Welcome to beautiful British Columbia’s pretty town of Golden world-renowned for its Yoho National Park. It’s a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts since year-round, they can experience the Canadian Rockies, lakes, and rivers. Visitors can ski, ice fish, snowshoe, and enjoy the evening curled up in front of their rustic lodge’s fireplace. Daring adventurers can experience new heights by being dropped by a helicopter on to powdery slopes. After rafting across Kicking Horse River’s raging rapids, wander into Golden for a soothing spa treatment. To explore this destination’s incomparably beautiful landscapes, please refer to our list below of things to do in Golden, Canada.
1. Get the thrill of whitewater rafting on Kicking Horse River (from USD 101.0)
This tour offers travelers a chance to embark on a thrilling journey to battle Kicking Horse River’s powerful whitewater rapids. Adventure enthusiasts will challenge class 3 to 4 rapids while being accompanied by a seasoned professional rafting instructor. After vigorously paddling through the raging white waters, visitors can admire the scenic beauty while floating along the river. While relaxing on the raft, rafters can try to spot deer, moose, and bears on the riverbanks. Upon arriving at basecamp, guests must return their paddles, helmets, life jackets, and other gear to the friendly staff members.
Extreme Whitewater Rafting on Kicking Horse River
Duration: 4 hours
2. Hike to the summit of the Iceline Trail
During a hike to the summit of the Ice Line Trail, hikers will discover the picturesque beauty of Yoho National Park. Hikers can choose between the Little Yoho route (8 hours) or the Celeste Lake route (7 hours). This trail is rated difficult and is not for the faint of heart with its steep mountain paths and windy switchbacks. However, those who accept the challenge will experience sweeping vistas of the Canadian Rockies, glacial lakes, and valley views. The trail’s campgrounds and alpine huts provide hikers a place to camp and escape the ever-changing mountain weather on their arduous journey to the summit.
Iceline Trail
Address: Columbia-Shuswap A, BC V0A 1G0
Website: Iceline Trail
Opening hours: May 1 - 31, Oct 1 - 12: 9am - 5pm (daily); June 1 - Sept 30: 8:30am - 7pm (closed Oct 13 - March 31)
Price: 15 USD
3. Cross the snowy terrains on an exciting dog-sledding adventure
In order to become a true musher, visitors must learn certain commands before their dog sledding adventure in the Great Outdoors. Excited sledders will be racing over snowy trails lined with coniferous forests while passing frozen ponds and soft turquoise glacial lakes. While being pulled by mighty Siberian and Alaskan huskies, sledders can enjoy unimaginably beautiful views of the snow-capped Canadian Rockies. As the sled bounds along snowy terrains, voyagers can admire glistening evergreens and rivers as snowflakes fall overhead. After unharnessing these furry balls of endless energy, guests are welcome to snap commemorative selfies with these friendly guys.
Yoho National Park
Address: Field, BC V0A 1G0
Website: Yoho National Park
Opening hours: 9:30am - 6;30pm (daily)
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4. Discover Golden's stunning autumn beauty
Those wishing to visit Golden, B.C. should consider planning their outdoor vacation for the autumn months. During this special time of year, visitors can experience the most vivid colors blanketing Yoho National Park’s three mountain ranges. Don’t forget to pack your camera when packing your gear for hikes, paddling, and mountain biking excursions. Golden’s autumns give tourists the chance to capture shots of brilliant golds, coppers, and ruby reds against the magnificent ice-capped Rocky Mountains. To snap unimaginably breathtaking photos of the powerful fall set amongst autumn’s vivid canvas, hikers should swing by Wapta Falls.
Yoho National Park
Address: Field, BC V0A 1G0
Website: Yoho National Park
Opening hours: 9:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: 5 - 110 USD
5. Feel the rush of mountain biking downhill at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
At Kicking Horse Resort, cyclists can rent a bike or pick up a map to use their own mountain bike rushing along the mountain pass. After strenuously climbing up the Kicking Horse Pass, cyclists will be able to view Kicking Horse Mountain’s majesty. They can also gaze reflectively at brilliantly colored foliage blanketing the forest and Kicking Horse River below. Before speeding downhill towards the luxurious Kicking Horse Resort, bikers can practice high-flying stunts. Upon reaching the alpine resort, cyclists can enjoy a hearty steak dinner at Winston’s Bar and Restaurant.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Address: 1500 Kicking Horse Trail, Golden, BC V0A 1H0
Website: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 30 - 145 USD
6. Take a guided tour of the Northern Lights Wolf Centre
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, venture to the fascinating Northern Lights Wolf Centre. During a visit, guests will learn about wolves’ role in the environment along with many other facts about wolves. Children and adults will love watching these wiley predators as they go about their day’s activities from a safe viewing spot. For a truly unique experience, guests can join the center’s wolf pack to journey into thick evergreen forests to search for elusive grey wolves. After catching a glimpse of wolves silently passing through the trees, visitors will experience a close encounter with these beautiful creatures.
