3 Days in Golden, BC: The Perfect Winter Getaway

If you’re looking to plan a winter getaway to one of Canada’s beautiful mountain towns, Golden is the perfect place to do just that. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, this charming town offers the ideal base for a few days filled with epic adventures. We spent three days in Golden in December and it was the perfect amount of time to experience everything Golden has to offer. Whether you’re after the thrill of snowboarding, looking to tick snowmobiling off your bucket list or something a bit more relaxed like snowshoeing, Golden has everything you need for the ultimate winter escape.

How to Get There

The closest major airport to Golden is in Calgary, about a 3.5 hour drive away. From Calgary, it’s easy to rent a car and enjoy the scenic drive through the stunning Canadian Rockies. Snow tires are a requirement in the winter months, so make sure to double check with your rental company to ensure your car comes equipped with them.

When to Visit

Winter in Golden is truly magical. With snow capped peaks, fresh powder, and an abundance of winter activities, it’s the perfect destination for a winter escape. The ski season typically runs from December to March, making it the ideal time to visit for all your winter adventures.

Where to stay

For a comfortable and convenient stay, Basecamp Lodge is the perfect choice. The lodge offers a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, with a large open fireplace in the lobby that’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure. Conveniently located just a short drive from Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, it’s the perfect base for exploring the area. The lodge features spacious rooms, a relaxed and welcoming vibe, and even a 24 hour breakfast area where you can make tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and oats – everything you need for a cosy mountain retreat.

Day One: Snowboarding at Kicking HorsE MOUNTAIN

We started the day with breakfast at Wandering Fern Cafe. As an Aussie, I can vouch for their excellent coffee—it really hit the spot, as did the avocado toast. After that, we made our way to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, which is located just 15 minutes from Golden, for a full day of snowboarding.

For lunch, we headed to the famous Eagle’s Eye Restaurant—it’s perched at the top of the mountain, and the views are absolutely stunning. It’s a popular spot, so making a reservation is a good idea.

After a full day of snowboarding, we headed back to Basecamp Lodge to unwind by the fire. Later in the evening, we made our way to The Wolf’s Den for dinner. The place has a cosy log cabin vibe and a great selection of burgers and other pub style meals.

Day Two: Exploring Yoho National Park

We started the day with breakfast at Ethos Coffee, another spot that does great coffee! I, of course also had to try the banana bread, which comes topped with granola clusters, espresso butter, and banana brulé. Delicious.

Our first stop in Yoho National Park was the beautiful Emerald Lake. This stunning spot is one of my favourite places. I’ve been here in both spring and summer, and I can confidently say it’s beautiful no matter the season. For a scenic winter walk, you can follow the trail around the lake. If you’re feeling more adventurous, this is also the perfect spot for some cross country skiing. The frozen lake itself is breathtaking, with towering peaks surrounding it – It feels like something off of a postcard.

Afterwards, head to the Mount Burgess Dining Room at Emerald Lake Lodge. The walk here is lovely too, as you pass by the charming wooden chalet style cabins that you can stay in along the lake. Have lunch here or warm up with a Rocky Mountain Fog cocktail.

Next stop is the Natural Bridge, another must see when you’re in the area. When we visited, the water wasn’t frozen, and the bright blue water flowed through the natural rock arch. There’s something about the contrast of the vivid blue against the snow that makes it feel even more magical.

After a day of exploring, we headed back into town for dinner at The Island Restaurant, the inside was beautifully decorated with classic Christmas decorations. We decided to have a pizza and highly recommend trying their spicy sauce.

Day Three: Snowmobiling Adventure

For our last day, we headed back to Kicking Horse Mountain for a full day snowmobile tour with Rocky Mountain Riders. We had originally booked for half the day, but we ended up upgrading to the full day, and I’m so glad we did! The half day just wouldn’t have been long enough.

The tour starts at 10 am, so before we headed out, we grabbed an early breakfast at Big Bend Café. It’s a classic diner style breakfast, and they’re open early, making them the perfect stop for fuelling up before a big day.

The snowmobiling tour was incredible. This is an experience that belongs on your bucket list. We spent the day riding through some of the most stunning areas, surrounded by fresh powder and towering mountain peaks.

For dinner, we headed to Riverhouse Tavern. They had just reopened and had a few items missing from their menu, but it was still a great spot to unwind after a full day of adventure. This restaurant is located right near the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada, so make sure you take a walk over to check it out.