Living

Golden is located in the heart of Kicking Horse country, the outdoor adventurer’s paradise. It is located between the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Purcell mountains to the west. The people of Golden are surrounded by spectacular views and have opportunities to participate in a wide range of outdoor activities. During the spring, summer and fall, hiking, fishing and camping are very popular in Golden. In addition to the six national parks surrounding Golden, there are many other areas that have trails and recreational areas.

Frost on a tree beside the Columbia River in Golden

Golden even has a network of walking and cycling trails that are maintained within the Golden town site. We also have several parks, both natural and developed, for the enjoyment of locals and visitors. You can also stay the night at the Golden campground along the Kicking Horse River.

For those with a taste for more adventurous sports, hang gliding, paragliding, and extreme mountain biking are very popular. There are several white water rafting companies that offer packages for rafting on the Kicking Horse River. Kayakers also enjoy the Kicking Horse River and those looking for a slower pace can float the Columbia River and view the fabulous Columbia River Wetlands. Numerous small lakes surround Golden providing boating and fishing opportunities.

For those wanting to enjoy some breathtaking views, you can go off-road to the launch pad on Mount 7 used by hang-gliders, para-gliders and mountain bikers. From the launch site get a beautiful view of Golden and the Columbia River wetlands. For those less adventurous, you can drive to Kicking Horse Resort and take the Golden Eagle Express gondola to the top of the mountain. Here you have the opportunity to dine at the Eagle’s Eye restaurant or just enjoy the view from the top of the Dogtooth range. You can also bring your mountain bike and try some of the challenging trails.

Kicking Horse River in winter

In the winter, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers champagne powder and a 4,133 foot vertical drop to its skiers and snowboarders. Although it offers some beginner and intermediate runs, the resort is famous for its expert runs. If you prefer to get out into the backcountry, you can book with one of the heli-skiing companies in the area or perhaps try out the local snowmobiling trails. Cross country skiing is also popular.

Dawn Mountain Nordic ski trails are near Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and there are others throughout the Golden area.

In addition to the outdoor adventure sports, Golden has many clubs and organizations that provide a wide range of organised sports. Golden has the Mount 7 Rec Plex, an outdoor pool, arena, tennis courts, a curling club and horseshoe pits. Golden Golf and Country Club provides locals with an excellent golf course amongst spectacular scenery.

Golden also has a thriving arts and culture community. We have a wide range of local artists and musicians that have proven to be very talented. There are special events throughout the year that showcase our local talent. Kicking Horse Culture is a multi-faceted developing organization that sponsors some local events and celebrations and brings in talent from other areas. Click on the link www.kickinghorseculture.ca to see what's coming soon. You can spend some time browsing the local galleries and museum or check out a movie at the local movie theater.

Besides the activities available, we also have the College of the Rockies, a local hospital, seniors’ residences and emergency services. Two of the things that attract people to Golden are the small town atmosphere and friendly people. Many of the residents have lived in Golden their entire lives while others were drawn here by the quality of life.