See the Canadian Rockies from Golden, British Columbia

by Paul Peters
CanadianRockies.net Editor

Golden, British Columbia is a great, low-key place to set up your base camp for exploring the Canadian Rockies’ many beautiful parks, including Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke and Yoho.

The town is situated on the border of B.C. and Alberta, about a 3-hour drive west of Calgary, or a 9-hour drive east of Vancouver. From Golden, you can access Lake Louise or Glacier National Park in an hour, Banff in an hour and a half, Revelstoke in less than two hours, and Jasper in four hours.

Golden sits between the Purcell Mountains and the Canadian Rockies, and at the junction of the Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers. Sitting on the borders of such powerful natural forces has blessed Golden with amazing scenery you don’t have to leave town to see.

As you can imagine, people who visit fall in love with Golden. But the people who call Golden their home maintain a sense of awe, as if it were still their first day in town too.

Still awed

Alison Macisaac, General Manager of the Kicking Horse River Lodge, moved here four years ago. She repeats something you’ll often hear when you get a local talking about Golden, “The people that live here are absolutely amazing.”

“It’s still a real town,” she says. “It comes from a real town background. There are people who have been here generation after generation.”

And, she says, you don’t have to be a local to tap into the “real” Golden.

“Even as a guest, people find that they’re able to chat with people that have lived here a long time,” she says.

She says her guests are often surprised to find themselves not just among other tourists, but skiing, rafting, or sipping a beer with locals. For people visiting Golden, this means they’ll often get great advice on hikes, ski runs or just great places to grab a good burger directly from locals, even if they’re just here for a few days.

Katherine Wilson is another local smitten with the town. She moved to Golden three years ago, and currently manages regional marketing and sales at the Prestige Mountainside Resort in Golden.

For her as well, Golden’s residents figure greatly into the beauty of the town.

“When you walk down the street, people who don’t even know you say ‘hi,’” she says. “Everyone’s friendly.”

Wilson says she grew up in a much larger city, and finds living in Golden to be the perfect retreat from a hectic lifestyle.

“It’s a fresh air experience,” she says. “You’ve got outdoors enthusiasts who love living here. They’re just happy, you know?”

A teepee at the Goldenwood Lodge near Golden.

The to-do list

There’s certainly a lot for local and visiting outdoors enthusiasts to love about Golden.

The area offers up some of the finest access to recreational activities the Canadian Rockies offer, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, golfing, fishing and, once you’ve sampled some of these activities, relaxation.

Macisaac notes that, “For a small town, we have a lot of world-class restaurants.”

Wilson says Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is one of her favorite things about living in Golden.

“It’s like a hidden little jewel,” she says. “They don’t do a ton of marketing.”

She notes that the terrain on Kicking Horse is particularly challenging.

“It’ll make you a good skier,” she says.

No matter what time of year, Wilson recommends going to the ski mountain. Winter or summer, it’s possible to take the gondola to the peak, where, she says, the views are fantastic.

“That’s just got to be seen,” she says.

In town, Wilson recommends checking out the walking bridge over Kicking Horse River, especially in the summer, when kayakers and rafters are shooting beneath it.

“If you enjoy the outdoors and see what this place has to offer, it’s pretty amazing,” she says.

Wilson also recommends a hike at Gorman Lake, just west of town.

“It’s a glacier-fed lake, and it’s just beautiful, amazing,” she says. “I’ve gone up in July, and you see snow and wildflowers at the same time.”

Macisaac says she loves the wide range of recreation available to visitors and locals, including mountain biking, whitewater rafting and even paragliding, which a beginner can try off of Mount 7, flying tandem with an instructor.

“It’s very diverse,” she says.

Accommodations in and around Golden

Goldenwood Lodge

A peaceful retreat in the majestic Canadian Rockies of British Columbia, north of Golden, right on the Edge of Wilderness. Stay in our beautiful and comfortable Cottages, Group and Family Homes, Suite, and Lodge Rooms – or sleep in a Teepee – the Real Canadian Experience!

Website: Click here!

Hillside Lodge and Chalets

Small rustic mountain lodge and log cabins Just outside of Golden, BC, on a hill overlooking the Blaeberry River .

Very good cross country skiing in area surrounding the Lodge. Ultra clean, Fantastic German food and hospitality. Great hiking right outside your door.

This beautiful secluded location is ideal for a romantic weekend or get away from it all holiday and is worth the little extra drive distance.

Website: Click here!

Golden, British Columbia

By John McKiernan
Staff Writer

Yoho National Park holds some of the Canadian Rockies' most beautiful scenery.

