How to Spend a Week in Radium, Britsh Columbia
It was September 2024. Since my relationship had ended, instead of looking forward to a romantic couples trip, I was en route to yet another summer family vacation. The beginning of September is a great time to visit because while the crowds have left the sunshine has not.
This time were heading to Radium, BC. About a 6ish hour drive from our hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. Radium is a small, quaint mountain town with lots of activities nearby. There are lots of options for nearby hiking or water activities. You are likely to spot Bighorn sheep at some point during your trip.
Here is how our week together unfolded.
Driving in the mountains was the first part of the trip’s fun. It was a sunny day, and stretching out our legs with the mountains as the backdrop was an amazing feeling.
We stopped for an easy hike at Marble Canyon. This was a short easy walk where we were able to eat our lunch outside. It was super hot and we were melting so we sat near the creek to experience a bit of the cold air coming off the water. It had an incredible translucent blue-green color.
Where to Stay
We booked a condo at the Bighorn Meadows Resort. The suite was equipped with a kitchen and a view of the golf course which was located nearby. It had a pool and two hot tubs on site which we frequently visit nightly. In the mornings we would walk ten minutes to grab groceries or coffee and pastries for the day. Once in town, the tourist center provided options for milder day hikes.
The resort contains a golf course. We aren’t into golf, but we had dinner at the clubhouse one night and the views are spectacular. Here is a picture my mom took of me next to the clubhouse.
What to Eat
Our favorite restaurant is Birchwood Restaurant. I’d describe it as an intimate restaurant, upscale but caters to casual attire. Satisfying and fresh cuisine.
After a hot day in the sun, with plenty of cold swims, we ordered Indian takeout to bring back to the resort. We highly recommend The Spice Hut.
However, the ultimate foodie stop is Smokehouse 93. I can never tasted a juicer, more tender slice of brisket and we always order extra to take home for dinner on our drive home.
Hikes
A bit of a drive (under an hour) to get to this hike from our resort but it was well worth it. I have what I’m told by others as “too much energy” and hiking is something that seems to make me feel calm and peaceful. This hike is mild and has a few locations to stop and enjoy snacks or water if someone isn’t up for the full 10 km trek. My mother was shocked at how many wild mushrooms were growing. Picking mushrooms was something that she did as a child so the nostalgia of that brought her back to those times and she was kicking herself for not having a spare bag to collect mushrooms with. I did not remember foraging for mushrooms and am someone who might poison themselves by picking and eating the wrong ones. I know. I’m not a risk taker. I was not as excited by the plentiful of mushrooms, but if you know your stuff about picking mushrooms this is a great trail to do so.
Beach Time
About a fifteen-minute drive from Radium, you will find the town of Invermere. Invermere is a larger city with more amenities and a refreshing clean lake, Lake Windermere. I love spending time on the lake paddle boarding and swimming while taking breaks to read or nap in the sun.
Day Trip
We started our day with a short hike, the Hoodoo Trail, then planned on going to a natural hot spring and relaxing near a beautiful remote lake that was tucked deep in the mountains.
Next, we ventured to WhiteSwan Lake Park, which, FYI was after a bumpy gravel road, do not recommend it unless you have a durable vehicle! This road leads you to Lussier Creek Hot which contains a natural hot spring,
The hot springs were a nice way to relax after our morning hike and we alternated between hotter and colder pools of water.
After we finished our warm dips we drove on to stop at a lake. The lake contained a small camping stop and we parked at an empty lot and brought snacks and books to the dock where we enjoyed some more R&R. The lake had almost a neon blue color and being in such a remote area felt luxurious.
Other Activities
We usually go to the Radium Natural Hot Springs, but the timing didn’t work out for this trip. It was closed or we were too tired and opted for our resort pool and hot tub instead. It’s a nice place to soak and alternate in the swimming pool.
The is a hike nearby which we got somewhat lost on, then by following the sound of the creek found our way back.
The final day of our trip consisted of a quick hike to the ink pots followed by lunch in Banff.
UNANCHORED EVE 