Surrounded by the Purcell and Rocky mountains and situated at the confluence of the mighty Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers, Golden is an outdoor adventure hub. With as many as six national parks within reach, there’s no shortage of places to explore.
The perfect base for summer adventure, Golden offers everything from alpine hiking, whitewater rafting and suspension bridges to scenic drives, viewpoints and waterfalls. And yet, Golden remains surprisingly underrated, overlooked in favour of better known destinations in the Canadian Rockies.
As a result, Golden retains its laid-back, authentic character without the heavy tourist traffic of more popular mountain towns.
Despite driving through Golden at least twice a year, we’ve often treated it as a stop along the way rather than a destination in its own right.
So with that in mind, this guide outlines a 48 hour summer itinerary with the very best local activities and attractions. It demonstrates just how much you can do in Golden within such a short time.
Golden deserves a place on your itinerary in its own right, while also serving as a great gateway for exploring the Canadian Rockies. I’ve also included suggestions for day trips to the surrounding national parks, making it easy to spend four or five days exploring this beautiful area of BC.
This guide is in partnership with Tourism Golden. This post includes some affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a percentage of the sale.
An introduction to Golden, British Columbia
Golden is a small town in British Columbia (pop. 4000), situated between the Rocky Mountains and the Purcell Mountains, where the Kicking Horse and Columbia rivers meet.
This is the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc peoples. It is also home to the Métis Nation Columbia River Society.
Golden began as a Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) survey camp. The name is said to have originated from a bit of friendly competition – when a nearby camp became Silver City, CPR workers countered with ‘Golden City.’
At the end of the 19th century, the CPR started hiring experienced Swiss guides to lead tourists into the surrounding mountains and built six Swiss-style chalets to make them feel at home. The chalets still stand today in Golden’s Edelweiss Village.
The railway remains a big part of life in Golden, and you’re likely to see and hear freight trains travelling through town during your visit.
Outdoor recreation is still a key part of the local economy as well, with the town drawing visitors all year round for hiking, skiing and mountain biking. Visiting in fall? This cozy autumn guide has so many ideas for making the most of the season in Golden!
Golden is located around a three hour drive west of Calgary (260km) and an eight hour drive east of Vancouver (712km). Part of the Mountain Time Zone, Golden is one hour ahead of many other places in BC.
Why go to Golden?
- Authentic mountain town with laid back vibes and a strong outdoor culture
- Six nearby national parks – Glacier, Mount Revelstoke, Yoho, Kootenay, Banff and Jasper
- Spectacular mountain, river and valley scenery
- A range of exciting outdoor attractions and guided tours
- Cozy accommodation options including cabins, geodesic domes and lodges
48 hours in Golden: Day 1
Welcome to Golden – get set for a full day of adventure in this scenic mountain town!
Not arriving in the morning? Adjust the activities to fit your schedule, and feel free to swap days around to make the most of the weather. Booking guided experiences in advance is recommended.
Please note that this itinerary is primarily designed for visits during the warmer months, from June to September.
Morning
Kick off your Golden experience with a trip up to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. The access road climbs quickly out of town, opening up some lovely views across the valley.
During the summer months, Kicking Horse has a variety of activities on offer, all accessible by gondola. The resort’s best known resident is Boo, a rescued grizzly bear. He lives in a 20 acre refuge on the slopes of the mountain, a habitat with multiple ecosystems.
If you’ve ever wanted to see a grizzly bear, this is the safest way to do it. There are interpretive tours held three times a day in the summer, with the morning tour (10am) offering the best chance to see Boo. For a more immersive experience, reserve a spot in the small-group Ranger Assist Program.
After visiting Boo, take the gondola all the way to 2345m to explore alpine hiking trails (I’d recommend Dogtooth Ridge) and lunch at the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant. The views stretch across a seemingly endless series of mountain ranges.
If you like your mountain views with a dose of adrenaline, consider booking a Via Ferrata experience. This guided climbing adventure uses fixed metal rungs and safety cables to help you navigate the rock face. Simply put, it’s an accessible way to try rock climbing in a stunning mountain setting.
Afternoon
Follow up a morning on the mountain with an afternoon on/by the water. Whether you prefer a relaxing experience or a more adrenaline-fuelled adventure, there’s an option to suit your style.
The most exciting river adventure in Golden is a white water rafting trip on the turquoise coloured Kicking Horse River (Class II to IV+). If you like the idea of rafting but don’t want a wild ride, most of the local operators have a ‘gentle’ version (more splashy than scary).
A paddle through the Columbia Wetlands is a peaceful way to explore the local waterways. Part of the Columbia River system, these wetlands provide habitat for 350+ different animal species. The Columbia Wetlands Outpost offers guided trips and also supplies canoe and kayak rentals.
Prefer to stay on dry land? Take a stroll along the Rotary Trail, which follows the Kicking Horse River through town. I’d recommend starting at the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge. Stop for a cold drink afterwards at the Riverhouse Tavern.
