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Golden is a small town in British Columbia, but its location and scenery make it an excellent destination for nature lovers and adventure-seekers alike. With temperatures averaging 24.9°C (76.8°F) in summer, the weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
The town’s 4,000 residents are some of the friendliest we’ve met, and while many people come to Golden for winter activities, we’re here to show off all of the amazing summertime adventures too!
Whether you want to go hiking, see local wildlife, or enjoy a cozy meal, Golden doesn’t disappoint. We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do for an unforgettable summertime stay in Golden, so you can get right to the fun!
- Things to do in Golden, BC in Summer
- 1. Walk the Golden Skybridge
- 2. Ride the Kicking Horse Gondola
- 3. Enjoy dinner with a view
- 4. Go whitewater rafting on Kicking Horse River
- 5. Go mountain biking
- 6. Visit the Wolf Centre
- 7. Explore Glacier National Park
- 8. Visit Emerald Lake
- 9. Drink locally brewed beer
- 10. Explore downtown Golden
- 11. Go hiking
- 12. Paragliding or hang-gliding
- 13. Visit “Boo” the grizzly bear
- 14. Go ziplining
- 15. Walk to Wapta Falls
- 16. Fishing
- 17. Try Via Ferrata
- 18. Skydiving
- 19. Spend a day at Cedar Lake
- 20. Go horseback riding
- 21. Do the canyon swing
- 22. Day Trip to Yoho National Park
- Where to Stay in Golden, BC
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in British Columbia
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Golden, BC in Summer
1. Walk the Golden Skybridge
In 2021, the Golden Skybridge became Canada’s highest suspension bridge, and walking across it is at the top of our list.
Being 130 meters (426 feet) over the canyon offers some breathtaking views of the Columbia Valley, and it’s an incredible experience. We’ve been fortunate enough to visit Golden a few times, but walking over the Golden Skybridge for the first time was truly magical. Seeing the roaring river and 61-meter (200-foot ) waterfall below was awesome, and we’ll definitely do it again on our next trip.
Technically, the Golden Skybridge is made up of two suspension bridges. You’ll start by crossing the highest bridge, then after taking in the views along the canyon, you’ll return on a different bridge which will bring you back to the starting point. We love a 2-for-1 deal!
Each bridge has stunning views, so be sure to bring a camera – preferably one with a strap. We recommend spending about an hour here, but there are also some fun options when you arrive, so you might want to set aside a few hours just in case.
Walking the Golden Skybridge is $52 CAD per adult. But on top of the amazing sightseeing opportunities that come with walking the Golden Skybridge, there’s also a ropes course, a canyon swing, a zipline, a mountain coaster, axe throwing, a playground, and places to eat. While these are an additional cost, they’re great options especially if you’re traveling with a group.
The location of the Golden Skybridge is just 2 minutes outside Golden, off the Trans-Canada Highway on the way to Revelstoke. Take advantage while you’re visiting in summer, as it’s only open from May through mid-October. You can also check their website for visiting hours.
You can purchase your Golden Skybridge ticket online here!
2. Ride the Kicking Horse Gondola
While the Kicking Horse Gondola is commonly used by skiers and snowboarders in the colder months, in summer, it’s the perfect way to get some outstanding views of the Rocky Mountains.
Riding this gondola takes you up 2350 meters (7,700 feet) to the summit, with panoramic views of Golden, the mountain ranges, and the Columbia River wetlands along the way. Honestly, the views on this ride are some of the best in Canada!
When you reach the top, we recommend enjoying a meal at the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant (we’ll touch on this more below) or going for a hike. The wildflowers in summer are absolutely beautiful, so even if you only go on a short hike, it’s worth it for the views! You can view the list of trails here.
The gondola is located at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm in the summer. Tickets cost $52 CAD for adults and there are discounted rates for families and seniors. Considering the incredible views, we can tell you it’s worth the price. You can purchase your tickets in advance here.
3. Enjoy dinner with a view
After taking in the views from the gondola, you gotta have a bite to eat at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant!
Called the “Crown Jewel of Resort Dining,” enjoying a meal here is a must while visiting Golden. Plus, if you end up hiking after your gondola ride, you definitely deserve to treat yourself.
Eagle’s Eye is Canada’s highest restaurant in elevation at 2,350 m (7,710 ft) above sea level – so you get a delicious meal and bragging rights! The views here are unbelievable, and the food is delicious. On top of carrying fantastic local cuisine, there are also excellent wines and cocktails available, so you can have a few drinks at the top of the world.
