We made it back to the U.S.! But first a bit more of Canadian fun. Several weeks ago, we met Mark from Saskatchewan, Canada in Smithers, British Columbia. He and his wife were traveling with another couple, both in Truck Campers for a few weeks. We mentioned our route back to the U.S. and that we would be stopping in Banff. He suggested that we go to several hot springs in the surrounding area. He made us a list and gave us an older provincial park catalog with the area circled.
Since we went to Canada’s Glacier National Park after Banff and we had reservations in Montana, we were limited in time to explore the area; but we did find one hot springs on our route in Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia That is the name of the town! It is not Radium with Radium Hot Springs located within; the town is Radium Hot Springs. I don’t know, I found that funny. There is also a town called Fairmont Hot Springs as well a bit further south.
Anyway, our last stop in Canada was in Radium Hot Springs at the RidgeView Resort. Oh my! What an RV park. We have been so used to staying in more wilderness type campgrounds in the national, state, and provincial parks and this was luxurious! They obviously cater to a long-term/seasonal crowd with all its amenities, including a very large outdoor pool with a snack shack, an indoor pool, hot spa, weight room, racquetball court, beach volleyball, a dirt track for mountain bikes, a dog park, mini-golf, laundromats, game room, ping pong and pool tables, a huge fire pit with Adirondack chairs, and tennis & pickleball courts. Whew! And I am sure I forgot something. Oh, and they have pancake breakfast and cinnamon rolls on Saturday (dratz – we missed those!) It was a great place for our last stop in Canada.
When we checked in at RigeView, we were told the hot springs gets very crowded on weekends, so we left at 10:00 a.m. the following morning. We got there right when it opened at 10:30 and enjoyed an hour in the pool. It was not as hot as the Banff Hot Springs (at 104°); as it was 99°. It would have been nice if was a bit hotter, but we all felt very relaxed when we left. The springs were originally used by First Nations people and once again, we took it from them. The hot springs were first discovered by explorers in 1841 and it was bought in 1890 for $160. In 1914, the first concrete bathing pool was opened, with a log bathhouse and a home for a caretaker. The current building was opened in May 1951. They have definitely renovated the interior with changing rooms, showers, etc. Oh, and I guess I have not been to a health club to swim in a long time as I learned about swimsuit spin dryers. What a cool invention!
And as we were driving to Radium Hot Springs in Radium Hot Springs, BC (😊), there were sheep just walking across the road right in the middle of town. And as we were leaving the hot springs, there were two sheep that had stopped traffic so people could take pictures of them (they may have been crossing the road). Greg & Helen got some great headshots of the town’s sheep.
Since our time was limited, we did not get to enjoy the many amenities, but Dave, Greg, and I did get a mini-golf game in. I bombed big time! Dave and Greg came within a point of each other. It was fun, but I want a re-match. And, of course, Murphy loved the dog park and spent lots of time there retrieving his tennis ball. No furry friends showed up to play though. The last picture is of a deer that was nearby as I came out of the laundromat and Murphy was tied to a sign. Murphy saw the deer and chased after it, breaking the clasp on his leash! I am so thankful he didn’t hurt his neck.
After leaving Radium Hot Springs, and driving a few hours south, we crossed the USA border into Montana. It was the easiest crossing ever with the border agent barely asking any questions. Murphy even gave him kisses. Greg asked if we knew how many border crossing we had done on the trip, so after thinking about it for a bit, Dave and I came up with 12. That seems like a lot, but that’s what it was! Twice we left Canada to enter Alaska for the towns on the coast, i.e. Haines and Hyder. The crossings add up quickly.
After entering Canada, we stopped by our Glacier National Park for a passport stamp and to get to know it a bit before a return trip where we can stay longer. We stayed overnight nearby. Our next overnight was in Helena, Montana for provisioning and we are arriving in Yellowstone National Park on Wednesday, the day this blog is posted.
I am sure there will be lots to share as we explore Yellowstone. Old Faithful here we come!
I could stay a long time in Radium Hot Springs Brenda, Back in the USA Dave, and I love me some dog park time Murphy.
So many wonderful experiences
You will be sharing those experiences for years to come.
The spin dryers are awesome. Drying your suits in such a short time. I prefer the 99 degree water. Any hotter my skin begins to itch.
My favorites on your trip is the wild animals. An do of course hearing about Murphy Daisy is trained not to chase animals with one exception, the squirrels. That’s because the other dogs chase them. I have trained her not to chase because of the possibility of running out in the street and getting hit by a car. You should see her around a band of turkeys, she lays down and just watches men go by. It is amazing how close they come to us. Same thing with the neighborhood cats.
Well you are back in the states.
Yellowstone is so beautiful. I have been through there 8 times (4 round trips). All on a motorcycle. Loved every minute of it. I really enjoy all the beauty and the wild animals.
Glad you are enjoying your trip. Be safe
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