildlife safety http://ow.ly/KbVO50BtZFk

Fall in love with Kootenay National Park on the first day of autumn (today!) If you live nearby and haven’t been to Kootenay National Park in the shoulder season, you’re missing out. The leaves will be changing color soon, there is a crispness in the air and winter is approaching soon. Fall hiking or scenic driving is a great way to experience some new views while allowing for adequate physical distancing. #trailtuesday reminder: if you bring anything with you on the trails ...or out of your car at the road side stops, we ask that you pack it back out and dispose of it in a bear proof garbage disposal where available. Help us keep the trails clean and beautiful for the next visitor. http://ow.ly/YhAx50BnCju