They are open year-round, but we strongly encourage you to make a reservation as this is a popular spot. Also, they are occasionally closed for private events, so check the website before your visit. Trust us, having a meal or a drink here is worth the trip!
Hot tip: For a dinner reservation, the cost of the gondola ride to get to the restaurant is included. If you go for lunch, the gondola ticket price is discounted to about $20 CAD per person.
Related Read: If you’re driving from Calgary to Golden, make sure to stop in Banff for an easy hike to stretch your legs and enjoy the views!
4. Go whitewater rafting on Kicking Horse River
After seeing the views from above, it’s time to head back down for a full-fledged adrenaline rush. The Kicking Horse River has grade 3-4 rapids, and it’s one of the best rivers in Canada to go whitewater rafting, rivaling the rafting in Jasper and Banff. In fact, people from all over the world visit Kicking Horse to try their hands at its rapids, and on a warm day, we can’t think of a better way to spend our time.
For the ultimate thrill, we love this rafting adventure. You can choose the intensity level, and there’s even a family option that’s great for little kids. Each tour is between 3-6 hours, and you’re guide will take you to some of the best spots before tackling some awesome rapids.
The guide will provide all your equipment, and if you choose one of the longer tours, a buffet lunch is included as well. Our guide was awesome and his hilarious banter made the trip so much fun.
Ticket prices start at $110 CAD per person, and there are options for an express trip if you’re short on time, or a full-day discovery option if you just can’t get enough. Whitewater rafting tours run from June through September, so if you’re here during this period and looking for an adrenaline rush, it’s the perfect remedy!
Book this whitewater rafting tour here, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Go mountain biking
If you prefer to have your adventures on solid ground, then mountain biking in Golden is where it’s at! This town has over 185 km (115 miles) of amazing trails for mountain biking, and there are options for everyone.
From flat paths to steep downhill slopes, we’re confident there’s a biking trail you’ll love. One super helpful resource we’ve discovered is the Golden Biking Trail Map that Tourism Golden makes annually. It’s free to download and lists a ton of trails so you can enjoy a day on two wheels.
When we’re in Golden, we typically head to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort to kick off our mountain biking adventure. You can grab the lift get to the top of the valley and take some stunning photos before heading down on your adrenaline-fueled journey.
We suggest buying a lift ticket online before your trip and then heading to the lift kiosk to print it out when you arrive. In the summer, prices start at $66 CAD per adult, and you can get discounted prices if you book in advance or if you buy multi-day passes.
If you didn’t pack your bikes, no worries! The resort offers bike and gear rentals so you can hit the trails when you visit. There are bundle packages like the downhill rental package which includes a full-day lift ticket, a bike, and gear for $205 CAD per adult.
There are also great options for trails in Golden on Trailforks. Our personal favorites are the Easy Rider which is very beginner-friendly, and Superberm, which is 2.2 km (1.4 miles) of tricky turns, jumps, and berms.
6. Visit the Wolf Centre
On top of the beautiful mountains and rivers around Golden, spotting local wildlife is another reason to visit this lovely town.
The Northern Lights Wolf Centre is the perfect place to learn about wolves and see them up close.
The Wolf Centre offers 25-minute educational tours where you can learn all about wolves like why they howl, their habitats, and their role in the environment. You can also make a reservation to go on a guided walk with wolves on a hike through the Rockies. Here, you’ll even get close enough to snap a few pictures which we’re sure will make for some amazing memories.
If you don’t make it for a tour, you can walk around independently and learn about the wolves’ personalities from the many information boards around the center. There’s also a detailed write-up about each wolf including where they were adopted on their website.
The Wolf Centre is located in Golden and is open year-round and has a $15 CAD admission fee for adults, with discounted prices for children and seniors. The photography walks cost an additional fee depending on the size of your group and require a reservation. Be sure to bring cash as they don’t accept cards, but there is an ATM onsite if you forget. Summertime hours are generally 10 am to 6 pm, but they open at 9 am in July and August.
7. Explore Glacier National Park
Golden is surrounded by six Canadian national parks, which makes it a nature lover’s dream, especially in the summer! Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke, and Glacier National Parks all have so many fun things to do, but we’re just going to focus on one for now! Glacier National Park is less than a 40-minute drive from Golden, and it’s worth the trip.
At the heart of Glacier National Park is Rogers Pass, a National Historic Site with a visitor center showcasing the last section of the Canadian Pacific Railway line (CPR), which connected Canada from coast to coast. The pass is open year-round and is an incredibly beautiful drive. Luckily, the visitor center is open in summer so you can use the facilities and learn more about the history during your visit.
