Radium Hot Springs is most famous for that for which it is named, naturally warm water bubbling from the earth and feeding a huge soaking pool in the adjoining Kootenay National Park. Known nationally and internationally as a resort town, with more than 30 motels/-hotels containing nearly 1,000 rooms, the village is geared to providing accommodation for the thousands of visitors who pass through every year.

Unique businesses line its main thoroughfare, Highway 93/95. Highway 93 runs northeast through Kootenay National Park to the TransCanada Highway, 100 km away and Highway 95 heads north 110 km to Golden.

There are several excellent restaurants along the highway and around the corner on the road up to the national park and hot springs. The Village of Radium Hot Springs was incorporated in 1992. It has become one of the province’s fastest growing communities.

The 140 plus member Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep band live side-by-side with the residents, but the sheep are only commonly seen in the village from late autumn to mid-spring.

Back in 1920 when its population consisted of mostly of construction workers and lumberjacks, accommodations were neither plentiful or civilized as they are today. According to local historian and Order of B.C. recipient Winnifred Weir, $2 a week bought you space shared with strangers in a tent with a bed made of clean hay illuminated by candles. Use of the hot pool cost 50 cents or $1 a day for as many soaks as you wanted.

In 1923 an analyst from the Canadian government did some tests that showed the waters were radioactive, hence the name Radium. It is believed the water is therapeutic, particularly for arthritis sufferers. Even for completely healthy people, the water is certainly relaxing and soothing and the view provided from the pools of the red walls of Sinclair Canyon, named for explorer James Sinclair, is sheer beauty.
 
Geographical formations are common in the area, such as the redrock wall  which you pass through upon entering Radium. Kootenay National Park’s Redstreak Campground is also located on the southeast side of Radium.

The village is now synonymous with golf as it boasts two top-rated 18-hole golf courses, with the Springs at Radium and Springs at Radium Resort. Radium is also the gateway to Golden, an hour north up the Columbia Valley, and the gateway to the Purcell Mountain backcountry recreational opportunities.

For more information you can also visit the Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce/VIC

Distance to Invermere: 12 minutes