Radium Hot Springs East Kootenay British Columbia Canada 1950s Real Photo Postcard

Radium Hot Springs, situated at the western gateway to Kootenay National Park in British Columbia, has been a significant site for centuries, with its mineral-rich waters utilized by Indigenous peoples long before European settlement. Commercial development began in the early 20th century, capitalizing on the springs' purported therapeutic properties. The name Radium was adopted to highlight the trace amounts of radon gas found in the water, reflecting a period when radium and its associated properties were highly publicized and marketed for health benefits. The prominent buildings visible represent the main bathhouse complex and associated facilities, designed to accommodate a growing number of visitors.