Or, for another way to explore the park, head on over to The Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, which is full of info on the attractions you can check out. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the onsite museum that includes information about the area’s history and wildlife.
Another fun activity in Glacier National Park is hiking one (or more) of its impressive trails. We love walking along the Hemlock Grove Boardwalk. It’s a series of boardwalks through stunning forests filled with old growth, and it’s a quick loop, so it’s great if you’re traveling with little ones.
For those looking for more of a challenge, check out the Asulkan Valley Trail. It’s 13.6 km (8.5 miles) in length and the route goes through rainforests and passes by waterfalls, glaciers, and tons of beautiful scenery. The trail usually opens in June after the snow has melted, so visiting in summer is the ideal time! While the weather should be on your side, we recommend checking the trail conditions before your trip.
Note: You will need a Parks Pass to enter Glacier National Park. More info about the pass can be found below.
Parks Canada Pass Quick Info
If you plan on spending time in Canada’s national parks (including Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Kootenay, and more) then you’re going to have to pay for a Parks Pass.
Single Daily Admission:
This type of pass is valid for one person for one day. It is ONLY the best value if you are traveling alone and only plan to visit a national park for a couple of days.
- Adult (ages 18-64) is $11 CAD
- Senior (65+) is $9.50 CAD
- Youth/Child (17 or younger) is FREE
Group Daily Admission:
If you’re traveling in a group or with family, you can buy a single-day admission for your entire vehicle (up to 7 people in one vehicle.)
- $22.00 CAD gets your entire vehicle entry for one full day
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
The “Discovery Pass” is what Parks Canada calls their year-long (365 days from the purchase date), multi-park entry pass. This pass will give 365 days of access to all participating national parks in Canada. This includes the most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke, and so much more.
- Adult (age 18-64) – $75.25 CAD
- Senior (65+) – $64.50 CAD
- Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) – $151.25 CAD
Hot Tip: Although more expensive up front, if you plan on spending more than 7 days in different parks in Canada within a 12-month period, then the Discovery Pass is actually the better deal!
Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor Centers or booths at the entrance to many national parks.
Related Read: If you’re staying in the area, we recommend spending some time in Revelstoke. There are plenty of fun activities and great places to stay, and it’s just a two-hour drive from Golden.
8. Visit Emerald Lake
Another stunning place to visit in the warm months is Emerald Lake. Plus, it’s less than an hour’s drive from Golden, just off the Trans-Canada Highway.
Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park, and it’s one of the best lakes to visit on a sunny day. Having the freedom to drive here whenever we feel is one of the reasons I recommend renting a car! As the largest lake in the entire park, it’s great for exploring in a kayak or canoe once you arrive.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of being on the water, there’s a great trail called the Emerald Lake Loop, which takes you 5.1 km (3.2 miles) around this beautiful lake. You can get amazing views of the clear green water on this hike, and being here is just a perfect way to spend a summer’s day.
If you want to stay longer, we suggest getting a room at the Emerald Lake Lodge. It’s one of the most popular hotels in the park and its location on the lake’s edge makes for some unforgettable sightseeing opportunities.
9. Drink locally brewed beer
If you’re like us, you’re always looking for a good spot to enjoy a local brew. We love going to small craft breweries to try all the unique beers on tap. Our personal recommendation for a brewery in Golden is Whitetooth Brewing Co.
Whitetooth is located in downtown Golden, and they have a fantastic lineup. With beer names like Speed Metal Stout, Thread the Needle Witbier, and Icefields Pale Ale, you know you’re in for a good time.
They also have an excellent patio which is perfect on a summer’s day. I’m a firm believer that one of the simplest pleasures in life is enjoying a cold beer outside on a warm, sunny day.
Try some of their award-winning beers by ordering a flight in the tasting room. Or, you can take some to go from their storefront. Whitetooth Brewing Co. is open daily from 12 pm to 10 pm, with family hours from 12 pm to 4 pm, so you can drop by even if you’re traveling with kids.
10. Explore downtown Golden
While we’re all about exploring the natural beauty in and around Golden, it’s also fun to check out the downtown area too!
A good place to start is 9th Avenue N, which has loads of shops, cafés, and restaurants to explore. A little further up the road, we love going to Bluebird Café, which is a charming little spot with delicious coffee and snacks. It’s open daily from 7 am to 3 pm and makes a nice spot to start your morning.
