Canadian Rockies: 10 Fun Things To Do in Golden, British Columbia

Amidst the stunning Canadian Rockies lies the town of Golden, British Columbia. Golden is a small town nestled close to six of Canada’s most loved national parks. Less than a 3-hour drive from Calgary, Alberta, Golden is the perfect place for families who love outdoor adventures.

Year-round the town welcomes families to explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains, enjoy the scenery, and dine at some incredible family-friendly restaurants. Read on to find out the most fun things to do in Golden, British Columbia with kids!

Fun Things to do in Golden. British Columbia

Ski at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

During winter, expect to spend a lot of time playing in the pristine white snow. Start your outdoor adventure at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort where your kids can ski with you or take lessons. At the base of the mountain, you’ll find a tubing hill where children up to 12 years old tube for free. There is also a small skating rink but you must bring your own skates or rent some in town.

Head to Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre

Only minutes from Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, you will find the Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre. The centre is home to over 20 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The trails range in distance but are short enough that you can experience snowshoeing and cross-country skiing with kids of any age. You can rent equipment for the entire family at the Nordic Centre. No prior experience is necessary to have a great day out in the woods. A day out at Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre is an affordable way to try some of the fun things to do in Golden, British Columbia.

Check for hotel availability in Golden, British Columbia.

Visit Yoho National Park

Year-round, Golden is the perfect home base for biking and hiking adventures and fun on the Kicking Horse River. A favourite national park to explore while in Golden is Yoho National Park home to Emerald Lake and Wapta Falls.

Head out onto the teal water of Emerald Lake in a canoe and treat your kids to an ice cream cone at the Emerald Lake Lodge. There are a variety of trails to walk around the lake in summer while in winter the lake freezes over and becomes a snowshoeing paradise.

Another fun activity is to head out on a hike to Wapta Falls. The hike is perfect for families year-round and is easy to do with kids of any age. Expect to spend 2-4 hours on the trail and pack lots of snacks.

Golden Skybridge

After hiking, make sure to visit the Golden Skybridge, home to Canada’s highest skybridges. Families love to explore the Columbia Valley from above on bridges that are 426 feet above an expansive canyon.

You can also conquer tree-top trekking rope courses, race down the mountain on the Railrider Mountain Coaster, and free-fall into the canyon on the Giant Canyon Swing. Ziplines await to rush you back across the canyon where families can try axe throwing and play on a large playground before settling down for a snack or lunch.

Go White Water Rafting

If you are ready to kick your adventure up a notch, join Wild Water Adventures for white water rafting. Families with younger kids can choose a gentler adventure as a way to introduce kids ages 8 to 14 to rafting.

Hotels in Golden, British Columbia

For a truly unique stay, check out Mount 7 Lodges. Located just minutes from downtown Golden, the property is home to three beautiful cottages that are all equipped for families. Enjoy gorgeous mountain views from your deck and private hot tub. The cottages come with fully equipped kitchens, and outdoor barbecues, and are laid out perfectly for families.

Outside your cottage, visit with the incredibly friendly Mount 7 Lodges horses. The owners are happy to teach kids about the horses and even have them help out with their care.

Families wanting to stay closer to the ski hill, can rent a variety of townhomes or stay in one of the Lodges at the base of the mountain. Other lodging options include hotels and bed and breakfasts closer to downtown Golden.

Where to Eat in Golden, British Columbia

While Golden is a small town, their food scene is surprisingly large. A number of family-friendly restaurants welcome families with local specialties like elk, bison, and locally caught seafood. The Island Restaurant is a great place for dinner with a large menu, colouring books, and toys for the kids. Locals recommend the Elk Rissole for a truly Golden dining experience.  

For something a little more elevated, try Canada’s highest restaurant Eagle’s Eye, located at the top of Kicking Horse Mountain. Open year-round, the restaurant welcomes families with a great atmosphere and even better views. The menu consists of salads, sandwiches, and burgers all done to perfection.

When visiting in spring, summer, or fall make sure to stop by and say hello to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort’s resident rescue grizzly bear Boo.

Another great find is The Wolf’s Den which specializes in a variety of hamburgers. Locals flock to the restaurant for their extensive menu, local craft beer, and friendly staff.

There is plenty of year-round fun in Golden, BC for families with kids of all ages. No matter when you choose to visit, Golden is the perfect place to begin your next adventure in the Canadian Rockies.

Checking out Banff National Park while visiting Golden? Don’t miss these awesome activities for kids in Banff.