I spent three days exploring the town of Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable trips I’ve taken through the region. During those days, I immersed myself in the views, lookouts, trails, yurts, and restaurants that make this area so special. The highlight of the experience was staying at a truly unique property that combines the comfort of glamping with the adventure of backpacking, all while surrounded by the natural beauty of the foothills.
This wasn’t just about finding a place to sleep for the night. It was about discovering a different way to travel and connect with nature. The property I stayed at and the experiences I had in Radium Hot Springs opened my eyes to what it means to slow down, move with intention, and truly connect with the land around you. From forest therapy walks to exceptional dining experiences, this trip offered a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation that I think anyone exploring BC Parks and the surrounding areas should consider.
In my video below, I walk through the experience exactly as shown and explained:
Discovering Radius Retreat
I was invited to explore the wonderful property of Radius Retreat, and from the moment I arrived, I could sense that this place was different. The entire concept behind Radius Retreat aims to create a vibe of returning to nature while inspiring people to live differently. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to slow down, move with intention, and connect deeply with the land.
The property features eleven yurts scattered along the foothills of Mount Berland. This unique setup allows you to experience what I can only describe as glamping while doing backpacking. You get the best of both worlds: the comfort and coziness of a well-appointed yurt combined with the sense of adventure and remoteness that comes with backcountry travel. Each yurt is positioned to offer privacy and stunning views, creating individual pockets of peace throughout the property.
Whether you’re visiting to hike and explore, participating in a retreat, or simply wanting to breathe in nature’s vibes, Radius offers space to experience, learn, and wander from within. The philosophy here is clear—this is a place designed for people who want to step away from the rush of everyday life and reconnect with something more fundamental.
The Yurts and the Experience
The yurts themselves are thoughtfully designed and comfortable. Unlike traditional camping where you’re dealing with the elements in a tent, these yurts provide shelter and warmth while still allowing you to feel immersed in the natural surroundings. The scattered layout means that even when the property is full, you maintain a sense of solitude and privacy that’s hard to find in more conventional accommodations.
I found the experience of staying in these yurts to be uniquely peaceful. There’s something about the circular structure, the way light filters through during the day, and the sounds of nature at night that creates an atmosphere unlike any hotel or standard campground. It’s glamping in the truest sense—you’re outdoors, connected to the environment, but with the comfort that lets you truly relax and enjoy the experience.
Exploring the Trails at Radius Retreat
Beyond the accommodations, I spent time exploring the great trails on the property. The land at Radius Retreat offers opportunities for day hikes and wandering through the foothills of Mount Berland. The trails vary in difficulty and length, giving you options whether you want a gentle walk or something more challenging.
What I appreciated most was how these trails are integrated into the overall philosophy of the property. They’re not just paths through the woods—they’re designed to encourage mindful exploration and a deeper connection with the landscape. As I walked these trails, I found myself naturally slowing down, paying more attention to the details around me, and feeling more present in the moment.
Forest Therapy Trail Experience
One of the most unique experiences during my stay was exploring the Forest Therapy trail with a local guide. This wasn’t a typical hike where the goal is to cover distance or reach a destination. Instead, the trained guide took us on a walking journey with the intent to keep the mind and body calm and quiet.
The guide opened nature’s doors for us, helping us enjoy the many other senses that often go unnoticed on a regular hike. Throughout the walk, different sensory experiences triggered old memories, reminded me of past times, and created space for refreshing new beginnings. It was a practice in being present and allowing nature to work on a deeper level than just visual appreciation.
This type of guided experience is something I hadn’t done before, and it added a whole new dimension to my understanding of what it means to explore the outdoors. The guide’s expertise and gentle facilitation made it easy to let go of the usual mental chatter and simply be in the forest. If you’re someone who tends to rush through hikes focused only on the destination, I’d highly recommend trying a forest therapy session—it’s a completely different way of experiencing the natural world.
