Golden, British Columbia, is a hidden treasure in the Rocky Mountains that offers a unique experience far from the crowded tourist spots of Banff and Lake Louise. In Golden, you can connect with the local community, explore stunning landscapes, and embark on thrilling adventures.
Golden, BC, is a paradise for travellers looking to explore the Canadian Rockies authentically. With its unique experiences and welcoming community, you can immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying epic outdoor activities.
This weekend itinerary captures the essence of Golden. You’ll find authentic experiences, stunning nature, and a genuine sense of community here. Whether climbing the Via Ferrata, soaring through the trees on a zip line, hiking, or simply relaxing in town, your weekend in Golden will surely be unforgettable.
Here are our top accommodation picks in Golden:
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Day 1: A Via Ferrata, Grizzlies, Fantastic Food & The BEST Accommodation
Breakfast at Ethos
Start your day early at Ethos Café, a local favourite with fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere. The breakfast menu features hearty and delicious options to fuel every adventure. Try the Breaky Roll or Yuzu Avocado Toast… you can thank us later!
Ethos isn’t just about fantastic food; it’s a gathering place. Over breakfast, we witnessed locals and visitors chatting and laughing while sharing stories and recommendations. This sense of community is part of what makes Golden so special, and it’s the perfect way to kick off an action-packed weekend.
Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
After breakfast, drive to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort to experience the thrilling Via Ferrata. This activity combines hiking and rock climbing with more pronounced steps, handholds, and bridges. We chose the Ascension Route, which takes about three hours, but they also have two slightly shorter options. These should all be booked online in advance to guarantee availability.
As you climb, you’ll be strapped into a harness and attached to the cable. This route requires no prior climbing experience, making it accessible yet exciting. You begin at the top of the gondola, where you will meet your guide, get your gear, and practice on a small section of rock nearby. After everyone feels comfortable with the cables, you will set out on a 15-minute hike to reach the beginning of the Via Ferrata.
Once clipped in, the group will traverse suspension bridges, scale the side of a mountain, and climb vertically on rungs built into the rocks to reach Terminator Peak. Arriving at the summit is exhilarating. You’ll feel on top of the world, surrounded by endless peaks and mountain ranges.
The friendly and knowledgeable guides will ensure you feel safe the entire time while enjoying the climb. They share stories about the local area, making the experience even more memorable. We were clipped into this route for just over 1.5 hours. After reaching the top, we had some free time to enjoy the view and take photos before beginning the hike back to the top of the gondola.
Lunch at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant
After your Via Ferrata adventure, take a well-deserved break at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant. Located at the top of Kicking Horse Mountain, a stone’s throw away from where you’ll drop your gear, this spot offers jaw-dropping views over five national parks and several mountain ranges.
The interior is gorgeous, the food is to die for, and the views are out of this world. We ordered the Truffle Fries, Elk Burger, and Gyoza, which were all unreal. Take your time here and enjoy a drink on the patio after lunch. You’ve earned it after your climb!
Visit Boo the Bear at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Post-lunch, make your way to see Boo, the Bear. He’s a Kicking Horse Mountain Resort resident living in the largest bear refuge in North America. Boo was rescued from the side of the road at five months old after his mom was killed by a poacher in 2002. At that time, there were no rehabilitation programs in place for cubs in these circumstances, so Boo and his brother, Cari, were taken to the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge.
The refuge was established specifically for orphaned cubs, providing a unique environment for research on grizzly bear behaviour and development. Unfortunately, Cari passed away during their first hibernation due to a health issue, leaving Boo to navigate life alone.
Despite the loss, Boo has thrived in the refuge, demonstrating that orphaned cubs can develop essential survival skills independently when given the right environment. His life at the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge is about survival, fostering a greater understanding of grizzly bears, and supporting future orphaned cubs.
Visiting Boo is more than just a chance to see a grizzly bear up close. It’s educational, heartwarming, and a lot of fun. The staff does a fantastic job of sharing his story and highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation. We booked the Ranger Assist Program, which gave us behind-the-scenes time with Boo and the rangers as they fed him and carried out his daily care routine.
Dinner at Reposados
Head downtown to Reposados for dinner, a lively spot known for its delicious Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere is vibrant, and the staff are incredibly welcoming. Depending on the weather, we highly recommend grabbing a table on their patio if you can swing it.
We actually ate here twice during our time in Golden because the food was divine! Try ALL the tacos (seriously!) or a burrito with a refreshing margarita. Reposados has many vegan and gluten-free dining options, and they even have a takeaway window.
