Nestled between the Canadian Rockies and Columbia Mountains,ย Golden, BCย is one of the most adventurous towns in British Columbiaโand one of our all-time favorites! This charming mountain hub is the perfect base for exploring iconic national parks, chasing waterfalls, and diving into outdoor adventures. With a strong sense of community and a welcoming vibe, Golden promises unforgettable memories for every traveler.
See our 4-day itinerary that will make your time in Golden truly unforgettable!
DAY 1: Scenic Drive & Hikes in Glacier National Park
If youโre road-tripping from Vancouver, donโt miss the chance to exploreย Glacier National Parkย along the way. Often overlooked, this national park is a gem with rugged peaks, glaciers, and stunning alpine trails. Here are some top hikes we recommend:
Bear Creek Fallsย โ Easy | 1.3 km out & back | 52 m elevation gain
A short and sweet trail that leads to a magical waterfallโperfect for a quick stretch break.
Hermit Trailย โ Hard | 6.1 km out & back | 811 m elevation gain
A steep but rewarding climb to sweeping mountain views.
Great Glacier Trailย โ Moderate | 8 km out & back | 447 m elevation gain
A scenic trail offering up-close views of glacial landscapes.
Abbott Ridge Trailย โ Hard | 17.4 km out & back | 1525 m elevation gain
A full-day hike with panoramic vistasโperfect for experienced hikers.
Arrive in Goldenย and check into your accommodation. We recommend staying atย Kicking Horse Mountain Resort ย for its unbeatable location right on the mountain, complete with panoramic views and easy access to trails.
Dinner at Whitetooth Bistro
For your first evening, head downtown and dine atย Whitetooth Bistroโa cozy restaurant using fresh, local ingredients. Theyโre open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and their mountain-inspired menu is always a treat.
DAY 2: Rafting Adventure & Waterfall Chasing in Yoho National Park
Rafting on the Kicking Horse River
Start your day with one of the most thrilling adventures in Goldenโwhite water rafting on the Kicking Horse River! This river boasts some of the best and most scenic rapids in British Columbia. We joined a full-day rafting trip withย Glacier Raft Company, a local family-run business, and it was one of the highlights of our trip.
From floating peacefully between mountain walls to getting soaked by rapid after rapid, it was pure fun. Our guide made sure we felt safe while also keeping the energy high and the laughs flowing. Midway through the journey, we made a stop by a waterfall and enjoyed a mouthwatering burger and refreshing drinks right by the riverโit was the perfect break before diving back into the adventure.
Chasing Waterfalls
After your adrenaline rush, take a scenic drive toย Yoho National Parkย to visit two of Canadaโs most stunning waterfalls:
- Wapta Fallsย โ A wide, thunderous waterfall accessed via a 4.6 km round-trip hike.
- Takakkaw Fallsย โ At 373 meters, this is Canadaโs second tallest waterfall and only requires a short walk from the parking lot.
Dinner at the Island Restaurant
End the day with a delicious dinner back in town. We suggestย The Island Restaurant which will tempt you with Rocky Mountain Cuisine with a taste of Asian and European fusion.
DAY 3: Golden Skybridge, Downtown Strolls & Epic Sunset
Breakfast at local Cafรฉ
Start your morning with coffee and breakfast atย Ethos Cafรฉ. This local favorite serves amazing coffee, hearty meals, and just next door is their new bakery offering the best bread in Golden.
Adventure at Golden Skybridge
Then, head toย Golden Skybridge, home toย Canadaโs highest suspension bridges, offering spectacular views over waterfall and deep canyons. We recommend purchasing theย Adventure Pass, which includes most activities except the Giant Canyon Swing (booked separately). Hereโs what you can experience โ but trust us, thereโs so much more!
- Upper & Lower Suspension Bridgesย โ Cross both bridges and enjoy epic photo ops.
- Canyon Edge Challengeย โ A mini aerial ropes course great for families and couples.
- Giant Canyon Swingย โ This one is for the brave! A massive swing above a 200-ft canyon waterfall. Pure adrenaline!
- Railrider Mountain Coasterย โ Canadaโs longest and fastest mountain coaster zipping through forest and canyon edge.
- Zipline Adventureย โ Soar 500 feet above the canyon on a 1,000-foot-long zipline!
Lunch at Reposados and Golden Downtown
For lunch, head back into town and tryย Reposados Tacos, an authentic Mexican restaurant with a Rocky Mountain twist. Their tacos and margaritas are perfect after a morning of thrills.
In the afternoon, enjoy aย relaxing stroll along the Kicking Horse River. Walk across the covered pedestrian bridge and follow the riverside trail to unwind and soak in Goldenโs small-town charm.
Sunset time at Mount 7 Lookout
After exploring downtown,ย head up to Mount 7 Lookout for sunsetโone of the most breathtaking views in the area. From this scenic viewpoint, youโll see Golden stretched out below, framed by the Columbia River and surrounding mountain ranges glowing in the evening light.
The drive to the top is accessible by car (no hiking required), though be prepared for aboutย 11 km of unpaved but manageable gravel road. Trust usโitโs worth it. Pack a blanket, bring a warm drink, and enjoy the golden hour magic from one of Goldenโs best-kept secrets.
DAY 4: The Best Coffee in Town & Meet Boo the Bear
Begin your final day atย Wandering Fern Cafรฉ, our top pick for the best coffee in Golden. This hidden gem serves excellent espresso drinks, tasty oat bowls, toasts, and baked goods.
One of the most unique experiences in Golden is visitingย Boo the Bear, a resident grizzly at theย Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refugeโthe largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat in the world.
Boo was rescued in 2002 when he was just five months old, after his mother was illegally killed by a poacher in British Columbia. Too young to survive on his own in the wild, Boo was brought to the refuge atย Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, where he now lives in a spacious 20-acre enclosure designed to mimic his natural environment. The area includes forests, meadows, ponds, and even hibernation dens.
While Boo canโt be released back into the wild due to his habituation to humans, his story has helped researchers better understand grizzly behavior, orphan rehabilitation, and bear conservation efforts. Over the years, heโs become a powerful ambassador for grizzly education in Canada.
We joined theย Ranger Assist Program, a small-group, guided tour that allows you to observe Boo foraging, playing, swimming, and exploring. The rangers share fascinating facts about grizzly bears and Booโs life, making this an informative and heartwarming experience for all ages.
Final Thoughts
Golden is the kind of place that sneaks into your heart and makes you want to stay forever. Whether youโre into hiking, white water rafting, suspension bridges, or wildlife encounters, this town is the perfect base for all kinds of Rocky Mountain adventures.
