A Western Canada Road Trip – Day 10
Known as the land of fire and ice, Kootenay National Park has it all. A land of contrasts with breathtaking alpine views, and vibrant blue waters rushing through a limestone canyon.
This is my experience spending a full day exploring Kootenay National Park in British Columbia. On the agenda for today was hiking the Stanley Glacier, and the Marble Canyon.
Hiking the Stanley Glacier in Kootenay National Park
First up was hiking the Stanley Glacier.
My boyfriend, Callum & I, decided to tackle the Stanley Glacier hike under a bright, sunny sky. The landscape felt a bit dry, probably because the sun was beating down on us, but hey, it was daytime after all! Now, this hike is rated as moderate, and I’d say that’s pretty spot-on. We managed to complete the whole thing, there and back, in just half a day – maybe everything just feels easier after conquering the Chief Hike, who knows?
For those who love stats (like me!), the Stanley Glacier hike clocks in at 10 kilometers out-and-back with 385 meters of elevation gain. The real reward? Reaching that stunning alpine basin! We even got to witness the glacier melting, creating a cascade of mini-waterfalls down the massive rocks – talk about a breathtaking sight! I’d definitely recommend this hike to anyone exploring Kootenay National Park.
Exploring Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park
Next, we drove over to Marble Canyon, and decided to enjoy our lunch in the parking lot, thanks to our trusty campervan. Seriously, having a kitchen on wheels is one of the best things about van life – plus, the one we rented fit perfectly in a normal parking spot. Woohoo.
With full bellies, we embarked on the Marble Canyon hike in the afternoon. The scenery was undeniably beautiful, but I have to admit, the crowds were a bit overwhelming. I can’t even imagine what it’s like during a normal year without COVID restrictions! Word to the wise: watch your step on this one, as the water on the rocks can make things a little slippery. Safety first.
Even with all the people, I couldn’t help but enjoy the hike. The vibrant, blue water crashing against the marble rock was a sight to behold – Mother Nature at her finest! The trail itself winds through a limestone gorge, with a manageable 65 meters of elevation gain and a short 1.4-kilometer out-and-back distance.
Comparing Hikes in Kootenay National Park: Stanley Glacier vs. Marble Canyon
Both hikes were relatively easy, but Marble Canyon definitely took the cake for easiest. I’d recommend both, though, for different reasons. Stanley Glacier offered stunning basin views within a mountain atmosphere, but was a moderate hike. It was longer, so you need half a day to complete if you are a beginner.
Marble Canyon impressed with its unique gorge, rushing waters and vibrant colours. If you are a beginner, I would recommend Marble Canyon for sure. The this takes no time at all, and you could complete it in an hour, taking your time. It’s just more crowded.
Our time in Kootenay National Park was definitely a highlight! I would have loved to soak in the Radium Hot Springs, but sadly they were closed due to COVID. I’m a sucker for a good hot spring. But, this is a reality with travel sometimes. Sometimes the things you want to see are closed, but all the more reason to go back.
As we packed up for the night, we knew it was our last in Kootenay. Tomorrow, we’d be venturing into Alberta – woohoo! New adventures awaited, and I couldn’t wait to see what Alberta had in store for us!
Prepare for your Trip
Learn
A few books, documentaries, and podcasts I recommend consuming before or during your trip to Canada 🇨🇦. Evolving Pop Culture Guide to Canada.
Discover the beauty of Canada’s westernmost province! Majestic mountains, adventurous hikes, serene lakes and more. British Columbia (BC) has a unique combination of mountains meeting the ocean. No matter the time of year, BC won’t disappoint! Learn more through from a Canadian through my British Columbia Travel Destination Guide.