Before or after dinner, take a stroll through the town. Downtown Golden has a charming vibe, friendly residents and a relaxed atmosphere. Make sure to stop in at some of the local shops and explore the stunning pathway beside the river.
Stay at Edelweiss Village + Resort
Though there are several lovely places to stay in Golden, we cannot speak highly enough about Edelweiss Village + Resort. This historic accommodation option consists of 6 cozy chalets built in 1912 by the Canadian Pacific Railway for Swiss mountain guides and their families.
These chalets have recently been renovated and restored, creating a spacious and luxurious retreat after a day of adventure. We stayed in Chalet Heimann and LOVED the mix of rustic charm and modern comforts.
Each cabin is unique, but they all offer a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, free parking and can accommodate 4-7 people. This resort is conveniently located just outside town, making exploring easy while nurturing a secluded mountain getaway.
Day 2: Cozy Cafés, Ziplines, Canyon Swings, and Endless Adventure
Breakfast at Wandering Fern Café
On day 2, wake up and start your day at Wandering Fern Café. This local gem is known for its fresh, homemade breakfast options and fantastic coffee. Try an Organic Oat Bowl, The Smashed Avo Toast or The Salmon Toast, and pair your meal with one of their delicious drinks.
The café is located downtown and boasts an incredibly friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick coffee on the run or a slower morning cozied up on their couch, it’s a great spot to relax and prepare for your next adventure.
Spend The Day at Golden Skybridge
After breakfast, make your way to the Golden Skybridge. This stunning attraction features the highest suspension bridges in Canada and several adrenaline-pumping activities.
We booked the Adventure Pass, which gives you single access to all activities except the giant canyon swing, which we booked separately. Each experience is unique and exciting; spending the entire day here is easy. Activities are available for all ages, making this an excellent option for everyone from couples to families.
First, we grabbed a coffee at the village and started walking on The Forest Trail Loop. This one-way path is 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) long, and you can walk it as many times as you would like during your visit. Wear comfortable closed-toed shoes, leave your bags and loose items in the car, and look at the map to plan your route!
You can choose to enjoy these activities in any order, but here’s what we did:
We began by walking over the Upper Skybridge, the highest suspension bridge in Canada! The views from here are incredible, and there are several viewpoints on both sides of the bridge.
Next, we continued to the Sky Zipline, where we suited up and soared above the canyon. We especially loved that David and I could zipline simultaneously and see the stunning landscape from a bird’s-eye view. The feeling you get soaring above the trees is unbeatable.
From there, we made our way to the Giant Canyon Swing. This activity must be booked separately, and they will book you an arrival time. We requested the tandem swing, which we would highly recommend. This meant we got to experience the swing together. The adrenaline rush and the view as you swing over the canyon is something we will never forget.
From there, we began our second walk around the Forest Loop Trail, stopping at the Canyon Edge Challenge Course.
Here, you can navigate through obstacle courses high in the trees. The courses have various levels, making them perfect for all ages. They are self-guided and offer challenges that keep you engaged while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the forest.
After the adventure park, we went to the Railrider Mountain Coaster. This mountain rollercoaster takes visitors on a thrilling scenic ride through the forest. Finally, we crossed the Lower Skybridge and walked back to the entrance. If we had more time, we would have loved to try the Axe Throwing and Climbing Wall before leaving!
Late Lunch in Golden
At this point, we could have tried any of the great restaurants in Golden, but we both enjoyed our dinner so much the night before that we went back to Reposados. We ordered some burritos to eat on our drive back to Calgary, which were fantastic!
If you are looking for something a little different, you could try:
Afternoon Hiking and Sightseeing Options
If you still have some gas in the tank, you could try a short hike or visit a vibrant green lake before heading home. A few we would recommend are:
- Wapta Falls: Located approximately 30 km east of Golden, this easy 5-kilometre round-trip hike takes you to the largest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River.
- Takakkaw Falls: Canada’s second-highest waterfall is only a short hike from the parking lot and is well worth the trip!
- The Natural Bridge: The Kicking Horse River carved out this wonder of nature over thousands of years. You can view the small waterfall and bridge from a viewing platform or walk on the short pathway for different viewpoints and perspectives.
- Emerald Lake: Named after its memorizing colour, Emerald Lake is one of the most picturesque mountain lakes in Yoho National Park. Plus, you can drive right up to it! You can rent canoes, hike around the lake, or enjoy a meal at one of the three restaurants at Emerald Lake Lodge.
We hope you enjoy your time in Golden, BC. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or comment below with your favourite activity in Golden. We would love to hear from you!
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