If you’re looking for insider tips, stroll over to The Golden Visitor Centre. The friendly folks here do an amazing job of offering suggestions for a full itinerary, and there are even souvenirs available to purchase. They’re right along the highway and open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday from May to September.
To learn more about the town’s history, definitely check out the Golden Museum. You’ll learn about the native people that occupied the territory and the diverse history of the town. The museum is located on 11th Ave., is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and is interesting for all ages.
One of our favorite places to visit in summer is the Golden Farmers Market. It’s held in Spirit Square, and you can find local goods from hand-made crafts to fresh produce. There’s a real sense of community at this market, and we love walking around in the fresh air, listening to music, and shopping small. The summer market is from mid-June through September, from 10 am to 3 pm every Wednesday. You can also check their Facebook page for updates throughout the year.
11. Go hiking
We’ve mentioned hiking at some of the parks around the area, but truth be told, there are so many amazing trails in Golden to explore.
Even if you’re not an avid hiker, it’d be a shame to miss out on strolling around this beautiful town when the sun is shining! Plus, it’s a lot easier to hike when there isn’t snow on the ground – take it from me!
Tourism Golden has an excellent hiking trail map that you can download, but we’ll share some of our favorites as well.
Rotary Trails is an easy route that starts from the town and takes you on a scenic loop around the local countryside. It’s around 10 km (6.2 miles) long, takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete, and is suitable for those looking to stretch their legs without straying too far from town.
Terminator Ridge is a shorter trail that’s a little more challenging, but your efforts are rewarded with some seriously epic views! The trail kicks off at the top of the Kicking Horse Gondola and is about 2.7 km (1.6 miles) long there and back. You can expect this trail to take about an hour.
For a bit of a longer hike, we recommend walking to Twin Falls. Strap on those hiking boots and get ready to enjoy a 15.6 km (9.7 miles) long journey, which begins near the Takakkaw Falls parking lot. Walking this trail took us about 5 hours, but we recommend taking some additional time to stop and gaze at the incredible scenery all around!
12. Paragliding or hang-gliding
For another high-thrill experience in Golden, we suggest giving paragliding or hang-gliding a try. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of flying, this is probably the closest you can get!
Unless you are certified, the best way to fly like an eagle (cue the Space Jam memes) is by signing up for a tandem flight with Altitude Adventures. This is the only company in Golden that offers tandem flights, and you can book one for $300 CAD per person.
When it comes to adventure activities, this paragliding experience is one for the books! It’s a great middle ground if you’re not up for skydiving, but still want to get some amazing views of the Rockies from above. Tandem flights start in June, and you can book directly with the company.
13. Visit “Boo” the grizzly bear
While seeing a grizzly bear sounds nerve-wracking in the best of scenarios, seeing a rescued bear living his best life is absolutely worth it.
The Grizzly Bear Interpretive Centre is part of the Kicking Horse Resort and is home to the adorable resident grizzly named Boo. He was a rescue and now lives in the mountainside habitat where he hunts and plays. Since Boo hibernates during the winter, this is just another reason to visit Golden during the summertime!
A ticket to visit the bear refuge costs $36 CAD per adult, or you can get an Adventure Pass for $55 CAD which includes sightseeing via the gondola as well. Also, if you don’t see Boo on your visit, you can go back for free!
Tours are held from 10 am to 3 pm daily, and we recommend booking an early time slot. Alternatively, you can sign up for the Ranger Assist Program which is a private, small-group viewing of Boo with a ranger before the public tours begin. These Ranger tours cost $77 CAD and are absolutely worth it if you want a more personal experience.
14. Go ziplining
You may have gathered by now that we are obsessed with anything and everything in the mountains! Honestly, you cannot go to Golden without getting the complete Canadian Rockies experience. One of the best (and most fun) ways to enjoy the magic of the mountains is by going on the Sky Zipline experience.
This thrilling ride takes you across 304 meters (1,000 feet) of space at an elevation of 152 meters (500 feet). You’ll get incredible panoramic views of the Columbia Valley while the wind rushes past. There are four zipline tracks, so you can even have a little friendly competition while you ride side-by-side with your friends.
The most affordable way to get tickets is to purchase an Adventure Pass, which includes a whole range of exciting activities like the Sky Zipline, axe throwing, and the climbing wall, as well as your entry ticket to the Skybridge. It costs $94 CAD per adult and you can get your tickets here.
15. Walk to Wapta Falls
One of the coolest treks we’ve come across is the hike to Wapta Falls. This is another place in Yoho National Park, so it’s a short trip outside Golden.
