# Hot springs, wide valleys and ice-hockey towns: by motorhome through the Kootenay Rockies

> From Radium Hot Springs through the Columbia Valley to Fernie: around 330 kilometres between the Rocky Mountains and the Purcell Mountains, with warm water…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-071-kootenay-rockies-radium/

**At a glance:** 5-day road trip of about 260 km (162 mi) with 8 stops, from Radium Hot Springs to Fernie. About 2 h 53 min of driving in total. From Radium Hot Springs through the Columbia Valley to Fernie: around 330 kilometres between the Rocky Mountains and the Purcell Mountains, with warm water after every stage.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 260 km (162 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 53 min |
| Suggested days | 5 |
| Stops | 8 |
| Route | Radium Hot Springs → Fernie |
| Provinces | BC |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*From Radium Hot Springs through the Columbia Valley to Fernie: around 330 kilometres between the Rocky Mountains and the Purcell Mountains, with warm water after every stage.*

## The spirit of the route

The Columbia Valley lies broad and flat between two mountain ranges, and in the morning mist rises from the wet meadows where Canada geese and bald eagles stand. At Radium the road squeezes through the red rock of Sinclair Canyon, and bighorn sheep stand on the tarmac and let the motorhome pass as if it were their territory. Further south lakes, golf courses and hot pools alternate; in Kimberley it smells of pines and bratwurst, in Fort Steele of horse manure and wood smoke. Highway 3 at Fernie then leads into the coal country of the Elk Valley, where the Rocky Mountains rise vertically from the valley floor. The region suits campers who like short stages, thermal pools and a full moon over a lake; the distances are manageable, the mountains high, and the weather changes faster than the timetable.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Radium Hot Springs to Invermere (approx. 30 km)

- **The drive:** From Radium on Highway 93/95 through Sinclair Canyon, then into the open Columbia Valley. The road is well built; in built-up areas the limit is 50 km/h, outside mostly 80–100. Pure driving time is about 30 minutes, and the stage is short to leave time for the thermal pools and the lakes. Wildlife: bighorn sheep, deer and elk at the roadside, especially at dusk.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Radium Hot Springs Pools (Kootenay National Park, Parks Canada): thermal pools in a rock gorge; check opening times, prices and access at parks.canada.ca. Parking on site is limited, so arrive early with large vehicles.
  - Sinclair Canyon: a narrow rock gorge with reddish walls; the entrance to the park gate is right behind it. Bighorn sheep often stand at the roadside.
  - Invermere and Lake Windermere: waterfront promenade, marina and cafés; the lake is warm enough for swimming in summer, and paddling and stand-up paddling are possible.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Redstreak Campground (Kootenay National Park, Parks Canada) above Radium: a large campground with sites of varying facilities, some with electricity and water; reserve in advance at reservation.parks.canada.ca, as it books up early in summer. Check vehicle lengths and facilities beforehand. Alternatively Dry Gulch Provincial Park (BC Parks) north of Invermere on Highway 93/95 with simple facilities, or Windermere Lake Provincial Park on the lake (reservations at camping.bcparks.ca).
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In British Columbia camping on Crown land is generally permitted for up to 14 days, but in the Columbia Valley it is often marked as grazing or private land. The forest roads in the Purcell and Rocky Mountain foothills offer simple options; grizzly and black bear country, so keep food sealed at night.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The park pass for Kootenay National Park is due on entering, even if you only visit the springs; check prices and any surcharges for visitors from abroad at parks.canada.ca. If you are only passing through, stop only at designated places; check the rules for through travellers with Parks Canada beforehand.

### Stage 2: Invermere to Fairmont Hot Springs (approx. 30 km)

- **The drive:** On Highway 93/95 along the Columbia Valley to the south, past Columbia Lake and the village of Fairmont. The road is well built, traffic moderate. Pure driving time is about 30 minutes, and the stage leaves room for walks in the Columbia Wetlands and for a bath.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Columbia Valley Wetlands: extensive wetlands on the Columbia River, known for waterfowl, beavers and eagles; observation spots at the edge of the highway, and binoculars are worthwhile.
  - Fairmont Hot Springs Resort: thermal pools in the village with a pool and camping; as a private operation it has its own prices and rules, so find out beforehand.
  - Wilmer and Panorama: small places with lakes and walking trails, short detours from the main route.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Windermere Lake Provincial Park (BC Parks) on Lake Windermere: a campground by the lake, simple but well located; reserve at camping.bcparks.ca and check the length limit beforehand. In and around Fairmont there are several private RV parks with electricity and water, some with access to thermal pools; book early in summer.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Around Columbia Lake there are a few Recreation Sites, some only for small vehicles; Crown land camping up to 14 days, and check access roads and fire bans beforehand.
- **Insider tip for campers:** In summer the water in the pools is very hot, so take drinking water. For motorhomes it is easier to take a site with hook-ups and go to the springs by bicycle or shuttle.

