Exploring Western Canada’s Mountains

Canadians are craving unique and authentic travel experiences close to home. And when you explore your own backyard, you don’t have to worry about ever-changing pandemic-related rules and restrictions for international travel. You just go.

There are few things more exhilarating than a visit to the mountains. And when it comes to a Rocky Mountain experience in Canada, it’s all golden — Golden, BC, that is.

Heart of the parks

Nestled comfortably in the Canadian Rockies, Golden is ideally located as a base for the perfect outdoor vacation. Situated at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers and surrounded by six of Canada’s stunning national parks — Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Mount Revelstoke — there’s a wealth of activities to do in the region. Take your pick of parks to explore or stay long enough to see them all. And just three hours’ drive from Calgary and an easy and scenic drive from Kelowna or Vancouver, Golden is easily accessible.

Come spring, when the skis get put away, the breathtaking mountain landscape around Golden throws off its snowy blanket, revealing iconic hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes, and heritage sites. There’s something for the entire family. You won’t be able to contain the smiles and laughs as you take to the Kicking Horse for some whitewater rafting, navigate the trails on a mountain bike, or get up close and personal with awe-inspiring peaks. And summer days in Golden are warm and long, giving you lots of time to explore the region at your own pace, without feeling rushed.

The golden rules about sustainable tourism

Aside from being at the centre of some of the world’s greatest parks, what makes Golden special is that it’s not a commercialized destination. There’s no pretension here. They let the stunning landscape speak for itself. And the golden rule here is sustainable and responsible tourism. This means being prepared, researching your activities, and asking locals for advice on how to have a memorable and safe experience. It also means treading lightly on the environment by staying on trails and while it’s likely you’ll see wildlife, respect their home and don’t feed them.

The Ktunaxa Indigenous peoples have long called the area around Golden home. In the late 1800s, the Canadian Pacific Railway recognized that travellers through Golden would want to stay and explore this incredible landscape. The railway built hotels and attracted professional Swiss guides to lead visitors into the mountains. The marketing slogan at the time was “50 Switzerlands in one.” The mountains that captivated those Swiss guides more than a century ago are still there. If you’re looking for a unique and authentic Canadian experience, Golden is the real deal.

Visit tourismgolden.com to learn more