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We
live in a glorious area. Radium is located in the Columbia Valley
which hosts the headwaters of the Columbia River. We have the
longest freshwater marshlands in North America. We are also the
center for exploring the spectacular country of the North Purcell
Mountain Range, the western slope of the Canadian Rockies and
the Bugaboo Mountain Range. The Bugaboos are massive granite monoliths
that poke above the glacial moat surrounding them. Radium also
borders Kootenay National Park which is one of the best kept secrets
as it is the least known of the Canadian National Parks. Where
else in Canada could you find both cactus and glaciers?
The
Columbia Valley is one of the provinces most spectacular and diverse
recreational areas. There is more vacation variety to be found
here then almost anywhere in the world. Check out our links as
we are continually updating and adding more of the wonderful activities
there are in this valley.
John
and I both love the outdoors and the beautiful hikes of our valley.
In 1978 John climbed Mount McKinley and has since covered many
trails either by foot or by ski. I belong to a local hiking group
and have listed some of our most favourites in the hope that you
too will catch a vision of the beauty and “take a hike”
in our most impressive mountain area.
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Kindersley
Pass
- Time:
5 hour circuit
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Elevation Gain – 1055 m (3,450 ft)
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10 min drive from Chalet Europe
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One
of the most scenic day trips in the Kootenay National Park.
Beautiful forest, open slide paths, high alpine ridges. 10
kms of steady uphill. A moderately difficult hike.
It
is a beautiful circuit and the trail brings you back to
the Highway just a 1 km downhill walk back to your car.
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Floe
Lake
- Time:
3 to 4 hours one way
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Elevation Gain – 415m (2,350 ft)
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40 min drive from Chalet Europe
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Floe
Lake is named for the miniature icebergs that often float
in the turquoise lake that is nestled at the bottom of the
cliff. The trail to this hanging valley begins near the Vermillion
River. It is one of the most popular hikes in the Kootenays. |
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Burgess
Shale
- Time:
10 hrs
- Distance:
20 kms (12 mi)
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Elevation Gain – 760 m (2,500 ft)
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1 hr 40 min drive from Chalet Europe
Cost:
$58.85 per person, $26.75 per child (under 12) (includes
GST and a one-year subscription to the Foundation newsletter,
Marrella.)
Friday,
Saturday, Sunday, Monday
8:00 AM MDT
Meet at the Yoho Brothers' Trading Post
(Field/Trans Canada Hwy intersection).
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High
in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is a fossil find of epic
proportions, The Burgess Shale - believed to be "the
world’s most significant fossil discovery"!
Discovered
in 1909 in Yoho National Park by Charles D. Walcott, the
Burgess Shale provides a glimpse of what life was like before
we can remember.
Just
imagine…
5-eyed Opabinia, with an elephant-like trunk with fierceclaw
at its end.. or,
strange Dinomischus, looking more like a flower than an
animal… or,
Anomalocaris, the largest of these ancient animals, and
terror of the Cambrian seas… or,
beautiful Marrella, the “lace crab”, and most
common fossil in the Walcott quarry… or,
modest Pikaia, looking like a worm, but in fact a primitive
chordate, and our oldest known ancestor!
The
Burgess Shale fossils are special because of their great
age, and their exquisite preservation.
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Mt.
Stephen Fossil Beds
- Time:
6 hrs
- Distance:
6 kms (3.6 mi)
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Elevation Gain – 780 m (2,560 ft)
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1 hr 40 min drive from Chalet Europe
Cost:
$26.75 per person, $16.05 per child (under 12) (includes
GST and a one-year subscription to the Foundation newsletter,
Marrella.)
Saturday,
Sunday
10:00 AM MDT
Meet at the Yoho Brothers' Trading Post
(Field/Trans Canada Hwy intersection).
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The
Mt. Stephen trilibite beds were discovered in 1886, after
railway workers reported finding 'stone bugs' in the area.
Learn about the life habits of trilobites and current research
on why they occur here in such abundance.
This
is a great hike for inquisitive children, who love to examine
the relative large, easily recognized fossils.
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The
word ‘‘bugaboo’’ is a term used by miners.
To describe a dead end mineral lead.
Any
of these hikes are into the most beautiful area of the country
–
A
MUST SEE !
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Bugaboo
Conrad Cain Hut Hike
- Time:
2 to 3 hrs (one way)
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Distance: 4.6 k (2.8 miles)
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Elevation Gain: 660 m (2050 ft)
- 75
min drive from Chalet Europe
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This
hike is located in one of the most alpine climbing areas
in North America. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
Beautiful hike along the side of a glacier all day. It has
spectacular scenery throughout.