### Stage 3: Fairmont Hot Springs to Kimberley (approx. 110 km)

- **The drive:** On Highway 93/95 past Canal Flats to Fort Steele, then on Highway 95A to Kimberley. The road is mostly two or three lanes without difficult gradients; speeds 90–100 km/h. Pure driving time is just under two hours, a full day with stops. On the way, fuel stations are limited in Canal Flats and Fort Steele, and plentiful in Kimberley and Cranbrook.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Fort Steele Heritage Town: a historic settlement from the gold rush era with buildings, costumed interpreters and a steam train; check opening times, admission and seasonal events beforehand.
  - Kimberley Platzl: a Bavarian-style pedestrian zone with Canada’s largest free-standing cuckoo clock (the town’s claim); a good café and a stroll.
  - Cominco Gardens and Kimberley Nature Park: flower gardens and walking trails, accessible for campers via short roads; check admission and opening times.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Wasa Lake Provincial Park (BC Parks) at Wasa, about 25 km from Kimberley: a campground on a warm lake, simple facilities; reserve at camping.bcparks.ca. In and around Kimberley there are private RV parks and municipal sites, some with hook-ups (check names, opening and facilities beforehand); reserve beforehand in summer. State vehicle lengths when booking.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In the area around Kimberley and Fort Steele there are Recreation Sites and forest roads; Crown land up to 14 days, and observe wildfire and bear rules.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The road to Kimberley goes via Marysville and Highway 95A; for large motorhomes the narrow streets in the town centre are difficult, so park at the edge and walk into the Platzl. Fill up with water in Kimberley, and clarify dump stations beforehand.

### Stage 4: Kimberley to Cranbrook (approx. 30 km)

- **The drive:** A short stage on Highway 95A to Cranbrook, mostly flat, with views of the Purcell Mountains. Pure driving time is about 30 minutes. Cranbrook is the largest town in the region and is suited to shopping, fuel and a garage.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Canadian Museum of Rail Travel in Cranbrook: original carriages of the 1929 Trans-Canada Limited, open to visit; check opening times beforehand.
  - Idlewild Park: a small city park with a pond and birdlife, ideal for a break.
  - Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park: beach and walking trail by the lake, only a few kilometres from Cranbrook.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park (BC Parks): a small campground by the lake, simple facilities, reservations at camping.bcparks.ca; check vehicle lengths. In Cranbrook there are several private RV parks with hook-ups; book early in summer.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Around Cranbrook there is Crown land with Recreation Sites and forest roads; observe wildfire and bear rules, 14 days maximum.
- **Insider tip for campers:** In Cranbrook refill gas cylinders, buy food and use a dump station: the Elk Valley beyond has less choice. Check tyres and brakes before the drive, as longer climbs begin beyond.

