Nestled between the Canadian Rockies and the Columbia Mountains, the town of Golden, with its eye-popping scenery, often serves as a rest point for western Canadian road trippers. Here the Kicking Horse River, famous for its wild white-water rafting and the Columbia River, wandering through the longest protected wetlands in North America, converge. Known as the birthplace of mountain adventure tourism, things to do in Golden often are associated with high adrenaline.
Wapta Falls near Golden, British Columbia
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, with its world class downhill ski slopes, and big mountain snowmobiling, are globally renowned winter Golden attractions. Admittedly, when I think of challenging downhill terrain on skis, or on a motorized sled for that matter, visions of casts and emergency rooms race to mind.
After all not everyone is keen on hitting the expert double black diamond runs. Even those who are steep slope lovers may want a day off now and then.
Don’t have time to read the article now? Click on our video for a quick look at gorgeous Golden.
Table of Contents
10 Things to do in Golden British Columbia in Winter
Snowshoe to Wapta Falls
Millions of diamonds twinkle before us on the trail. Such is the magic of sunshine on the light and dry champagne snow, which falls in copious amounts near Golden. The day we wander the easy trail, 10 kilometre (6 mile) round trip, off the Trans Canada Highway to Wapta Falls, we bring our snowshoes.
Trail to Wapta Falls
This day only hiking boots and poles are needed as the route is packed down by previous visitors. We suggest bringing snowshoes to the start of the trail, in case of new snow, to be on the safe side.
From the complete stillness, other than an occasional bird song, we hear the partially frozen falls before we see them. Then like a magical winter story book opening its pages, the water roars from the Kicking Horse River over the edge of the falls.
Wapta Falls
Mist and spray dance upward toward the snow covered mountain peeks keeping watch over the mesmerizing vista. Astonishingly, we are completely alone in this glorious winter scene, a mere 36 kilometres (22 miles) east of Golden.
Climb the Walls
Dave climbing the walls at the Dogtooth Climbing Gym in Golden
Surrounded by some of the most majestic mountain scenes in Canada, Golden’s Dogtooth Climbing Gym welcomes those looking to try climbing in a warm and safe environment. With walls just over 20 feet high, as well as a bouldering area (where you don’t need to be roped in), the atmosphere is a welcoming one for all ages and abilities. Be sure to check the hours before heading over to try your hand at climbing in Golden.
Drop-in Curling
“That was a really good throw!” The encouraging voice at the end of the curling ice is that of a Golden local who oozes with kindness as my shoulders slump. My curling rock glides only halfway down the ice.
Drop-in curling at the Golden Curling Club
Growing up on the Canadian prairies, I took up the game of curling as a child and kept playing in leagues and bonspiels into our early years of marriage. Having not touched a curling rock in 25 years, and apparently misplacing any curling skills I once had, I can attest to the welcoming ways of the curlers of Golden.
At the Golden Curling Club (1412 9 Street S), the oldest curling club in British Columbia, every Monday and Wednesday at 1:30 pm, in the winter months, visitors and locals alike are invited to try their hand at the game of curling. No experience is required.
For $5.00 cash, and sporting a pair a clean shoes, the curling club will supply any other equipment needed as well as coaching. On Friday evenings come for the 7:00 pm drop in and the upstairs lounge will be open for refreshments. In my recollection the best part of the sport!
Walk with the Wolves
Walk with the wolves in Golden – Photo credit Tourism Golden
Promoting wolf conservation in a natural environment, the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre strives to educate visitors on the value of wolves in wilderness. The interpretative program allows visitors to see wolves and learn about these extraordinary animals who balance ecosystems. No reservation is required and the Golden wolf centre is open seven days a week.
Should you want to try one of the most unique things to do near Golden, reserve a spot to walk alongside the wolves in the wild. The wolves explore freely through meadows and forests, surrounded by jaw dropping mountains.