Evening
Downtown Golden is the ideal evening destination, with an assortment of bars and restaurants alongside a brewery, distillery and a historic movie theatre. Many of the restaurants have patios, some of which look out onto the Kicking Horse River. We love:
- Stolen Bell Distillery – Upscale bar in a converted storage barn with patio, specialising in cocktails made with small batch, hand-distilled spirits
- Whitetooth Brewing – Diverse range of craft beers made on-site. Order in food from three local restaurants to enjoy with a pint on the patio
- Reposados – Lively Mexican restaurant with creative margarita menu and plenty of interesting options for vegetarians and vegans
- Whitetooth Bistro – Cozy booths and comfort foot served alongside an extensive selection of BC-made wines and beers.
48 hours in Golden: Day 2
Ready for another beautiful day exploring Golden? We’ll start with one of Golden’s most iconic local attractions.
Morning
Begin your second day with a trip to the Golden Skybridge, an adventure park built around a deep canyon. The signature attraction is a pair of suspension bridges, the highest of their kind in Canada. Think sweeping canyon and mountain views with a bit of a wobble.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. You’ll also find a mountain coaster, zipline, canyon swing, high ropes course, playgrounds, axe throwing and climbing wall. Scenic trails and viewpoints tie everything together, keeping the focus on the scenic setting. There’s something for all the family here.
The newest attraction is the Eagle Net Park, a network of bridges and bouncing platforms that both kids and adults can enjoy. We loved it!
On a tight budget? Here’s some alternatives to fill your morning:
- Downtown Golden – Browse local shops, grab a coffee, stroll along the Kicking Horse River
- Golden Museum – Discover the history and people that shaped the town, entry by donation
- Confluence Park – Short riverside trails where the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers meet
- Golden Hill Town Lookout – Impressive roadside view over downtown Golden
- Reflection Lake – Picnic area and viewpoint close to downtown
- Mountain Shadows Trails – Network of technical cross country mountain bike trails
- Selkirk Hill Lookout – Beautiful roadside views of Reflection Lake and the Purcell Mountains
- Cedar Lake Recreation Site – Sandy beach area and easy trails (unpaved access)
Afternoon
Keep your feet on solid ground for the rest of the day, with a trip to one of two local waterfalls – Wapta Falls or Thompson Falls.
Wapta Falls is located on the western side of Yoho National Park, around 20 minutes drive from Golden. A 5km return hike leads to the base of this very wide waterfall, which is framed by surrounding mountains.
The trail is mostly flat until the very end, when it heads downhill to the river and the lower (and best!) viewpoint. Make sure you start from the correct trailhead for this hike – it’s just off Highway 1. A valid park pass is required.
For a more off the beaten path adventure, head to Thompson Falls in Golden’s Blaeberry area. The turquoise Blaeberry River winds through a narrow, rugged canyon, with towering mountain peaks rising behind it. The waterfall is accessible by both a long trail (12km return) and an unpaved road.
Drive to the end of Blaeberry Road, then continue onto Thompson Falls Forest Service Road. Pass the Thompson Falls Trailhead on the left, then look for a small side road around 4.6km later. We parked by the junction and then walked downhill to the start of the canyon (right) and waterfall (left).
Extending your trip to Golden
Two days in Golden is just the beginning of what this authentic mountain town has to offer.
Extend your trip with the following activities:
- Horseback riding – Guided experiences lasting anywhere from one hour to four days
- Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre – Educational facility with tours and famous ‘Walk with Wolves’ experience
- Mount 7 – Downhill mountain bike trails and lookout (unpaved access only)
- Moonraker Trails – One of Golden’s most popular mountain bike areas
- Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch – Daily tours of a free roaming bison herd
- Tandem paragliding and skydiving – Guided adventures in the sky
- Golf – Championship course with scenic views from each of the 18 holes
In addition to all of the activities already mentioned, Golden is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding national parks. For this reason, it would be easy to spend a week in the area without running out of places to explore.
Please note that a valid park pass is required to explore the national parks near Golden.
Yoho National Park
A full day exploring Yoho National Park is a must when staying in Golden, especially as the park boundary is just 27km away.
JR and I have spent a lot of time in Yoho over the years and this is how I’d spend a perfect day touring the park:
- Head first to spectacular Emerald Lake where you can walk the shoreline or paddle its turquoise waters. There’s also a 5km hiking trail all the way around the lake
- On the way back to Highway 1, drop by at the Natural Bridge and the Visitor Centre before heading to the family owed Truffle Pigs Bistro in Field for lunch
- Next stop is Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second tallest waterfall. The drive along Yoho Valley Road is equally beautiful. Please note that this area is only accessible from mid June to mid October
- For a half day hike, go to Sherbrooke Lake (4.3km return, 280m elevation gain) with an optional detour to the scenic Paget Lookout (extra 4km return with additional 250m elevation)
- One of the best full day hikes in Yoho is the Iceline Trail, a 21km loop with breathtaking alpine panoramas, spectacular waterfalls and lush subalpine meadows. Read our guide for more details
On the other side of Yoho National Park is Banff National Park. Several iconic destinations are within an hour’s drive of Golden, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (accessible by shuttle or bus tour only) and the start of the Icefields Parkway.
