Treasure awaits in Golden, your base for sustainable mountain adventures. Take an unforgettable trip that’s good for you and the planet.
Zipping through the trees on a mountain bike, conquering a challenging peak, or spending serene hours near a crystal blue mountain lake — how would you spend a perfect day in Golden, BC? Ever since the first Swiss mountaineering guides started leading tours for Canadian Pacific Rail passengers in 1899, in-the-know adventurers have been coming to the mountain region of Golden for unparalleled outdoor recreation. The townsite, hewn in by towering slopes, makes an ideal base for travellers craving the all-season beauty of the Canadian Rockies and Columbia Mountains without the crowds of more touristy resorts, especially in the off-peak autumn season.
Golden is nestled between six national parks: Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, and Mount Revelstoke. Book an extended stay with hiking and sightseeing to fully experience some of the most beautiful parks in Canada.In Yoho, don’t miss trekking to Emerald Lake, Wapta Falls, the Natural Bridge, and the towering Takakkaw Falls, the highest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies. For hikers who like a challenge, the full Iceline Trail loop (also accessible as an out-and-back day hike) walks among rugged peaks and awe-inspiring glaciers. If Glacier National Park is calling, start at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre for trail and safety information, then take some time before or after your hike for the fascinating history exhibits on display. In Kootenay National Park, take the opportunity to embrace solitude in the remote wilds, complete with frigid mountain rivers and steamy hot springs.
Photo Credit: Agathe Bernard
Responsible, Sustainable Tourism
Whether you are hiking, biking, climbing, paddling, or just enjoying a picnic, every visitor to the Golden region plays a part in ensuring its sustainability. One way is with your purchase of a Parks Canada Pass, which provides funding to maintain and protect the parks. These economic generators mean more resources for sustainably managing plants and wildlife, and keeping the beloved natural places somewhere to return for generations.
As a responsible traveller, how can you ensure you are recreating sustainably? The top tips from Tourism Golden are:
- Stay on designated trails.
- Leave what you find and take what you bring — make sure you pack out all your garbage.
- Do not feed or approach wildlife.
- Prevent invasive species: make sure to properly clean and dry all boats, vehicles, bikes, and gear before visiting a new area. All watercraft and users must abide by Clean, Drain, and Dry before entering a body of water.
- Come prepared! Research trails to make sure you pick activities suitable for your whole group. Get advice from a local visitor centre, check weather conditions, and make sure people know where you are going and when you are expected back.
Tourism Golden has crafted responsible travel resources to help make the most of every adventure. Helpful one-page brochures are available on the website (tourismgolden.com/travel) for hiking, biking, camping, and more to help you travel and play sustainably.
At home in the mountains
Golden is a small community and home to people who care deeply about keeping their corner of the world a pristine, welcoming place. Visitors will quickly understand the magic and aura of the surrounding mountains, forests, rivers, and wetlands. To help support Golden as a sustainable community, consider travelling in off-peak seasons to ease resource use during the summer. Fall is the best time for hiking, with fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and stunning autumn colours. During your visit be sure to support local businesses, stock up at the weekly farmers’ market, and respectfully acknowledge that Golden is the traditional unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc peoples and the chosen home of the Metis Nation. Visitors to Golden find they want to return, brought back by the relaxed mountain vibes and the sense of community not so easily found in more commercialized centres.
Start planning your Golden adventure
Come and stay awhile. Golden has a host of accommodation options including backcountry cabins deep in the wilderness, sustainable emission-neutral lodges, full-service hotels, and everything in between to lay your head after a full day of exploration.
Your Golden adventure awaits. Trip planning starts by downloading the free Golden BC destination app, or by visiting tourismgolden.com/eco where you’ll find trail maps for hiking and biking, suggested itineraries, and an interactive tool to help customize every perfect day in Golden.
