Getting to Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park sits in BC, Canada, with Radium Hot Springs the nearest town of any size — about 29.3 km (18.2 mi) out, or roughly 43 min of driving.
Drive times from Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park sits close enough to Yoho National Park, Banff National Park, Glacier National Park, and Mount Revelstoke National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Yoho National Park | 65.1 km (40.5 mi) | 1 hr 22 min |
| Banff National Park | 69 km (42.9 mi) | 1 hr 26 min |
| Glacier National Park | 113 km (70.1 mi) | 2 hr 7 min |
| Mount Revelstoke National Park | 143 km (88.9 mi) | 2 hr 33 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Radium Hot Springs | 29.3 km (18.2 mi) | 43 min |
| Invermere | 40.4 km (25.1 mi) | 55 min |
| Golden | 79.4 km (49.3 mi) | 1 hr 37 min |
| Kaslo | 124 km (76.8 mi) | 2 hr 16 min |
| Elkford | 125 km (77.6 mi) | 2 hr 17 min |
| Kimberley | 135 km (83.6 mi) | 2 hr 26 min |
| Nakusp | 142 km (88.4 mi) | 2 hr 33 min |
| Revelstoke | 151 km (93.8 mi) | 2 hr 40 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Kootenay National Park?
Radium Hot Springs, about 29.3 km (18.2 mi) away — roughly 43 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Kootenay National Park?
The practical bases are Radium Hot Springs, Invermere, and Golden — all within a reasonable drive of the park.