Kootenay National Park
A land of ice and fire, Kootenay National Park is a place of contrasts, with valleys and canyons carved by glaciers and grasslands marked by fire. Take a scenic drive along its historic highway. Step out to experience ancient fossils and steamy hot springs.
All waterbodies are closed
To prevent the spread of whirling disease, all waterbodies in Yoho and Kootenay national parks are closed to watercraft and angling until March 31, 2025.
This closure is necessary to protect vulnerable fish populations and sensitive ecosystems from aquatic invasive species. There is no treatment for whirling disease. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate. Protect park waters. Respect all closures.
Using recreational drones in Kootenay National Park is prohibited. Anyone caught operating a drone within park boundaries may result in law enforcement action and a fine of up to $25,000.
Mountain Safety
Safety is your responsibility. Natural hazards are a part of the mountain experience.
Seasonal closures and restrictions
While Kootenay National Park is open year-round, some services aren’t available in winter.
Pre-arrival checklist
Here are Parks Canada's top tips to help ensure you spend more time enjoying the park. Great memories? Check!
Skiing and snowshoeing
Some hiking trails are suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing but the park is a natural area and travel is at your own risk.
Visiting Kootenay National Park
Activities and experiences
Things to do, camping, hiking, trails, Burgess Shale fossils, guided hikes, backpacking, points of interest and Lake O'Hara.
Plan your visit
Maps and directions, visitor centre hours, park fees, local attractions, accommodation, facilities and services, fire information and visitor guidelines.
Camping and overnight accommodations
Types of accommodations, equipped camping, and nearby accommodations.
Fees
Cost of daily park admission, Parks Canada Discovery Pass, camping, backcountry permits, Burgess Shale guided hikes, Radium Hot Springs and fishing...
Safety and guidelines
Important bulletins, mountain safety, trail conditions, weather and avalanche conditions, bears and wildlife safety, camping, hiking and driving safety...
About Kootenay National Park
Indigenous connections
Culture and connections, working together, partners and cultural use.
Nature and science
Research and monitoring help protect Kootenay’s mammals and birds. We manage forest fires, restore habitat for species at risk and protect rare...
Culture
History, architecture and cultural landscape of Kootenay including Kootenae House National Historic Site, Floe Lake warden cabin and Radium Hot Springs.
Stewardship and management
Planning and management guiding documents, public consultations, information for businesses and residents, filmmakers, photographers and special events.
Contact us
May to mid-October
Phone number:
250-347-9505
Email address:
kootenayinfo-infokootenay@pc.gc.ca
Year-round
Phone number:
1-888-773-8888 toll free
Email address:
information@pc.gc.ca
Hours of operation
The park is open year-round. Visitor services are available May to mid-October.
More places to discover with Parks Canada
Yoho National Park
In the shadow of the Great Divide, Yoho’s towering rockwalls, spectacular waterfalls and soaring peaks reveal the secrets of ancient life, the power of ice and water and the stories of plants and animals that continue to evolve today.
Banff National Park
Founded in 1885, Banff is Canada’s first national park and part of the first national park system in the world. With its soaring peaks, azure lakes and abundant wildlife, this Rocky Mountain park attracts millions of visitors every year.
Jasper National Park
Abundant in natural beauty, wildlife, lakes, waterfalls and mountains, Jasper is a wild and wondrous place to visit year-round.
Rogers Pass National Historic Site
Discover the role Rogers Pass played in the transcontinental Canadian Pacific Railway. Follow an abandoned rail line to the ruins of a Victorian-era resort, where legendary Swiss mountain guides forged popular trails and climbing routes.
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