Experience Mountain Cabin Paradise
Kicking Horse Kabins Golden BC
There are a wide variety of places to stay in Golden BC, however waking up in utter tranquility, to a backyard of snowy wonderland is a treat for any traveler. With Goat Mountain towering as a backdrop, we fog up our patio door window with open-mouthed stares at the scene. As home cooked meals and breakfast baskets overflowing with warm baking are delivered to the door, leaving our Kicking Horse Kabin to explore things to do around Golden becomes the biggest challenge of the day.
Cross-country ski in a snow globe
The snow-laden tree branches bow their welcome as we gaze about the fairy tale frozen setting. Standing with our cross-country skis at Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre, local skiers from the Golden Nordic Ski Club, greet us with warm smiles and words of encouragement to boost our new-to-nordic-skiing jitters.
These Moms making cross-country skiing look easy at Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre
With over 33 kilometres (20.5 miles) of groomed runs, suitable for beginners to experts, branching out from the warmth of the large, wooden chalet, a winter wonderland to explore awaits. We, solidly in the beginner category, happily meander a 3 kilometre (1.9 mile) loop.
Having been nervous to start, we declare this to be one of the most fun things to do in Golden BC. Rentals and lessons are available, with reservations suggested on weekends.
Golden Time Travel
Chicago Fire Survivor – Printing Press at the Golden Museum
I can not take my eyes off the elephant-sized printing press just inside the door of the Golden Museum. Reported to have survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, its travel to Golden by train was no easy journey. Having to be rolled on logs and pulled by horses to the local newspaper office, the Golden Star, the monstrous press began churning out the local Golden paper.
Once retired by more modern means of media, the printing press, following a wall of the museum needing to be cut away, found its forever home. The weighty printing press is just one of many fascinating exhibits telling the rich, historical story of this authentic mountain town and its people.
Hockey night in Golden
Settling in on the wooden benches of the Golden arena, we are soon joining the applause for the beloved local Junior B ice hockey team, the Golden Rockets. Around us the home town crowd cheers players by name and we are soon caught up in their excitement.
It is a genuine Canadian experience. Small children, with noses pressed to the protective spectator glass, gaze longingly at their hockey heroes. One can imagine their dreams of one day being a Golden Rocket themselves as the buzzer bellows with another goal from the home team.
Take in the Arts
On a blustery afternoon, as we blow into the Art Gallery of Golden, I am in search of warmth more than art. Finding 80 local and regional artists represented inside, the array of paintings and unique hand-crafted gifts leaves me frankly surprised.
Kicking Horse Culture thrives with regular live performances and the incredible Snow King MasqueParade. A night festival of snow and ice carving, giant puppets and fire spinning, the annual event brings more than 1000 people to the town’s Spirit Square.
Beer to Stay or Go from Whitetooth Brewery
Inspired by the multitude of adventures in the mountains surrounding Golden, the labels of the Whitetooth Brewery bottles could serve as a tourism brochure. With Belgian inspired ‘Launch Pad’, its paragliding pilot coming off of nearby Mount Seven, or the ‘Blower Pow’ India Pale Ale, with a skier in bottomless powder snow, it is adventure captured in a bottle. The brewery has a small tasting room seating 44. Alternatively you can grab your action in a bottle to go.
Where is Golden BC?
Golden (pop. 3700), with its can-you-say-perfect-location near six Canadian National Parks (Banff, Jasper, Glacier, Kootenay, Yoho and Mount Revelstoke), is situated at the meeting of the Kicking Horse and Columbia Rivers.
Golden BC Map
From Calgary to Golden BC is 262 kilometres (163 miles) west. Travelling east from Vancouver to Golden the distance is 713 kilometres (443 miles). With just 139 kilometres from Banff to Golden, this serene gem makes a restful spot for exploring the Canadian Rockies in both summer and winter.
Which winter activity in Golden would you like to try?
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Thank you to Tourism Golden and partners for hosting our stay. All opinions are our own.
Who knew there is so much to do in Golden? Great video!
We totally agree Sharon as we had no idea about so many of these things. Golden remains a hidden gem that so many going whizzing by on their way to more crowded locations. Dave passes on his thanks about the video too!
