Uniquely situated between six national parks and flanked on either side by the Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges, the picturesque town of Golden should be on your must-visit list when exploring the area.
From sampling local small-batch brews to taking to the skies atop Canada's highest suspension bridges, there's no shortage of things to do in Golden, B.C. Here's how to make the most of your weekend visit.
When you arrive, get a feel for your surroundings by strolling downtown Golden and poking around in the variety of shops. Don’t miss the Art Gallery of Golden to find unique pieces from local artists. Then, unwind in the tasting room at Whitetooth Brewing Company while sampling some of its Belgian-inspired small-batch brews.
For dinner, head to Whitetooth Mountain Bistro, a casual yet upscale spot located downtown. You’ll find classic bistro items on the menu such as steamed mussels and steak frites. Along with the ever-changing cocktail lineup, the bistro also boasts an impressive selection of wines from the Pacific Northwest so you can ensure your meal is perfectly paired.
Start your morning with a coffee and a breakfast sandwich to-go from Bluebird Cafe. Then get your heart rate up on one of the many mountain biking or hiking trails in the area. There are plenty of options for a variety of fitness levels but, to get the lay of the land, try Rotary Trails — Golden’s in-town loop that circles the downtown core. This trail runs along the banks of the Kicking Horse River, through residential streets and past Reflection Lake.
Spend the day at Golden’s must-visit attraction, Golden Skybridge. Two suspension bridges cross a vast canyon, offering epic views of the canyon’s thundering waterfall and rushing rivers, as well as the area’s craggy peaks and stunning forest views.
Wander along the kilometres of trails on either side of the bridges to one of the viewing platforms to score killer photos of the Rocky and Purcell Mountains. After, let the little ones run around at the on-site play park complete with mini bridge and a treehouse. For the full experience, pick up an Adventure Pass for access to the Canyon Edge Challenge Course, Railrider Mountain Coaster, Sky Zipline, climbing wall and axe throwing lanes.
Back in town, head for dinner at Eleven22 restaurant. The menu from owner-chef Konan Mar is bursting with modern comfort food and plenty of international flair — the Stilton fondue and bison shepard’s pie are must-try dishes.
You can take your time getting to Big Bend Cafe, a popular, all-day breakfast spot. The menu here is extensive, serving everything from eggs Benedict, frittata and pancakes to burritos and huevos rancheros, so bring a healthy appetite before hitting the road.
Ready for a Golden weekend? We'll see you in the mountains this season!
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