Golden is a mountaineering paradise, surrounded by six National Parks including Banff, Glacier, Jasper, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke and Yoho. Recreational activities are abundant, and include golfing, skiing, hiking, backpacking, fishing, bird watching, rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and much more.
Things to do in Golden
Bird / Wildlife Watching
Interpretive Wetland Tours - The Rocky Mountain Trench is not only a major migratory path, but a great diversity of birds also settle in the Columbia Valley. You will find 265 transient and resident species that we have been able to account for so far. Reflection Lake, the Edelweiss slough and Moberly Marsh are favourite birding spots. You can do bird watching year-round, although more species are around during migration in spring (April - June) and fall (September – October). Mammal activities and sightings of bear, muskrat, fox, and many others are not uncommon just strolling in the woods.
Canoe / Kayak / Boat Tours & Rentals
The Columbia River, famous for its great wildlife viewing, especially the species of birds of preys, herons and ducks, is perfect for canoes and sea kayaks as are many local lakes. The Blaeberry, Kicking Horse, Blue Water and Spillimacheen Rivers offer whitewater of varying difficulty. The lower canyon on Kicking Horse has world renowned class 4 rapids. The season runs May – October. Call 250-344-2204 for more information.
CPR Swiss Guides' Village "Edelweiss"
Found on a hillside at the west entrance to town, you can see historic "CPR Swiss Guides' Village Edelweiss" overlooking the valley. The six Swiss-style chalets are privately owned and occupied. Jean Vaughn, daughter of one of the original Swiss Guides, is pleased to guide visitors through her father’s home, which has been kept original. Please call ahead for an appointment if you are interested in a tour. Call 250-44-2307 for more information.
Downhill (Alpine) & Cat Skiing / Snowboarding
The new Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is being developed into a 250 acres resort, encompassing 4005 acres of ski and snowboarding terrain. The new gondola rises to the summit of the Dogtooth Mountain Range at an elevation of 7705 feet (2350 meters). The excellent snow conditions will include a vertical drop of 4,133 feet (1260 meters) from the top lift, making it the second highest in Canada. Ski season is from early December - end of April, during which a Snow Shuttle is operating between the town of Golden and the ski hill. Call 866-SKI-KICK for more information.
Golden District Arts Council
Visit the Gallery to view various artists work from the area. Open Monday –Friday 9am - 1pm / 2 - 5pm. Please contact us directly or visit our website for upcoming shows/performances. Call 250-344-6186 for more information.
1007 D 10th Street, Golden, BC
Golden Museum
View the many pioneer artifacts on display that date back to 1865 at the Golden Museum. The permanent collections include exhibits featuring natural history, a log schoolhouse, and a 1904 CPR station. Also you will find archives from 1884 to 1970. The Golden Museum and Archives are open from May 1st to September 30th annually - Monday to Friday 9am - 12noon / 1 - 5pm. The remainder of the year is by appointment. Call 250-344-5169 for more information.
1302 11th Avenue, Golden, BC
Golden Triangle
This area is extremely popular as a mountain biking route and is probably one of the most spectacular and strenuous cycle circuits in Canada. This route follows the Rocky Mountain Trench between Golden and Radium Hot Springs. The multi-use Canyon Creek Trail is just one of the many challenging routes just above Golden in the Purcell Mountains.
Heli-Hiking / Skiing
Enjoy fresh pristine powder snow at every turn, in every run. This is the birthplace area of the sport and one of the best in the world. You will find high quality fun at a high altitude. Operating daily to weekly packages, please contact us for dates and pricing. Call 866-424-4354 for more information.
521 9th Avenue North, Golden, BC
Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center
This is a truly unique opportunity to view, photograph and learn about the four wolves of Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center. You can also join discussions on wolves in the wild, stats and anecdotes. The center is open all year long daily 10am - 9pm. Call 250-344-6798 for more information.
1745 Short Road, Golden, BC
Rafter J Frontier Village
Rafter J Frontier Village offers visitors a look into the past. There are several museums here that offer guided tours, and there is both a Native Museum and a Cowboy Museum. The village has a snack bar, as well as picnic tables and a children's play area. Located only twenty minutes west of Golden Call 250-344-6432 for more information.
1870 Upper Donald Road, Golden, BC
The Burgess Shale Earth & Life Science Learning Centre
The Learning Centre is designed and programmed to meet the needs of organized educational groups. Consisting of the Field Elementary School, study rooms, seminar rooms, science lab, lecture theatre, kitchen, dining room and dorms for 30 students. This facility provides a Burgess Shale fossil storage area and research work space.
Walcott's Quarry
The quarry lies along a ridge on Mt. Wapta, across Burgess Pass from Mt. Burgess. Mt. Burgess has two peaks; the highest of these will officially be named "Walcott Peak" in honour of Dr. Charles Doolittle Walcott. Mt. Burgess, best viewed from Emerald Lake, once graced the back of the ten dollar bill.
Yoho National Park of Canada
This National Park is a short 10-mile (16-km) drive east of Golden on the Trans-Canada Highway. Here you will find the outstanding wonders of the Yoho National Park. It is famous for its canyons, spectacular glaciers, craggy mountains, and is home to waterfalls, glacial lakes, snow-topped mountain peaks, roaring rivers, deep silent forests, and spiral tunnels inside the mountains. Do not miss the cascading Takakkaw Falls. Through erosion, nature has carved some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. See the natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River, and visit the Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site. See the Hoodoos, immense boulders balanced atop tall pillars of glacial till. The park information centre is located on Hwy 1 in Field, about 40 miles (60 km) east of Golden. The east gate of the park is at the British Columbia-Alberta border on the Continental Divide. Total distance between the two gates is about 30 miles (48 km). Yoho borders Banff National Park to the east and Kootenay National Park to the south. Call 604-513-4777 for more information.