It looks so beautiful but as I tend to stay away from cold and snow, I would be in the Art Gallery and Museum or staying in the cozy cabin with a good book and a hot toddy!! (Even as a kid, while everyone one else went tobogganing, skating or curling, I stayed back, made cookies and had hot chocolate waiting for everyone when they returned. I know, I was an odd prairie kid!) Golden is a lovely place though.
Darlene I can just picture you in the museum and art gallery. Before you know it Amanda would have a whole new setting for her next book. I admit that leaving that cozy mountain cabin took some willpower. We are always so happy to find a spot to share where people of different likes and different activity levels can all find enjoyment.
Wow, always something to do there, I’d love to try Curling! 🇨🇦😎
John I think you would like curling very much! Especially with these friendly folk so keen to teach and make sure everyone has a good time.
Fantastic wintry post, Sue and Dave, and Golden looks like a wonderful place to visit. Thanks so much for this comprehensive and informative tour of Golden. You did a great job of including the energetic sports as well as plenty of interesting and fun things to do for the less mobile of us. Glad to see there is a wolf center, highlighting their beauty and protecting this incredible mammal. Great photos, too. The video was loaded with beautiful sites, and I loved seeing the two of you out there climbing and curling and skiing in the deep snow. I especially loved seeing that waterfall in the video, looks spectacular. Many thanks for this stimulating and exhilarating post.
Jet I think you and Athena would love the area winter or summer. apparently the falls are much busier in the summer as you can drive closer so the walk is a shorter one and attracts a lot of tourists. I must say having the place to ourselves all days was an incredible treat. Wonderful to see the effort being taken to educate about the importance of wolves and the balancing of ecosystems. Thank you for the very kind words. Always a delight to show you tantalizing spots that might draw you our way for a visit.
Lovely photos and informative post. Some years ago went to Banff but did not know about this area
Diana you are not alone in that regard. Golden is a hidden gem to many , even those of us who live close by. Far less crowded than Banff many people now choose to stay in Golden and do day trips into the assorted national parks including Banff.
Great video of your adventure in Golden, B.C.
It is an invitation for a trip to Golden.
Thanks kindly Denise. Dave does almost all of our video work so all credit to him. I agree it does give a great overview of the town. If you are interested this is a video we did of Golden in summer about two and a half years ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L3inRVbhgE
So much going on in Golden isn’t there? I really fancy the curling, looks such a sociable game and loads of fun. Didn’t get to Golden when we were in Banff unfortunately ……………… next time maybe?
Jonno there really is a great deal happening in such a small town. Likemany others who go to Banff they have never heard of Golden or drive by thinking it is just a reststop on the highway. We were like that for a decades until a few years ago when we took some time to explore. Now we recommend it all the time.
Looks like there are a ton of activities to explore in Golden! The vista mother nature creates in the winter to me is just so incredibly stunning! I know it’s cold but if dressed properly, it is a whole other level of enjoying the outdoors!
Lynn you are so right about the dressing properly. That makes a huge difference. The one big advantage is the lack of crowds. As an example I understand that in summer Wapta Falls can be quite crowded where on that bright and sunny winter day we had the paradise all to ourselves.
You guys are taking away this warm winter “advantage” we Californians brag about. This looks like a great place. But really, you two make that climbing stuff look WAY to easy. We tried it a few months ago and I could barely get myself up the first few holds 🙂
Wendy we have to admit to about 15 years of climbing experience so that definitely helped us at our time at Dogtooth. I think that is great that you went climbing. Such a good workout and good for the min too as one has to figure out how to move in such an unfamiliar way.
I have two activities here, Sue. One would be cross country skiing, which I used to do a lot of; the other hanging out in the White Tooth Brewery. 🙂 –Curt
Curt that sounds like a perfect combination. Unlike you we have very little cross-country experience as most of our skiing has been downhill. Great exewrcise and I will admit pretty peaceful in that snow globe setting.
