Golden, British Columbia
Among the many incredible towns in the Canadian Rockies, like Banff, Jasper, and Canmore there are some that receive less attention and benefit as a result. Golden is one of these. Saying that Golden is in one of the most perfect and beautiful locations in the world might sound like a grandiose statement, but it’s not so outrageous once you look at the facts…and look out the window.
Golden is situated just below the Canadian Rockies on the north end of the Columbia River Wetlands – an area 180 kilometres in length that supports over 300 species of birds and mammals. Coming from the east, Golden is the provincial gateway to British Columbia and the majestic Purcell and Selkirk Mountains.
Coming from the west, Golden is the gateway to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Golden is close to six of the most stunning National Parks Canada has to offer: Banff, Glacier, Jasper, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke and Yoho. These parks offer some of the best scenery and outdoor recreation adventure opportunities available anywhere in the world.
Ask any local their favourite thing about Golden, and chances are they’ll say ‘climate.’ Golden has four very distinct seasons, each with their own virtues: Spring is a bright and renewing season – the perfect time to shed those long johns and get out for a hike; summer is a time for long, hot summer days ideal for mountain biking or playing in stunning aquamarine rivers; fall is a crispy cornucopia of brisk, fresh temperatures that give way to a magical winter season that boasts some of the driest and most abundant champagne powder.
Winter also brings world-class skiing, riding and snowmobiling. The community remains true to its industrial heritage – its two main employers, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and Louisiana Pacific anchor the north and south ends of the town.
Golden is a vibrant, rapidly diversifying town with a profound sense of community spirit. With tourism playing an increased role in its personality, Golden is attracting people who want to experience a real, authentic B.C. community in a natural, unspoiled mountain setting. Proud home to gorgeous hotels, endless activities and some of the earth’s friendliest people, it’s a lot to be proud of, we know. It would be easy to swagger around like we owned the place. Yet, this down to earth town is a community in the truest sense of the word. The people here are warm and friendly and those who have chosen Golden as their home speak humbly about how much this special place means to them.