After Yoho National Park, the next park on my Parks Canada Discovery Pass quest was Kootenay National Park, also in British Columbia.
Driving To Kootenay National Park:
During my visit to the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, I would hear of massive forest fires raging in the area. Sometimes I would see a little haze, but nothing too bad. That all changed once I drove into Kootenay National Park.
Forest fire smoke chokes the sky
This leg of my trip would take me from Marble Canyon (Kootenay National Park) through the park to Radium Hot Springs, and then onto Pincher Creek, Alberta.
Getting to Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park:
Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park is located about 55 minutes from Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park
Hiking Marble Canyon:
The Marble Canyon hike is one of the most popular activities in Kootenay National Park. The hike itself is an easy 1.6 km out-and-back trail and will take you about .5 to 1 hour to complete. It is very easy and suitable for people of all ages and skill levels.
The hike starts from the parking lot at the trail-head (to the left of the restrooms). You begin by following Tokumm Creek up towards the canyon.
The Marble Canyon story
The beatiful blue-gray color of Tokumm Creek pops in the sunlight
Soon, you’ll arrive at a footbridge that gives you the first glimpse of Marble Canyon.
Marble Canyon
After climbing a few stairs, you’ll arrive at the top of the canyon walls. From this vantage point, you can see how deep the canyon really goes.
Looking down into the canyon
The view looking south down the trail
The trail will take you to a series of footbridges that criss-cross Marble Canyon in several places, taking you from one rim of the canyon to the other.
Smoke from the fires looms over Kootenay
The view northeast
A unique “rock-bench” on the west rim
The final footbridge takes you to the waterfall at the end of the trail.
Marble Canyon waterfall
The view above the falls
Final Thoughts On Hiking Marble Canyon:
Even with the choking smoke of the surrounding forest fires in the area, Marble Canyon was a thing of pure unexpected beauty. The hike itself – more like a walk – was a perfect little stop for a quick hike.
The self-guided hike allows as much or as little time as you want, I found myself staying longer than I planned. Hiking Marble Canyon is a must-do activity when you are in Kootenay National Park.
Cheers!
