5 Best Sights in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia

This day-use picnic area with accessible picnic tables and restrooms allows for the unique experience of standing on the dividing line between the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. The trailhead for the Fireweed Loop trails is here, a ½-km (.3-mile) and a 2-km (1.2-mile) loop trail with minimal elevation gain, where you can walk through a quiet forest and read the interpretive signs that tell the story of the region after the 1968 wildfire.

As the only day-use area in the park with small playground climbing structures, if you have children, you won't want to drive past this rest area. There are also several interpretive signs explaining how Parks Canada is helping wildlife (including bears, wolves, cougars, and ungulates) stay safe with the construction of underpasses and fencing. Read the signs before walking through Dolly Varden underpass (there are nine of them in the park) that the animals use to cross the highway to access important habitat and connect with mates. The site also has picnic tables and toilets.

This picnic site is located right next to rushing waterfalls; a very short walk brings you to the bridge that crosses in front of them. There are toilets and an abundance of picnic tables.

As the name indicates, the strong green color of this lake is stunning. Immediately next to the parking lot, there are a shelter, picnic tables, and outhouses, with other tables scattered throughout the forest. A hike on the interpretive lakeshore boardwalk trail takes you through the forest around the lake, where you can often see brook trout leisurely swimming in the crystal-clear water. 

Located directly across from the Kootenay Park Lodge, this beautiful picnic area is just off the highway with ample parking, outhouses, and tables placed along the scenic banks of the fast-flowing Vermilion River.