With a population of only 4,200, Golden is an unassuming small town with an industrial past, but there's more than one dimension to its modest personality. The biggest employers are the Louisiana-Pacific plywood plant, the Canadian Pacific Railway, and expanding tourism led by Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
People come here from all over the planet for the area's world-class outdoor recreation. Summer activities include river rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
In winter, the attractions are downhill skiing, snowboarding, backcountry skiing, nordic skiing, heli-skiing and snowmobiling.
Adventure Tourism
It could be said that adventure tourism was born here. In the late 19th century, to introduce the Victorian elite to the Kootenay Rockies wilderness, the CPR brought Swiss mountain guides to Golden – descendants of some of them still live in town.
In the 21st century, after decades of relative dormancy, the seeds of adventure tourism that were planted by those Swiss mountain guides have produced a cornucopia of outdoor recreation. This surge in the adventure tourism industry and, in particular, the expansion of the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, is bringing change to this formerly sleepy mountain town.
Location & Culture
The town of Golden is situated at the confluence of two heritage rivers. The Columbia meanders into town as if in no particular hurry, while the glacially-fed Kicking Horse roars down into the valley through narrow canyons. The community, meanwhile, lives at the confluence of two cultures – the established blue collar sector and the growing number of adventure-seeking newcomers.
In addition to world-class outdoor activities, Golden's claims to fame include the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada, North America's highest backcountry lodges, and five national parks within 1 1/2 hours drive.
Things to do in Golden
Walk, run or bike the Rotary Trails and, along the way, cross the Kicking Horse River on the longest freestanding timberframe bridge in BC. Afterwards, enjoy a meal at one of Golden's surprisingly good restaurants.
Take a ride on the gondola at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. If it's winter, take advantage of the excellent snow conditions and go skiing or snowboarding. If it's summer, hike along the Dogtooth Ridge or jump on a mountain bike. Whatever the season, visit Canada's highest elevation eatery, the Eagle's Eye Restaurant, located at the top of the mountain.
Explore the town's heritage at the Golden Museum, in its obscure location at 1302 11th Ave South, or visit the Swiss Village, a small group of authentic chalet style homes that were built by the CPR for their mountain guides. Edelweiss is on the northern slope of the valley, 1.5km/1mi west of town.
Festivals & Events
Watch for Summer Kicks, a free concert series staged outdoors near the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge. On Wednesdays, throughout the summer, visit the Golden Farmers' Market, next to the Chamber of Commerce on 10th Ave North.
For more information about things to do in Golden, check with the Visitor Centre.
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