General information about the National Park
Together with Jasper National Park, Banff National Park and Yoho National Park, Kootenay National Park protects part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Together with the other national parks, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Number of visitors
Best time to visit: Late spring to autumn
Our visits: So far 2 visits: June 1998, July 2002
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 10$/person/day
- Covered by the Discovery Pass*
- Open 24h all year round.
Continental Divide
Description: The Continental Divide is right on the border between Banff and Kootenay National Parks. Here in the park there is a nicely designed little park, with some interesting information about the divide.
Our rating: This is a beautifully designed stop on the way through the park which is definitely worth a small stop. We especially liked the small stream that also visually divided to flow from here into two different oceans.
Marble Canyon
Description: The canyon gets its name from the limestone in Tokumm Creek, which has been pressed into marble by strong water pressure over time. The canyon is very deep and is a good example for the erosive forces that shape the landscape here. There is a pretty hiking trail that allows you to walk comfortably along the rim of the canyon and admire the roaring waters deep down. There are several bridges that lead across the canyon. In addition, you always have the great mountains of the Rocky Mountains in view which offer beautiful views all around.
Trail length: 0.9mi
Altitude difference: 180ft
Time needed: 1 hour
Difficulty level: easy
Our rating: A great short hiking trail that you should not miss when visiting the park. Since the trail is very well developed, it is very easy to walk and suitable for almost everyone.
An important and always very fun part are the animals that you can observe in their natural habitat, especially in the national parks. Here in Kootenay NP we were able to spot the animals shown below.