Special
Interest Fact
Conrad Cain was the most famous of the European guides who
came to Canada in the early 1900's. His legacy includes
many first assents including Mt. Robson and Bugaboo Spire
(which he felt was the most difficult) He also made his
home here in the Valley.
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Cobalt
Lake
- Time:
4 to 5 hours
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Distance: 8.5 km. (5.2miles)
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Elevation Gain: 465 m. (1441 ft)
- 75
min drive from Chalet Europe
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Welsh
Lakes
- Time:
1.5 to 2.5 hrs
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Distance: 3.9 km (2.4 mi)
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Elevation Gain: 465 km (1441 ft)
- 1
hour drive from Chalet Europe
Welsh
Lakes is a set of four beautiful turquoise coloured lakes.
Set in a rugged alpine basin between the granite summits
of the Welsh and Irish peaks.
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Lake
of the Hanging Glacier
- Time:
3 hours
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Distance: 8 km (4.8 mi)
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Elevation Gain: 720 m (2232 ft)
The
Lake-of-the-Hanging-Glacier presents an outstanding scenic
vista, encircled by rugged peaks. The sharp glacial tongue,
some 2.5 km from the north shore, and small floating icebergs
add to the spectacular panorama. Above and behind the lake
are the glaciated Lieutenant peaks, to the right is Glacier
Dome, and to the left, Granite Peak and Mount Maye.
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Jumbo
Pass
- Time:
2 hrs
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Distance: 3.8 km (2.3 miles)
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Elevation Gain: 595m (1844 ft)
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The
views are among the best in the Purcell Mountains with several
major glacier systems and numerous towering peaks dominating
the backdrop. |
Red
Streak Campground Trail – This trail leads from
our back door at the Chalet Europe through the Kootenay National
Park to the door of the Radium Hot Springs. It is a 45 minutes
walk. The trail contours on the side of the mountain slope. Lush
vegetation, Sinclair Canyon Lookout, a walk through Silence Peace
Park and steps down to the Hot Springs and the Food Court.
Special
Interest Fact
The
Place of Silence Peace Park – this special place is one of
at least 385 peace parks across Canada designed to create more
public awareness of our Commitment to world peace and environmental
protection. It was also used by first nations long before Canada
became a nation. This was a sacred place for aboriginal peoples.
Boys on the verge of manhood came to this spot as part of the
vision quest, a period of fasting and meditation, seeking a sign
from guardian spirits called ‘nipikas”
You
can also continue this hike on the opposite side of the Hot Springs
by joining up with the Juniper Trail.
The trail is another 3.2 km and follows the north rim of the canyon
to spectacular views of the Columbia Valley and mountains beyond.
Another
way is to walk along the sidewalk along the highway through Sinclair
canyon and back to town. Sinclair canyon with it high narrow rock
wall is perhaps the most spectacular entrance to any National
Park in Canada. There is also a lookout along the way overlooking
the waterfall in Sinclair Creek.
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Redstreak
Creek
- Time:
1 – 1.5 hours round trip
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Distance: 2.4 km (1.4 mi)
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Elevation Gain: 50 m (155 ft)
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Very
nice family hike, relaxing walk through a forested environment.
Unique gorge environment with Douglas fir and lodgepole pine. |
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Lake
Enid
- Time:
30 min - 1 hr round trip
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Distance: 2.3 km (1.4 mi)
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Relatively flat trail around the lake
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Very
nice family outing, picnic tables, fishing, trail circles
the lake. There has been a recent fire in the area and there
is new growth. Makes for interesting burn study. |
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Pedley
Pass
- Time:
1 to 2 hours
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Distance: 1.9 km (app. 1 mile)
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Elevation Gain: 300 m (930 ft)
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It
is also referred to as bumpy meadows as it has a unique meadow
covered with large grassy bumps. It is a short well defined
trail that allows easy access to the sub alpine pass. |
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Hoodoos
Trail
- Time:
1 hr
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Distance: 2.9 km (1.8 miles)
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Elevation Gain: 95m (295 ft)
- 20
min drive from Chalet Europe
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The
trail offers excellent views. The wind has carved 120 m high
cliffs into many intricate and eccentric shapes which are
referred to as Hoodoos. There is also a view of the entire
Columbia Lake and the Fairmont mountain range. |
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Mt.
Swansea Lookout
- Time:
15 - 25 min
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Distance: 0.5 km (3/4 mile)
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Elevation Gain: 100 m (310 ft)
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This
lookout provides an extensive panorama of the Purcell Range.
This mountain is internationally known as a premier hang gliding
launch. |
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