The park supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including large mammals such as grizzly bears, black bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Smaller mammals include marmots, pikas, and various species of ground squirrels. The park is home to over 200 bird species, including golden eagles, Clark's nutcrackers, and white-tailed ptarmigan. Mountain caribou, though historically present, are now rarely seen. The park's various ecosystems, from valley bottoms to alpine zones, provide crucial habitat corridors for wildlife movement throughout the Rocky Mountain parks.
Kootenay's vegetation varies dramatically with elevation and aspect. The lower valleys feature Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and western red cedar forests, while subalpine areas are dominated by Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Alpine meadows above treeline burst with wildflowers during the brief summer season, including Indian paintbrush, mountain avens, and alpine forget-me-nots. The park's fire history has created diverse forest ages, with areas of new growth following the 2003 Tokumm Creek fire providing important wildlife habitat. Several rare plant species can be found in the park's unique microhabitats.
The park showcases dramatic geological features formed over millions of years. The Rocky Mountains within the park were created through tectonic forces pushing ancient sedimentary rock layers upward. The park contains significant fossil beds, including the famous Burgess Shale-type fossils in the Stanley Glacier area. Marble Canyon demonstrates impressive limestone erosion patterns, while the Paint Pots feature mineral springs that have created colorful iron-rich pools. The Vermilion River valley shows classic glacial carving, and numerous hot springs throughout the park result from groundwater heated by deep geological processes.
Established in 1920, Kootenay National Park was created as part of an agreement to build the Banff-Windermere Highway (now Highway 93). The park's establishment helped protect the area's natural resources while providing a crucial transportation link between British Columbia and Alberta. Indigenous peoples, particularly the Ktunaxa (Kootenay) First Nations, have lived in and traveled through this region for thousands of years. The park's development was closely tied to the discovery of natural hot springs in the early 1900s, which led to the establishment of Radium Hot Springs. Early European exploration was driven by railway surveys and mining prospects.
Key attractions include the famous Radium Hot Springs pools, where visitors can soak in natural mineral waters. The Paint Pots offer unique mineral springs with iron-rich orange and red deposits. Marble Canyon presents a dramatic limestone gorge with interpretive trails. The Kootenay Valley Viewpoint provides spectacular views of the Mitchell and Vermilion mountain ranges. Stanley Glacier trail leads to fossil beds and an impressive hanging valley. The Continental Divide marks the boundary between British Columbia and Alberta, while the Rockwall, a massive limestone cliff face, extends for 55 kilometers through the park. Numa Falls and Floe Lake are also popular destinations for visitors.
Kootenay National Park experiences diverse weather patterns due to its mountainous terrain and varying elevations. Summers (June-August) are generally mild with daytime temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F), while winters (December-February) are cold with temperatures often dropping below -15°C (5°F). The park receives significant snowfall in winter, particularly at higher elevations, with snow typically remaining in alpine areas until July. Spring and fall are transitional seasons with variable conditions. The western portion of the park typically receives more precipitation than the eastern side due to orographic lift effects of the Rocky Mountains.
Canada
50.8830°, -116.0430°
1920
1406
Kootenay National Park features dramatic mountain scenery, hot springs, and deep canyons. The park protects unique landscapes ranging from glaciers to grasslands. It's known for its dramatic color changes in the Paint Pots and Marble Canyon.