Northern Lights Wolf Centre
Address: 1745 Short Road, Golden, BC V0A 1H1
Website: Northern Lights Wolf Centre
Opening hours: 12pm - 5pm (daily)
Price: 5 - 27 USD
7. Enjoy a snowshoeing excursion around Golden
To take lessons or rent snowshoes, visitors should drive over to Golden Nordic Ski Club or Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. If you are an advanced snowshoer, drop by either to pick up a map of Golden’s numerous trail systems. On Cedar Lake’s Moonraker trails, you’ll snowshoe past snow-covered evergreen forests, amazing wildlife, and frozen crystal clear lakes. Whereas Yoho National Park’s trails surrounding Emerald Lake are groomed trails for all skill levels. Visitors snowshoeing Golden’s trails can reconnect with nature through astonishingly beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery and emerald forests.
Snowshoeing Golden
Address: 1690 Hector Trail, Golden, BC V0A 1H0
Website: Snowshoeing Golden
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 5 - 200 USD
8. Experience Yoho National Park's spectacular scenery
Those leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city will discover Yoho National Park’s magical scenery. With just one look, nature enthusiasts will behold Canada’s iconic Rockies along with the Selkirk and Columbia mountain ranges. From a scenic outlook, hikers can gaze upon the Columbia River’s steep canyon and verdant river valley. After peering through binoculars, hikers may wish to continue to the Columbia River’s confluence to view Yoho’s and Kicking Horse’s tributaries flowing into the Columbia. After being awestruck by such unimaginable beauty, visitors may catch glimpses of grizzlies in faraway meadows on their hike home.
Yoho National Park
Address: Field, BC V0A 1G0
Website: Yoho National Park
Opening hours: 9:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: 5 - 110 USD
9. Enjoy snowmobiling along forest trails
Outdoor enthusiasts can joyously race across miles of groomed trails in Golden’s four maintained areas and 13 exclusive zones. With shops specializing in snowmobiling, hardcore sledders can maintain their machines while riding Golden’s powdery mountain slopes. Visitors can choose from guided tours and rentals while exploring Golden’s vast winter wonderland. Experienced sledders will enjoy free-falling into mounds of dense powder while crisscrossing diverse terrain. Before climbing the mountain trails, it’s recommended to announce your plans to your party beforehand in the event of a sudden avalanche emergency.
Snowmobiling Golden
Address: 1500 Kicking Horse Trail, Golden, BC V0A 1H0
Website: Snowmobiling Golden
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 40 - 250 USD
10. Experience ice-skating on a frozen lake or indoor rink
Golden’s frozen lakes are ideal for lacing up your skates and engaging in a Canadian classic by playing ice hockey. Before taking a slap shot at the opposing team’s goalie, take a moment to admire the spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery. Besides hockey, these icy surfaces are excellent for sledding, ice fishing, and ice skating. In addition to ice rinks, many frozen ponds and lakes, and parks are turned into rinks during winter. Visitors wishing to skate can either bring their skates or rent a pair to practice figure eights, spins, and other figure skating skills.
Ice Skating
Address: Field, BC V0A 1G0
Website: Ice Skating
Opening hours: 9:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: 0 - 10 USD
11. Go sunset fishing on Jeb Lake
To reach Jeb Lake, those leaving Golden will travel along the Trans-Canada Highway until coming upon Jeb Lake signage. This easy hour drive provides easy access for swimming, canoeing, fishing, and observing nature. With facilities and a boat launch, visitors may decide to pitch a tent thus turning their day trip into an overnight camping adventure. During the summer, boaters and paddlers will love experiencing warm weather tempered by cool lake breezes. Anglers may want to try sunset fishing for spectacular alpine sunsets before camping under the twinkling stars.
Jeb Lake
Address: Jeb Lake Recreational Campgrounds
Website: Jeb Lake
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Explore Golden on horseback
With Golden’s tour companies, visitors can get off the beaten path through pleasurable horseback riding adventures. If they have brought their own steeds, they can ask locals for advice to ride Golden’s most breathtaking trails. To experience Golden’s picturesque rolling countryside, riders should saddle up to travel along Blaeberry Valley’s trails. While en route to the astonishing Columbia River Valley, horsemen can gallop across wildflower-filled alpine meadows. Upon reaching the canyon’s overlook, tired horses can rest while visitors photograph the Columbia River’s canyon’s jagged rock walls.
Horseback riding
Address: Golden, BC
Website: Horseback Riding
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 20 - 125 USD
13. Ice climb Yoho National Park's frozen falls
Visitors interested in ice climbing will want to seize the day for frosty adventures by putting on their ice picks and climbing gear. Golden’s tour companies offer a safer-feeling climbing experience for ice climbing newcomers. While climbing Wapta Falls’ crystalline frozen falls, climbers will be awestruck by Yoho National Park’s phenomenal Rocky Mountain views. Climbers venturing over to Kicking Horse Pass will climb above trains snaking through concrete spiral tunnels below. Besides Golden’s numerous valleys, the Valenciennes are another popular climbing area for ice climbers of differing skill levels.
