What’s Golden, British Columbia Really Like?

Two keen Australian skiers very familiar with cruising through interior Canada these past couple of decades in the pursuit of the great snow, talk to us about a little place you may not have heard of, called Golden.

A Unique Ski Town

Craig Makenzie (ex-ski Perisher Resort instructor) has spent his fair share of time in Kicking Horse and loves the town of Golden for its uniqueness and really hopes it stays that way. “Golden (population 4,000, altitude 800 metres) is historically a resource town on the main highway (Trans Canada Highway One) that runs across Canada. Over the last few decades, Golden has grown into an adventure tourism hotspot while maintaining its authentic, mountain town charm. People in Golden have a deep love and respect for the mountains, and the people who visit also come for that magic.”

Tennille Southcombe runs Snowlife Tours and divides her time between Sydney and Canada and has been visiting Golden since 1998. “Golden, in between the two major cities of Vancouver and Calgary is 3 hours west of Calgary. Golden hasn’t been over-run yet, It’s still a cool old country town. There’s no boutique hotels, there’s plenty of wildlife park areas and you can do cool things based out of here, like walk with the wolves . It’s not like overcommercialized ski towns, it’s still got that local flavour”.

Spectacular Scenery 

Both Tennille and Craig agree the scenery alone is worth coming for. “You’re in Golden and you’re looking at the mountains behind you, you can see all the runs on Kicking Horse Resort”, says Craig. “The scenery is amazing between 3 mountain ranges and at the confluence of two beautiful rivers. The Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge is very aesthetic and worth a visit” is Tennille’s recommendation. This 46 metre freestanding timber frame bridge spans the Kicking Horse River. Eagle’s Eye Restaurant at the top of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the highest elevation restaurant in Canada and has spectacular views of the mountains and valleys.

Fun Town

Craig loved the apres, “Whatever you’re in Golden for, skiing or non-skiing there are great bars. I’m talking tall burgers with onion rings, craft beers while you’re listening to live music. It’s great fun, it’s living!” Tennille feels “there is a real focus on REAL FOOD. Whitetooth Brewery has yummy local beers and is very local product-driven”. This is always a huge draw card for Australians, who love a local honey, ingredient and brew at the best of times. Don’t forget to check out Golden’s food scene with Season 3, Episode one of Aussie favourite, youtube sensation, Snow Chef.  

Accessibility 

Craig last visited Golden while the double lane road (which has now been completed) was nearing completion and now construction is finished, he recommends flying into Calgary, Alberta and driving to GoldenThe trip will take you 3- 4 hours (weather dependent) to drive as you cross into British Columbia. If you don’t have your own car, catch the Golden Shuttle from Calgary to Golden.

Kicking Horse Resort Deals

Seven Free Days With the Epic Pass at Kicking Horse!

The locals say Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, ‘reflects the spirit of the town itself, wild, rugged, and untamed and is known for its champagne powder, big mountain lines, and unmatched alpine views’. With an elevation of 2505 metres and 1315 metres of vertical, it’s got some serious kick to it. 

Serious Skiing 

Craig says, “Kicking Horse is not for the faint-hearted, it’s very steep! There are double black shoots all the way off the cat track. Kicking Horse hosted the Freeride World Tour for several years, a five stop world class event that took place in February 2025, (check out the incredible scenery from the 2025 event here). This is not a blue or green skier’s ski resort but it also makes it very uncrowded”. With over 5 expansive alpine bowls, it has one of the longest vertical in North America and more than 85 chutes’ – wowee.

Tennille suggests “if you want to base yourself somewhere for a heli-skiing or cat-skiing trip, Golden is the place and you would definitely ski in Kicking Horse. There are around 20 backcountry lodges out there, right in the middle of the Purcell, Selkirk and the Rocky Mountains. You need to hire an experienced, accredited guide because it’s really quite steep and full-on terrain in the high country”.

For the not-so serious skiers

Tennille recommends. For non-skiers or an off-mountain day there’s lots of other winter activities. You can do some cross country skiing in the area, snowshoeing and there’s other family fun like bowling and local hockey games for chill days. For a unique wildlife opportunity, come visit the wolf pack at the Northern Lights Wolf Centre.

To plan your trip and get inspired, visit tourismgolden.com/snowaction or download the Golden BC App. Check out Golden, you might just stay for the summer or not go home…