Fast Facts

Golden at a quick glance

Golden is situated in the Kootenay region of south-eastern British Columbia, and lies between two mountain ranges – the Purcell Mountains and the Rocky Mountains, and at the junction of two heritage rivers – the Columbia River and the Kicking Horse River.

The population of Golden is presently estimated at 4,373. An additional 3,155 people live in surrounding rural areas.

Golden and Kicking Horse Country (name of the surrounding area) is close to six National Parks:

In 1807, explorer and fur trader David Thompson crossed over the Rocky Mountains and down the Blaeberry River valley. David Thompson was instrumental in helping settle the area through his surveying and exploration.

In 1885, the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed.  Golden quickly became a prominent stop along the line.

In 1899, Swiss mountaineers Eduard Feuz Sr. and Christian Haesler came to Golden to serve as mountain guides for CP Rail.

Golden’s elevation is 785 metres or 2,574 feet above sea level.

The difference in elevation between the Town of Golden and Eagle Eye’s Restaurant at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is 1,562 metres or 5,126 feet.

Golden is situated within the Mountain Standard Time zone – same as Calgary, Alberta. It is two hours behind Eastern Standard Time (Toronto) and one hour ahead of Pacific Standard Time (Vancouver).

Golden’s average summer temperatures measure between a high of 24.9°C/76.8°F and a low of 9.4°C/48.9°F.

Golden’s average winter temperatures measure between a high of -6.0°C/21.2°F and a low of -14.4°C/6.1°F.

The Town of Golden’s average annual snowfall is 184cm or 72.4 inches. Average annual snowfall at the alpine snowstations of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is 650cm or 256 inches.

On average, Golden receives 306.3mm or 12.1 inches of rain per year (less than one-quarter the rainfall of Vancouver).

Golden is located within three hours drive of two international airports – Calgary International Airport to the east, and the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook to the south.

The Town of Golden operates a municipal airport, which has a runway of 1,371 metres or 4,500 feet in length.