Hike to the world renowned Burgess Shale near Stanley Glacier, and then relax in the comfort of an oTENTik
Radium Hot Springs, B.C. – On behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay–Columbia, announced new hiking and camping opportunities in Kootenay National Park. Located less than two hours from Calgary, Alberta, Kootenay National Park boasts a wide variety of activities for all ages and levels of outdoor experience.
Guided hikes are now available to the world renowned Burgess Shale fossil site near Stanley Glacier in northern Kootenay National Park. This hike guides visitors through expansive fire swept forests, crosses a turquoise river, passes by waterfalls and gives close-up views of the Stanley Glacier. Hold a piece of earth’s history in your hand and make a fossil rubbing to take home. Visitors will learn about the “Stan animal,” a 505 million year old predator recently discovered here.
Parks Canada has invested in a new camping offer in Kootenay National Park at Redstreak Campground, adjacent to the village of Radium Hot Springs. oTENTiks – a cross between a tent and a rustic cabin – are the perfect type of accommodation for all ages to discover the joys of camping. Cozy with the comforts of home, each oTENTik site comes complete with Adirondack chairs and a picnic table. End a day of hiking to the Burgess Shale fossil beds near Stanley Glacier next to a campfire at your oTENTik site.
Through initiatives like these, Parks Canada is supporting Canada’s National Conservation Plan (NCP) by taking concrete action to connect Canadians to nature. In addition, the ongoing work of Parks Canada and programs – like the Xplorers program, Learn-to Camp and special events and exciting new activities and programs across the country – are enhancing visitor experience and facilitating personal connections with Parks Canada places.
Quick Facts
• Hikes began on June 28 and are offered on select days. Book your hike online now.
• A key player in Canada’s tourism industry, Parks Canada invested $388,000 installing 10 oTENTiks in Kootenay National Park’s Redstreak Campground.
• The world famous Burgess Shale fossils are 505 million years old! Guided hikes to the fossil site near Stanley Glacier are 12 km round-trip. Parks Canada’s popular award-winning hikes to the Burgess Shale sites in Yoho National Park will continue again this summer.
• Reservations for the Burgess Shale guided hikes and oTENTiks can be made online at reservation.pc.gc.ca.
• The Stanley Glacier parking lot is located 15 km south of Castle Junction on Highway 93S (approximately 175 km from Calgary, Alberta). Redstreak Campground is adjacent to Radium Hot Springs, BC, 260 km (about 3 hours from Calgary).
“Building on the success of the award-winning guided hikes to the Burgess Shale in Yoho National Park, Parks Canada now offers guided hikes to the Burgess Shale fossil deposit near Stanley Glacier in Kootenay. This exciting new visitor offer highlights our Government’s commitment to the protection and presentation of this global fossil heritage, and a strong research partnership with the Royal Ontario Museum.”
~ David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay–Columbia