Looking for the best things to do in Golden, BC? Here’s a local perspective beyond the typical tourist list.
If you search “things to do in Golden BC,” you’ll get a pretty standard list.
Gondola. Skybridge. Rafting. Hiking.
And those are all worth doing.
But after living here for a while, you start to realize that what makes Golden special isn’t just the list of activities, it’s how you experience them.
It’s slower. A bit more raw. Less curated.
So this isn’t a “top 10” in the traditional sense. It’s more of a mix between the obvious things you should do because they’re awesome, and the unexpected ones that tend to stick with you after you leave.
Where you stay ends up shaping how you experience all of this more than you’d think.
If you’re still figuring out where to stay, we put together a Guide for Unique places to Stay in Golden, BC for 2026 that breaks it all down.
1. Ski or Ride at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
If you’re here in winter, this is it, this is the reason.
Kicking Horse has some of the most serious terrain in North America. It’s not overly polished, and that’s part of the appeal. Long runs, steep lines, deep powder and not nearly the same lift lines you’ll find in bigger resort towns. There are lots of easy and moderate runs too so everyone will have fun, but the steep bowls are where it really shines.
Even just taking the gondola up on a clear day is worth it.
Their downhill biking in the summer is silently becoming one of the better mountains to ride in the summer for the same reasons its popular in the winter, its technical and steep.
The mountain biking in Golden, BC honestly deserves a section all for itself, with areas like Mount 7 and the Moonraker trails below Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, it has become world class in the last few years.
2. Spend an Evening by a Fire
This sounds simple, but it’s honestly one of the best parts of being here, and a big part of why we chose Golden, BC as our home in the first place.
After a long day outside, there’s something about coming back, cooking something simple, and sitting around a fire that just feels right.
This is why we designed every unit at The Blaeberry Base Glamping & Boutique Cabins with its own fire pit. People end up spending more time out there than they expect.
3. Walk the Blaeberry River
Just a short walk from The Blaeberry Base, the glacial fed Blaeberry River is easily accessible, very tranquil, and charming.
Cold, crisp water, wide valley views, and always quiet. Full of Bull and Cutthroat trout for all you fishermen out there.
It’s not a “destination,” but it’s one of those spots that makes the trip feel special.
My personal tip is to take a dip first thing in the morning, and then it’s impossible to have a bad day.
Having a base just outside town changes everything, you get access to all of this, but none of the chaos. See Where We’re Located
4. Mummery Glacier + Thompson Falls (Blaeberry Valley)
I swear I’m not just saying this because we live in the Blaeberry Valley, but this is one of the best hikes you can do in British Columbia for the effort.
Where else can you safely hike to the toe of a massive glacier without crowds?!
Head up the Blaeberry Valley on a good logging road and make your way toward the Mummery Glacier trail. It starts off pretty easy through the woods to start and then steepens and you’re following well marked cairns. The most difficult part of the day can be finding a way to cross the creek, but it is SO worth it. If you go all the way to the glacier it’s a pretty solid day, roughly 8km round trip with around 850m of elevation gain depending on how far you push it. It’s not overly technical, but it’s definitely recommended to start early and be prepared.
That said, you don’t need to commit to the full thing. Even just heading partway in gives you that feeling of being properly out there. It’s quieter, a bit more rugged, and you’re not going to run into crowds. There are also many gorgeous waterfalls along the route worth checking out.
On the way back, stop in at Thompson Falls. It’s a super easy access point, but still one of the better waterfalls around here.
Even if you just do that, it’s a low commitment, high reward outing up the mighty Blaeberry River Valley.
5. Golden Skybridge
This is one of the more “built” attractions around here, but it is 100% worth checking out.
Two suspension bridges across a canyon, but the real fun for the adrenaline junkies begins with some additional activities like ziplining and a giant swing, or a ride on the mountain coaster.
They also have live music events throughout the summer with beer gardens to boot, so you can always find locals and visitors alike dancing to the music in a cool atmosphere.
It’s a good way to break up a day, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
6. Drive Into Yoho National Park
About 20–30 minutes east of Golden, BC, and you’re in one of the most beautiful areas in the Rockies, if not the entire planet.
Emerald Lake, and Takakkaw Falls pack a solid 1-2 punch for a half or full day, or there are a number of quieter hikes that don’t feel as crowded. Check out the Iceline Trail if you are into multi day treks.
Also absolutely mentioning is the pristine Lake O’Hara, though you do need to do some planning for that one. You must book in advance through the Parks Canada website and a bus will take you up the 11km closed road to one of the most stunning alpine lakes you’ve ever laid eyes on. The other option is walk. They key play here is you can usually at least pay and ride the bus down even if you can’t catch it up.
We have skied it, hiked it, and bussed it and I can tell you, every time it was worth it.
7. Go Rafting on the Kicking Horse River
If you’re here in the summer and want something a bit higher energy, rafting is one of the better options. Look no further Glacier Raft Company, they have been doing it for decades and they know how to run this river like no other. Check them out at www.glacierraft.com
There are a few different sections depending on how intense you want it to be, from more relaxed floats to full-on whitewater. The Kicking Horse is true to it’s name, so hang onto your hat cowboy!
Wondering when to visit Golden, BC? Here is The Best Time To Visit
8. Slow Morning With Coffee and a View
This is probably the one people don’t plan for, but end up remembering.
We are huge coffee people, so this one is crucial, and we never take it for granted!
Golden, BC isn’t a place where you need to rush from one thing to the next.
Having a slow morning, sitting outside, and just taking in where you are is a big part of the experience. Factor in a bunch of cute kitties laying in your lap and you will have trouble doing anything else.
9. Explore the Town of Golden, BC
Golden, itself is small, but that’s part of the charm.
A few top tier coffee spots, elite bakeries, some solid restaurants, and a community that feels real.
It’s not trying to be anything it’s not.
Ethos Café has to be at the top of the list for obvious reasons (you’ll see 😉)
Also, I MUST shout out the croissants at Daley Bread, again this sounds biased because we live here, but these are the best croissants you will ever try. And this is coming from someone who’s traveled through France!
The Bowling Alley is always a surefire hit.
Confluence Climbing gym has world class route setting and very friendly staff.
And, where else can you see a movie for $10 in 2026?! Kicking Horse Movies, my friends.
10. Go explore Glacier National Park
This is up there with my absolute favorite reasons to live in Golden, BC, being the closest town to the Historic Roger’s Pass within Glacier National Park, we are incredibly lucky! Situated on the opposite side of the Columbia Valley than the Rockies, The Selkirks feel like you’ve just landed on another planet. The air is more dense, the vegetation thicker, the landscapes bigger. Composed of solid blocky quartzite, and looming high above the highway, these peaks are incredibly photogenic, and also quite accessible.
Some of the best trekking exists here through lush wildflower meadows and soaring ridgelines. And in the winter skiers flock to gain access to some of the backcountry ski terrain in north America….as if Kicking Horse wasn’t enough.
11. Do Less
This might be the most important one, so I had to make this a top 11 list.
A lot of people come to the Rockies with a packed itinerary, trying to hit every major stop.
Golden, BC, and especially The Blaeberry Valley is one of the few places where it actually makes sense to slow down a bit.
Leave some space in your schedule. Spend time where you are. That’s usually what people end up enjoying most.
Where You Stay Matters
And that, my friends, is why we built The Blaeberry Base Glamping & Boutique Cabins.
Being just outside of town in the Blaeberry Valley gives you quick access to everything, but a much quieter place to come back to.
Most of our guests end up saying the same thing:
“Our stay was one of the highlights of our whole trip!”
View Stays & Book Direct
