A Stay at the Springs
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

The Radium Hot Springs Mineral Pool1

A lush picturesque landscape, rolling foothills, the mighty snow-capped peaks of the Rockies and a diverse wildlife population are just a few of the reasons why people flock to the Radium area. The main attraction, however, is the naturally occurring hot springs in the area. The hot springs complex itself has two main pools, one of them sitting at a refreshing 29° C (103° F) and the other more suitable for soaking at 39° C (114° F). Sinclair Canyon marks the entrance to the area and welcomes visitors when they pass through the narrows of its faults and crags. Radium also offers multiple world-class golf courses and close access to Lake Windermere.

TRANSPORTATION

The village of Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia rests in the Canada's East Kootenays where Highway 93 meets Highway 95. The townsite is 16 km (10 mi) north of Invermere, 105 km (65 mi) south of Golden, and 280 km (174 mi) east of Calgary. Access is gained by driving south on either Highway 95 or Highway 93 from the Trans-Canada Highway. From the United States, a trip northbound on Highway 95 will also bring visitors to the hot springs. Radium has a rarely used airfield that is adjacent to the townsite. Radium is also serviced by Greyhound Canada.

CLIMATE AND CONDITIONS

	Snowy Conditions Prevail in Winter2

Radium's busy season occurs during the warmer months from May to September. However, due to its proximity to numerous ski resorts, it does see a fair amount of action during the winter months also. During the summer months, it may be more difficult to find lodging, so phoning ahead is definitely recommended. Expect warmth during the summer months when it reaches a mean temperature of around 26º C (78º F). The winter months are much cooler, but temperatures don't often drop below -8º C (18º F). Throughout the winter months, visitors should expect ice and snow and should dress appropriately. Most of the area's precipitation occurs during the winter and the summer time, and there is less during the spring and fall.

USEFUL ACCOMMODATION LINKS FOR RADIUM

• Radium Accommodations Guide – This provides links to the the accommodation guide for Radium. It is categorized into hotels and motels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, extended stay suites, conference centres and more.
• Map of Radium – This interactive map shows Radium and the surrounding area.
• Hotel and Motel Room Search/Reservations – This gives the ability to securely book accommodations online.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hotels and Motels In and Around Town
All of Radium's accommodations are located directly in the township itself close to all of Radium's golf courses, fine dining and the famous hot springs. The springs are located less than a kilometre west along Forsters Landing Road. The mineral pools are only a few moments away by car, but sidewalks allow for visitors to simply walk there. The journey by foot takes about 30 minutes each way. After a long soak, spring-goers can look forward to a relaxing downhill walk all the way back to town.

There are various accommodations in town all near the intersection of the two highways leading into town. All amenities are located right in town; so any stay far from town means that it is usually farther away from dining establishments and other service providers.

African Theme Room at the Prestige3

Directly on the crux of the crossroads where Highway 95 and Highway 93 meet is the Prestige Radium Hot Springs. This hotel rests directly on the edge of the Kootenay National Park and is close to all the attractions offered by the park. They provide contemporary deluxe guest rooms and even theme suites. The theme rooms include Egypt, New York and African suites. All units come equipped with kitchenettes. On site, Prestige is home to an athletic and fitness club, the Bare Hands Day Spa, indoor swimming pool and a whirlpool. They provide complimentary Internet access to every guest as well.

The Chalet Europe is situated outside of town. From their perch, Radium and the entire Columbia Valley is visible. This secluded resort offers fireplaces and broadband Internet in every suite. The hotel also provides a whirlpool, an exercise facility, a guest laundromat, an outdoor barbecue and meeting area, complimentary coffee, a gift shop and fresh fruit for guests each morning. Private balconies in each suite provide a vantage point for one of the best panoramic views in the region. This is the perfect place to stay for someone seeking some peace, privacy and the silence provided by a pristine mountain landscape.

Stay By the Springs
At this point, there is only one accommodation located across from the springs, the Radium Hot Springs Lodge. They overlook the mineral pools below and offer a stunning view from their cliffhanger dining room. A lounge is also located in the lodge.

	Dozens of Golf Advenutres Abound in Radium4

Close to the Course
For great golfing in the area, many visitors test their skills by staying at the Piccadilly Motel. This hotel is on the west side of the village and provides golf packages to attend many of the golf courses in the area. Rooms at the Piccadilly are brightly decorated and come in one-two-or-three bedroom suites. They also offer a decadent luxury condo accommodation in the village to amp up the decadence.

ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS

Bed and Breakfasts
For those looking for a more intimate environment, the Radium Springs Bed and Breakfast is a nominal choice. Although it is a private residence on the western side of the village, the building is architecturally more similar to a Swiss ski lodge. It is conveniently located only five minutes walking distance from the Radium Hot Springs mineral pools. A full continental breakfast is supplied to guests every morning and a business centre is available for those who require it.