We would enjoy seeing all the snowy scenery and a visit to the brewery would definitely be on the list. Not so sure about the curling though. I might not be able to stay upright. 🙂
I admit I was surprisingly unsteady on the curling ice. It took a while to regain my stability from those decades ago. It really is a fun sport to try especially in a fun drop in setting. Teams can get quite competetive depending on the setting. The scenery in Golden is jaw dropping any season of the year. I’m with you on brewery visits. Always a plus!
These are some cool winter things to do in Golden. As you said, not just skiing. I like how there is a hiking trail, a snowy hiking trail where the path is marked, or at least sort off from the looks of it. Walking with the wolves sounds amazing too and so lovely you can just rock up and have a day of spotting them 😀 Indoor rock climbing sounds fun too. A good way to be adventurous if you don’t want to brave the cold outside, like me lol.
Mabel we really loved finding things that would suit most anyone from those who want the outdoor winter adventure to those who wanto find something indoors. For a town with a population under 4000 it seems quite remarkable to me. Likely one of western Canada’s best kept secrets.
Golden is one of those places I’d visit again in a heartbeat. It looks as beautiful in winter as it does in the summer!
Joanne we completely agree. Having been there a couple of summers ago leaping off cliffs paragliding and hiking some of the most jaw dropping scenery anywhere I wondered what winter in Golden could offer. It turns out a great deal!
I always forget there is a Golden in the Canadian Rockies also. I opened your post on a day when our son said he and his new wife may look for a house in Golden (Colorado!). Your Golden looks wonderfully outdoorsy and sporty – perfect for you two and us, too (in my case for a few days now that my blood has thinned and I am a major winter wimp!).
I think I had heard of Golden Colorado before this and certainly when doing some extra research for this article it came up in keyword searches. I hope that Golden will be a good spot for your son and his wife to call home. Yes lots of adventure in Golden, Canada Lexie. We spent some time in Golden in summer as well should your blood not thicken up again. Via Ferrata, paragliding and some of the most extraordinary hiking in western Canada.
Oh you so convinced me! For – the snowshoeing, the x-country skiing, the walking with wolves, and the (I’m guessing expensive) cabin paradise. I would come tomorrow but I’m leaving for Paris, India, and Kyoto on Monday 🙂
Excellent article!
Wow Alison now that sounds like one big trip! Safe travels and I will be watching for updates.
I think you would like Golden very much, summer or winter. As to the cabin I did a quick look for this upcoming week at the cabin we stayed in and it is $150 CAD/night. There is a larger two story lodge with three bedrooms and that is more expensive.
I’d like to walk with the wolves. That was the one thing I missed from our time there. I had hoped to see wolves in the wild. Not up close of course. Snow shoeing would be fun too. I really enjoyed reading this post Sue, it’s always fun to know exactly where you are describing and having an experience of the place. My morning has been flooded with lovely memories of a very special place.
Shannyn I am delighted to take you back to special times in this leser known Canadian gem. It’s always hardto fit in everything in a visit. I find wherever we travel there is almost always something missed. Perhaps Canada will call your name again one day. At least we certainly hope so. 🙂
Awesome post… I can’t imagine living somewhere that beautiful. I’d take a lot more sick days from work to check it out.
Jim you made me laugh with yoru sick days reference. So true! You can imagine the glorious cycling available in summer. Then your workplace would really take a hit. Thank you for the kind feedback. Truly appreciated.
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Loved the video, you and Dave had quite the action packed time there. It is a jaw dropping stunning place, gorgeous cabins to make it your home for few days…or for many days if you can afford it😄
Gilda we did indeed have a lovely and jam packed time in Golden. We stayed mid week in the smaller of the two cabins on the property. I just did a quick look for another reader and this week upcoming it is $150 Canadian per night. Having a full kitchen means one can save on meals out. It was an incredible setting.
It’s so good to see curling featured! We did this for the first (and only time) in new Zealand a few years ago and had such fun! What a great list of things to do – we just have to get over there one day!!
Debbie we will be waiting with open arms for yoru arrival. That’s fabulous that you have tried curling. We have always found it to be such a social sport. A mainstay of Canaidan small towns it is wonderful to see it become part of the Olympics and take a world stage.