### Stage 5: Cranbrook to Fernie (approx. 100 km)

- **The drive:** On the Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3) east through forest and pasture, then into the Elk Valley. The road is mostly two-lane with passing sections, speeds 90–100 km/h; pure driving time is about one and a quarter hours. In Fernie the Lizard Range and the rock face of Mount Fernie tower over the town. Wildlife crosses especially at dusk.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Fernie Alpine Resort and Fernie Heritage Library: mountain scenery above the town; the historic old town with brick houses and mountain views is an easy stroll.
  - Hosmer Mountain and Fernie Hoodoos: viewpoints and short hikes, some with climbs; check the route beforehand on maps or at the tourist information.
  - Elk River: fly fishing and paddling; ask in Fernie about fishing licences and rules.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Mount Fernie Provincial Park (BC Parks) on the edge of Fernie: a campground in the forest on the Elk River, simple facilities, reservations at camping.bcparks.ca; check vehicle lengths beforehand. In addition there are private RV parks in and around Fernie, some with full hook-ups. Very popular in summer, so book early.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In the Elk Valley there are many Recreation Sites on forest roads; access roads are partly steep and narrow, so observe coal-mining areas and closures. Crown land up to 14 days; bears are frequent.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Fernie is the starting point for continuing over the Crowsnest Pass into Alberta; if you want to go on, fill up with fuel and water beforehand. High water in early summer and wildfire smoke in late summer can change plans.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- On Crown land in British Columbia camping is usually permitted for up to 14 days in one place, provided no signs or protected areas forbid it; provincial parks and Parks Canada lands do not allow it. Car parks, rest areas and roadsides are not meant for overnight stays.
- In summer campfire bans and smoking bans from the BC Wildfire Service often apply; check the status daily, as violations are expensive.
- Recreation Sites and Trails BC operates simple sites with a toilet, often free of charge or for a small fee; access roads are often unsuitable for large motorhomes.
- Wildlife: black and grizzly bears, moose, elk and bighorn sheep; keep food sealed at night, keep your distance from animals and carry bear spray.
- Apps: iOverlander, Campendium, BC Parks (camping.bcparks.ca), Parks Canada (reservation.parks.canada.ca) and DriveBC for road conditions.
- On Parks Canada lands (Kootenay National Park) overnight stays are only permitted at designated sites, and stopping is restricted to designated places; check the current rules with Parks Canada.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Fresh water and dump stations are found in Radium, Invermere, Cranbrook, Kimberley and Fernie as well as at some campgrounds; ask in advance via an app or at visitor centres.
- Tap water in Canada is drinkable; use stream water only filtered or boiled.
- Never discharge grey water into streams; empty the chemical toilet only at dump stations.
- Propane at fuel stations and specialist dealers; European cylinders need adapters, and rental motorhomes have permanently installed tanks.
- Fuel: fuel stations in Radium, Invermere, Canal Flats, Kimberley, Cranbrook, Fernie; thin away from the towns, so plan your range.
- Electricity: hook-ups in private RV parks are usually 30 or 50 A (120 V); ask the site for details.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits in km/h: Highways 93/95 and 3 mostly 90–100, built-up areas 50, reduced at roadworks. Animals crossing the road especially at dusk.
- Tolls: none. Vehicle height normally up to 4.15 m.
- Parks: BC Parks reservations at camping.bcparks.ca up to four months in advance; Parks Canada reservation and Discovery Pass for Kootenay National Park, check current fees and any surcharges for foreign visitors at parks.canada.ca.
- Winter tyres are required on signed BC highways from 1 October, until 31 March or 30 April depending on the route; check the Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3) and Hwy 93 in snow.
- Weather and season: summer warm to hot, wildfire season from July to September with smoke, autumn colours in September; spring with high water on rivers.
- Traffic law: turning right on red after stopping is permitted, except where prohibited; using a phone while driving is prohibited; alcohol in the vehicle only if sealed. A German driving licence is sufficient, an international one is recommended.
- Emergency: 911; mobile coverage in valleys is patchy, so download offline maps.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Swimwear and a towel close at hand: after almost every stage there is a thermal pool or a warm lake.
- Bear spray and a cool box with a tight lid: black and grizzly bears are active in the valley and on the slopes.
- Binoculars for bighorn sheep, bald eagles and waterfowl in the Columbia Wetlands.
- Offline maps and printed reservations: in the Purcells and the Elk Valley reception drops out.
- Extra water canisters and gas adapters: Recreation Sites have no drinking water, and European gas cylinders cannot be refilled.
- Warmer layers: nights in the high valley can be cool even in summer, especially in September.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Radium Hot Springs** (BC)
2. **Invermere** (BC)
3. **Fairmont Hot Springs** (BC)
4. **Canal Flats** (BC)
5. **Fort Steele** (BC)
6. **Kimberley** (BC)
7. **Cranbrook** (BC)
8. **Fernie** (BC)

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Hot springs, wide valleys and ice-hockey towns: by motorhome through the Kootenay Rockies?**
5-day road trip of about 260 km (162 mi) with 8 stops, from Radium Hot Springs to Fernie. About 2 h 53 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Hot springs, wide valleys and ice-hockey towns: by motorhome through the Kootenay Rockies?**
We suggest 5 days: about 2 h 53 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Hot springs, wide valleys and ice-hockey towns: by motorhome through the Kootenay Rockies start and end?**
It starts in Radium Hot Springs and ends in Fernie.

**Which provinces does Hot springs, wide valleys and ice-hockey towns: by motorhome through the Kootenay Rockies pass through?**
British Columbia.

**When is the best time for Hot springs, wide valleys and ice-hockey towns: by motorhome through the Kootenay Rockies?**
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)