Radium Hot Springs, a small town in the East Kootenays, is commonly called “Radium.” Many guests decide to spend a few days exploring Radium Hot Springs because there are so many things to do there, especially in the summer!
Due to its location, some tourists will use the town as a day trip from Calgary, Golden, or Banff. The town gets its name from the Kootenays hot springs, which are a must-visit destination in British Columbia! However, if you hang around a little while longer, you’ll discover that Radium offers a ton of activities.
Radium Hot Springs: Where is it?
Banff National Park, which is close to the town of Invermere, is only 1.5 hours away from the small village of Radium Hot Springs. Situated close to Kootenay National Park, it serves as an excellent starting point for activities such as boat rides on Windermere Lake and skiing at Panorama. Travel time to Golden is one hour, and to Fernie it is 2.5 hours.
Due to its location, Radium Hot Springs is frequently used as a quick stop for visitors taking BC-93 between British Columbia and Alberta.
Activities in Radium Hot Springs, Colorado
1. Visitor Information Center for Radium Hot Springs
When planning a trip to Radium Hot Springs, start your exploration at the Radium Hot Springs Visitor Information Center. Free maps of the region, including well-known hiking trails, are available, and you can also get insider advice on the top attractions. Passes can be purchased here, along with information on the best places to eat and stay in the town.
It’s much more than just a handy resource for local information. Fascinating displays and exhibits about the wildlife, landscapes, and culture of Radium Hot Springs are also available at the center. Learn more about the history of the local indigenous people and the animals that roam the area.
In the gift shop, you can also choose from a variety of souvenirs with local themes. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to plan out your next destination. During the summer, the center comes alive on Friday nights; check out Market & Music on Main for fantastic locally produced goods and crafts paired with interesting live music.
2. Indulge in a Thermal Springs Soak
Soaking in the hot springs is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Radium Hot Springs! Did you know that the nearby hot springs bearing the same name are the actual source of the village of Radium Hot Springs in Canada (commonly referred to as simply Radium)? The Canadian Register of Historic Places features these hot springs in British Columbia.
The real Radium Hot Springs are open year-round, lulling and mesmerizing guests with their beautiful scenery and calming warmth. The springs, which are part of Kootenay National Park, offer breathtaking views of the nearby Rocky Mountains.
Natural mineral-rich Radium Hot Springs is one of the largest and most visited hot springs in all of Canada. The temperature of the crystal-clear waters is consistently between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius, and it contains sulphate, calcium, magnesium, silica, and other elements. The waters at Radium Hot Springs are odorless, so there’s no need to worry about that overpowering eggy smell that many hot springs have!
Adjacent to the springs, the family-friendly location features a swimming pool that’s ideal for splashing around in. In addition, there is a day spa on the premises for when you really want to spoil yourself.
3. Look for the Bighorn Sheep That Wander Free
The Radium Hot Springs area is home to a variety of animals, some of which venture onto the nearby streets. Although they don’t have a favorite spot to hang out, the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are fairly well-known in the area and can usually be easily spotted. Known by another name, the Radium-Stoddart herd, the total number of sheep is about 150.
The sheep, particularly the male with his enormous, curled horns, are quite an impressive sight. Even though they seem to be accustomed to humans, it’s crucial to remember that they are wild animals, so stay away from them! Fall marks the start of mating season, when you can frequently witness brawls between the large rams.
4. Take in the Radium Rotary Garden’s Flowers
The Radium Rotary Garden is a sizable community garden with many plots situated behind an old school building. The public is welcome to stroll around and take in the diverse flora and blooms.
While visiting, you may witness locals tending to their flower gardens or vegetable plots. Volunteers keep the fragrant and lovely rose garden in order.
It’s a lovely area for a stroll in peace. The garden has picnic areas and gazebos for public use in addition to benches where you can take a break and relax.
5. Bring the children to Leo Burrito
Leo Burrito is a great place to get delicious fast food. They serve a variety of burritos, tacos, nachos, and other favorites. Adults can relax on the patio with a beer and indulge in the enticing selection of gelatos.
The mini-golf course is the main attraction here, especially for younger guests, aside from the food. You can relax in the sun and let your kids play while you watch them from the outdoor seating area, which is easily fenced in. Or, if you’re in the mood for some rivalry, pick up a club and give it a shot!
6. Experience Airborne Flight at Valley Zipline Adventures
Valley Zipline Adventures welcomes guests of all ages and provides entertainment for the whole family. There are multiple zip lines, an amazing 35-foot-high jump tower, and a cool 32-foot climbing wall to occupy your time for a few hours. Following a thorough safety demonstration and briefing, navigate the course. You can tackle seven thrilling ziplines. The first five take you through the picturesque Dry Gulch Valley scenery, and the next leads to the start of a walking trail.
After a brief stroll to the last zipline, enjoy the expansive views from the platform prior to your climb. You can race your friend to the finish line on the final zipline, which is the longest and fastest.
7. Engage in a Golf Round
Playing golf is another enjoyable activity in Radium. There are several golf clubs in the Radium Hot Springs area, all of which are situated in picturesque settings and provide everything you could possibly need for an amazing round of golf.
