This blog is the first in a 3-part series about responsible travel, and how to be good stewards of the places we visit...

Why is the Kicking Horse awesome???

First, some history...

Like most Canadian towns established in the late 1800s, Golden is the product of the famed fur trade. David Thompson, 

Whether you’re a seasoned local or first-time traveller, you won’t want to miss these tips and tricks from our great staff at the Golden Visitor Centre!

Dear Golden British-Columbia,

You have taken care of me for 27 years since the day I was born here.

I didn’t know it back then, but we are the perfect fit for each other. Growing up, you gave me a small community that kept me safe and that connected me to nature. With gratitude, I know that I grew up in one of the greatest places on Earth. As an adult, I have a deep love for this tight-knit, mountain-loving, adventurous community.

Water droplets drip off the paddle and tickle my feet, the sun kisses my face and I inhale deeply. Crisp morning air reveals my exhale and echoes my quiet strokes through its stillness. Any day started on a paddleboard is undoubtedly therapeutic but nothing livens my soul more than paddle boarding in Golden BC.

The town of Golden sits nestled between the Rocky and Columbia Mountain ranges in the Kootenay region of southeast BC.  It is well known to travelling outdoor enthusiasts who seek quality, powder snow for downhill skiing or snowmobiling in the winter as well as alpine hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting during the summer months. 

It’s called a Mecca for a reason... 

Standing outside in Golden BC, I peer upwards above my steaming thermos. Big, steep, white, and endless are the peaks that surround this strategically placed town. I nearly trip over my own feet as I perform a slow shuffling 360 while drooling over the sea of mountains and wonder, how do I choose where to ski tour first?

I slowly opened the door to Mistaya Lodge and instantly the warm air kisses my cold cheeks and the aroma of baking cookies tickles my senses - I hadn’t even seen inside yet but this kind of cosiness at 2590 meters was not expected. It was decided, calling this place home for the next seven days would be easy.

It ain’t no secret that there’s a new trail in Golden.  The Schacher Trail (pronounced 'Shocker') has been more than four years and half a million dollars in the making and it’s finally complete.

Mt 7 has been a destination for extreme adventure seekers for decades in Golden. Pilots launch their hang gliders and paragliders from four different launch sites on the mountainside and downhill mountain bikers also launch themselves down the mountain on a network of trails made famous by the Psychosis DH race. 

It’s a bluebird day in Golden and the family is getting restless, what to do? Why not take a tour of our Rotary trails? Grab your bikes or walking shoes, family, pet (if you have one) and take a cruise around our community. Cross over the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge Away from Spirit Square and take a right to head West along the Rotary Trail. The Historic Kicking Horse River awaits you, piquing your imagination with its glacial blue waters as they gurgle by. Explore downstream along the river path, noticing the stunning views of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.