While every single thing you mentioned here sounds very appealing, one thing caught my attention the most: curling. When I first learned about the sports at the 2006 Winter Olympics, curling was the one I was most interested in because it looks anything like other sports I know or have watched on TV. It would be fun to one day try it myself!
Bama I was just mentioning to someone else that in Canada, when I was growing up, most every little town had a curling rink. It was a social hub of the community and all ages participated. As curling came to the Olymnpics and came on the world stage, it has been wonderful to see the sport grow. Although we curling in many leagues since we stopped it has been challenging to find somewhere to just curl for fun. I will admit it was one of my favourite parts of the Golden trip. It felt a lot like being ‘home’ again.
Fabulous fun in Golden! I would love to walk with the Wolves!
Nancy I think that would be right up your alley. So many fun things to do.
That wolf walk looks unreal Sue. As does all on this list. I have become a Bigfoot nut too so goodness, this area is most definitely on my list.
Ryan I don’t think I can promise any Bigfoot sightings although I would think Bigfoot would like the area. So many beautiful locations in this world as you know far better than most of us. Best wishes as you move on from Oman to Turkey. I’ll look forward to followign along.
I would give curling a try because, despite having lived in Canada for three years, I never got a chance.
Amy we used to curl a lot but once we stopped participating in a regular league we found it challenging to find a location to just drop in and try. I have to admit for me this was one of my favourite stops in Golden. We were made to feel so welcome.
The drop-in curling is such a great idea! I haven’t curled in years, but I’d like to try again. I’ll have to look around the Island and see whether drop-in curling is a “thing” here, too! 🙂
I’ll be curious to know Diane. We have often wanted to get back on the ice for fun but drop in curling doesn’t sem to be a common thing in the city anyway. So much fun to try in a non competitive environment.
So much fun. Beautiful canadian destinations!. Excellent that you even included a video as well. Sending love and best wishes, dear Sue
Thank you so much Amalia. Dave gets full credit for our video work. Love and best wishes back to you. Xo
Golden sounds wonderful. I think what I link the most about winter outdoor adventures is the silence.
LuAnn I think Golden would be a fabulous spot for you to visit summer or winter. Agreed that silence is like plugging into a life battery.
Hello.
What a great video! I do love it. I enjoyed very much seeing cross-country skiing and ice hockey. Both of them are popular in my country. Thank You for this wonderful post.
Have a good day!
So true that Finland and Canada have many similarities. I see that often when I visit your beautiful site. wishing you a great day as well!
Great video, Sue! So many interesting things to do there! And the outdoors is so beautiful. When I decide not to work any more, I will need to come here, look around and decide which of the beautiful northern destinations I want to visit. Wonderful.
Helen you will definitely need to come for a visit. So many incredible places to visit in the Rockies and Golden certainly has a great deal to offer any time of the year.
Seen this on your Twitter “pinned tweet” Sue and so enjoyed reading. Have never been to Golden, but have previously read up on it as they host the Golden Ultra in September of each year. But wow, the winter looks gorgeous there. And so great to have so many activities both indoors and outdoors. What a great thing for the $5.00 curling drop in. I have curled one time 40 years ago when I was a part of the volunteer fire department. Really appreciate places like the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre. Wolves have certainly got a bad rap and are needlessly extirpated in so many areas throwing off that extremely important ecosystem balance. Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
Oh Carl now there is a reason to head west! An ultra race. We have had the pleasure of visiting Golden in the summer as well. https://traveltalesoflife.com/golden-location-visit-canadas-national-parks/
Glad you have had a chance to try curling, albeit those years ago. I learned a great deal about wolves on our trip. Agreed they definitely get a bad rap.
Thank you for this Sue. That is so incredible to have 6 National Parks within a 2 hours drive. Believe it or not I have never been to National Park in Ontario. The closest is Bruce Peninsula, which I 3.5 hours from where I am.
Loved how they came up with the name Golden. 😀⛰
Pretty amazing isn’t it Carl?