In a spectacular setting such as Golden and the surrounding valley, it is not necessary to venture far to experience the best the area has to offer: the views stretch on for miles and 20 minutes of driving in any direction will take you to many new and exciting destinations.
To the NORTH
Situated 20 minutes northwest of Golden lies the surprising and picturesque Blaeberry Valley. Gaelic for blueberry, Dr. James Hector named the valley in 1859 after a feed of blueberries the size of musket balls. Activities abound in the Blaeberry Valley: visit the Bird Sanctuary at Moberly Marsh, off Hwy #1 at Blaeberry River Road, or view the wolves at the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre, at 1745 Short Road, off Oberg-Johnson Road. For those able to walk a short distance (1 kilometre) off the Blaeberry Forest Road, there is access to scenic Thompson Falls.
For the more adventurous types, continue on the road north from Thompson Falls to the Mummery Glacier access. There is good access to the glacier after a steep 3-kilometre hike through a hemlock forest. The views are excellent and worth the hike. Visit www.goldenhikes.ca for hiking updates. Other activities include canoeing, kayaking, dogsledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and extensive wildlife viewing.
Further north of Golden, near the Kinbasket Lake section of the Rocky Mountain Trench, is an area offering huge tracts of unpopulated wilderness for backcountry adventure.
To the EAST
Like the animal it is named after, the Kicking Horse River is wild and free. For the adventurous visitor, dozens of rafting companies safely traverse the world-famous class-2 to -5 rapids daily. And for those who like to keep both feet on the ground, follow the Kicking Horse Canyon by vehicle and visit Yoho National Park, an exciting place to spend the day. A World Heritage site, ‘’Yoho’’ is Cree for “awe” or “wonder”—and awe-inspiring does not begin to describe the beauty of this area. You will find the spectacular Takakkaw Falls, the second highest waterfall in Canada, and marvel at Emerald Lake. With the green clarity of its waters, it is easily one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Another “must-visit” is the Spiral Tunnels, for a look at a heritage engineering feat that was the first and only of its kind in the world.
To the SOUTH
At Reflection Lake, 1 kilometre south on Highway #95, you will see the turn off for the hanggliding and paragliding area on Mount 7. Always amazing to watch and incredible to experience, these sports allow us to feel what it is like to fly. With amazing views of the area, Mount 7 is also a ‘must-see’ spot. Don’t forget to bring a picnic lunch, as you may not want to leave!
Continue south along Highway 95 and experience the Columbia River Wetlands. Known as the ‘‘Serengeties’’ of North America, the wetlands are the migratory home to over 265 species of birds. Visit Parson, an access point for floating tours, swimming, mountain biking, canoeing, backcountry hiking and winter snowmobiling to Silent Pass.
To the WEST
Called the ‘‘Westbench,’’ this area of Golden is home to the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. While there, be sure to visit the Copper Horse Lodge, offering stylish, modern accommodations and superb, contemporary dining in a mountain setting. Located 100 paces from the gondola.
Northwest of the resort lies Gorman Lake, a scenic high alpine lake. An invigorating backroads drive up from the Golden Golf & Country Club, plus a short hike is necessary to reach the area but worth the trip. Turn south from the resort and you will soon come across refreshing Cedar Lake and the Moonraker Trail System. Excellent mountain biking for the intermediate rider, horseback riding for all levels and views looking out over a 300-foot canyon make this excursion worthwhile.
West of Golden, continue along Highway #1 for 45 minutes to arrive at Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass. Glacier National Park is home to over 400 glaciers, an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking views of magnificent mountains. Golden has something for everyone. Plan on spending some time exploring our diverse area—and don’t forget to bring your camera! Visit the local Visitor’s Information Centre on Highway #95, or call 1-800-622-GOLD (4653) for more information.
