Golden, British Columbia, sits at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers, about 90 minutes west of Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway. It's a small mountain town with an outsized reputation for adventure — world-class skiing at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, white water rafting, wildlife viewing, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Columbia Valley.
Getting There
- Distance: 135 km from Banff (approximately 1.5 hours driving)
- Route: Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west through Yoho National Park and over Kicking Horse Pass
- Scenic highlights: Pass through Lake Louise, climb over the Continental Divide, and descend through the dramatic Kicking Horse River canyon
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
The main draw in summer is the Golden Eagle Express gondola, which whisks you 1,230 metres above the town to an elevation of 2,347 metres. At the top:
- Eagle's Eye Restaurant: Canada's highest restaurant, perched on the summit ridge with 360-degree views
- Grizzly Bear Refuge: A large enclosed habitat at the mountain's base where orphaned grizzly bears live
- Summit hiking: Several trails lead from the gondola summit station through alpine terrain
- Via ferrata: A protected climbing route on the mountain's cliffs — guided tours available
White Water Rafting
The Kicking Horse River offers some of the best white water rafting in Western Canada with Class 2–4 rapids through a stunning canyon:
- Half-day trips: Upper canyon (Class 2–3) — suitable for beginners and families
- Full-day trips: Include the more intense lower canyon (Class 3–4)
- Season: Late June to early September
Other Activities
- Columbia Wetlands: Paddle a canoe or kayak through one of North America's longest intact wetland systems
- Golden Skybridge: Two suspension bridges spanning the canyon — 130 metres above the river. Includes cafe and zipline
- Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre: An educational facility where you can learn about and observe grey wolves
Where to Eat
- Eagle's Eye Restaurant: Fine dining at 2,347 metres (take the gondola up)
- Whitetooth Brewing: Craft beer and casual food in downtown Golden
- Eleven22 Restaurant: Farm-to-table dining on Golden's main street
Sample Day Trip Itinerary
- Depart Banff at 8am — drive through Lake Louise and Yoho
- Arrive Golden at 9:30am — gondola ride and summit hike
- Lunch at Eagle's Eye Restaurant
- Afternoon rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River
- Quick stop in Field, BC on the way back for Takakkaw Falls
- Return to Banff by 7pm
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