British Columbia’s East Kootenay Mountains Get a Refresh

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world of travel changed almost overnight. Restrictions were implemented, hospitality and tourism businesses closed, others opened, and still others made a pivot.

One result was a revival of domestic travel in Canada, as people discovered gems in their own regions. Interest in the outdoors saw a spike and there’s been a significant push for sustainable and responsible tourism, with travellers favouring off-the-beaten-path destinations and businesses that use environmentally conscious practices.

Destinations in the East Kootenays, like the towns of Golden and Radium Hot Springs, sustained strong visitation throughout those difficult times. As normalcy returns, visitors from outside the province are entering the area, and more are expected in 2025 and beyond. Here’s an update on what’s new in both those places, and in their neighbouring national parks, Yoho and Kootenay.

What’s New in Radium Hot Springs

Kylie Steedman, Media and Communication Specialist for Travel Columbia Valley, says, “We noticed a rise in the popularity of our hiking trails, golf, biking, disc golf, and other outdoor sports through COVID.” People were able to spread out and safely recreate.

Businesses offering sports equipment like bicycles and kayaks saw an unprecedented spike in sales during the pandemic. Phil Gorman, owner of Far Out Gear Rentals, which provides bike, e-bike, and kayak/canoe rentals, says, “Since COVID, everybody has their own equipment, but they now need shuttles to get them places.” Gorman has pivoted in that direction to offer more transportation options to get visitors to trails and rivers.

Screamers Ice Cream Cafe, which has operated for 25 years in the same location, was acquired by new owners during the pandemic. They undertook a complete redesign of the inside space into a retro 1950s-’60s theme. The menu expansion includes a hot breakfast option, such as a breakfast sandwich or quiche.

Radium Brewing, which opened in 2021, had its building plans in motion before the pandemic and has relied on the enthusiastic support of residents to keep going. Although the brewery has snacks, they encourage customers to bring in food/takeout from other restaurants, like their neighbour, the Snack Bar. Also opened in 2021, the Snack Bar, is a grab-and-go style restaurant serving poutine, fish and chips, and hot dogs.

From an eco-perspective, Radium Brewing’s taproom and brewing area are net zero as its owners have found modern ways to lower the business’s carbon footprint. Extra thick panels on the roof reduce energy usage while brewing vessels are specifically designed by Brewha equipment to reduce water usage.

Another new eco-minded culinary business is Steamboat Lounge & Forage, which aims to be carbon neutral. Opened in June 2024, Steamboat was built to offer an elevated dining experience, with nourishing dishes made from sustainable ingredients. The attached retail shop, opening soon, will sell quality Canadian goods.

At the end of 2022, Destination British Columbia and Travel Columbia Valley worked with tourism operators in an Experience Development Program to hone their offerings. Of the initiative, ACMG-certified guide and owner of Playwest Mountain Experience Chris Skinner says, “It’s been a long process, but incredibly valuable and a game-changer from a business perspective.” Skinner has added more availability for half-day family-friendly trips, which became popular during the pandemic.

What’s New in Golden

As a destination focused on outdoors activities and adventure, Golden also saw less of an impact from lockdowns because people wanted and needed to get outside. “Honestly, most of our businesses haven’t had to pivot too much since COVID”, says Andy Brown, Communication Manager for Tourism Golden.

However, at one local restaurant, Reposados Tacos, the small space didn’t allow it to fit many people, so its owners added a takeout window in the summer and it stuck. In the winter, they utilized their patio and added cozy, heated plastic igloos to separate groups. The alteration was so popular, Reposados still does it every winter.

In 2021, as a result of a three-year river-dike improvement project to protect Golden from flooding and to improve the riverfront space between the downtown core and the tributary, the town redeveloped the alleyway that ran next to the Kicking Horse River into the “River Walk”. The owners of the Golden Bakery took that opportunity to redevelop some of their space into Rooms at Riveredge, five boutique-style accommodations that face onto the River Walk.

Joel Falardeau and Daphnee St. Pierre, previous managers of the Double Black Cafe at Kicking Horse Resort, decided to strike out on their own when the health crisis was over and they were able to secure a location for their new endeavour. Ethos Cafe opened between the newly built OSO condos in Golden. Their sourdough journey, like many others, began during the pandemic and they now provide a locally sourced, sustainable menu that includes their fresh bread. Get there early if you want a table, and a must-try is the Yuzu Avocado Toast.

What’s New in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks

Canadians took to the outdoors en masse when lockdown restrictions eased. Parks Canada statistics show that there was a 27% year-over-year increase in visitation in 2021-22 (21.6 million visitors). The 2022-23 period witnessed another increase to 22.5 million visitors.

“We’re seeing more congestion, and it’s become even more important to reserve campsites, guided hikes, and other park activities to avoid disappointment,” says Ian Parker, Promotions Officer for Lake Louise, Yoho Kootenay Field Unit. Visitors should have flexible itineraries and a backup plan should they be unable to get to their desired destination. You can find important bulletins with details about seasonal closures and restrictions for Yoho and Kootenay online.

In a summer 2024 bulletin, Parks Canada asked the public to help stop the spread of whirling disease, which is caused by a parasite that affects fish like trout, salmon, and whitefish. The parks agency says the public can help by complying with the closure of all water bodies in Yoho and Kootenay national parks. “There is no treatment for whirling disease,” says Parker, “and once established it is very difficult to eradicate.”

Due to increasing tourism in the parks, the management plan is working to implement tools and improvement to infrastructure and services to ensure the visitor offer is sustainable. For example, a new trail alignment was constructed in the fall of 2023 between the Village of Field and the Stephen Creek footbridge.

In Kootenay National Park, tri-lingual interpretive panels in the Indigenous language, Secwépemc, along with English and French versions, were installed on the Redstreak Campground trail in Radium. Also, in consultation with Indigenous partners, approximately 175 metres (575 feet) of raised boardwalk was constructed on the Paint Pots trail to address previously poor conditions on a section of muddy, saturated terrain.

Parks Canada has provided funding along with other partners for the development of a wildlife crossing structure on Highway 93/95 near Radium Hot Springs to support the safe crossing of the resident Bighorn sheep population.