11 Best Hikes in Kootenay National Park

Kootenay National Park Overview

Kootenay National Park is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in southeastern British Columbia. The park is bordered by Banff National Park to the east and Yoho National Park to the north. Visitors can relax in the soothing mineral pools at Radium Hot Springs, stroll through canyons, picnic beside glacial-blue rivers or backpack along one of the Rockies’ most scenic hiking trails. The park’s diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, and newly unearthed Burgess Shale fossils reveal exquisite details about life half a billion years ago. The best hikes in Kootenay National Park, including the iconic Rockwall, are described in more detail below.

Location	British Columbia
Nearest Metro Area	Calgary, AB
Area Size	347,520 acres
Established	April 21, 1920
Hiking Trails	125 miles

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Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Kootenay National Park

The Rockwall

One of the finest backpacking routes in the Canadian Rockies, featuring high passes and the famous “Rockwall”. The Rockwall Trail is a 54 km (34 mile) superlative-laden feast, traversing three alpine passes through subalpine meadows and past impressive hanging glaciers. The trail’s defining feature is a single, massive limestone cliff, towering in some locations more than 900 m (2,953 feet) above the trail below. There are four access points to the Rockwall Trail along Highway 93 South: Helmet Creek Trail, Tumbling Creek Trail, Numa Creek Trail, and Floe Lake Trail. Note that a shuttle would be required if completing the entire 54.1km trail one-way as you would enter/exit from Paint Pots parking lot and Floe Lake parking lot. 

• 33.6 miles one-way (54.1km)
• 9,800’ elevation gain (3,000m)
• Strenuous

Stanley Glacier

An extremely popular trail and one of the best hikes in Kootenay National Pak. Hike up to a stunning alpine basin and watch glacier meltwater tumble down massive rock walls. You can also experience this trail on a guided Burgess Shale fossil hike.

• 6.5 miles out and back (10.4km)
• 2,020’ elevation gain (615m)
• Moderate

Kindersley-Sinclair Loop

A classic and one of the best hikes in Kootenay National Park. Travel through a mixed landscape of forest, avalanche paths, alpine meadows and rocky ridges. A 1.2 km section on the highway completes the loop. Be advised: Mandatory minimum group size of four because of grizzly bears in the area.

• 10.7 miles out and back (17.3km)
• 4,350’ elevation gain (1,325m)
• Strenuous

Floe Lake 

One of the most popular day hikes in the park. Steep trail with sunny exposures and views along the way. Spectacular lakeside destination.

• 13.0 miles out and back (21km)
• 3,650’ elevation gain (1,110m)
• Strenuous

Juniper/Sinclair Canyon Loop

A scenic trail through open Douglas-fir forest along the edge of Sinclair Canyon. Features views of the Columbia Valley and verdant Sinclair Canyon falls.

• 3.0 mile loop (4.8km)
• 975’ elevation gain (300m)
• Moderate

Marble Canyon to Paint Pots

Connect the two popular points of interest by passing through a mix of mature and burnt forest. The trail parallels the Vermilion River. At Marble Canyon, Hike along the rim of the canyon. Look down from one of the many bridges at smooth limestone rock and impressive ice formations in the winter. Paint Pots is a gentle walk that takes you to three iron-rich mineral springs that stain the surrounding earth. Come prepared for muddy trail sections.

• 3.6 miles out and back (5.8km)
• 215’ elevation gain (65m) 
• Easy

Dog Lake Trail

Cross two bridges over the Kootenay River and meander through old-growth forest. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the lake while you gaze up at the peaks of Mount Daer and Mount Harkin.

• 3.2 miles out and back (5.2km)
• 445’ elevation gain (135m)
• Easy

Olive Lake

A short interpretive loop and boardwalk around a small, quiet lake.

• 0.4 miles out and back (0.6km)
• 15’ elevation gain (5m)
• Easy

Hawk Creek & Ball Pass

A challenging day hike to a rocky, rugged pass providing access to the Shadow Lake and Egypt Lake regions of Banff National Park.

• 11.1 miles out and back (17.8km)
• 3,495’ elevation gain (1,065m)
• Strenuous

Cobb Lake Trail

Descend to Swede Creek, then continue along to the banks of a quiet lake encircled by forest.

• 3.4 miles out and back (5.4km) 
• 510’ elevation gain (155m)
• Easy
  

Simpson River Trail

A walk through a valley marked by fire. Check out the interpretive signs along the first 1.5 km of the trail. Learn about the incredible forces of nature: Lightning, wildfire, regeneration and succession. Access to trails in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.

• 10.9 miles out and back (17.6km)
• 445’ elevation gain (135m)
• Easy

Featured Image: Kootenay River, Photo by Vlad Podvorny