Dining at Steamboat Lounge
In addition to the outdoor experiences, I also had the blessing to be invited to share a meal at the relatively new and exciting Steamboat Lounge. After days of exploring trails and breathing mountain air, sitting down to a thoughtfully prepared meal in a welcoming atmosphere was exactly what I needed.
The staff at Steamboat Lounge created an ambience that perfectly complemented the overall vibe of my time in Radium Hot Springs. The food is rich in rural flavours with an emphasis on plant-forward items and sustainable farmers and proteins. It’s clear that the kitchen takes pride in sourcing quality ingredients and preparing them with care and creativity.
The lounge and patio offerings are characterized by sharing items, small plates, and entrées. I enjoyed the format, as it encouraged a relaxed, social dining experience rather than a rushed meal. At the bar, they feature organic wines, Canadian craft beers, botanically infused house cocktails, and what they claim is the area’s largest selection of low to zero-alcohol options. This variety meant there was something for everyone, regardless of preference.
Dining at Steamboat Lounge felt like the perfect complement to the natural experiences I’d been having. It was a reminder that taking care of yourself—whether through connection with nature or through nourishing, thoughtfully prepared food—is an essential part of any meaningful travel experience.
The Town of Radium Hot Springs
While the yurts at Radius Retreat and the trails on the property were highlights, I also spent time exploring the town of Radium Hot Springs itself. The town serves as a gateway to both Kootenay National Park and the Columbia Valley, making it an ideal base for anyone exploring this region of British Columbia.
Throughout my three days, I made sure to take in the various lookouts and viewpoints around the area. The landscape around Radium Hot Springs is dramatic and beautiful, with mountains rising on all sides and the Columbia River valley stretching out below. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, hiking, or simply finding quiet spots to take in the views, there’s no shortage of options.
Why This Experience Matters
What struck me most about this trip wasn’t any single element—it was how everything came together to create a cohesive experience. The accommodations at Radius Retreat encouraged me to slow down and be present. The trails and forest therapy walk deepened my connection with the natural environment. The meal at Steamboat Lounge reminded me of the importance of nourishing both body and spirit. And the town of Radium Hot Springs provided a welcoming community and stunning setting for it all.
This kind of travel—where the focus is on quality of experience rather than checking off a list of attractions—is something I’ve come to value more and more. It’s easy to rush through a destination, snapping photos and moving on to the next thing. But when you take the time to truly be in a place, to let it work on you and to engage with it on multiple levels, the experience becomes something much richer.
Planning Your Own Visit
If you’re considering a trip to this area, I’d encourage you to think beyond the typical tourist itinerary. Yes, the hot springs are wonderful, and the national parks nearby offer incredible hiking and scenery. But don’t overlook the opportunity to stay somewhere like Radius Retreat, where the accommodations themselves become part of the adventure.
The eleven yurts scattered across the property mean you’ll need to book ahead, especially during peak season. But the effort is worth it. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a solo retreat, or an adventure with friends, the setup works for different types of travelers.
Similarly, if you have the chance to experience a guided forest therapy walk, take it. It might feel unusual at first if you’re used to more traditional hiking, but the practice offers something valuable that’s hard to find elsewhere. The trained guides know how to create space for you to experience nature in a different way, and that’s a gift worth receiving.
And definitely make time for good food. Steamboat Lounge is just one example of how the culinary scene in Radium Hot Springs is evolving. Supporting local restaurants that prioritize sustainability and quality ingredients is another way to connect with a place and contribute positively to the community you’re visiting.
Reflections on the Canadian Rockies
As someone who has been exploring the Canadian Rockies since 2020, I’ve had the privilege of visiting many incredible places throughout Alberta Parks, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, and beyond. From iconic spots like Maligne Lake and Spirit Island to hidden gems throughout Kananaskis Country and David Thompson Country, each experience has added to my understanding and appreciation of this remarkable region.
