Radium Hot Springs

Although it has a reputation for being arguably the petunia and big horn sheep capital of B.C., Radium Hot Springs is most famous for that for which it is named, naturally warm water springing from the earth and captured in a huge soaking pool in the adjoining Kootenay National Park. Known nationally and internationally as a resort town, with more than 30 motels/-hotels containing nearly 1,000 rooms, the village is geared to providing accommodation for the thousands of visitors who pass through every year. 

Special vendors dot its main thoroughfare, Highway 93/95, which actually becomes that numerical configuration here. Highway 93 runs northeast through Kootenay National Park to the TransCanada Highway, 100 km away and Highway 95 heads north 110 km to Golden.

 

There are also several restaurants along the highway and around the corner on the road up to the national park and hot springs. Every conceivable taste can be satisfied by excellent dining locations throughout Radium.

 

The Village of Radium Hot Springs, population 740, was incorporated in 1992. It remains one of fastest growing communities in the provence.

 

Another significant part of the village population is its 140 plus member Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep band. While other communities along the Rocky Mountains in Canada and America call themselves bighorn sheep capitals, few can match Radium for the numbers of sheep. Built on part of the band??s winter range, Radium and valley residents have learned to live side-by-side with the sheep and appreciate the blue-listed species. However, the sheep are only commonly seen in the village from late autumn to mid-spring. Thanks to a beautiful bronze, life-sized statue located at the Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Centre, ties to these animals are appreciated year round by the village. The statue is a work of love created by Kaslo artist Rick Taylor.

 

Like most valley communities, Radium has an interesting past. Back in 1920 when its population consisted of a handful of construction workers and lumberjacks, accommodations were neither so plentiful nor civilized as they are today. According to local historian and Order of B.C. recipient Winnifred Weir, $2 a week bought you space shared with strangers in a tent with a bed made of clean hay, illuminated by candles stuck in empty whiskey bottles. Use of the hot pool cost 50 cents or $1 a day for as many soaks as you wanted.

 

In 1923 an analyst from the Canadian government did some tests that showed the wa ters were radioactive, hence the name Radium. It is believed the water is therapeutic, particularly for arthritis sufferers. Even for completely healthy people, the water is certainly relaxing and soothing and the view provided from the pools of the red walls of Sinclair Canyon, named for explorer James Sinclair, is sheer beauty.

 

Geographical formations are the order of the area, as witnessed by the redrock wall and the dramatic crack, which you pass through upon entering Radium. Kootenay National Park Redstreak Campground is also located on the southeast side of Radium.

 

The village is also now synonymous with golf as it boasts two top-rated 18-hole golf courses, with the Springs at Radium and Springs at Radium Resort. Radium is also the gateway to Golden, an hour north up the Columbia Valley, and the gateway to a wild Purcell Mountain backcountry rife with recreational opportunities.

 

Links:
    www.RadiumHotSprings.com
    Village of Radium
    Radium Hot Springs Chambers