Joanne Elves
Author
Make the friendly town of Golden BC your hub for magical winter adventures. Take a hike to frozen waterfalls, walk with wolves as part of their pack, ski amazing terrain, and dine at the restaurant closest to the stars. It’s all here. Take a look at these Golden moments.
Emerald Lake is a gem in any season
Imagine tracking your lost pack of horses through a mountain pass to find them standing on the shores of a lake of remarkable colour, so radiant and so gem-like that you name the lake Emerald. Fast forward 130 years to experience the lake as a winter wonderland surrounded by snow-clad peaks, 40 minutes from Golden. Strap on some snowshoes or step into a pair of cross-country skis to explore trails through the pillow-topped trees or loop the lake. No gear? No problem. Rentals are available at Higher Ground Sports in Golden or at the boathouse at Emerald Lake Lodge.
World class skiing just minutes away
From anywhere in Golden, cast your eyes to the west to see Kicking Horse Mountain Resort — a 16-minute drive away. Yes, it’s known for black diamond ski trails packing a powerful kick, but with over 120 trails weaving across five bowls, there’s tons of powdery terrain to tempt every ability. Take a ride up the Stairway to Heaven chairlift and listen. Skiers below you hoot and holler as they lay fresh tracks through the glades. Yeah, that’s heaven.
Fine dining on a mountain peak
Eagle’s Eye Restaurant crowns a peak at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and is the highest dining experience in Canada. Wearing ski boots and sunglasses is standard in the sunlit room, while recharging with a hearty lunch. Not a skier or snowboarder? No problem. A sightseeing ticket will take you to the top. At dinner, the magic of the mountains takes over. Enjoy a romantic date next to the fireplace or sit at a window to watch the sunset. Before hopping on the gondola for the ride down, make sure you stop to look up. The star show is spectacular.
Walk in the mist of a waterfall
The Wapta Falls trail is a popular trail in the summer, but during winter you may be the only group trekking to the spectacular falls along an easy four-kilometre trail. A break in the trees brings you to a viewpoint over the Kicking Horse River, where the entire breadth escapes the layer of ice to tumble over a 30-metre cliff into the mist. Follow the trail to the base to be mesmerized by the 150-metre-wide curtain of ice and the thunder of the rushing water. The tingle of the frozen mist melting on your face magically brings on a refreshed smile.
Walk, ride, and howl with the pack
Golden Dog Sled Adventures fully immerses you in the world of dog sledding. Help harness the dogs before tucking under the blanket in the sled to enjoy the friendliest Uber ride of your life. Or step onto the runners, lift the brake, and let the team take you on a thrilling backcountry adventure. Over at Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre, take a guided tour of the wolf sanctuary or better yet, power up the camera and take a walk on the wild side with members of the wolf pack. As they wander the trail, you learn more about their habitat and take amazing pictures. The selfies with the wolves are the ultimate Golden moment.
Where’s Golden BC? It’s less than three hours west of the Calgary International Airport on the Trans-Canada Highway. Use 511, alberta.ca, and drivebc.ca for up-to-date road conditions.
Experience magical moments in the Rockies.
Head to Golden, British Columbia for the ultimate winter adventure. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Golden is an authentic mountain town that enjoys a reputation as the perfect winter vacation hotspot for everyone to enjoy.
With vast expanses of ski terrain and some of the best mountains in North America, you can enjoy ski touring, resort skiing and nordic skiing. Just above Golden, you will find Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, known for its breath‐taking views, legendary terrain and some of the best snow on the planet. No matter what level of experience, there is something for everyone from treed runs, large alpine bowls and long steep chutes to gentle groomers.
Heli‐skiing was born in Golden’s backyard, and today Golden is home to four heli‐skiing outfits and one cat‐skiing operation, offering single to multi‐day packages, with or without lodging.
Recognized as the ski touring capital of the world, Golden and the surrounding area has twenty‐eight backcountry lodges offering every various experiences, all with spectacular views. Some lodges even allow you to book exclusively, so why not bring your friends and enjoy the lodge and the pristine snow to yourselves?
Families and non‐skiers can experience great activities such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, tobogganing or snowmobiling. Discover frozen
waterfalls and the natural beauty that surrounds Golden. You can even enjoy an interpretive talk or the chance to walk with wolves and get a truly up‐close and personal wild interaction.
With plenty of accommodation options from secluded backcountry lodges, luxury mountain homes to charming rustic cabins, Golden is the ideal place to enjoy a winter vacation in the majestic Canadian Rockies
