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
Start your day with a coffee from Wandering Fern Cafe, a local gem that knows how to make a great brew. And, as an Aussie, I can vouch for this—it really hit the spot, as did the avocado toast. After breakfast, make your way to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, which is located just 15 minutes from Golden, for a full day of snowboarding. It’s one of the best spots in the area, with tons of fresh powder and great runs.
For lunch, head to the famous Eagle’s Eye Restaurant. This restaurant is 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, head back to Basecamp Lodge to unwind in the lobby, by the fire. When you’re ready for dinner, head over to The Wolf’s Den. This place has a cosy log cabin vibe and a great selection of burgers and other pub style meals.
Day Two: Exploring Yoho National Park
First things first, Coffee! Ethos Coffee, is 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.
Next, make your way to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. This stunning spot is one of my favourite places. I’ve also been here in both spring and summer, and 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, head back into town for dinner at The Island Restaurant. When we visited 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 your last day, fuel up with a classic diner style breakfast at Big Bend Café. They’re open early, making them the perfect stop for fuelling up before a big day. Then, head back to Kicking Horse Mountain for a full day snowmobile tour with Rocky Mountain Riders. You’ll explore some of the most stunning mountain terrain, with fresh powder and jaw dropping views at every turn.
We originally booked for half a day but upgraded to a full day and I highly recommend it, as the half day tour really wouldn’t have been long enough. 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, visit Riverhouse Tavern. When we visited, 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.
Final Thoughts:
Golden is an underrated gem that offers a perfect winter escape. From its outdoor activities to its cosy town vibes, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. If you haven’t been yet, consider adding it to your winter bucket list. It’s worth the trip!
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