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Golden sits in southeastern British Columbia where the Kicking Horse River joins the Columbia, in a valley between the Rocky and Purcell mountains. It grew as a railway town on the Canadian Pacific line, and it now serves as a base for paddling, skiing, paragliding and visits to nearby national parks.
In town, the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, a large timber-frame bridge over the river, links the two halves of Golden, and the Golden and District Museum covers local railway and pioneer history. The Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre gives visitors a chance to see wolves and learn about their ecology. Cedar Lake offers swimming and a quiet beach in summer, and the Golden Farmers Market showcases regional produce. Above town, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is known for steep terrain in winter and mountain biking and a gondola in summer, while the Golden Skybridge offers suspension bridges high above a canyon. Whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River ranges from gentle floats to big rapids, and the launch site on Mount 7 is popular with paragliders.
Golden suits active travelers who prefer a working town to a polished resort. Summer and winter are both busy. Yoho National Park, with Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls, is a short drive east, and Glacier National Park lies to the west.
WiserMap travel guideGolden British Columbia Kicking Horse Skiing and RaftingPlan a trip to Golden in British Columbia: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the Skybridge, whitewater rafting, a historic timber bridge and park-rich Rockies scen...Read the guide
The longest freestanding timber-frame bridge in Canada, built by local volunteers across the Kicking Horse River in downtown Golden, with heavy timber trusses and a roof. It links both sides of the town center. Cross it on a walk along the river, and stop at the riverside cafes nearby.
An outdoor gathering place on the river by the pedestrian bridge, with a stage, picnic areas and lawns used for concerts, events and the summer farmers market. It is the social center of downtown. Bring lunch from a local bakery, and watch the river and mountains from the benches.
A small community museum covering the history of Golden, from early fur traders and the Canadian Pacific Railway to Swiss mountain guides and logging, with a restored log schoolhouse and railway items. It is open mostly in summer. Allow an hour, and check the current season hours before visiting.
A wolf sanctuary in the Blaeberry Valley north of Golden, home to a small pack of grey wolves living in large enclosures, with talks on wolf behavior and conservation. Photography sessions are offered. It is a short drive from town; go in the morning or late afternoon when the wolves are more active.
A large fenced natural habitat at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, home to a grizzly bear raised in captivity after being orphaned, with guided tours explaining bear behavior. It is reached by the gondola in summer. Combine it with a gondola ride, and check tour times, as the bear may sleep or hide.
A small lake in the forest a short drive from Golden, with a beach, a swimming dock and picnic areas, and calm, comparatively warm water in summer. Trails circle part of the lake. It is a local favorite on hot days, so arrive early on weekends and bring a picnic and something to float on.
A weekly summer market in Spirit Square with local produce, baked goods, crafts, hot food and live music, drawing farmers and makers from the Columbia Valley. It runs on Thursday afternoons in the warm season. Check dates locally, and come hungry for the food trucks and baked goods.
A ski resort above Golden known for steep terrain, deep powder and long runs, with the Golden Eagle Express gondola rising to a summit restaurant. In summer it offers lift-access mountain biking, hiking and via ferrata routes. Book the via ferrata early, and dress warmly at the top.
An attraction south of Golden with two suspension bridges, including Canada's highest, spanning a canyon 130 meters above a waterfall, plus a canyon swing, zip lines and walking trails. Weather can close the outdoor rides. Book tickets online and allow two to three hours for the bridges and trails.
Rafting trips on the glacier-fed Kicking Horse River near Golden, from gentle family floats to the big class III and IV rapids of the Lower Canyon. Local outfitters supply wetsuits and gear. The water is very cold, so expect to be soaked, and choose the trip that matches your comfort level.
Mount 7 above Golden is a well known paragliding and hang gliding launch, with strong thermals that make it a favorite for long flights over the Columbia Valley. Tandem flights with local pilots are available. A forest road also leads up for views, but it is rough and best in a high clearance vehicle.
A network of forest trails beside Cedar Lake used for mountain biking, hiking, trail running and snowshoeing in winter, with routes from easy loops to technical descents along the Columbia River benches. Trail maps are posted at the start. Ring a bell or talk while on trail, as bears are present.
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