Kootenay National Park experiences heavy winter precipitation that makes it ideal for snowshoeing, particularly in the northern section of the park. If it is your first time snowshoeing the Paint Pots trail is a good introduction. It’s an enjoyable trail that goes through a scenic area of the park.There is some minimal elevation gain prior to reaching the paint pots, but the majority of the trail covers level terrain.
Our snowshoeing into Kootenay National Park was a guided trip with Discover Banff Tours. They are a small locally owned and operated company that will pick you up at various hotel locations in Banff town. Since it was our first time snowshoeing it was nice to have someone show us how to do it. Our guide Alan was very knowledgable about the history and geology of the area. It was obvious he enjoys his job. Who wouldn’t? He gets to meet people from all over the world and take them outside to play in the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains.
The trail starts out going through a forest of Douglas Fir and Lodgepole Pine.
We found wearing and using the snowshoes a lot more natural than we expected.
Shortly into our walk our guide pointed out some tracks in the snow. They are from a Snowshoe Hare that has large flat feet. It was likely one of the animals that first inspired the creation of snow shoes.
The inspiring scenery of the area makes it ideal for photography.
The views around Vermillion River and the surrounding Vermillion Range are stunning.
Our guide digs away the snow to show us how rich the soil is in iron content.
Shortly after the trail crosses over the bridge on the Vermillion River it leads to a unique wonder of natural ponds. The paint pots are formed by the accumulation of iron oxide that bubbles up from the mineral springs. Prior to the 20th century they were a major source of ochre paint pigment for native tribes. They collected it to make paint for their pictographs, art, clothing and tipis and to use for trade. It was also used as ceremonial body paint. This area of mineral springs is still considered sacred by the First Nations people.
In the early 1900’s the commercial value of the ochre was recognized. It was dug by hand and hauled by horse-drawn wagons to the C.P.R. line at Castle Mountain. It was then shipped into Calgary for use as a pigment base for paint. More elaborate techniques were used in the 1920’s but were gradually phased out by the Parks Branch to protect the landscape.
We all help our guide to stamp out a snow bar to make maple taffy on and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
Alan starts to boil down the maple syrup. It gets poured on the snow and then starts to harden. You can easily roll it up on a wooden stick to eat. Yummy!
We spot more animal tracks. Due to the size and placement our guide thinks they might be of a cat, such as a lynx or bobcat.
Who’s idea was it to have a race? Looks like I won!
Paint Pots Trail Location
The Paint Pots trail is 3 km’s round trip. It’s located off Highway 93 South that runs between Castle Mountain junction and Radium, B.C. A sign on the highway marks the turn off for the rest area where the trail head is located. It’s approximately 19 km’s from the Castle Mountain junction and 82 km’s north of the Kootenay Park west gate.
Kootenay National Park Hiking And Walking Trails
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