Make Golden, British Columbia Your Base Camp for Adventure
Explore the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
When you think of western Canada, I bet at least one of these iconic national parks come to mind: Banff, Jasper, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke. Maybe you dream of Yoho or Kootenay. Do you know what these parks have in common, besides their natural beauty? They are all within a morning's drive of Golden, British Columbia.
"What you see is what you get," says Tourism Golden about this mountain town nestled in the Canadian Rockies, and they mean it. Towering peaks, turquoise water, rushing waterfalls, and deep forests await, beckoning the adventurous. Here are a few reasons to love Golden, no matter the season.
Adventure is Everywhere
The area around Golden is so full of places to explore that it's almost an embarrassment of riches. It has some of the best biking terrain in North America, with over 115 miles of cross country trails. Add in a lift-serviced downhill terrain at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the epic downhill at Mount 7, and you could spend your entire time around Golden on your saddle.
You shouldn't, though. If you did, you'd miss hiking in one (or more) of the six national parks around Golden and rafting the world class whitewater on the Kicking Horse River. You'd also give up fishing in alpine lakes and mountain streams, and skiing at one of the five nearby ski resorts during the winter months.
Great Eats
Photo courtesy of Tourism Golden // Location: ELEVEN22
Golden may be a smaller town, but it's big on great dining. There are award-winning restaurants, food trucks, cozy cafes, and plenty of pubs and bars to sip a glass of local brew while eating tasty bites.
Head to the Rockwater Grill and Bar for bar food and live music, the Whitetooth Brewing Company for growler fills, and the Golden Taps Pub for a mountain town vibe. For an elegant night out, try the classic eats at the ELEVEN22, the steak at The Corner Restaurant, and high-mountain cuisine at the Heather Mountain Lodge.
Relax in Comfort
Golden knows how to accommodate adventurers in style. From hotels to cabins and lodges to camping resorts, there are spots for luxury travelers and for those who like to rough it.
If you lean toward the luxurious side of the equation, check out the Mount 7 Lodges. Located on a private mountainside property, each lodge has stellar views and a private deck with a hot tub. If camping is more your style, the Goldenwood Lodge Campground is a little off the beaten path and all the quieter for it. Or, grab your backpack and check out one of the many backcountry camp spots in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
No matter the season, Golden is a beautiful base camp for adventure. Are you ready?
Cover photo courtesy of Tourism Golden
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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