Vermilion River, Mountain brook in Kootenay National Park, Canada
The Vermilion River flows through a mountain valley, carving out a natural passage between towering ridges in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia. It gathers water from several tributaries before joining the Kootenay River downstream.
Sir George Simpson made the first documented European expedition to the Vermilion River in 1841, opening this region to wider exploration. Indigenous peoples, particularly the Ktunaxa, had inhabited and used these waterways for generations before European arrival.
The river holds deep meaning for the Ktunaxa Nation, whose four bands have maintained ties to these waters across generations. Walking along the banks, you sense the ongoing connection between people and the landscape.
Multiple hiking trails offer views of the river, with Numa Falls easily reached directly from Highway 93. The best way to experience the flow is on foot, with paths ranging from gentle walks to more challenging routes.
The river originates at Vermilion Pass and collects water from several tributaries including Simpson River, Tokumm Creek, and Verendrye Creek as it flows downstream. These different waterways converge to form the landscape you see while walking along its banks.
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