Radium Hot Springs

The entrance to Kootenay National Park passes through an opening in the mountainside.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses


Radium Hot Springs is within the boundaries of Kootenay National Park.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses


Frost and ice form above the heated water at Radium Hot Springs.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses


Rhonda and the kids in the heated pools.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses


Rhonda and Whitney bathing at Radium.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses

Radium Hot Springs was by far the most significant stop for me during our entire trip. Of course, the natural beauty is absolutely stunning with its sheer cliffs covered with evergreen trees, but more importantly, my father and I visited these pools many years ago and created a warm memory I will not soon forget.

Official literature made available to tourists states simply that the pools were used by First Nations people more than two centuries ago for healing, but I always sensed a spiritual presence in this area. I may never know the true meaning of this place, but I find clues from time to time in my dreams. The spirits of this land remain with me, even when I travel a great distance away. Every year I feel drawn back, but only this once did I actually succeed in returning.

I'm so glad to have this chance to visit this place again and share this memory with my wife and children.

As sort of a novelty, I found out they named this place Radium Hot Springs because the water contains higher levels of radiation than any other spring in Canada. Fortunately, the radiation does not rise to a high enough level to be harmful to humans.