We actually went to Kootenay National Park before my parents met us to visit Banff and Jasper, but we went back for a quick visit with Mom and Dad so I decided to write about it last in my series of posts about our time in the Canadian Rockies.
Prior to heading to Banff we stayed at Redstreak Campground in Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia. This campground is part of Kootenay National Park. The campsites were huge and Jesse was excited that we had trees where we could set up the slack line kit.
The campground is set up high above the town of Radium Hot Springs and the views of the town below were beautiful.
There were also big horn sheep frequently hanging out at the campground.
We hiked to Dog Lake one evening. It started pouring when we arrived at the trailhead, but quickly stopped so we were able to hike, but the hike was super muddy. There were a couple of suspension bridges over the Kootenay River, then the rest of the hike was through the woods until you get to Dog Lake. The total hike was 3.2 miles out and back.
Kootenay River
The kids thought the bridge was pretty cool, but the muddy hike, not so much. Jesse complained most of the way. 😉
Dog Lake
On the way back to the campground we stopped at this beautiful viewpoint!
Kootenay Valley Viewpoint
Kootenay River is such a brilliant shade of turquoise blue, especially on a sunny day.
Kootenay River
When we went back to visit Kootenay with my parents we first stopped at the Continental Divide. At this point the rivers on the east side flow towards the Atlantic and the rivers on the west side flow towards the Pacific. This point was also the province line between Alberta and British Columbia, and the line that separates the 2 nationals parks, Banff and Kootenay.
Continental Divide
Then we did a short, easy 1.2 mile out and back hike to the Paint Pots which were basically mud pots that look like paint.
Paint Pots
Paint Pots
More gorgeous views along the hike.
That wraps up my posts about our time in the Canadian Rockies. I was sad to see that come to an end. It’s hard to describe in words just how amazing that part of the world is. How can we ever top that adventure?
4 Radical Roadschoolers and a Fat Cat 