The drive from Waterton to Kootenay has a long stretch of flatland with looming Rockies - this route (highway #3) follows Crowsnest pass into the mountains.
The parks office for Kootenay is located on the edge of the village of Radium Hot Springs - the campsite is about 3 km up in the hills above town.
The drive through the park heads north for about 100 km, enters Banff national park, then heads north and through Kicking Horse pass and Into Yoho national park.