Kootenay National Park

Kootenay straddles the Continental Divide with red-rock canyons and natural hot springs at Radium, which maintain a 35°C temperature year-round—10% warmer than the average Canadian hot spring. It covers 1,406 square kilometers, yet sees far fewer visitors than Banff—40% less traffic annually—despite equally dramatic scenery. The park’s flower meadows bloom with 200 species, 25% more than the typical Rocky Mountain park. This makes Kootenay a quieter alternative to #7 Yoho for those seeking thermal baths and geological surprises without the crowds. Its water chemistry is unique, with mineral content that outperforms the average park in therapeutic value.