Kootenay National Park: Snowshoe tour to Paint Pots + treats

Summary

Follow snowy trails & stories to the Paint Pots near Banff

You’ll follow snowy forest trails in Kootenay National Park with a local guide, cross frozen rivers, hear stories of indigenous history at the Paint Pots, and warm up with hot chocolate plus maple taffy made in the snow — all with pickup from Banff included. Expect laughter, small surprises, and moments you’ll remember long after your boots dry out.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous about strapping on snowshoes for the first time — I kept picturing myself face-planting into a snowbank. But our guide, Jamie, just grinned and showed us how to walk “like you’re slightly tipsy,” which honestly helped. The van ride from Banff was quiet except for the crunch of our jackets and that weird excitement you get when you’re about to try something new in a place like Kootenay National Park. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic, as we stepped out at the trailhead — maybe it was the cold or maybe those mineral springs nearby.

The trail itself wasn’t hard — just three kilometers, mostly flat — but it felt like we were deep inside some old story. Pines creaked overhead and every so often Jamie would stop and point out animal tracks or tell us about how First Nations people used these ochre-rich Paint Pots for ceremonies. I tried to imagine them here centuries ago, hands stained red. There was this moment crossing the frozen Vermilion River where everything went silent except for our boots squeaking on snow. I still think about that silence sometimes.

After we reached the Paint Pots (they look almost unreal against all that white), Jamie pulled out a plastic sled and dared us to try the crazy carpet slide down a little hill. I wiped out halfway but couldn’t stop laughing — neither could anyone else, honestly. Then came hot chocolate so sweet it made my teeth ache, and maple taffy poured right onto fresh snow. Sticky fingers, cold cheeks, everyone grinning like kids again. It’s funny how something so simple can stick with you longer than any big view or perfect photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowshoe to Paint Pots and Treats

• Hike easy trail to Paint Pots
• Try crazy carpet slide (optional)
• Enjoy hot chocolate and maple taffy

Top questions

How long is the snowshoeing tour to the Paint Pots?

The tour covers an easy 3-kilometre (1.86 miles) trail through Kootenay National Park.

Is transportation from Banff included in this day trip?

Yes, round-trip transport from Banff is included in your booking.

Do I need experience to join this snowshoe tour?

No experience is needed; this tour is suitable for beginners and all fitness levels.

What age is allowed on this Kootenay National Park tour?

The minimum age is 8 years old; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What food or drinks are provided during the tour?

You’ll get hot chocolate and maple taffy made fresh in the snow by your guide.

Are snowshoes provided on this Paint Pots hike?

Yes, snowshoes and hiking poles are provided for all guests.

Where does pickup take place in Banff?

Pickup is from the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel in Banff.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes pickup from Banff’s Mount Royal Hotel bus parking, round-trip transport into Kootenay National Park with a local guide leading your way, use of snowshoes and hiking pole, plus hot chocolate and maple taffy made right there in the snow before heading back together.