The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most beautiful and best preserved parks in the world. Although Banff and Jasper National Park are both within driving distance of Golden, it is Yoho National Park, only a 30-minute drive away, that grabs the attention on this side of the Canadian Rockies.

As far as National Parks go, Yoho is definitely one the most well known. Yoho National Park was created in 1886 and encompasses 1,310 square kilometres of the Rocky Mountains Western slopes. The park’s name, Yoho, is a Cree word used for expressing awe and amazement. It also sounds better than WOW National Park. The park’s glacial lakes, stunning waterfalls, impressive snow covered peaks and majestic forests ensure that any visit will be awe inspiring.

The park is home to snow topped peaks and many waterfalls including the world famous Takakkaw Falls, and the park’s glaciers are responsible for providing the silty runoff that creates the deep turquoise colour of Emerald Lake and Lake O’Hara.

Its history is bound with railroad spiral tunnels inside mountains and stories of runaway trains. As well, one of the world’s most important fossil finds, the Burgess Shale, is located in Yoho. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1981, the Burgess Shale Formation contains the fossilized remains of more than 120 marine animal species dating back 515 million years.

Golden, British Columbia

Getting to Golden has never been easier! Pack those bags, book accommodations, choose some great activities and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Golden is a destination of ‘must do’ and ‘must see’. Below are some hints to help you achieve as much as humanly possible.

By Air

Getting to Golden is the easy part, but you may never want to leave.

Golden is roughly a three hour drive from Calgary International Airport and the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook. If you choose to fly into Calgary International Airport, there are several companies who provide shuttle service directly to Golden. A shuttle service from Calgary is provided by Sundog Tours.

By Car

Access to Golden from east or west is simple, thanks to its location right on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy #1). Hwy #95 begins in Golden and heads south to the U.S. border. Beyond the border, Interstate 95 continues through Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and all the way down to the U.S.-Mexico border. Drive Times vary depending on season and weather.

The Trans-Canada Highway between Golden and Yoho National Park was upgraded to a modern four-lane design, including a new Park Bridge over the Kicking Horse Canyon. These upgrades have made vast improvements for safe and quicker travel to Golden from the east.

By Bus

Greyhound Buslines stop four times a day in Golden, coming from either Calgary, Alberta or Vancouver, B.C. Greyhound also has a daily bus leaving from Cranbrook, B.C., plus services to every other community throughout the region, province and country.

Getting Around Town

Car and truck rentals are available in Golden. Golden also provides a Taxi/Limousine service through Mount 7 Taxi.

Golden, British Columbia

By John McKiernan
Staff Writer

Depending on the season, there are several ways to experience the stunning sights of the Canadian Rockies. During winter, it’s hard to beat the views while skiing. In summer, there are even more options. Sure, you can take a hike or take a tour but for exhilaration as well as sights, white water rafting Golden is hard to beat.

Rafting the Kicking Horse River

The whitewater of the Canadian Rockies will satisfy the biggest adreneline junkies.

The legend of Sir James Hector and the crazy horse might have been the inspiration for naming Kicking Horse River. But the river itself hasn’t been shy in living up to its untamed reputation.

The Kicking Horse River is one of the wildest, most intense waterways in Canada, if not the world. But don’t get intimidated. Kicking Horse River boasts unparalleled white-water rafting excitement for rafters of all levels. Witness some of the world’s most incredible scenery in the world along the way and perhaps spot some extraordinary wildlife. Depending on the time of year, look for moose, deer, elk, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain goats and bald eagles along the river banks.

Rising from Wapta Lake and joined by the Yoho, Emerald, Amiskwi and Ottertail Rivers, the Kicking Horse flows wild and free, unobstructed through some of Canada’s most spectacular mountain terrain. As an ecological, recreational, and historical jewel of the Canadian West, the Kicking Horse enjoys the distinction of being the first river in B.C. to be recognized as a Canadian Heritage River.

Kayaking Golden

Golden is conveniently perched near the hydrological apex of North America. In everyday terms, this means all melted ice from Golden’s surrounding glaciers and snow field’s flows downhill.

In a kayaker’s terms, this means some of the stoutest flow on earth. There are over ten rivers within an hour-and-a-half drive from Golden. With skill levels ranging from I (calm water, scenic routes) to V (expert, or a ‘hero route’), there are incredible routes for every paddler. Be careful not to take the hero route too literally!

For Kicking Horse River, come late springtime (around late-May or early-June) when the snow is melting, all that run-off comes barrelling down the mountains. High water season lasts around six weeks, until about mid-July, but great paddling trips can be enjoyed from May to September.

