Pre 1840s Although there is no record of it, the Aboriginal Canadians bathed in the hot springs water and believed they were a source of rejuvenation and healing.
1841 Sir George Simpson, the governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, made the first recorded visit to the springs. He bathed in a gravel pool just big enough for one person.
Late 1800s The first permanent settlers came to the area and the springs became more popular.
1890 Roland Stuart, an Englishman, purchased the springs for $160.
1914 Construction of a concrete bathing pool, log bathhouse, small store and a home for the caretaker.
1922 Stuart's property was expropiated and the springs were included in a new national park ,called Kootenay National Park.
1927 Construction of a new bathhouse and expansion of the pool. The building is a Classified Federal Heritage Building because of the shift away from the rustic aesthetic that had characterized National Park architecture in the first half of the 20th century.
The Heritage Character Statement
1948 The bathhouse was burnt down by a fire. And constuction of a new bathhouse was completed by 1951.
1949 Construction of the Aquacourt begins. Completed in 1951, the new facility cost $958,653.
1968 A new hot pool replaced the original 1914 pool and a collection system for all the hot springs sources was installed.
1997 Major renovations begin with new reception area, gift shop, upgraded change rooms, and hot/cold plunge pool.
2001 Radium Hot Springs celebrated the 50th anniversary of the building of the Aquacourt with special events all summer long!
2002 A new spa opened offering health oriented services to visitors.
