Golden, BC: Where the Alpine Is Home to the Best Hiking
Ah, the alpine—a place that sometimes feels like another planet. You’re high above the treeline, the road looks minuscule, iridescent turquoise tarns, rugged ridgelines and exposed rock make this ecosystem a true treasure to hike in. The air is thinner, therefore making your lungs work a little overtime, but the overtime work is worth the extraordinary views.
What makes the alpine unique is that no visit is ever the same—each visit can be a completely different experience. Visiting in the summer might make you want to blast the tunes from The Sound of Music and twirl around with the surrounding blooming wildflowers. But are you planning a visit from September to November? No problem. The fresh dusting of snow on the peaks makes it feel like you are trekking in Nepal.
If you can focus on something besides your heavy breathing, you may be ever so lucky to experience the crack of a glacier: the landform that continually shapes our valleys and rivers. Waterfalls may roar off into the distance, and the sounds of vehicle engines become obsolete. Maybe you’ll immerse yourself in a completely silent experience, one that is bound to be tranquil and transformative as you are away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
And let’s not forget the weather… It can switch from hot to cold, back to warm like a flick of the switch, which is why it is always important to be prepared! Snow, rain, sleet or full sun can always be expected when hiking above treeline.
So… Why Golden, British Columbia?
You might be wondering: how can I access such a unique place to hike? Golden, BC, prides itself on being the best location for a gateway to world-class alpine hiking. Located a short driving distance away from six mountain national parks, there is no shortage of alpine adventures. But what if we told you that one of the best alpine experiences is located just a 15-minute drive away? Accessible for all abilities and ages? Say no more.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Located just minutes away from the downtown core, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has a world-class, sightseeing gondola that can take you from the montain to the alpine in a matter of minutes! Once at the top, numerous trails can take you up ridges and bowls high above the treeline to enjoy the alpine. The views are stunning, to say the least. With breathtaking vistas of the Rockies, Columbia River and Kicking Horse River, you are sure to feel insignificant in such a vast landscape.
Visit the Mountain National Parks
Golden is the Heart of the Parks. With Yoho National Park located just 25 minutes to the east, Glacier National Park just 45 minutes to the west and an hour away from Banff and Kootenay National Park, Golden is the perfect place to set up your stay if national parks call your name.
Best Alpine Hikes in Yoho National Park:
Paget Lookout: Enjoy this seven kilometre round-trip hike, which starts just off Highway 1. Hike 525 metres uphill to take in the vistas of the surrounding Bow, Kicking Horse and Cataract Brook valleys. This hike is classified as intermediate/moderate and will take you above the treeline. There is an old fire tower lookout that was built and used in the 1900s to spot and track early detection of wildfires.
Iceline Trail: An all-day hike is not for everyone, but if it is for you, the Iceline is an alpine classic. Park at Takakkaw Falls and get your heart rate going as you climb steady switchbacks. You will quickly leave a lush forest behind and enjoy up close, personal views of glaciers, tarn lakes and the ever-so-powerful Takakkaw Falls. Complete this hike as a 20.3 kilometre loop, or shorten it to 14.8 kilometres to revel in that alpine environment as much as you can.
Best Alpine Hikes in Kootenay National Park:
Stanley Glacier: A Canadian Rockies classic that starts in a regrown forest that quickly takes you to a rocky, treeless environment. Rated as a moderate hike, the 10 kilometre round-trip with only 405 metres of elevation gain takes you into an alpine basin where waterfalls, moraines and endless views welcome you to take in the scenery.
Floe Lake: Known for its iconic larch season in September and deep turquoise waters, Floe Lake is one of Kootenay’s most popular, challenging day hikes. This 21.6 kilometre round-trip hike is not for the faint of heart as you gain 1,120 metres of elevation. But the views are worth the long day. This hike is best done in late June through the end of September: depending on the time of year you go, the wildflowers can be poppin’, or the larches may be exquisitely gold.
Best Alpine Hikes in Glacier National Park:
Hermit Meadows: Don’t let the distance of 6.4 kilometres fool you—this might be one of the steepest hikes in the mountain parks! With 820 metres of elevation gain over 3.2 kilometres, this hike will be sure to leave you out of breath due to the epic steepness and scenery!
Asulkan Valley: This hike offers a more gentle uphill grade than the previously mentioned Hermit Meadows. Reward yourself with a landscape completely carved out by glaciers over the millennia. This hike is 15.8 kilometre round trip and 870 metres of elevation gain, taking you to world-class views of the Illecillewaet Valley.
While visiting such an immense landscape, it is important to remember to travel responsibly. The alpine is sensitive; the living conditions are harsh, and it takes longer for flowers to grow, soil to regenerate and plants to reproduce. To avoid disturbing the environment, it is best to stick to already well-established trails. Pack out everything you brought in and take nothing but photos. Don’t forget to be prepared! Check the Trail Reports in the National Parks before heading out.
Golden is the perfect place to access the desirable alpine environment. With longer and steeper hikes, you will need space to recuperate for your next big adventure. Golden offers a variety of accommodations and restaurants that welcome all hikers, whether it’s a big alpine day or waterfall chasing. Be sure to check out Golden, BC, for all your base camp adventure needs.
