Golden’s Moberly Lodge is situated on 12 acres of private woodland a short 15-minute drive from the city centre. Visitors are immediately greeted by a rolling green hill dotted with bright red Adirondack chairs, a peaceful enclave sandwiched between the sublime Columbia Mountain Range behind, the Rockies’Moberly Peak in front, and hemlock and pine on all sides. It’s a vision of respite, somewhat at odds with Golden’s reputation as the holy grail for outdoor enthusiasts (six national parks are within a two-hour radius and the city resides at the confluence of the historic Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers, all of which offer year-round adventure), but it emerges almost like a mirage, a welcomed sanctuary for wary explorers.

“We opened on the 20th of June [2015],” says co-owner Lucille Hayward, smiling, “and we absolutely love it.” Lucille and husband Jonathan run the 11-month-old bed and breakfast out of their spacious yet cozy log home. Soft music permeates through the open-concept great room, expansive west-facing windows bring in a natural light that turns the undulating log walls a glowing golden hue come sunset, and a large wood-burning fireplace dominates the room. Guests can choose from comfortable rooms with double-door access to the lodge’s wrap-around deck, to a spacious balcony suite with a large Jacuzzi bathtub and a direct view of Moberly Peak, to one of two detached log cabins with vaulted ceilings and private fireplaces. One may relax in the hot tub to the sound of songbirds and next to rabbits grazing on the lawn.

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