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Trip Planning Tips

Just intending to stay a short time, but are curious about what makes this place so special? Check out these few suggestions to make your visit ‘Golden’! They will help you to quickly explore Golden and Kicking Horse Country. But be prepared, you may easily find yourself staying longer, or like many of us already here, staying a lifetime.

2 Hours or Less in Downtown Golden
If this is your first time visiting downtown Golden with a few hours to spare, stop at the local visitor info centre located along Hwy 95 where you can get up to date information about local events and activities and pick up a copy of the Golden Travel Planner and various maps.  Park your car right at the visitor centre and walk across the street into downtown. Grab some refreshments at the local bakery or coffee shops and head to the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge and take a relaxing stroll on the well built Rotary Trails along the Kicking Horse River to see the fantastic scenery that Golden has to offer.

Enjoy Golden’s Natural Side in 2 Hours or Less
A short hike on the Rotary Trails will show you some of Golden’s best features. Make your way to the Golden Municipal Campground and with a little luck you might be able to see rafters and kayakers coming out of deep Kicking Horse canyon. Follow the well built trail further uphill towards Mount 7 through a beautiful forest.  On your way back you can stop at local restaurants right along the Kicking Horse River to sample some local favourite dishes.

Quick Sightseeing by Car
To get a taste of history and admire the Purcell Mountains take a quick trip up to Edelweiss Village located just off Hwy 1 west entrance to town. There you can see the six Swiss-style homes from the early 1900s that were built to accommodate the original Swiss guides.  From there drive back through town and head to the other side of the Columbia valley towards the Purcell Mountains and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. If the time allows take a gondola ride up the mountain for great 360 views of the majestic mountains that surround Golden.