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Canyon · Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia
Marble Canyon and Paint Pots
A narrow limestone canyon with bridges over the gorge and, nearby, iron-rich springs that stain the ground ochre, in Kootenay National Park.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Marble Canyon and Paint Pots
Marble Canyon is in the northern part of Kootenay National Park, beside Highway 93. Tokumm Creek has carved a narrow limestone gorge up to about 40 meters deep. A short trail follows the rim, crossing the canyon on bridges down to a waterfall at the bottom. The area was struck by a fire in 2003, and new forest is growing among the burned trunks.
A few kilometres to the south are the Paint Pots, cold springs rich in iron that stain the ground red, orange and yellow. The Ktunaxa people and others used this ochre clay to make paint for paintings and ceremonies. In the early 20th century the clay was even extracted and taken to Calgary.
The Paint Pots trail crosses the Vermilion River on a suspension bridge and passes through the ochre fields to the springs.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours for both.
Best time
From June to September, when the trails are free of snow.
How to get there
On Highway 93, about 85 km north of Radium Hot Springs and about 40 km from Castle Junction, near Banff.
Tip
Do both in the same stop: Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots are about 3 km apart.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Marble Canyon and Paint Pots
How deep is Marble Canyon?
Up to about 40 meters.
What are the Paint Pots?
Springs rich in iron that stain the ground ochre, an ochre used as paint by Indigenous peoples.
Are the Marble Canyon and Paint Pots trails long?
No; each takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.