Like the lake? The Deere Ridge Bed and Breakfast can provide a memorable stay on the shores of Lake Windermere. Within driving distance of all the region's attractions, the lodge's accommodations are the perfect place to forget about the big city. Deere Ridge provides an assorted breakfast, complimentary hot and cold drinks, a barbecue, hot tubs, fireplaces and plush king-sized beds. Deere Ridge offers golf packages, romance bundles and even a specialty honeymoon suite.

The Patio at the Inn at Whistling Swan5

The Inn at Whistling Swan Manor is tucked in close to the town of Invermere. The design of each room at this bed and breakfast is inspired by the birds that inhabit the region's wetlands. A complete 360-degree view of the entire Columbia Valley and surrounding mountainscapes make for great photo opportunities. Deluxe suites at this bed and breakfast come equipped with full private ensuite bathrooms. Their property has a professionally groomed courtyard and an outdoor whirlpool.

Lodges and Resorts

	The Outdoor Wonderland that is the Kootenays6

In the expanse between Radium and Banff rests the secluded lodge and cabins of Nipika Mountain Resort. Guests have access to the resort's 53.8 ha (144 acre) wilderness property. Evergreen glades and over 50 km (31 mi) of groomed hiking trails in and around the site make this spot the ultimate mountain getaway. They provide a large mountain lodge with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. For smaller parties, Nipika offers six rustic cabins with either one or two bedrooms each. They provide fireplaces in each unit to keep guests warm during the winter months.

Golfers usually prefer to stay at the Bighorn Meadows Resort. It sits in the middle of a platinum-class championship golf course. Suites are decorated with gorgeous earthen tones and contemporary modern furniture. The resort also features a spa, a whirlpool, ski and snowboard packages for Panorama and Kicking Horse Mountain, adventure packages and a great deal more.

Vacation Home Rentals
For visitors to the area seeking their own vacation home, Radium Vacation Rentals can provide an excellent venue. Their new condominium complex is situated between the Canadian Rockies, the Columbia River Valley and the mighty Purcell Mountains. One-two-and-three bedroom condos are all available; they are all privately owned. Each unit has five appliances and complete place settings for six to 12 guests. Every condo has a patio with a barbecue, cable television, DVD players and stereo systems. The complex itself provides guests with an outdoor pool, two spas and a recreational building.

Hostel Accommodations
For travellers not wanting to break the bank with a stay in Radium, hostel accommodations are available from the Radium International Hostel. It is located right at the gates of the town at the Misty River Lodge. They provide three separate bunk-style dorm rooms that provide lodgings for four to six people. Two couples' rooms are also available. They offer a bicycle rental service for those seeking to explore the area on two wheels instead of four. A large barbecue patio offers enough room to hang out and relax with friends during the summer months. Rates here are very reasonable.

Campgrounds

Keep a Watchful Eye Out for Wildlife7

On the outer mantle of the Kootenay National Park and close to where Highway 93 and Highway 95 intersect are the 250 different sites available for campers at Redstreak Campgrounds. This campground is set in woodlands and is surrounded on every side by hundreds of mighty pines and conifers. Here visitors are provided with running water and basic amenities. There is a playground on site and a sani-centre, but what draws most to this campground is its proximity to both the national park and the town of Radium.

Between the Trans-Canada Highway and Radium on Highway 93 rests the Mountain Shadows Resort, which got its name from the expansive mountain peaks surrounding its location. This campground draws folks with RVs. They offer a 30 amp service and firepits at each site. Being half-way along Highway 93 puts visitors in the unique position to visit both Radium Hot Springs, the Kootenay National Park and the Banff National Park all from one launching point.

Other notable campsites in the area include the sites situated at the Dry Gulch Provincial Park, Spur Valley Golf Resort with access to a wide range of the area's golf resorts and the Canyon RV Resort on Sinclair Creek, which boasts 107 sites.

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PHOTO COURTESY

1. c/o Wikipedia Commons; The Radium Hot Springs Mineral Pool; Radium Hot Springs, BC, Canada
2. Snowy Conditions Prevail in Radium During the Winter Months.
3. c/o Prestige Radium Hot Springs; The African Theme Room at the Prestige; Radium Hot Springs, BC, Canada
4. Dozens of Opportunities for Golf Adventures are Available in Radium.
5. Lisa Pintaric; c/o The Inn at Whistling Swan Manor; The Outdoor Patio at the Inn; Radium Hot Springs, BC, Canada
6. The Outdoor Paradise that is the Kootenay National Park.
7. Radium is Home to an Overabundance of Wildlife.