7/1/2024

Exploring Kootenay National Park: Hidden Gems and Stunning Trails

Kootenay National Park often flies under the radar compared to its more famous neighbors, but we dedicated a full day to exploring its highlights and couldn’t have been happier! From colorful mineral pools to dramatic canyons and waterfalls, Kootenay was full of surprises. Here’s a quick rundown of our stops:

Stops: Marble Canyon, Paint Pots, Numa Falls, Stanley Glacier
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (varies by trail)
Recommendation: Great for a mix of shorter hikes and scenic spots

Marble Canyon
Our first stop was Marble Canyon, a dramatic, narrow limestone canyon cut by the Kootenay River. This short, easy trail took us along a series of bridges, giving us views right down into the turquoise waters rushing far below. The layers of rock and swirling water were absolutely mesmerizing and made for some great photos!

Paint Pots
Next, we headed to the Paint Pots—a unique area with bright orange mineral pools that have been used by Indigenous people as a pigment source for centuries. The short hike in leads to open pools of vibrant yellow, red, and orange, colored by iron-rich clay. It’s a quick stop but feels like walking through a natural art exhibit, with the earthy hues set against the green forest.

Numa Falls
We took a break at Numa Falls, an easy pull-off and short walk to a scenic waterfall. The falls aren’t very tall, but the powerful flow over the rocks and the clear blue water made it a beautiful spot to pause and enjoy the view. It’s perfect for a quick photo and a relaxing moment by the river.

Stanley Glacier
Our day ended with a hike to Stanley Glacier, which was the longest and most challenging trail of the day, but totally worth it. The trail winds through a valley surrounded by towering cliffs and past charred trees from a past fire, creating a unique landscape. After a steady climb, we reached an overlook with views of the glacier and cascading waterfalls below. The mix of glaciers, cliffs, and the rugged beauty made it a perfect end to our Kootenay adventure.

Kootenay may not be as famous, but its diverse trails and scenic spots made it a highlight of our trip. If you’re looking for an uncrowded day with a mix of easy and moderate hikes, this park is worth adding to your list!