What keeps me coming back isn’t just the dramatic scenery or the world-class hiking—it’s the sense that there’s always more to discover. Whether it’s a new trail, a different approach to experiencing nature, or a unique place to stay like the yurts at Radius Retreat, the Canadian Rockies continue to surprise and inspire me.
My time in Radium Hot Springs reinforced something I’ve come to believe deeply: the best travel experiences are the ones that change you in some small way. They invite you to see things differently, to slow down, to pay attention. They remind you that nature has lessons to teach if you’re willing to listen.
From Waterton to Yoho
The region surrounding Radium Hot Springs connects to a broader network of protected areas and natural wonders. To the south, you’ll find Waterton Lakes National Park with its unique prairie-meets-mountain landscape. To the north and east, the familiar giants of Banff and Jasper dominate the landscape. And in between, smaller parks and provincial recreation areas offer their own rewards.
What I appreciate about creating content around these places is the opportunity to share not just the highlights, but the full experience of what it’s like to travel through this region. From campground review content to trail guides, from accommodation recommendations to dining suggestions, my goal is to provide information that helps others plan meaningful trips of their own.
This trip to Radium Hot Springs and Radius Retreat fits perfectly into that mission. It’s not about promoting any single experience as the “best” or “must-see.” Instead, it’s about sharing authentic experiences and providing the kind of detailed, honest information that helps people make informed decisions about their own adventures.
More Than Just a Place to Sleep
The concept behind Radius Retreat—inspiring people to live differently, to slow down, to connect deeply with the land—resonates with a larger shift I’ve noticed in outdoor recreation and travel. More people are seeking experiences that go beyond surface-level tourism. They want to feel something, learn something, and come away changed in some small way.
The eleven yurts scattered along Mount Berland’s foothills represent a physical manifestation of this philosophy. They’re not arranged in neat rows like a hotel or traditional campground. They’re dispersed throughout the landscape, requiring you to walk and explore, to engage with the terrain, to feel like you’re part of the environment rather than just a visitor passing through.
This approach to accommodation creates a different kind of experience. It’s glamping, yes, but it’s also backpacking in the sense that you’re carrying your supplies to your yurt, choosing your level of comfort and amenities, and experiencing the kind of solitude and connection that typically only comes with backcountry travel.
The Bigger Picture
As I reflect on my three days in Radium Hot Springs, what stands out most is the sense of integration—the way different elements of the experience supported and enhanced each other. The accommodations encouraged mindfulness and presence. The trails and forest therapy walk deepened that connection. The food at Steamboat Lounge nourished body and spirit. And the landscape itself provided the stunning backdrop that made it all possible.
This is what I’m always looking for when I explore the Canadian Rockies: experiences that work together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. It’s not about ticking off a checklist or collecting photos for social media. It’s about genuine engagement with place, with nature, and ultimately with ourselves.
Whether you’re drawn to activities like mountain biking, paddling, skiing, snowshoeing, or horseback riding, or if you’re more interested in quieter pursuits, this region offers endless possibilities. My work as a content creator exploring these areas since 2020 has shown me that there’s truly something for everyone, from the hardcore adventurer to the person who simply wants to sit quietly and watch the mountains change color at sunset.
Final Thoughts from the Trail
Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia, proved to be much more than just another stop on a road trip through the Rockies. Between the unique accommodations at Radius Retreat, the transformative experience of forest therapy, the excellent dining at Steamboat Lounge, and the natural beauty of the surrounding area, those three days offered a richness that I’ll carry with me on future adventures.
For anyone planning a trip through this region—whether you’re exploring the famous sites of Banff and Jasper or discovering lesser-known gems in Kootenay and Yoho—I encourage you to consider building in time for experiences like these. Look for opportunities to slow down, to try something different, to engage with nature and community in meaningful ways.
The yurts at Radius Retreat, the trails through the foothills, the guided walks that open your senses to the forest, and the locally-sourced meals that connect you to place—these are the kinds of experiences that transform a good trip into a memorable one. They’re what I’m always searching for as I continue exploring and sharing this remarkable corner of the world.