After turning off the Trans-Canada Highway, the trailhead will take you on an easy 4.8 km (3 miles) trek with some truly amazing scenery. There’s a slight elevation gain of 83 meters (272 feet), but overall, it’s a pretty beginner-friendly hike.
It would have aken us about an hour and 20 minutes without stops, but of course, we stopped! We recommend packing a snack or small picnic ahead of time because once you get to the falls, you’re going to want to sit back and take it all in. The view is extraordinary and as we’ve mentioned before, hard work is best rewarded by treating yourself to something tasty.
16. Fishing
Golden is located on the Columbia River, so there are plenty of amazing fishing spots in the summer. If you’re a fan of the sport, we recommend grabbing your gear to see what you can catch!
Common fish in the area are rainbow trout, bull trout, and giant ling. You’ll often see fly-fishing and spin-casting around Golden, but you’ll need to have a valid fishing license if you want to take part.
If you want to increase your chances of catching a fish, you can always book a guided fishing tour. The tour is great for beginners and seasoned pros, and you’ll get plenty of tips from local experts along the way. Prices range from $450 CAD to $700 CAD for half and full-day tours, and you can learn more about them here.
17. Try Via Ferrata
If you’re looking for a new hobby or just a fun way to pass the time, check out Via Ferrata. Via Ferrata means “iron road” in Italian and is a climbing route made with a steel cable and iron rungs. It’s fixed in the rock along the route, so climbers can secure themselves to the cable while they climb. It’s a great way to “rock climb” without needing any experience, skills, or upper body strength.
The Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse Resort is a challenging yet fun way to get some exercise and enjoy being up in the mountains. Unlike rock climbing or bouldering, climbing here is like going up a set of ladders, so it is generally accessible for most fitness and experience levels. There are a few routes to follow and a guide that will help you along the way.
Rates start at $92 CAD and increase for longer routes. Since the course is also located at the Kicking Horse Resort, the ticket also includes the sightseeing gondola and the Grizzly Bear Refuge as well, so it’s a great deal!
18. Skydiving
Alright, alright… we’ve listed off some pretty awesome adventure activities, but you didn’t think we were going to leave off skydiving, did you? Skydiving is the ultimate bucket list activity, and Golden is the perfect place to check it off your list. Even if you’ve gone skydiving before, there’s something magical about soaring over the Canadian Rockies.
In Golden, Extreme Yeti will take you up over 3,048 meters (10,000 feet) above the Rockies and Kicking Horse River – the view from this high up is too awesome to describe in words! Then, you’ll feel pure exhilaration as you free fall at 120 mp/h (193 km/h) before opening up the parachute to glide gracefully back to earth.
The price for a tandem skydive is $349 CAD and while it’s on the pricey side, it’ll be worth ticking off that box for an experience of a lifetime. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Golden for any adrenaline junkie. You can book your epic skydiving adventure here.
Related Read: For another epic aerial adventure, we suggest taking a helicopter tour in Vancouver.
19. Spend a day at Cedar Lake
After paragliding, skydiving, and biking down mountains, we understand you might be looking for a less intense adventure in Golden. I mean, we all need a good balance in our lives.
To enjoy a quiet summer’s day, we recommend heading over to Cedar Lake. You can relax by the water, have a picnic, and even camp overnight.
You can hike around the lake on one of the walking trails, and go for a refreshing swim to escape the heat afterward. This particular trail is a 3.2-km (2-mile) hike that walks you around the lake and takes less than an hour to complete.
Other activities here include mountain biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. I absolutely love going to Cedar Lake because it’s a great place to cool off from the sun’s rays after a long day of adventuring.
There are 22 campsites, and overnight camping here is on a first-come, first-served basis and costs $15 CAD per night. Cedar Lake Campground is right by the lake and is just 12 km (7.4 miles) away from Golden along Kicking Horse Trail Road.
20. Go horseback riding
There are so many beautiful places in Golden to explore, and a fun way to see different areas is by riding horseback. We loved riding down the beautiful trails around Golden, and every time we go, we discover new sights of the canyons, creeks, and mountains that we hadn’t seen before. Overall, horseback riding in Golden is a very peaceful way to see the town’s beauty.
Most people will opt to go on a tour with a group like Bear Corner Adventures. They offer a variety of tours, including 1, 2, and 3-hour trips which cost between $90-$170 CAD per person. If you’re looking for even more more horseback adventure, this organization also runs multi-day pack trips!