Glacier National Park
Set aside some time to explore underrated Glacier National Park, west of Golden.
Protecting a huge area of the Selkirk mountain range, the park has over one hundred glaciers and beautiful old-growth rainforest. It’s the perfect destination for hiking in the alpine, especially if you’re able to tackle some steep climbs.
Highway 1 runs right through Glacier National Park, with Rogers Pass being the highest point (1330m). A temporary visitor hub is currently operating at Summit Station while the Rogers Pass Centre undergoes renovations.
Some of our favourite trails include:
- Hemlock Grove Boardwalk – Very short old-growth forest walk with interpretative signage about the local wildlife and trees
- Bear Creek Falls – A short forest trail leading to a viewpoint of a waterfall. Downhill on the way there, uphill on the way back!
- Meeting of the Waters – Easy 3.3km loop through the forest to the confluence of two rivers with mountain views and the remains of historic Glacier House
- Great Glacier – The best effort to reward ratio hike in the park, featuring amazing views of Mount Sir Donald and the Vaux Glacier. Allow 3 hours for the 7km return trip with 320m elevation gain
- Hermit – Climb switchbacks and rock stairs to reach alpine meadows on this very steep trail featuring 830m of elevation gain in just 3.2km. Mountain goats are commonly seen at the top
- Glacier Crest – Ascend a rock ridge between two valleys with incredible mountain and glacier panoramas. The total distance is 13.4km return with 960m gain with some very steep sections
Highway 95 to Radium Hot Springs (Kootenay National Park)
Another fantastic day trip idea is to drive Highway 95 towards Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay National Park. The route follows the Columbia Wetlands all the way, with the Purcell Mountains on one side and the Rockies rising on the other.
The drive from Golden to Radium Hot Springs is around 100km and takes around an hour without stops. Choose your own adventure along the way:
- Paddle the Columbia Wetlands – Rent a canoe or kayak at the Columbia Wetlands Outpost and try to spot wildlife while taking in the mountain views
- Check out the World’s Largest Paddle – Stop for a photo with this oversized landmark, located right next door to the Columbia Wetlands Outpost
- Explore the Canyon Creek Trail – Half day moderate level hike to a lookout along the rim of a deep canyon in Nicholson, just south of Golden
- Hike in Bugaboo Provincial Park – Ascend into the alpine on the Conrad Kain Hut or Cobalt Lake trails for impressive views of glaciers and surrounding peaks (both full day hikes, unpaved access road)
- View Lower Bugaboo Falls – Short 3km return hike to reach beautiful waterfall near Brisco (unpaved access road)
- Visit Diana Lake and teahouse – Enjoy a moderate full day hike through meadows and forest to reach a pretty alpine lake and teahouse surrounded by larch trees (unpaved access road)
- Radium Hot Springs – Large pool fed by natural hot springs located in a canyon. It’s my favourite of all the Parks Canada operated hot springs in the Rockies!
A long, but worthwhile, day trip from Golden would involve driving a counter-clockwise loop via Radium Hot Springs (Highway 95), Kootenay National Park (Highway 93), Banff National Park (Highway 1) and Yoho National Park (Highway 1).
Where to stay and eat in Golden
There are plenty of accommodation options in Golden, from B&Bs, lodges and cabins to hotels, motels and luxurious resort rooms.
On our recent September trip, we enjoyed a cozy stay at Blaeberry Base‘s Luxe Serenity Dome (LSD).
Located about 15 minutes drive from downtown, this glamping spot sits on a quiet, forested street with views of Hedberg Peak. The peaceful setting makes Blaeberry Base the perfect retreat, while remaining convenient for access to downtown, Kicking Horse and the Skybridge as well as lesser-known spots like Thompson Falls.
Our geodesic dome combined the comforts of an upscale hotel with an outdoor setting – think luxurious bedding, espresso machine with locally roasted coffee, bathrobes, gas fireplace, shared cedar sauna and more. The patio, BBQ and outdoor fire pit completes the experience.
Other posts you may find helpful
Best Things Do in Golden, BC in Fall: Cozy Getaway Guide
BC Road Trips: 12+ Routes, Maps & Tips by a Local
Ultimate 2 Week Western Canada Road Trip from Vancouver
BC’s Best Backpacking Trips: Our Favourites and 60+ More Suggestions
Parks Canada Reservation Guide: Pro Tips and Insights to Secure a Camp Spot
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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!