The Ktunaxa and Secwépemc peoples have longstanding connections to these springs, which they used as places of healing and rejuvenation. European settlers initially called them Sinclair Hot Springs, after James Sinclair, who led a group of families through the area in 1841.

In 1890, an Englishman named Roland Stuart acquired about 65 hectares of land, including the springs, for approximately $160. In 1914, researchers from McGill University discovered traces of radon in the water. The following year, Stuart renamed the springs "Radium." He also planned to bottle the water and sell it as medicine.

Stuart built a concrete pool and a log bathhouse in 1914. The property became part of Kootenay National Park in 1922, when the government acquired the land.

The original bathhouse was later replaced by a larger facility, which was destroyed by fire in 1949. Construction of a new building, called the Aquacourt, began afterward. It opened on May 19, 1951, at a cost of $958,653. More than 1,000 people attended the opening. Today, the Aquacourt is designated a Federal Heritage Building.

Parks Canada considered transferring the pools to a private company in 2012 but abandoned the plan in 2016. In 2024, it completed a $29 million renovation. More than 70 years after its opening, the historic Aquacourt continues to welcome visitors, although its facilities have been modernized over the years.

Radium Hot Springs Pools

The water comes out of the ground at 44°C (111°F). Approximately 1,700 liters flow from the spring every minute, carrying dissolved minerals. Staff cool the water so the hot pool stays between 37°C and 40°C (98–104°F).

My favorite spot is the round concrete "island" in the middle of the pool because the spring wells up right underneath it. You can also relax on the sloped concrete "beach" and look up at the surrounding cliffs. Sometimes, you can even spot bighorn sheep right from the pool.

The 25 m cool pool stays at about 27°C (81°F). It's great for swimming laps but too chilly for most people to sit in for long. There's also a small plunge pool where you can alternate between hot and cold water.
Here's a surprise: the water is clear and has almost no smell so that you won't notice the rotten-egg odor associated with some hot springs.

The water is filtered and treated with chlorine. What about the radon? Parks Canada considers the trace amounts of radioactivity in the water harmless, with levels lower than those associated with an old glow-in-the-dark watch dial.

Radium is also one of Canada's more wheelchair-accessible hot springs. You'll find a ramp into the hot pool, a pool lift for the cool pool, and two accessible change rooms. Ask at reception about the aquatic wheelchair. Personal wheelchairs cannot be used in the pool water.

Thunder or lightning can force the pools to close temporarily. If you've been in the water for 30 minutes or less when a closure occurs, you'll receive a rain check.

Juniper Trail offers a chance to explore the area around the pools. It follows the canyon rim, passes through grassland forest, and descends into Sinclair Canyon, where you can enjoy views of the surrounding cliffs.

For another walk, take the Redstreak Trail toward Redstreak Campground. The route between the pools and campground is approximately 2 km one way, with a noticeable elevation change. Allow about 1.5 hours for the return hike. Keep your eyes open for bighorn sheep and enjoy views of the Columbia Valley.

Next, drive north on Highway 93 to Marble Canyon and the orange-stained Paint Pots, or continue all the way to Banff.

Still want more hot water? Fairmont Hot Springs is just south of Radium down the valley.

Several motels are located right across the road from the pools, and you'll find plenty more accommodation options in the village.

Campers can stay at Redstreak Campground, which generally operates from mid-May to early October, and walk to the pools.

There is also a seasonal accommodation offer. From October 15 to December 15, 2026, some participating local motels offer two complimentary pool passes with a two-night stay booked directly with them. Check the participating properties and booking conditions before making a reservation.

👉 Check Radium Hot Springs hotel rates here