The two courses closest to the town are The Springs Course and The Radium Course, both of which are run by Radium Golf Group. With breathtaking views in every direction, the par-72 Radium Course is among the most picturesque in the nation. The towering mountain peaks are frequently covered in fluffy white clouds, and the area is abundant in lush vegetation. The course features expansive greens, tall trees, elevated tee boxes, sandy bunkers, and rolling terrain.
Another par-72 course is the Springs Course. This course offers breathtaking views as well, perched high along the edge of the gushing Columbia River and adjacent to the majestic Rocky Mountains. It should come as no surprise that it frequently ranks among BC’s best courses! It’s common for wildlife to stroll by the course, which appears to blend into the surrounding landscapes. Keep an eye out for deer and bighorn sheep.
There are top-notch practice facilities and fully stocked pro golf shops on both courses.
8. Respect the RedStreak Gallery’s Creations
The studio and gallery of Canadian artist Darrell Ibach, who is well-known for his vivid oil and watercolor landscapes with wildlife, is located at RedStreak Gallery. His artwork primarily focuses on the Columbia Valley’s landscapes. He has experience as an artist and studied photography.
Angelique Gillespie, an artist and art educator with a background in commercial art and illustration, is also represented in the gallery with her works.
9. Visit Nipika Mountain Resort for a Day
For lovers of nature, Nipika Mountain Resort is a veritable playground. Beautiful log cabins with breathtaking views of the mountains are available for your stay; they are all off-grid, sustainable, and eco-friendly, and they are built to blend in with the surrounding landscape.
To have fun, though, you don’t have to stay at the resort. A variety of guided activities are available for reservation, such as mountain hiking, winter skiing instruction, and Kootenay River canoeing.
There are a ton of amazing cross-country ski and hiking trails in the surrounding area of the resort. You can enjoy the trails for free, though donations are greatly appreciated. There are over 30 miles of trails spanning 1,500 acres to explore.
The well-marked trails lead you directly into the middle of the natural world. Mountain bikes can also ride on some of these routes. If you forgot yours, don’t worry—the resort offers bike rentals.
10. Take a leisurely stroll through Main Park
Main Park, one of the greatest family-friendly activities in Radium Hot Springs, offers a large selection of vibrant playthings for younger children. The park, which opened in 2013, is mainly intended for children ages two to twelve. Different areas are appropriate for varying age groups. Age-appropriate swings, slides, balancing beams, and climbing walls are among the playground apparatuses.
There is plenty of open green space for kids to run around in and burn off energy at the neighboring Legend’s Field, which is accessible via a pathway and has picnic tables for a great al fresco meal.
11. Visit the Dazzling Olive Lake
Olive Lake is located inside Kootenay National Park and is a short drive from Radium Hot Springs. It is definitely worth a visit. Wheelchair and pushchair users can take advantage of the lake’s breathtaking views and serene atmosphere thanks to the boardwalk’s full accessibility.
In the past, native groups used the lake as a camping and hunting area. The aquamarine waters gleam in the sunlight today, offering plenty of chances to capture the ideal photos for your Instagram account. Watch out for trout swimming in the brooks.
12. At Redstreak Campground, Spend the Night Under the Stars
Located on a sunny plateau above Radium Hot Springs, Redstreak Campground is conveniently close to both the town’s downtown and the thermal springs. You can wake up every morning to the sights, sounds, and scents of the vast outdoors at this wonderful location, which is ideal for guests who prefer to stay in the middle of nature. Also, there are lots of hiking trails directly outside your door.
Good amenities are available at the campground, such as restrooms, drinking water, kitchen shelters, lockers, fire rings, and play areas.
13. Take a Picture of the Roundabout Art Piece
As you enter Radium Hot Springs, you can notice a fascinating work of public art that is a recent addition to the area. Situated at the intersection, the sizable artwork depicts the horns of bighorn rams, which are frequently seen in the area.
The artwork aims to honor the sheep’s future while also depicting their history in Radium Hot Springs. With its dimensions of 20 feet in height and 40 feet in width, it is highly unlikely that anyone could overlook the iconic artwork.
14. Travel to the viewpoint overlooking Kootenay Valley.
The Kootenay Valley Viewpoint, which is about ten miles outside of Radium Hot Springs, is a popular tourist destination. The Mitchell Mountains and Vermillion Range are featured in the breathtaking scenery.
When the sky is clear, the vistas appear to go on forever. There are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in the surrounding area, and the Cobb Lake Trail is conveniently located.
15. Visit St. Joseph’s Church to view the Stations of the Cross
In the center of Radium Hot Springs, there is a lovely walking path that circles life-size statues representing the 14 Stations of the Cross outside the Catholic St. Joseph’s Church.
Built on a slope with a view of the valley, it’s a peaceful spot to take in the scenery and the statues while also finding some quiet time for prayer, meditation, or introspection. However, devotees flock to the trail in the spring to worship around Easter, when it is frequently busier.
The statues, which depict the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, were made in accordance with the route that Jesus is thought to have taken in Jerusalem. The purpose of the stations is to support Christians as they travel spiritually.