Their 3-day overnight trip takes you on a grand exploration of the Canadian Rocky Mountains with a friendly guide and horse, and includes your tent and meals – now that’s a trip you can write home about!
21. Do the canyon swing
The team over at Golden Skybridge is always looking for more ways to ignite our adventurous side, and in the summer of 2023, they introduced the Giant Canyon Swing.
Unlike your typical playground swing set, this giant two-seater swing will get your blood pumping as you free fall 22.8 meters (75 feet) over the canyon edge before the swing catches. It was such a rush to swing back and forth over the canyon!
Tickets for the Giant Canyon Swing are roughly $99 CAD and you can choose from a time slot between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm. You’ll need to wear enclosed shoes and a helmet, and this is definitely a must-do activity while you’re visiting Golden in the summertime!
22. Day Trip to Yoho National Park
Established back in 1886, Yoho National Park is one of the six beautiful national parks surrounding Golden. It’s a true hikers’ paradise with over 400 km (248 miles) of hiking trails. You can visit the Visitor’s Centre for more information about trails in the area, but some of the popular hikes include Yoho Lake, Iceline Trail, and Whaleback Mountain.
After visiting Golden, it’s understandable if you’ve gotten your fill of hiking. We’ve all been there! But, you can still admire the majestic Takakkaw Falls from a viewpoint or take a drive through the park to take in the beauty. If you like to dabble in archeology, visit the Burgess Shale Fossil Beds with a tour group. This area is chock-full of fossils after its historical discovery in 1909. In fact, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The Spiral Tunnels are another interesting attraction worth a visit in Yoho Park. They were created by the Canadian Pacific Railway and are a series of train tunnels in a spiral formation to decrease the steep gradient. There are even viewpoints like the Lower Spiral Tunnel where you can pull over to check them out.
No matter what activities you end up doing, exploring Yoho National Park is an absolute must when you’re visiting Golden in summer!
Where to Stay in Golden, BC
So now that you know about all of the amazing things to do in Golden, you’re going to need somewhere to stay a few nights. There’s just so much to explore in the area that you might as well book a great hotel and enjoy a few days in one of Canada’s most underrated mountain towns.
There are plenty of places to stay in Golden, and when compared to nearby towns like Revelstoke and Banff, Golden hotels are generally more affordable.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Golden for every budget:
Golden Acres Mountain Lodge – $$$
Located outside of Golden surrounded by nature, the Golden Acres Mountain Lodge is the perfect luxury escape for anybody looking for a little R&R. The rooms are best suited for couples, with king suites with private kitchenettes, a balcony, and a spa bath. There is an onsite sauna here too and hiking trails start from the property.
Rooms here start from $345 CAD per night and can be booked online here.
Glacier Mountaineer Lodge – $$
The Glacier Mountaineer Lodge is the perfect place to stay if you’re visiting Golden for a ski or snowboard holiday! This hotel is located only 50 meters from Kicking Horse Mountain resort’s chairlift – it’s just so convenient. Besides that, all rooms have mountain views and there is an onsite sauna to enjoy after a day of hitting the slopes.
You can get a room here from $161 CAD when you book through Booking.com.
Best Western Mountainview Inn – $$
This hotel is a great choice if you’re looking for something right in the heart of town! The Best Western Mountainview Inn is clean and comfortable and has all of the amenities you could want, including an indoor pool and breakfast included in the cost.
Rooms here start from $167 CAD. This is quite a popular hotel, so don’t delay and secure your room here.
Travelodge by Wyndham Golden Sportsman Lodge – $
Those on a budget can’t pass on a stay at the Travelodge in Golden. With its central location, indoor pool with a waterslide and hot tub, as well as an included breakfast, this hotel is a steal! They even have pet-friendly rooms and an outdoor picnic area with a BBQ.
A room at the Travelodge starts at $116 CAD and can be booked online here.
Of course, there are lots of hotels to choose from in Golden – check them all out here! It’s a good idea to book well in advance too, the best ones book up quick.
For more detailed info on the different areas to stay in Golden, check out our blog: Where to Stay in Golden, BC.
Renting a Car in British Columbia
If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Now that you have a list of things to do in summer, it’s time to explore Golden! Take advantage of the beautiful weather and make the best of your trip by enjoying all the outdoor activities. We love exploring this beautiful town, and we’re sure you will too!
If you enjoyed this blog, we hope you’ll check out some of our others. We’ve traveled all around Canada and North America, and we’d love to share our adventures. Here are some articles you might like below:
21 BEST Things to do in Downtown Banff