Ice climbing
Address: Field, BC V0A 1G0
Website: Ice climb Yoho National Park
Opening hours: 9:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: 75 - 305 USD
14. Heli-ski or cat ski across ancient glaciers
Golden’s fire-engine-red Cat snow machine enables skiers to journey into Golden’s backcountry for a day of cat skiing. Once the machine has reached the drop-off spot, skiers can practice their totally awesome aerial skills before racing down the powder-covered terrain. Golden offers day trips and multi-day excursions for visitors interested in cat skiing and heli-skiing adventures. Heli-skiing experts will drop skiers from the heavens onto ice-capped mountain playgrounds to ski across ancient glaciers. Both adrenaline-pumping sports cut out waiting in long queues and boarding ski lifts to spend more time on the slopes.
Heli Skiing and Cat skiing
Address: 438 Lafontaine Road, Golden, BC V0A 1H0
Website: Heli Skiing and Cat Skiing
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 4pm (closed from Fri - Sun)
Price: 345 - 1,150 USD
15. Hit the greens at the stunning Golden Golf Club
Families interested in a fun-filled day of golf can play a leisurely mini golf game at Golden Golf Club. There is also a driving range where golfers can practice hitting a bucket of balls before teeing off. The golf course’s clubhouse is a nice play to enjoy a snack and ice-cold beer after practicing your drive. Golden Golf Club’s rolling greens are the perfect spot to wear your best golf shirt while playing with your buddies. There are cart rentals available for golfers to drive from hole to hole while testing their skills in escaping sand traps, shallow ponds, and woodlands.
Golden Golf Club
Address: 576 Golf Course Drives, Golden, BC V0A 1H0
Website: Golden Golf Club
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 7am - 8pm; Mon: 7:30am - 8pm; Tue: 7:30am - 8:30pm; Wed: 7:30 - 9pm
Price: 0 - 250 USD
16. Get relaxing spa treatment at Retreat Golden
Guests staying at Retreat Golden’s rustic woodland lodges will be able to rejuvenate their weary souls. With daily morning meditation sessions, they can escape the cares of the day. The onsite spa helps visitors unwind with soothing scents and spa music while the knots are massaged out of their tired bodies. The resort’s surrounding brilliant white forest trails give visitors the chance to see bobcats, lynx, wolves, cougars, and caribou. During the summer, guests traveling on the trails can capture panoramic alpine valley views while spotting deer, bears, moose, and migratory birds.
Retreat Golden
Address: 1645 Dogtooth Close Golden, BC, V0A 1H2
Website: Retreat Golden
Opening hours: (Summer) Fri: 7am - 7pm; Sat: 6:30am - 7pm; Sun: 7am - 11am (Winter) Fri: 7am - 7pm; Sat: 7:30 - 7pm; Sun: 7am - 11am
Price: 645 - 1,045 USD
17. Shop at Golden Farmers' Market
When in Golden, visitors should stop by Golden Farmers’ Market to load up on the best produce, including the Okanagan’s peaches and berries. Market goers can purchase the plumpest blackberries and raspberries to snack on while in Golden. The market’s numerous stalls feature local and regional artisans, growers, and others selling their unique wares. Visitors can test samples of creamy lotion, view beautiful artwork, and admire hand-crafted jewelry. Before departing, shoppers may choose to fill their shopping bag with hand-made soap, cheeses, tapenades, and bottles of wine.
Golden Farmer's Market
Address: 8th Avenue North, Spirit Square, Golden, BC V0A 1H0
Website: Golden Farmer’s Market
Opening hours: Wed: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Thu - Tue)
18. Paddle on the breathtaking Columbia River
While in Golden, paddlers can canoe on the famous Columbia River, which originates in British Columbia and flows through Oregon to the Pacific Ocean. Golden’s many outfitters are eager to take guests out on peaceful kayaking adventures if they don’t feel comfortable going it alone. The Columbia Wetlands treats paddleboarders gliding by with sightings of great blue herons, trout, and birds of prey. Leaving behind the serene wetlands, the Columbia River’s thunderous Wapta Falls are suitable only for experienced canoers to paddle over. Canoers who decide to ride the cascading falls may be treated to grizzlies fishing for Kokanee salmon amongst large river boulders.
Columbia River Valley
Address: Yoho National Park, Field, BC V0A 1G0
Website: Columbia River Valley
Opening hours: 9:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: 55 - 76 USD
Discover Golden in British Columbia
Visitors can discover beautiful British Columbia landscapes on horseback, while hiking, biking, or snowmobiling. During a vacation to Golden, guests can walk with grey wolves in magical evergreen forests. After rafting the mighty Columbia, exhausted rafters may see grizzlies from afar playing in daisy-filled meadows. The breathtaking resort town of Golden will leave visitors longing to return for future wildlife encounters and wilderness adventures.
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