The Best Springtime Adventures in Golden, BC
Tucked away in the Canadian Rockies, the town of Golden in southeastern British Columbia sits where the Kicking Horse and Columbia Rivers meet. Surrounded by six stunning national parks, Golden offers everything from skiing and whitewater rafting to hiking and wildlife spotting.
As spring arrives, the snow lingers in the higher elevations, but in the valley, a gentler side of adventure unfolds. It’s the perfect time to embrace fresh mountain air, unwind in nature and welcome the new season with a range of outdoor activities.
Get off the couch, hit the road and explore Golden!
Land-Based Thrills: Trails, Wildlife Encounters and Treetops
Start your Golden adventure with a leisurely stroll along the Rotary Trail, a scenic seven-kilometre loop that begins downtown at Spirit Square, crossing the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge and winding along the river.
Then, connect with the region’s wildlife by heading to the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre to learn about wolf conservation and the role of Canis lupus in the ecosystem. Take an interpretive tour to observe the wolves or join the Blackwolf Photography Tour for a rare chance to walk alongside wolves in the Blaeberry Valley while snapping away with your camera.
Nearby, you can stand among a herd of North American bison at Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch. From May 15 to September 30, the daily 75-minute Buffalo Tour explores the bison’s history, ecology and cultural significance, ending with a demonstration of a traditional fire-building technique using a bow drill. If you’re visiting in late spring, there’s even a possibility to witness the birthing of a new calf.
Visit Boo the grizzly at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, where the rescued 23-year-old bear roams a 20-acre refuge specially chosen and designed to mimic his natural habitat. Ride the Catamount Chair for breathtaking views of the Rockies, Purcells and Columbia Wetlands before expert guides share insights on grizzly conservation, behavior and Boo’s rescue story. Emerging from hibernation in spring, June offers prime viewing of this orphaned bear in his mountain sanctuary.
Golden’s location along the Pacific Flyway makes it a prime birdwatching destination. Keep an eye out for horned grebes, ospreys and turkey vultures at Moberly Marsh and Burges James Gadsden Park, or visit Confluence Park and Reflection Lake for birding closer to town.
For heart-pounding adventures, head to Golden Skybridge, home to Canada’s highest suspension bridges. Get high as you walk 426 feet above an expansive canyon, engulfed by the Columbia Valley, the epic views of the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges will take your breath away. Still craving an extra adrenaline rush? Try out the Sky Zipline, Rairider Mountain Coaster, Giant Canyon Swing or all-ages Canyons Edge Challenge courses for even more thrills.
To experience free flight, Mount 7 offers an unforgettable opportunity. Sign up for Tandem paragliding experiences with Altitude Adventures to glide over the Columbia Valley under the guidance of experienced pilots.
Searching for a more relaxed pace? Tee off at the Golden Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course framed by the Rocky and Purcell Mountains. Open from April through October, it features rolling fairways, frequent wildlife sightings, a well-stocked pro shop, a welcoming clubhouse, a driving range and 18 hole mini golf course.
When the weather turns or you just want to fine-tune your technique, indoor climbing gyms offer time to build your skills and play around a little. Dirtbag Corporation is Golden’s go-to, where you’ll find a mix of bouldering, top-rope and lead climbing routes. If bouldering is your focus, Confluence Climbing provides 1,200 square feet of dedicated climbing surface, packed with creative problems to test your strength and technique.
Water-Based Adventures: Calm Currents and Roaring Rapids
Best explored by kayak, canoe or paddleboard, the Columbia Wetlands are a serene maze of slow-moving channels, reed-fringed lakes and wildlife-rich marshes. With calm, rapid-free waters, this journey welcomes beginners, offering a peaceful escape. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, osprey and great blue herons as you paddle. As a wonderful birding location, with the Columbia Wetlands Outpost offering dock walks and self-guided canoe and kayak tours.
When the Kicking Horse River starts to roar in early June, white-water rafting offers an exhilarating adventure. The river’s high spring flow creates Class III and IV rapids, winding through Kicking Horse Canyon’s rugged terrain and past towering cliffs, with guided tours catering to both beginners and experienced thrill-seekers.
Stay in the Heart of the Parks
Golden offers an exceptional variety of accommodations to match every style of travel and personal preference. There’s something for everyone, from comfortable and convenient traditional hotels, to charming lodges tucked into the forest or perched along the river with stunning mountain views. Visitors can embrace the cozy, rustic feel of Golden’s cabins and cottages—many featuring wood-burning fireplaces and private outdoor hot tubs perfect for relaxing after a big day of exploring. For a more intimate and locally hosted experience, Golden is also home to a collection of welcoming Bed and Breakfasts, where you can start your day with a hearty homemade meal before heading into the wild. Vacation rentals are another popular option, offering the flexibility of full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and the comforts of a true home away from home—ideal for families and groups. Whether you’re looking for the simplicity of a hotel room, the character of a century-old Swiss chalet or the privacy of a secluded mountain retreat, Golden has the perfect place to stay. Start planning your getaway at www.tourismgolden.com.
This article was sponsored by Tourism Golden
Welcome to the friendly mountain town of Golden BC! With a varied selection of accommodations and many activities to experience in spring, fall, winter, and summer, including family-friendly activities, Golden continues to be a perfect holiday destination from which to enjoy and explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