If white-water isn’t your speed, check out some of the flat-water trips (larger ‘sea kayaks’ or canoes). There are many casual levels I or II routes for those wanting an exhilarating day without the daredevil component. Check out the Columbia or Blaeberry Rivers for a day of comfortable current and beautiful wildlife. This is perfect for family trips.

Vacations Made Easy.com
Golden, British Columbia, originated as a town well-known for its logging and railway industry, and while the town’s economy still greatly relies on these two industries, it has more recently become a tourist site. This development is contributed to the addition of Kicking Horse Resort, which attracts many visitors. While Kicking Horse brings in a plethora of visitors to Golden, the geography of the area could attract tourists on its own. Located in the Columbia River Valley, you’ll find around Golden the Columbia River and three mountain ranges.

General Golden Information

• Land Area: 11.02 square kilometers
• Population: 4,195
• Elevation: 2,592 feet
• Regional District: Columbia-Shuswap
• Time Zone: Pacific
• Year of Incorporation: 1957

Nearby National Parks

• Yoho National Park
• Banff National Park
• Jasper National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Kootenay National Park
• Mount Revelstoke National Park

Additional Area Attractions

• Golden Golf and Country Club
• Golden District Arts Council
• The Golden Museum

Dining in Golden

• The Kicking Horse Grill
• Eagle’s Eye at Kicking Horse Resort
• The Golden Taps
• The Canyon’s Edge Steakhouse
• The Timbermill Family Restaurant
• Red Diamond Family Restaurant
• Packers Place Inn & Pub
• Golden Bakery & Deli
• Cedar House Café & Restaurant
• Glenogle Mountain Lodge & Spa
• Eleven22 Guesthouse Grill & Liquids
• Apostoles Restorante
• McDonald’s
• Dairy Queen

Nearest Towns and Cities

• Beavermouth (about 20 miles away)
• McMurdo (about 20 miles away)
• Parson (about 20 miles away)
• Leanchoil (about 20 miles away)
• Glacier (about 30 miles away)
• Lake Louise (about 40 miles away)
• Radium Hot Springs (about 50 miles away)
• Revelstoke (about 60 miles away)
• Banff (about 70 miles away)

Interesting Facts and History

• Golden originally consisted of one building called “The Cache.”
• The name “Golden” came about because surveyor Major A.B. Rogers had set up base camp on the site of the city for his crew. A camp to the east was called “Silver City,” and because Rogers wanted to outdo them, he named his site “Golden City.” Later, it was discovered that gold mining was not one of Golden City’s successful industries, so the city was then just called “Golden.”
• Golden’s town council and mayor Jim Doyle decided to temporarily rename the city Hockey, British Columbia for a chance to win $25,000 and a chance to host an NHL exhibition game.

Nearest Airports

• Kelowna Airport (about 110 miles away)
• Cranbrook Airport (about 125 miles away)
• Calgary International Airport (about 130 miles away)

Nearby Hospitals and Healthcare

• Golden District Hospital
• Golden Health Council
• Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke (about 60 miles away)

Come experience the magic of Golden, British Columbia!

By Michele Kadison
Staff Writer
Rockies.com

Virgin slopes await you in Golden, British Columbia.

GOLDEN, British Columbia (Rockies.com) Backcountry skiing on the ranges of the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia is nothing less than a breathtaking experience. With mountain ranges that are famous for their size and majesty, skiers come from far and wide to enjoy downhill skiing that is only minutes from downtown Golden. As the birthplace of North American heli-skiing, the mountains afford the skier myriad of trail choices. You can also try cross-country skiing in the deep powder on one of Mount 7’s famous trails.

Mount 7

Mount 7 is known for one of the longest single track mountain bike trails in the world and it is here that the Psychosis Downhill Race is held each year. Mount 7 is also a runway and control tower for hang and paragliders enjoying the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia. With a beautiful lake at its base, Mount 7 is just a few minutes ride from downtown Golden.

Mountaineering

With over 50 climbing routes, Golden is known for its mountaineering. Complete with over 3,000 acres of wilderness, the region is rich with prehistoric hoodoos, winding lakes and rivers and mountain summits that are Olympian in their majesty. Take a helicopter ride to the top of one of the Canadian Rocky mountains and explore the terrain with a mountaineering professional who will guide you to hidden backcountry trails and lodges.

Whitewater Rafting

Kicking Horse River is one of the foremost Canadian whitewater attractions, providing the rafter with an adventure that is not to be missed. Rafter-wannabees, take heart! No experience is necessary to feel the exhilaration of a trip down this river with local whitewater rafting professionals by your side.

The Golden Golf Course

Learn mountaineering techniques in Golden.

