Golden, BC
Golden Sunrises and a Biblical Plague
A Snapshot of Golden
Golden is a small town in southeastern British Columbia, with a population of under 4,000 and an ideal destination for travelers eager to explore the great Canadian wilderness. The closest major city is Calgary, about a three-hour drive away. Golden sits at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers, surrounded by the Purcell and Rocky Mountains. Its location near five national parks—Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Glacier, and Kootenay—makes it a perfect stop on any Western Canada road trip, especially when traveling between Vancouver and Calgary. Golden’s history is closely tied to the Canadian Pacific Railway and the logging industry, and remnants of its past as a railway town are still visible today. Nowadays, outdoor adventure and tourism are the town’s main attractions.
Wildfire
British Columbia has faced devastating wildfires in recent years, transforming its picturesque landscapes into scenes of destruction. These fires, fueled by dry conditions and rising temperatures, have not only threatened the province's vast forests but also displaced communities, disrupted wildlife, and impacted air quality across the region. The town of Jasper and Jasper National Park making the most recent worldwide news just weeks ago. Unfortunately, during our time in Golden, a fire broke out just miles from our campsite. The serene mountains became foggy and hazy with the stench of burned landscapes. The wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by climate change, highlighting the need for increased preparedness and sustainable practices to protect the province's natural beauty and the well-being of its residents.
Exploring Downtown & Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge
Compared to nearby mountain towns, Downtown Golden is small, but it’s still worth a visit. Take a stroll around, pop into the local shops, enjoy a drink at the Rockwater Grill or Reposados, or simply walk alongside the scenic Kicking Horse River. Don’t miss the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, a 46-meter span over the river. It’s a beloved community landmark and a beautiful spot to enjoy a coffee from Purcell Coffee or Bluebird Café.
Lunch at Thompson Falls
A lovely, easy hike around Golden is the Thompson Falls forest trail. This moderate, three-hour round-trip hike provides spectacular views of Thompson Falls. The trail follows a route once used by First Nations as a trade path, adding a touch of historical significance to your adventure.
Meet Boo, the Bear
No trip to Golden would be complete without a visit to Boo, the Grizzly Bear. At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, you’ll find the world’s largest Grizzly Bear Refuge. Be sure to check the hours before you go; we missed our chance one afternoon because it had already closed. Interpretive tours are held every hour on the hour, Monday through Sunday, from 10 am to 3 pm, with no tours at 1 pm as Boo often naps during the mid-day heat. The 10 am tour is highly recommended for the best chance to see Boo up close and active. When awake, Boo is rarely out of sight for long, so patience will be rewarded.
Other Noteworthy Activities in Golden: Golden Skybridge
For thrill-seekers, the Golden Skybridge offers Canada’s highest suspension bridges, soaring 426 feet above a breathtaking canyon in the Columbia Valley. The views of the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges are nothing short of spectacular. Beyond the skybridges, there’s plenty more to do: ride the Railrider Mountain Coaster, soar on the zipline, climb the rock wall, or try axe throwing. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours to fully enjoy everything Golden Skybridge has to offer. Since we had recently visited Squamish’s skybridge, we chose to skip this one due to time constraints.
Where We Stayed: Golden Riverfront RV Park
We stayed at the Golden Riverfront RV Park in Golden, a beautiful spot unfortunately plagued by relentless mosquitoes. Stepping outside meant being instantly swarmed, making it nearly impossible to enjoy the park. We found ourselves running to the car, frantically waving our arms and quickly closing doors to keep the mosquitoes at bay. However, Golden is a charming little town perfectly located near five national parks: Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Glacier, and Kootenay. It's right off Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway), making it a convenient stop on any Western Canada road trip, especially for those traveling between Vancouver and Calgary.
Mosquitos coming at as like a Biblical Plague
More on our Western Canada loop in future posts!