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Dave Best | Best Impressions Pho
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Dave Best | Best Impressions Pho
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Patrick Garbutt Dave Best | Best Impressions Pho
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Dave Best | Best Impressions Pho
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Dave Best | Best Impressions Photography
Story by Eileen Huster photos courtesy Tourism Golden
Wanderlust awakens in the spring and, come summertime, most of us are ready to start exploring. If you are in the mood for outdoor activities and spectacular scenery without busloads of tourists, head to Golden, the adventure heartland of BC. Located in the Rocky Mountains foothills, Golden is within two hours’ drive of celebrity neighbors Lake Louise and Banff and is surrounded by three National Parks: Yoho, Glacier and Kootenay.
Nature lovers, adrenalin junkies, history buffs or families looking for adventure off the beaten path, here are four activities to make your spring and summer ‘Golden’:
Live an authentic experience. Golden has its roots in British Columbia's pioneer days, which give it the authentic character of a working town. It has stunning views, top-notch venues for outdoor activities and attractions like Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (which has Canada’s highest-altitude restaurant, The Eagle’s Eye) without the chain stores and big-resort feel. Stay at the Golden Municipal Campground and RV Park and take the well-maintained and scenic path along the Kicking Horse River for a short walk or bike ride to the downtown core.
Get close to wildlife. Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre is the only place in Canada where you can walk with wolves in their natural environment. Feel a little apprehensive? No problem, you can view these amazing animals from several viewing stations while getting the whole scoop on the howling canines. Or you can visit Boo, the resident orphan grizzly bear, in the largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat in the world at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, and learn about his favourite toys.
Be one with nature. Paddle your own canoe or take a Columbia Wetlands boat tour and see some of the over 200 species (herons, beavers, eagles among them) that make this heritage river their habitat. Or try river rafting. Golden’s Kicking Horse River lives up to its reputation as one of Canada’s wildest waterways. But don’t be intimidated – families can opt for a gentle float past peaks and canyons, while those looking for thrills and spills can paddle class 3 and 4 white water.
Get your heart pumping. Kicking Horse Mountain is world-renowned for its challenging bike trails and Golden is Canada’s mecca for foot-launched flying. Thrill seekers can mountain bike in the 100+ km Mountain Shadow trail system or hang glide off Mount 7, one of Canada’s premier launch pads. Not sure you want to partake in such activities? People watching can be its own sport, watch mountain bikers from the Eagle’s Eye deck at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort while downing a cold beer or watch hang gliders and paragliders descend while sipping coffee in many spots around town.
Golden lies in the Rocky Mountain Trench, about 350 km north east of Kelowna, 700 km east of Vancouver and about 260 km west of Calgary.
For more information on Golden’s activities and accommodations, visit www.tourismgolden.com.