This state of the art golf course, located west of Golden right beside the Columbia River, is an 18-hole, par 72 championship course that includes a practice putting green, sand bunker, driving range and RV park. With its magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, the course provides golfers with an ideal natural setting for perfecting their game.

Concrete Skating

Golden now has a new Skate Park that boasts 10,000 square feet of concrete and rails. Built by Newline Skate Parks in 2005, the park is always filled to the brim with local and visiting kids of all ages.

Rodeo Shows

Golden is a major attraction for bull riders, calf ropers and bareback riding. Indulge your inner cowboy by checking out the Golden Rodeo Days over Labor Day Weekend!

Guided Horseback Tours

Hop in the saddle and enjoy Golden’s natural ranges! Guided horseback tours will take you deep into nature where you can enjoy all the beauty that the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia have to offer.

Ice Hockey

As home to the Golden Jets, ice hockey is an important sport in Golden. The town skating arena also houses a figure skating league and is host to many community skating events.

Swimming

Golden’s outdoor swimming pool is just the place to hang out during the hot summer months. Located near Golden’s high school and arena, the pool is ideal for a refreshing day of family fun.

Dining and Entertainment

In Golden, you will find a plethora of restaurants that satisfy all tastes. In addition there are cafes and pubs for coffee, drinks, creative eats, Internet service and live music.

Alpine Meadows Lodge

Small Timber frame mountain lodge on a large private reserve in Golden, BC. Just minutes from town. Great location. breakfast included. Spanish spoken. Very memorable place to stay.

Website: Click Here!

Purcell Mountain Lodge

Escape to a place with no roads, no publicized hiking trails, no cars, no crowds, no noise, no pollution. Yet, despite its remoteness, Purcell Lodge offers modern accommodation and facilities that belie its isolation.

Here, you will discover private bedrooms with hand-crafted furniture, wild-flower comforters and balconies on which you can revel in your magnificent surroundings.

Wilderness Hiking Lodge of the Year – 1995
Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report

Website: Click Here!

Find great things to do in Golden, BC

Golden, BC offers great Rockies activities and attractions all year round, with great Golden hotels and lodging to keep you cozy during your stay.

Dogsleding is a popular Golden, BC activity.

Much of the summer revolves around the Kicking Horse River, where you can take whitewater rafting trips. Also during the summer, paragliding, mountian biking and wildlife viewing are popular activities.

In the winter, come play in the deep snow and enjoy a range of cold weather activities.

Golden, BC Winter

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is Golden’s local resort, and home to some of the best downhill skiing and snowboarding in the Rockies.

During the winter, you’ll also find opportunities to go nordic, heli, and backcountry skiing, on self-guided tours or with a guide based out of one of many backcountry lodges around Golden.

Cat Skiing is offered locally at Chatter Creek Lodge. From this helicopter-accessed mountain lodge, skiers and snowboarders can access more than 58,000 acres of glaciers and alpine bowls, with excellent gladed slopes.

Golden also offers up terrific snowmobiling opportunities.

Golden, BC summer

Go rafting in Golden, BC.

There’s a million things to do during Golden’s summer, so here’s a couple suggestions to get your started. Yoho National Park, just 30km/20mi east of town, has some of the Golden BC area’s best hiking. You could go hiking at Gorman Lake – the 4×4 access road is bumpy, but the hike is an easy and rewarding 45 minutes.

Cool off by swiming at Cedar Lake, in the Moonraker area, located south of town on the lower slopes of the Dogtooth Range. Cedar Lake is shown on the Mountain Bike Trail Map available from the Golden Visitor Centre. You’ll also find great horseback riding in the Golden, BC area.

For biking, take a ride on the Golden Triangle on your road bike. In May there is an organized three-day ride, but this scenic ride is possible at any time during the summer months. The three points of the triangle are Golden, Lake Louise and Radium Hot Springs.

Hardcore Golden, BC mountain biking begins at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort summit. Beginner and intermediate terrain is at the resort and the Moonraker mountain bike trails.

To see some amazing Golden, BC wildlife, check out a grizzly bear in the Grizzly Bear Refuge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, or visit the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre. Also, watch for wolf signs and turn off the TransCanada Highway approximately 10km/6mi west of Golden.

To get some golfing in, hit the Golden Golf Club.

Golden, BC rafting and kayaking

Go river rafting on the legendary Kicking Horse River. Seven rafting companies operate on this class III – IV whitewater.

You may also want to go kayaking on the class IV lower sections of the Kicking Horse – all the way to downtown Golden. More moderate class II water can be found on Blaeberry Creek. Unfortunately, you’ll have to bring your own kayak, as there are no kayak rentals available in Golden.