Things to do in 3 hours
Stuck during a highway closure? Or just passing through and looking for a way to stretch your legs? We’ve got you covered!
Use our trip planning tool to create your own dream vacation. Download or print a copy of this itinerary.
Sometimes it’s nice to get out of the car and stretch your legs, especially if the kids or the dog have restless energy! The Rotary Trail offers a short stroll or longer 7 km loop. Start in downtown at the Spirit Square and the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada. Take a short stroll towards the Golden Municipal Campground and back, admiring the Kicking Horse River and cheering any rafters or kayakers you might spot, or in the opposite direction towards the Confluence Park where the two historic Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers meet. The longer (but easy) loop includes wooded areas, stunning views of the Purcell mountains and lots of friendly locals.
Check out the Golden Hiking Trail Map for full trail details.
There are many delicious delights to be found in Golden’s quaint little shops in the downtown and main street area, including one-of-a-kind ice cream shops, cafes and bistros, and unique restaurants with something for everyone. While you’re downtown, check out some local art galleries and shops to pass the time.
Golden has a variety of family-friendly quick adventures to enjoy! If you’re looking for something simple for the kids to enjoy, there are lots of recreational parks and play areas. Fun for the whole family or with a group of friends could include a round of mini golf up at the Golden Golf Course, indoor climbing at Dogtooth Climbing gym, a game of tennis or pickleball at the tennis courts, or explore the newly-popular disc golf courses around town! Having your own gear is recommended but there are locations in town that sell necessities for outdoor games.
Sometimes it’s hard to book adventures in advance, but Golden has plenty of local highlights that are available for your enjoyment! Take the World’s Largest Paddle, located about 20 minutes south of Golden. Or take a drive up in the Blaeberry and visit some wolves at the Northern Lights Wolf Centre with a 25-minute interpretive tour about this incredible keystone species.
If you’re here during the summer, sometimes the heat can get the best of you and AC just isn’t enough! Golden offers plenty of opportunities to cool down, including the Golden Municipal Outdoor Pool and Gushers Spray Park. If you’re feeling like working on your tan in the great outdoors, head up to Cedar Lake - make sure to pack some bug spray and sunscreen! A relaxing day in the water can turn a good day into a great day in Golden.