The mountains and river valleys around the town of Golden provide habitat for a multitude of wildlife species. Look to the skies for osprey, bald eagles, ravens and any number of smaller bird species. Large mammals include black and grizzly bears, mountain goats, mountain sheep, deer, moose and elk. What makes a visit to Golden exceptional, however, is the 100% certainty of being able to view a grizzly bear - even when he's hibernating - and a wolf pack too.
Grizzly Bear Refuge
The Grizzly Bear Refuge at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, 14km above Golden, is a 9ha/22ac fenced area high on the mountainside, and home to an orphaned male grizzly bear named Boo. This young bear has been living here since 2003 - although he once escaped from his enclosure to pursue a female. Tired and hungry, he returned to the refuge on his own accord about a month later. Even for young grizzly bears, fairy tale romance can be elusive. The refuge provides an unprecedented opportunity for biologists to study grizzly bear behaviour, and a chance for the rest of us to see this magnificent animal in an enclosed but otherwise natural setting. Access to the refuge involves a ride on the chairlift and a short walk to the Interpretive Centre. Since Boo tends to be less active during the heat of the day, plan to visit during the morning or late afternoon.
Wolf Watching near Golden
Feeling adventurous still? Then cross over to the other side of the valley and get on the TransCanada Highway westbound from town for a distance of about 10km/6mi. Turn right on Moberly Bench Road and follow the "Wolf" signs to the Northern Lights Wildlife Centre. Here, under the watchful eyes of Casey and Shelley Black, a pack of gray wolves lives in a secure enclosure. Listen to an interpretive talk or, by reservation only, join the wolves on one of their regular off-leash exercise walks. Walking with the wolves provides a unique opportunity to view and photograph these often-demonized animals, with Golden's fabulous mountain scenery as a backdrop.
The Columbia Wetlands
The Upper Columbia Valley stretches south from Golden to Radium Hot Springs and beyond. Here, the flow of the river is slow and easy, creating an important wetland ecosystem - a home for over 300 species of birds and mammals. Renowned Canadian artist Robert Bateman describes the Columbia Wetlands as "one of the most precious things on a world scale." Pack binoculars and camera and take a three-hour float tour of the river with Wetlands Wildlife Safari. Meet at the company's office adjacent to Golden Airport.
For more information on wildlife viewing in and around Golden, head to the Visitor Centre.