Radium Hot Springs, often simply referred to as Radium, is a quaint village nestled in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia. Home to 1,339 residents, this charming village is named after the hot springs found in the nearby Kootenay National Park. Accessible via Highway 93 from Banff, Alberta, Radium Hot Springs is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and relaxation.
Radium Hot Springs is strategically located 16 km north of the tourist town of Invermere and 105 km south of Golden, British Columbia. The village sits at the junction of Highway 95 and Highway 93, nestled in the Columbia River valley, between the river and Kootenay National Park. The area is teeming with wildlife, including mule deer, grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Radium Hot Springs had a population of 1,339 living in 634 of its 1,366 total private dwellings. This represents a significant increase of 72.6% from its 2016 population of 776. With a land area of 6.34 km2 (2.45 sq mi), the village had a population density of 211.2/km2 (547.0/sq mi) in 2021.
Radium Hot Springs offers a variety of amenities for visitors and residents alike. Several golf courses are located nearby, and the village boasts 675 hotel and motel rooms, catering to a range of budgets and preferences.
The southwestern entrance to Kootenay National Park is conveniently located immediately east of the village limits. Highway 93, lined with motels, leads directly into the park, making Radium Hot Springs an ideal base for exploring this natural wonder.
The hot springs complex, located just within the national park, is a major draw for visitors. The complex contains two large pools: one with hot water for soaking, usually around 39 °C (102 °F), and a 25 m swimming pool that is typically around 29 °C (84 °F). Additionally, there is a hot-tub-sized pool, known as the "Plunge Pool," where the water can be hot – right from the source at 44 °C (111 °F) – or cold, right from a creek running beneath the pools.
The hot springs were named after the radioactive element radium when an analysis of the water revealed it contained small traces of radon, a decay product of radium. However, the radiation dosage from bathing in the pools is inconsequential, making the hot springs a safe and relaxing experience for all visitors.
